Patents Issued in December 23, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040255556
    Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing pre-padded food-containing bag by perforating across a continuous web of flattened tubular thermoplastic material, forming an opening in a layer of the perforated web, separating the layers of the web, inserting an absorbent the pad through the opening into the inside of the tubular web and making a seal across the tubular web at predetermined lengths to form a bag. The result is that a continuous web of bags containing absorbent pads at discrete intervals. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Dilip Kumar Boal, James Hal Stuckey
  • Publication number: 20040255557
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. An adjustable web guide structure that guides the webs of film into a configuration that mimics the geometry of a package to be wrapped is provided. The webs are conveyed over the guide structure, which structure provides an appropriate predetermined shape defining a web envelope for proper package entry and flow through the wrapping system. The position and geometry of the guides causes the web envelope to form around the corners of the product to be package to minimize film requirement, and allows for fluid transition from web supply rolls to package shape. External tension rods can be used to assist in preventing or minimizing web wrinkling. Guide rolls can be used in conjunction with the guide structure to assist in guiding and tracking the web material, as well as to provide axial transverse tension for proper web forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Norman D. Shanklin, Robert J. Simonelli, William G. Peabody
  • Publication number: 20040255558
    Abstract: A method of packaging point-of-purchase items involves supplying plastic bags as a continuously attached length of bags, each bag being separated from adjacent bags along the supply length by a perforated tear line. The length of bags is stored on a storage form or in another suitable manner permitting advancement of bags when pulled out of the stored condition. The perforated tear line cuts entirely through the web of bags. However, the perforation along one side of each bag is broken to present an open flap through which contents can be added to the bag prior to removal from the web. The method of using the bags for packaging produce, groceries or other articles generally selected at point of sale and which are generally segregated by type for later pricing by weight or unit, permits a user to at least partially fill a bag prior to removal from the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Rabiea
  • Publication number: 20040255559
    Abstract: A method of wrapping orderly groups of cigarettes arranged, in each group, in a number of superimposed layers, of which an outer layer is narrower than the adjacent layer and defines, in the relative group, at least one longitudinal lateral gap, the method providing for continuously feeding each group into a respective folding pocket, together with a sheet of wrapping material which is folded into a U inside the folding pocket and has a lateral portion projecting from the folding pocket; clamping the group on an end wall of the folding pocket, with the outer layer of the group facing outwards, by means of two end clamping members, each having an appendix arranged at a respective end of the longitudinal lateral gap; and folding the lateral portion of the sheet about the group and about the appendixes of the end clamping members to form a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped tubular wrapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20040255560
    Abstract: An end sealer shifting assembly, comprising a transmission, a push rod assembly which is driven by the transmission, and end seal compression jaw in driving engagement with the push rod assembly, and a compliance assembly for jaw compliance with a contact member (e.g., a heater wire cutter cross cut jaw) when the jaw is driven into a compression relationship with the contact member. The compliance device preferably includes springs and the transmission assembly preferably includes a cam device with a second spring working to retain a contact relationship and work together with the compliance spring. A method of assembling such a device and operating such a device is also featured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn Noble
  • Publication number: 20040255561
    Abstract: A high-speed envelope transport and insertion machine includes a slip-drive system having a plurality of belts configured to move envelopes along an envelope path at a first speed, an envelope transmission device disposed to input envelopes into the slip-drive system, an envelope stuffing device comprising a registration member and a drive member having a plurality of spaced-apart gripping members disposed to move continously between the slip-drive system and the envelope stuffing device at a second speed less than the first speed. The path of the gripping members and the envelopes crosses within the slip-drive system to permit the gripping member to engage and grip the envelope. The gripping member is configured to release the envelope upon registration of the envelope against the registration member of the envelope stuffing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Robin L. Heilman
  • Publication number: 20040255562
