Patents Issued in March 30, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060064943
    Abstract: A capsule filling machine (10) for the production of hard gelatin capsules (C) of the type with a capsule lid and a capsule body (13, 14) containing pharmaceutical micro-tablets (12) comprises a first rotary carrousel (2) supporting a plurality of slide units (3) for picking up and handling capsules (C) in order to open then close the capsules (C) by separating then joining the capsule lids (13) and the capsule bodies (14); a second carrousel (4), which rotates in such a way that it is synchronized with the first carousel (2), having a plurality of reciprocating doser means (21) moving between a first operating position in which the doser means (21) are designed to pick up particulate material (12) from a tank (11) containing the material which is attached to the machine (10) and a second operating position in which they release the material into the capsule (C) bodies (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Trebbi, Enrico Zerbinati
  • Publication number: 20060064944
    Abstract: Packets of cigarettes with a predominating longitudinal axis, presenting two larger side faces, two smaller flank faces and two end faces, are overwrapped by a unit incorporating a first conveyor rotatable about a relative axis, on which a sheet of transparent film is folded initially around the side and flank faces of each packet by one of a set of peripheral holder mechanisms pivotable about respective axes parallel to the axis of the conveyor. Each holder mechanism supports a relative packet, gripped between a pair of jaws and disposed with the longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the conveyor, and comprises a clip serving to grip and retain one end of the sheet, operating in conjunction with suction holes by which the remaining free end of the sheet is attracted and restrained and thus kept perfectly under control during the transfer of the packet to a second conveyor that will complete the initial overwrapping step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20060064945
    Abstract: To be able to weld different items, in particular films of different thickness and composition, in an optimized way in each case, it is proposed in the case of a welding jaw circulating along a closed path, for example a transverse welding jaw of a vertical tubular bag machine, to provide a sealing time factor (Kt) that can be set as desired within an open interval from zero to one and is equal to a quotient of a sealing time (ts) and a cycle time (tz) for a circulation of the welding jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Roman Kammler, Walter Baur
  • Publication number: 20060064946
    Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine for performing a vacuum sealing operation on product packages, comprises a vertical stack of vacuum chambers 4 which each manage to receive at least one unsealed product package 2 and are operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation on the least one product package 2. A conveyor arrangement 8, 9 is operable to load and unload a selected vacuum chamber 4 with the at least one product package, and the machine is arranged to operate the respective vacuum chambers 4 to perform the vacuum sealing operation while the conveyor arrangement is operated to load and unload another vacuum chamber 4. The conveyor arrangement loads and unloads the vacuum chambers in sequence, and the vacuum chambers are synchronously operated to perform the vacuum sealing operation to allow the conveyor arrangement to operate continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Riccardo Evangelisti, Joel Caillier
  • Publication number: 20060064947
    Abstract: A stationary tucker bar mechanism attached to a vertical form, fill, and seal packaging machine used to construct a vertical stand-up pouch and a gusseted flat bottom bag. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using the stationary tucker bar gusseting mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and positioned between two forming plates located inside the packaging film tube. While the tucker bar gusseting mechanism is stationary during operation, it is fully adjustable along multiple axes of orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Lawrence Bartel, Anthony Knoerzer, Garrett Kohl, Steven Tucker
  • Publication number: 20060064948
    Abstract: Improved surcingle sets useful with equestrian equipment, and methods of making the surcingle sets, are provided. One such surcingle set (200) for use with equestrian equipment includes a male component (250) and a female component (210). The male component has an extension (260) extending from a surface (268) thereof. The female component has a coupling hole (220) disposed therethrough, the coupling hole including a first hole (222) and a smaller second hole (224) connected to the first hole. An inner surface of the coupling hole has a friction layer (214) disposed thereover. The friction layer has a greater coefficient of friction than the extension. By increasing the friction between the extension and the coupling hole, the extension has a more secure fit in the hole and the likelihood for unintended slippage between the extension and coupling hole is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Eastwest International (Taiwan) Enterprises
    Inventor: Chia-Wei Chang
  • Publication number: 20060064949
    Abstract: Horse blankets and methods of making blankets are provided which result in improved fit, greater comfort, improved coverage on the horse, and/or a more secure fit when in use. One such blanket (100) includes a body of blanket material having right and left side portions (110). The right and left side portions are adapted to extend down the horse's right and left sides, respectively, when the body of blanket material lies on the horse's back. The tight and left side portions further include a curved back edge (124) adapted to reduce a length of a bottom edge (130) of the right and left side portions. The curved back edge helps allow for increased movement of the horse's back legs without the horse's legs rubbing on and/or being restrained by the blanket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Eastwest International (Taiwan) Enterprises