    Abstract: A strap path access guide is configured for use in a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly a chute and a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap path access guide is disposed along the feed assembly between a pair of tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The strap path access guide includes a fixed lower guide portion extending between the tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The fixed lower guide portion defines a lower surface of the strap path. A pivotable upper guide portion is pivotable about a pivot that is spaced from and rearwardly beyond the tensioning wheels. The upper guide portion is pivotable between a closed position in which the upper and lower guide portions cooperate with one another to define the strap path and an open position in which the strap path is fully accessible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Haberstroh, Timothy B. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040255563
    Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine has a chassis that is supported for travel over the ground by a front pair of propulsion wheels and a single steerable rear wheel. The rear wheel is mounted for being selectively shifted along the direction of operation for changing the spacing between the front wheels and rear wheels so as to effect a difference in the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels. This adjustment can be made automatically in accordance with the weight of a front-mounted harvesting attachment and/or the load imposed on a trailer coupling by a towed trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventor: Peter Schafer
  • Publication number: 20040255564
    Abstract: A lawn maintenance and liquid dispensing apparatus includes a motorized lawn maintenance tool, with a connected spraying device for spraying a liquid, such as a pesticide, herbicide, or other agricultural liquid composition. The spraying device includes a container for holding the liquid and a nozzle for spraying the liquid. The nozzle is positioned at an angle so that the liquid dispensed from the nozzle is directed away from the apparatus. The container is connected to the nozzle by a fluid line. The container is positioned proximate a handle that is located on the upper portion of the apparatus, while the nozzle is positioned proximate the lower end of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Francisco B. Loaces
  • Publication number: 20040255565
    Abstract: A high-capacity harvesting machine includes a first harvested crop take-up arrangement attached to the front of the harvesting machine and a first harvested crop processing arrangement arranged within the harvesting machine to which crop harvested by the first harvested crop take-up arrangement can be conveyed. A second harvested crop take-up arrangement is provided that is separated by a space from the first harvested crop take-up arrangement arranged offset to the side and to the rear in the direction of operation from the first harvested crop take-up arrangement, and the crop harvested by the second harvested crop take-up arrangement can be conveyed to the second harvested crop processing arrangement arranged within the harvesting machine. In the case where the crop processing arrangements are choppers, there is provided a central discharge arrangement to which the crop from both processing arrangements can be conveyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Georg Kormann
  • Publication number: 20040255566
    Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning plant material in the production of hay. The apparatus comprises a conditioning part (12) through which plant material can be passed to be subjected to compression for fracturing the stalks thereof. The conditioning path (12) has an intake end (21) and a discharge end (23). The conditioning path (12) is defined between two compression surfaces (26, 28), one of which is defined by an endless beam (25) moveable through a cyclic path about rollers (31, 32). The rollers (31, 32) are mounted on a common support (33). The compression surfaces (26, 28) are arranged for movement with respect to each other for varying the size of the intake end (21) relative to the discharge end (23). Typically, the common support (33) for the rollers (31, 32) comprises a beam (33) which is angularly moveable, and wherein control means (43) are provided for controlling angular movement of the beam (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Laurence Colin Phillips, Geoffrey Robert Castlemain
  • Publication number: 20040255567
    Abstract: A mower deck having a plurality of cutting blades carried within a cutting chamber and having a plurality of flow control baffles positioned within the cutting chamber including a first flow control baffle being movably connected to the mower deck. The first flow control baffle being selectively movable between a pair of orientations within the cutting chamber during a mowing operation. In a preferred embodiment, the first flow control baffle may be positioned between the pair of orientations without access to the cutting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Kallevig, Randy L. Harris, Stephen A. LaNasa
  • Publication number: 20040255568
    Abstract: An endless rope includes a core portion woven by multiple strands, and having a first end and a second end connected to the first end of the core portion. An outer portion is coated on an outer periphery of the core portion. The outer portion includes an enlarged end integrally continually woven from the second end for receiving the first end of the core portion. The enlarged end is integrally continually woven to form the outer portion of the endless rope and ended with a distal end connected to the enlarged end of the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Yu Liang Shih
  • Publication number: 20040255569
    Abstract: A yarn withdrawal device for open-end spinning arrangements has a yarn withdrawal nozzle and a balloon-breaking insert which extends the axial channel of the yarn withdrawal nozzle. The yarn withdrawal nozzle has a curved contact surface for deflecting a yarn to be withdrawn and simultaneously rotating the yarn in a crank-like manner, which contact surface graduates from a front surface into the axial channel. The balloon-breaking insert has an inner wall which is provided with raised areas and/or recesses, with which the yarn comes into contact. The contact surface of the yarn withdrawal nozzle is a smooth steel surface. The raised areas and/or the recesses of the balloon breaking insert are such that a yarn hairiness in the range of 3 mm in length is achievable. In addition, values in relation to the spinning stability, tear resistance and evenness can be achieved which are usual in the case of a notched contact surface of standard yarn withdrawal nozzles without a balloon-breaking insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
    Inventors: Gerd Stahlecker, Guenter Baur
  • Publication number: 20040255570
    Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to enable smooth rotation of the grid plate and normal operation of the bypass valve, regardless of the operational state of the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Ryotaro Magoshi, Masaru Nishikatsu
  • Publication number: 20040255571
    Abstract: In a cooling-air cooler (10) for a gas-turbine plant (29) of a power plant, in which cooling-air cooler (10) first means (13, 14, 15) for spraying water into the cooling-air flow and second means (16, 17, 18) for generating steam are arranged in a pressure vessel (11), through which the cooling air flows, between a cooling-air inlet (12) and a cooling-air outlet (20) in the cooling-air flow, simplified operation is achieved in that a water separator (19) is provided on the cooling-air side in the direction of flow downstream of the first means (13, 14, 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: ALSTOM (Switzerland) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mircea Fetescu, Erhard Liebig
  • Publication number: 20040255572
    Abstract: Aircraft engine comprising a pod comprising, in sequence from front to back, an air inlet structure (6), fan cowls (7), thrust inverter cowls (8), and a nozzle (9), additional stiffening means are placed either in the air inlet structure (6) or between the fan cowls (7) and the thrust inverter cowls (8). This arrangement limits the clearance between fan cowls (7) and thrust inverter cowls (8), despite the pressure differences applied in flight on the air inlet structure (6), due to the aerodynamic air flow. This avoids the formation of an excessive parasite drag that would increase engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: AIRBUS FRANCE
    Inventor: Alain Porte
  • Publication number: 20040255573
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a gas exhaust duct assembly which comprises an annular shroud forming at least a section of an inner wall of a gas exhaust duct, a plurality of strut members radially projecting from the shroud, and a plurality of insert members. The strut members are disposed in a circumferentially, substantially equally spaced-apart relationship, and extend in a substantially axial direction. The insert members each define a circumferential section of an outer wall of the gas exhaust duct and are positioned in a space between adjacent strut members, and are secured to same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Rago
  • Publication number: 20040255574
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control device for internal combustion engine comprising air-fuel ratio modulating means and air-fuel ratio modulation adjusting means. The air-fuel ratio modulation adjusting means adjusts a lean period to be longer or the degree of leaning to be higher, during which the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is a lean air-fuel ratio, compared with when an oxygen storage (S10) of a three-way catalyst exceeds a first given value X1 if the oxygen storage is not higher than the first given value X1 (S16, S18), and adjusts a rich period to be longer or the degree of enriching to be higher, during which the exhaust air-fuel ratio is a rich air-fuel ratio, compared with when a reducing agent storage (S12) exceeds a second given value Y1 if the reducing agent storage is not higher than the second given value Y1 (S20, S22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Yasuki Tamura
  • Publication number: 20040255575