    Inventor: Chia-Wei Chang
  • Publication number: 20060064950
    Abstract: A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) for a hoof and a gaiter (22) for the pastern. The shell has a sole (14), an upper (16), a tongue (18), and an elastic strap (60) for tightening the upper and the tongue around the hoof of a horse. The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the upper so as to extend around the rear of the shell and can be wrapped around the pastern (P) of the horse immediately above the hoof's hairline (C) and below the fetlock to function as a barrier against the entry of debris into the shell. The gaiter provides an additional anchor to retain the shell in place under extreme conditions of use. The releasable connection to the shell (12) allows replacement of the gaiter (22) when worn out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Garrett Ford, Dana Johnsen
  • Publication number: 20060064951
    Abstract: A filter bag arrangement for a vacuum cleaner includes a bag body of filter material, and a stiffening element in the form of a filter mounting plate with an inlet opening of the bag therein. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing defining a chamber into which the bag may be inserted, a lid to cover the chamber, and a filling pipe stub that is insertable into the inlet opening. Plural individual mounting elements are provided at the outer edge of the stiffening element and are inserted into corresponding individual receivers of the housing so as to spatially position and fix the inlet opening of the filter bag arrangement relative to the housing of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Stein, Bernd Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20060064952
    Abstract: An intake system with an air cleaner case that is reduced in size with an enhancement in intake efficiency. A tubular tip end portion of a connecting tube provides a connection between the carburetor side and the air cleaner case with the tubular tip end portion being disposed in the air cleaner case. A tubular opening end portion is provided in an air cleaner element contained in the air cleaner case for connecting to the tubular tip end portion of the connecting tube. A large diameter portion is provided in a frame member serving as a core of the air cleaner element for supporting the tubular end portion and the tubular opening end portion in a condition wherein the tubular tip end portion and the tubular opening end portion are fitted to each other. The large diameter portion is larger in diameter than any other portion of the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Tadashi Oshima
  • Publication number: 20060064953
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a storage system having an adsorbtive element capable of adsorbing gas borne molecules from gas for the storage system. In one configuration the storage system can comprise an enclosure adapted to contain a plurality of data storage drive devices and data storage media and wherein the data storage drive devices are adapted to functionally operate. The enclosure is capable of containing gas having, among other constituents, gas borne molecules. The storage system is capable of cooperating with the adsorbtive element to adsorb gas borne molecules from the gas for inside of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Walter Wong
  • Publication number: 20060064954
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas-liquid separator with enhanced performance and easy operation, enabling to perform gas-liquid separation such as advanced defoaming or degassing, and facilitating easy cleaning with CIP (Cleaning In Place) and COP (Cleaning Out Place) ability that meets sanitary specifications. This gas-liquid separator for gas-liquid separation performed by centrifugal force of an impeller mounted on a shaft which rotates in a casing comprises: a discharge impeller part providing discharge force to the passing fluid formed on an axial end of the impeller; a discharge outlet of the casing disposed in a position opposite the discharge impeller part; the other axial end of the impeller being formed to slide on the inner wall of the casing; an exhaust outlet of the casing disposed in a position opposite the sliding impeller part; vacuum means connected to the exhaust outlet; and a suction inlet of the casing disposed in a position between the discharge outlet and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yokota, Fumio Nishi
  • Publication number: 20060064955
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism which makes detachably engage a casing with a cover including: an insertion portion formed in the casing or cover and protrudes outward from an outer face of the one; and a holding portion extending from the other one which has an insertion hole, wherein a clip for applying a pressing force is engaged with the holding portion or the insertion portion, and includes an engagement part engaged with a tip end of the insertion hole or with an outer peripheral face of the insertion portion, and a spring part, the spring part includes a bending part bent in one axial direction, and -opposing parts on both sides thereof, and generates the pressing force to open the opposing parts, and the insertion portion is pressed against the bottom of the holding portion with the pressing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Chikara Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20060064956
    Abstract: A filter is provided by a panel filter element having a perimeter gasket having sealing planes axially between inlet and outlet axial ends of the panel filter element and having a merge point with the panel filter element axially between the sealing planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Connor, Michael Furseth, Michael Frame, Paul Rear
  • Publication number: 20060064957
    Abstract: A ceramic body comprising a crystal phase of aluminum titanate in an amount of 50 to 95% by weight, and a glass phase in an amount of 5 to 50% by weight. The inventive ceramic body may include a second crystal phase, for example mullite in an amount of up to 40% by weight. The glass is an aluminosilicate including, in weight percent on an oxide basis, of 50-90 SiO2, 1-25 Al2O3, 0.5-10 TiO2, 0.5-20 R2O, where R is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Ru, Cs, Fr, and 0.5-20 R?O, where R? is selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Ba, Ra, and wherein the ceramic body includes not more than 2% by weight Fe2O3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Ogunwumi, Patrick Tepesch
  • Publication number: 20060064958
    Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21,22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17,18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20060064959
    Abstract: A device for indicating a residual power margin of aircraft turbine engines includes a measuring stage associated with at least one turbine engine of an aircraft to measure a number of first parameters related to a power output of the engine; a calculating unit associated with the measuring unit to calculate at least one second parameter indicating the power output of the engine on the basis of the first parameters; and a display. The display includes a power scale having at least one reference indicator indicating an operating limit of the engine; and at least one cursor cooperating with the power scale and the reference indicator to simultaneously display a current value of the second parameter and an available power margin of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Maurizio Simoni
  • Publication number: 20060064960
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a core engine, an inner fan assembly, and a fladed fan assembly, coupling a plurality of airflow ducts to the engine including an inner fan duct for channeling airflow through the inner fan assembly, a core engine duct for channeling airflow through the core engine, a bypass fan duct for channeling the airflow around the core engine duct, a flade duct for channeling airflow through the fladed fan assembly, and a ram duct surrounding an upstream portion of the flade duct, and coupling a plurality of control valves to the engine to control an amount of airflow channeled through each of the ducts using the plurality of control valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: James Johnson
  • Publication number: 20060064961
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a core engine, and providing a flade system including a flade stream augmentor positioned within a flade duct. The method also includes channeling airflow through the core engine to produce engine thrust, channeling airflow through the flade duct to produce engine thrust, and igniting a portion of the airflow channeled through the flade duct using the flade stream augmentor to increase the amount of thrust produced by the flade system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: James Johnson
  • Publication number: 20060064962
    Abstract: A nozzle includes a sideways split and aftwardly swept nozzle ramp extends between a fixed lower nozzle wall and a pivotal upper nozzle wall pivotally connected to an aft end of the nozzle and operable to vary a throat area of a throat of the nozzle. The upper and lower nozzle walls and the ramp extend transversely between first and second nozzle sidewalls. A sideways pivotable ramp structure pivotally connected to the lower nozzle wall and pivotable between the sidewalls includes a longitudinally extending upper pivotable wall spaced upwardly and aftwardly of a longitudinally extending lower pivotable wall and an aftwardly swept pivotable ramp extending between the upper and lower pivotable walls. Right hand and left hand upper ramp sections of the nozzle ramp may be connected to right hand and left hand upper nozzle wall sections respectively of the upper nozzle wall which are pivotally connected to right and left handed triangular side walls of the aft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Wehner
  • Publication number: 20060064963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a propulsion system having a structural configuration that provides easy and convenient access to the interior regions of a liquid fuel tank and a hybrid rocket motor case. In one embodiment, the propulsion system comprises: a hybrid rocket motor case and a fuel tank coupled to the hybrid motor case. The motor case is configured to hold solid rocket fuel and the fuel tank defines an internal volume configured to hold a fluid oxidizer. A bulkhead is interposed between the motor case and the fuel tank, wherein at least one access passageway extends through the bulkhead. The access passageway provides exterior access to the interior volume of the motor case or the internal volume of the storage tank while the hybrid rocket motor is coupled to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Frank MacKlin, Chris Grainger
  • Publication number: 20060064964
    Abstract: A mounting structure is provided for an air-fuel ratio sensor on an exhaust pipe in a motorcycle in which a concentration of oxygen in an exhaust gas can be detected efficiently and accurately by the air-fuel ratio sensor. The air-fuel ratio sensor is mounted on a convergent connector of exhaust pipes, which, in turn, are operatively connected to the cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine. The air-fuel ratio sensor is located upstream of catalytic converters provided in the exhaust pipes, and may be mounted so as to be oriented substantially vertically when the motorcycle is in an upright configuration, or alternatively, may be inclined toward the rear of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Kono, Takeru Abe, Ryutaro Yamazaki, Mamoru Uraki
  • Publication number: 20060064965