    Abstract: In a V-type engine in which two air supply pipes are connected to banks thereof, respectively, two air-fuel ratio sensors are provided at positions downstream of the air supply pipes for producing outputs corresponding to the density of oxygen in exhaust emissions. When exhaust secondary air is supplied, differences between air-fuel ratio feedback correction factors calculated based on outputs of two air-fuel ratio sensors at a time and air-fuel feedback correction factors calculated at a time that is a time that results after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the time are calculated. The differences so calculated are compared with a predetermined value, and, when the calculated differences do not exceed the predetermined value, the exhaust secondary air supply system is detected to fail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Tachibana, Tetsuya Ohno, Shun Masuda, Takao Tohama
  • Publication number: 20040255576
    Abstract: An exhaust temperature control system for a displacement on demand (DOD) diesel engine includes a first and a second cylinder and an air intake that selectively enables air flow into the first cylinder. A fuel injector selectively enables fuel flow into the first cylinder. A controller increases an exhaust temperature of the diesel engine by closing the air intake and disabling fuel flow through the fuel injector to deactivate the first cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: David B. Brown, Arjun D. Tuteja
  • Publication number: 20040255577
    Abstract: An exhaust purification device, including a NOx storing catalyst comprised of a precious metal catalyst and NOx absorbent, arranged in an engine exhaust passage, which increases the ratio of the nitrogen dioxide to the nitrogen monoxide produced when burning fuel under a lean air-fuel ratio when the NOx storing catalyst is not active compared with the time when the NOx storing catalyst is active under the same engine operating conditions and stores the nitrogen dioxide contained in the exhaust gas in the NOx absorbent at that time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunsuke Toshioka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Yasuaki Nakano, Kohei Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040255578
    Abstract: A tandem master cylinder in which fluid under pressure is supplied to a primary outlet port from a primary pressure space in a bore between a positively actuated main piston and a floating or secondary piston, and to a secondary outlet port from a secondary pressure space between the floating or secondary piston and an end of a housing closing the bore, the position of the primary piston with respect to the secondary piston being determined by the length in a released position of a return spring which acts between the two pistons, the return spring being caged between the main position and a sleeve in abutment with the secondary piston and which is coupled to the main piston through an axially extending headed stem to determine a defined position, further in which the distal end of the stem is of a reduced diameter and a shoulder at the step in diameter defines a cutting edge, insertion of the stem into a bore in the main piston of a diameter not less of that of the distal end causing the cutting edge to cut
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040255579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion method for a supercharged four-stroke engine having at least four cylinders (10) with a combustion cycle during which a cylinder of the engine is in the exhaust phase while another cylinder is in the supercharged air intake phase with a burnt gas scavenging stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Pierre Leduc, Gaetan Monnier
  • Publication number: 20040255580
    Abstract: A pop-off valve that, in one embodiment, provides overboost protection for an aircraft engine, is described. The pop-off valve includes a housing adapted for connection to a portion of a drive device containing a pressure medium. It also includes a pressure body movably disposed in the housing such that, in operation, a first side of the pressure body is exposed to the pressure medium while a second side is exposed to a reference force. In addition, the pop-off valve incorporates a control device adapted to receive at least one signal concerning at least one operating parameter of the drive device and, in response to the operating parameter signal, to control the reference force. As a result of movement of the pressure body within the housing, at least one first opening in the housing is exposed, permitting venting of the pressure medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Johann Bayerl
  • Publication number: 20040255581
    Abstract: A wastegated turbocharger comprises a turbine wheel (5) mounted to a shaft (8) for rotation within a turbine housing (4), which is provided with a wastegate valve assembly 18. A compressor wheel (7) rotatably mounted to the shaft (8) for rotation within a compressor housing (6). A pneumatic wastegate actuator (19) is connected by a boost airline (28) to the compressor intake outlet (15). The compressor housing (6) is provided with a command valve mount (23) for directly mounting a wastegate actuator command valve (22) to the compressor housing. The command valve in use operates to selectively vent the boost airline (28) for controlling operation of the wastegate actuator (19). The compressor housing (6) is provided with a first internal passage (25) communicating between the valve mount (23) and the compressor intake outlet volute (15), and a second internal passage (27) communicating between the valve mount (23) and the compressor intake inlet (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: James Alexander McEwen