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for an internal combustion engine. An exhaust purification section includes an exhaust purifier disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, for purifying an exhaust emission, and a purifier activation section configured to control engine operating parameters of the internal combustion engine to promote activation of the exhaust purifier during the internal combustion engine being cold. The diagnostic apparatus is configured to determine a state of the exhaust purifier, to determine a total purifier out emission quantity as a quantity of the exhaust emission exiting the exhaust purifier during the internal combustion engine being cold, in accordance with the state of the exhaust purifier, and to determine normality of the exhaust purification section in accordance with the total purifier out emission quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Rie Takatsuto, Hiroshi Katoh
  • Publication number: 20060064966
    Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system may include a first exhaust flow path configured to permit flow of main exhaust gases from a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and a particulate trap disposed in the first exhaust flow path. The system may also include a second exhaust flow path configured to enable flow of crankcase gases from a crankcase of the internal combustion engine and to merge the crankcase gases with the main exhaust gases at a point in the first exhaust flow path located downstream of the particulate trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Cornelius Opris
  • Publication number: 20060064967
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter are described making it possible to heat the catalytic converter more quickly. An additional load of the internal combustion engine is applied to heat the catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Frank, Torsten Huppertz, Claus Wundling, Daniel Scherrer
  • Publication number: 20060064968
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that estimates the NOx adsorption amount, comprising a NOx trap catalyst that is disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine, for adsorbing NOx in exhaust gases during lean operation and releasing and reducing the adsorbed NOx during rich operation, an operation unit that computes an amount of emission from the catalyst during rich operation by using a map or a polynomial equation that reflects emissions from the catalyst based on the exhaust gas temperature and the exhaust gas flow rate of the exhaust passage and the excess-air factor upstream of the catalyst, and an estimating unit that estimates an amount of adsorption in the NOx trap catalyst from the computed emission amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Sunohara, Susumu Kouketsu, Shinji Nakayama, Keiki Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20060064969
    Abstract: An SOx trap catalyst (11) able to trap SOx contained in exhaust gas is arranged in an engine exhaust passage upstream of an NOx storing catalyst (12). When the SOx trap rate by the SOx trap catalyst (11) falls, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the SOx trap catalyst (11) is maintained lean and in that state the SOx trap catalyst (11) is raised in temperature. The SOx trapped at that time diffuses inside the SOx trap catalyst (11), whereby the SOx trap rate is restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Yoshida, Shinya Hirota, Yasuaki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20060064970
    Abstract: A torque converter includes: a impeller having an outer shell, an inner core, and at least one pump blade provided between the outer shell and the inner core; a turbine having at least one turbine blade; and a stator capable of establishing a fluid circulation between the impeller and the turbine. An exit angle of the at least one pump blade is greater than ?90 degrees up to ?68 degrees at the most, beginning from a first point, at which the at least one pump blade is in contact with the outer shell, to a second point, at which the at least one pump blade is in contact with the inner core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicants: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihisa Tsuzuki, Takao Fukunaga, Tomohiro Tasaka
  • Publication number: 20060064971
    Abstract: A position determining system may include a hydraulic cylinder and a flow control device operatively connected to the hydraulic cylinder. A controller may be configured to supply an actuating signal to the flow control device. The controller may be configured to monitor a characteristic associated with the actuating signal, determine a hydraulic fluid flow rate in the hydraulic cylinder based on stored information relating the hydraulic fluid flow rate to the characteristic associated with the actuating signal, calculate a position of a component associated with the hydraulic cylinder based on the hydraulic fluid flow rate, and update the stored information when the determined position deviates from an actual position of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: John Reedy, Ramona Cone, Glen Kloeppel, Srinivas Kowta, Jason Pagnotta
  • Publication number: 20060064972
    Abstract: A power generating system comprising a bluff (non-streamlined) body placed in a fluid stream at ninety degrees to the flow direction creates a von Karman vortex street behind the body. In the process, feedback forces are generated that excite the bluff body into oscillation. The bluff body oscillatory movements are coupled to and energize a power generator. Means are employed for electrically varying the natural frequency characteristics of the bluff body such that, over a relatively wide range of fluid flow velocities, the bluff body oscillates at a resonant frequency of the body for maximum energy transfer from the fluid stream to the bluff body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: James Allen
  • Publication number: 20060064973