  • Publication number: 20040255582
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger including a compressor wheel, the compressor wheel is cooled by at least one nozzle which is arranged in close axial proximity to the axis of rotation of the compressor wheel for spraying the backside of the compressor wheel near the center thereof with coolant whereby the coolant, utilizing the centrifugal forces of the rotating compressor wheel, is completely distributed over the entire wheel back surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Helmut Finger, Eduard Heinz, Lionel Le Clech, Wolfram Schmid
  • Publication number: 20040255583
    Abstract: In the control system for a turbo-charged diesel aircraft engine, a target value for a fuel injection amount is determined by the stroke of a throttle lever. A boost compensator determines the maximum limit for the fuel injection amount in accordance with the boost pressure of the engine in order to suppress the formation of exhaust smoke. The actual fuel injection amount is set at the target value or the maximum limit whichever is smaller. An electronic control unit (ECU) calculates an increase rate of the stroke of the throttle lever based on an output of the stroke sensor disposed near the throttle lever. The ECU determines that the current operating condition of the aircraft requires a rapid increase in the engine output power when the increase rate of the stroke is larger than a predetermined value and increases the maximum limit determined by the boost compensator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukio Otake
  • Publication number: 20040255584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing mechanical energy. Said device contains an internal combustion engine and an expansion engine (20, 21) which is fed with superheated steam from a steam generator. Exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine are injected into the steam generator (24) to use the waste heat thereof. In order to eliminate pollutants and non-burned fuel in the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine in a simple and effective manner, the steam generator (24) is heated by a non-catalytic burner (16) at a burner temperature of between 1100° and 1300° C. The exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine can be combined with the combustion gases in the burner (16). The after-burning of non-burned fuel and the combustion of pollutants is thus carried out in a burner (16) in a non-catalytic manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Herbert Clemens
  • Publication number: 20040255585
    Abstract: In a Rankine cycle system wherein a vapor generator receives heat from exhaust gases, provision is made to avoid overheating of the refrigerant during ORC system shut down while at the same time preventing condensation of those gases within the vapor generator when its temperature drops below a threshold temperature by diverting the flow of hot gases to ambient and to thereby draw ambient air through the vapor generator in the process. In one embodiment, a bistable ejector is adjustable between one position, in which the hot gases flow through the vapor generator, to another position wherein the gases are diverted away from the vapor generator. Another embodiment provides for a fixed valve ejector with a bias towards discharging to ambient, but with a fan on the downstream side of said vapor generator for overcoming this bias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas D. Radcliff
  • Publication number: 20040255586
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system of an engine has a cooling water circuit and a Rankine cycle. Cooling water is circulated between the engine and a radiator in the cooling water circuit. The Rankine cycle has a heater and an expansion device. The heater performs heat exchange between the cooling water heated by the engine and an operation fluid so as to heat the operation fluid in the Rankine cycle. The expansion device expands the heated operation fluid, so as to generate driving power. The heater is arranged in a bypass circuit so as to be in parallel with the radiator with respect to the cooling water flow. Thus, waste heat of the cooling water heated by the engine can be effectively recovered without reducing a cooling capacity of the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Shinichi Hamada, Minoru Sasaki, Atsushi Inaba
  • Publication number: 20040255587
    Abstract: In a waste heat recovery system wherein an organic rankine cycle system uses waste heat from the fluids of a reciprocating engine, provision is made to continue operation of the engine even during periods when the organic rankine cycle system is inoperative, by providing an auxiliary pump and a bypass for the refrigerant flow around the turbine. Provision is also made to divert the engine exhaust gases from the evaporator during such periods of operation. In one embodiment, the auxiliary pump is made to operate simultaneously with the primary pump during normal operations, thereby allowing the primary pump to operate at lower speeds with less likelihood of cavitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Radcliff, Duane McCormick, Joost J. Brasz
  • Publication number: 20040255588
    Abstract: A catalytic preburner includes a flame burner, a catalyst, a primary fuel inlet, a secondary fuel inlet, and an air inlet. The flame burner is located in a primary zone of the housing and the catalyst element is disposed downstream of the primary zone. The primary fuel inlet and the air inlet are configured to supply fuel and air to the flame burner. The secondary fuel inlet and the air inlet are configured to supply fuel and air to a secondary zone within the housing located upstream of the catalyst element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kare Lundberg, Stephen R. Thomas, Ralph A. Dalla Betta, Jon G. McCarty, David K. Yee
  • Publication number: 20040255589
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor includes a liquid fuel nozzle for jetting out liquid fuel; a pre-mixture chamber wall provided with the liquid fuel nozzle at a center thereof, having a hollow conical shape gradually spreading in the direction in which the fuel is jetted out, and defining a pre-mixture chamber therein; a plurality of air inlet holes bored through the pre-mixture chamber wall and introducing the combustion air to the pre-mixture chamber such that angles at which the combustion air is introduced to the pre-mixture chamber through the air inlet holes are deflected at least toward the circumferential direction of the pre-mixture chamber wall; and a plurality of gaseous fuel nozzles disposed around the pre-mixture chamber wall in an opposing relation respectively to the plurality of air inlet holes and jetting out gaseous fuel substantially coaxially with axes of the air inlet holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Shouhei Yoshida, Yoshitaka Hirata, Kazuyuki Itou, Tomoya Murota, Hiroshi Inoue, Tomohiro Asai
  • Publication number: 20040255590
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllable distribution of power from a turbine of a gas turbine engine between two rotatable loads of the gas turbine engine, comprises transferring a shaft power of the turbine to the respective rotatable loads using differential gearing operatively coupled with the turbine and the rotatable loads, respectively; and controlling the power transfer using machines operatively coupled with the respective rotatable loads, operable as a generator or a motor for selectively taking power from one of the rotatable loads to drive the other of the rotatable loads, or the reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Pratt & Whiney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Rago, Richard Harvey
  • Publication number: 20040255591
    Abstract: A fluid machine according to the present invention has an expansion device for collecting waste heat from an internal combustion engine and converting the collected heat energy into mechanical rotational force, an electric rotating device selectively operating as an electric power generator and as an electric motor, and a pump device for pressurizing refrigerant for Rankine cycle, wherein those components are operatively connected with each other by a single rotating shaft. When starting up Rankine cycle, the electric rotating device is operated as the electric motor, so that the pump device is driven to pressurize and pump out high pressure refrigerant. Once the expansion device starts its operation, the electric rotating device is rotated by the expansion device and therefore the operational mode of the electric rotating device is switched over to the power generating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION NIPPON SOKEN
    Inventors: Shigeru Hisanaga, Yasushi Yamanaka, Kenji Tsukahara, Kazuhide Uchida
  • Publication number: 20040255592
    Abstract: A method of operating a gas-turbine power plant, having a gas-turbine plant (1) in which an oxygen-containing gas is drawn in, compressed and fired and, after passing through a turbine stage, is fed as discharging hot gas (8) to a waste heat boiler (4), from which the cooled exhaust gas (9) is fed to an outlet (10) and then to the free atmosphere. A specific reduction in the flow velocity with which the exhaust gas (9) flows through the outlet (10) is effected in the region of the latter, with a simultaneous pressure increase downstream in the outlet (10), and in that the pressure conditions occurring inside the outlet (10) are transmitted free of losses between the gas turbine (1) and the outlet (10) via a gas-tight flow path of the hot and exhaust gases (8; 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jost Braun
  • Publication number: 20040255593
    Abstract: An organic rankine cycle system is combined with a vapor compression cycle system with the turbine generator of the organic rankine cycle generating the power necessary to operate the motor of the refrigerant compressor. The vapor compression cycle is applied with its evaporator cooling the inlet air into a gas turbine, and the organic rankine cycle is applied to receive heat from a gas turbine exhaust to heat its boiler within one embodiment, a common condenser is used for the organic rankine cycle and the vapor compression cycle, with a common refrigerant, R-245a being circulated within both systems. In another embodiment, the turbine driven generator has a common shaft connected to the compressor to thereby eliminate the need for a separate motor to drive the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Joost J. Brasz, Bruce P. Biederman
  • Publication number: 20040255594
    Abstract: In a control method of a gas turbine engine, an engine controller 4 outputs a combustor power command FD based on an engine condition from an engine condition detector 3. Then, a combustion controller 6 determines each fuel flow rate based on the combustion power command FD. The combustor controller 6 overrides each fuel flow rate for a certain period, to realize smooth stage-process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Makoto Baino, Yukinobu Kouno, Keisuke Sasae, Hideo Kimura, Yasuhiro Kinoshita, Masayoshi Kobayashi, Takanobu Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20040255595
    Abstract: A method for determining a target exhaust temperature for a gas turbine including: determining a target exhaust temperature based on a compressor pressure condition; determining a temperature adjustment to the target exhaust temperature based on at least one parameter of a group of parameters consisting of specific humidity, compressor inlet pressure loss and turbine exhaust back pressure; and adjusting the target exhaust temperature by applying the temperature adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Timothy Andrew Healy
  • Publication number: 20040255596
    Abstract: A gas turbine comprises a compressor for compressing a gas supplied therein and discharging the compressed gas, a combustor in which the discharged gas from the compressor and a fuel are combusted, a turbine to be driven by a combustion gas from the combustor, and a water injection unit which injects water into the gas to be supplied to the compressor, thereby lowering the temperature of the gas to be introduced into the compressor to a temperature lower than the atmospheric temperature, and causing water droplets having been injected in the gas and within the compressor to be vaporized while flowing down therein, wherein the quantity of water spray injection is controlled while monitoring operational conditions of the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Horii, Isao Takehara, Hidetaro Murata, Motoaki Utamura, Takaaki Kuwahara, Tetsuo Sasada, Fumiyuki Hirose, Yasuhiro Katoh
  • Publication number: 20040255597
    Abstract: A system for attaching liners to a carrier for forming inner surfaces of turbine combustor. The system may include one or more liners attached to a carrier using connectors engaged to the carrier on a cold side of the liner and may include one or more liners attached to the carrier using connectors engaged to a hot side of the liners. The carrier may include one or more access ports for accessing from the hot side connectors engaged to the carrier on the cold side. In at least one embodiment, the system may include attaching all liners, except for one liner, to a carrier using connectors coupled to the carrier on the cold side and may include attaching the one liner to the carrier using connectors coupled to the carrier on the hot side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: John Glessner, Anil Gulati
  • Publication number: 20040255598
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a chamber, having a replaceable part which has a moisture adsorption characteristic and which is in communication with the chamber, and having a humidity monitoring section which is responsive to the humidity within the chamber. A method of controlling humidity within a chamber in a housing includes: providing a replaceable part which has a moisture adsorption characteristic and which is in communication with the chamber, and monitoring the humidity within the chamber using a humidity monitoring section which is responsive to the humidity within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: James L. Haws, Ronald J. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040255599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cooling a mass of a, for example, meat-, tissue-, vegetable- and/or fruit-containing substance in a container (2), in particular a mixer, blender or mill (3, 4), using liquefied nitrogen (N2) which is supplied in the lower region of the container (2) at a constant working pressure via at least one nozzle. The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are distinguished in that, during the cooling process and/or in stoppage times, the nitrogen is briefly supplied to the nozzle (7) or, via the latter, into the container (2) by means of at least one pressure pulse which is increased in relation to the working pressure. The pulsed supply of pressurized nitrogen blows blocked and/or iced-up nozzles (7) free again and thus advantageously ensures a more reliable operation of cooling a mass of a substance. The present invention is suitable, in particular, for use in foodstuff technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kirsten Moller, Robert Taylor, Johannes Beuse
  • Publication number: 20040255600
    Abstract: Method and apparatus used for the molding and dispensing of frozen beverages are provided. The apparatus includes a body cavity having an inner surface for molding a frozen beverage, an open end for dispensing the frozen beverage, and a bottom end. The apparatus further includes a rotatable threaded rod axially arranged within the body cavity, a rotatable base in fixed connection with the threaded rod to facilitate rotation of the threaded rod. Additionally the apparatus includes a moveable support in contact with the threaded rod such that the support moves within the body cavity upon rotation of the threaded rod, and an attachable cap. The method involves filling a body cavity with an unfrozen beverage, freezing the unfrozen beverage within the body cavity to mold the frozen beverage; and twisting a threaded rod in a first direction to dispense the frozen beverage from the body cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Lebowitz
  • Publication number: 20040255601
    Abstract: A central control system controls peak power of multiple air conditioners that includes indoor units installed in rooms of a building and an outdoor unit for controlling refrigerant circulation. A central controller is connected to the multiple air conditioners via a network to perform central control or monitoring of operations of the air conditioners. The central controller performs peak power control if current power consumption of the air conditioners, calculated based on operating states thereof, exceeds a previously input reference management power value. A signal converter is connected between the multiple air conditioners and the central controller to perform mutual conversion of different protocol signals communicated between the multiple air conditioners and the central controller. This decreases excessive electricity costs due to excessive power consumption while approximately maintaining cooling/heating efficiencies, and also prevents the entire power of the building from being cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Hwan Kwon, Sang Chul Youn, Duck Gu Jeon, Jae Sik Jung, Young Soo Yoon, Jun Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20040255602
    Abstract: In a vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system, a switching device is provided to switch one of a first mode where high-pressure refrigerant discharged from a compressor is directly introduced to an exterior heat exchanger and a second mode where the high-pressure refrigerant is directly introduced to an interior heat exchanger. When the second mode is set, the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is set higher than a predetermined pressure by a constant-pressure control valve. Accordingly, it can prevent heating capacity of the interior heat exchanger from being greatly changed even when thermal load of the vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system is changed, and heating capacity of the interior heat exchanger can be improved in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Yukimasa Sato, Motohiro Yamaguchi, Hiromi Ohta
  • Publication number: 20040255603
    Abstract: A transcritical refrigeration system includes a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Refrigerant is circulated though the closed circuit system. Preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. A fan moves outdoor air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant across the evaporator. The speed of the fan is regulated to regulate the evaporator pressure and to adapt the evaporator to different environmental conditions to achieve the optimal coefficient of performance. During high ambient conditions, the fan speed is decreased, decreasing the refrigerant mass flowrate in the system. The energy exchange per unit mass of the refrigerant in the gas cooler increases and the work of the fan decreases, increasing the coefficient of performance of the system. During low ambient conditions, the mass flowrate of the system is low and there is more heat transfer thermal resistance on the refrigerant side at the evaporator. The speed of the fan is lowered to decrease the work of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Yu Chen, Tobias Sienel, Lili Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040255604
    Abstract: A cooling system for controlling including a heat exchanger defining a first interior space and a second interior space in thermal exchange with one another. First interior space is in fluid communication with the power transformer. A refrigeration system is in fluid communication with second interior space and provides a chillant to second interior space. A transformer cooling fluid circulates through and between first interior space and the power transformer. An energy source is operably coupled to the refrigeration system and supplies heat energy to energize the refrigeration system. In operation, thermal energy is absorbed by transformer cooling fluid in the power transformer to thereby cool the power transformer. In the heat exchanger thermal energy is removed from transformer cooling fluid in first interior space and is absorbed by chillant in second interior space to thereby cool the transformer cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Longardner
  • Publication number: 20040255605
    Abstract: An arrangement for directing the defrost water in refrigerators, comprising a single cabinet (10), provided with internal lateral walls (11), in which interior is superiorly mounted an evaporator (20) positioned immediately above a tray (40) for collecting defrost water, comprising at least one deflecting chute (15) provided on each of the internal lateral walls (11) of the cabinet (10), in a downwardly backwardly inclined arrangement above the mounting plane of the tray (40), and having an upper end projecting beyond the vertical projection of the contour of the evaporator (20), and a lower end that is back spaced in relation to the vertical projection of the front edge of the tray (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Joan Alfredo Correa Junior, Alexandre Pinto Rebello Rucker, Edio de Souza Bonelli, Jair Cordova Henrique