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes a hydraulic power cylinder, and a reversible pump driven by a motor. A steering assist sensor senses a steering assist force provided to a steering wheel. A controller ascertains a pump discharge quantity of the reversible pump, and a cylinder volume variation of the pressure chambers of the hydraulic power cylinder; and calculates a leak quantity of the reversible pump from a difference between the pump discharge quantity and the cylinder volume variation. The controller controls the motor to cause the motor to produce a desired fluid pressure in accordance with the steering assist force and the leak quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Masakazu Kurata, Tadaharu Yokota
  • Publication number: 20060064974
    Abstract: Improvement in a hydrostatic valve assembly for use in a hydrostatic transmission, for controlling fluid transfer between a first, second and third line, wherein two of the lines define first and second pressure lines within a closed loop circuit. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having ports in communication with the three lines; a spool bore and valve spool reciprocating therewithin, having first and second end portions joined by a connecting portion, and first and second bypass orifices within the valve spool; and dampers for centering the valve spool in a neutral position. The bypass orifices utilize increased cross-sectional areas that permit the passage of substantially the full flow of the charge pump, without using a charge pump relief valve, at a low pressure drop. A hydraulic system utilizing this valve assembly and a method for increasing the transmission efficiency, in the neutral mode, are also set forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: James Whitaker, Xingen Dong
  • Publication number: 20060064975
    Abstract: A generating set formed so that a generator 70 connected to a rotary shaft 32 turning and supporting a conveyor 30 by utilizing the power by which a gas supplied by a supply means 60 into a bucket 50 positioned on a lower portion of the side of the conveyor 30 which is turned upward in the interior of a tower 10 is moved up with the bucket 50 in a liquid 20 stored in the interior of the tower 10 as the gas receives the buoyancy of the liquid. In this generating set, the supply means 60 is formed so as to turn compressed air into a plurality of bubbles of a very small diameter, send out these bubbles into the liquid 20 in the interior of the tower, and hold down to a low level the resistance occurring when the compressed air is sent out into the liquid 20 in the interior of the tower. An electric power energy value obtained from the generator 70 is increased with respect to a value of the energy consumed by the supply means 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Akio Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20060064976
    Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a compressor assembly, a heater assembly, an expander assembly, a cooler assembly, and auxiliary systems. The preferred embodiment of this invention uses fossil fuel as the main source of energy, and water substance for the working liquid. The compressor assembly takes in the working fluid. Heating chambers in the heating assembly that is sandwiched between the compressor assembly and the expander assembly heats up the working fluid. The expander assembly generates the rotational force. In the preferred embodiment, the working fluid taken into the compressor assembly is generally water vapor. Alternative embodiments include an engine that uses sunlight as the energy source, and an engine with a pump assembly that takes in water instead of water vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Masami Sakita
  • Publication number: 20060064977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection of an actuation force of a brake pedal, comprising a force take-up element coupled to the brake pedal, and a force-transmitting element which is coupled to a brake system and is movable relative to the force take-up element, a sensor device being provided between the force take-up element and the force-transmitting element for the detection of at least one parameter characterizing the actuation force. In the case of this device, provision is made, for the purpose of compact design, whereby the force take-up element and the force-transmitting element are telescopically displaceable relative to one another, and whereby the sensor device is encased by the force take-up element and the force-transmitting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Benedikt Ohlig, Wilfried Giering
  • Publication number: 20060064978
    Abstract: A piston seal is provided in a circumferential groove formed in a cylinder body. The piston seal is capable of sealing a pressure chamber, which supplies fluid pressure to a discharge passage, from a supply passage, which communicates with a reservoir. The piston seal comprises: an annular base portion; an inner circumferential lip portion projecting from an inner circumferential side of the base portion and being in slidable contact with an outer circumferential surface of a piston; an outer circumferential lip portion projecting from an outer circumferential side of the base portion and being in abutment with the circumferential groove of the cylinder body; and an intermediate projecting portion which is formed between the inner circumferential lip portion and the outer circumferential lip portion of the base portion and which is projected beyond the outer circumferential lip portion. Cutout grooves are formed on a tip side of the intermediate projecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Tomonori Mouri, Daigoro Kamase, Yasuhiko Amari, Naganori Koshimizu
  • Publication number: 20060064979
    Abstract: An impulse turbocharger for an internal combustion engine. The impulse turbocharger is adapted to be used for controlling the air flow of an air supply conduit on the intake side of an internal combustion engine. The impulse turbocharger has a rotary valve which is connected by an elastic coupling to a rotary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Johannes Meiwes, Michael Baeuerle, Udo Sieber, Ralph Engelberg
  • Publication number: 20060064980
    Abstract: A valve for controlling a wastegate actuator of a turbocharger. The valve includes a bobbin having a coil for generating a magnetic field and a stator having a top portion and an internal channel. The valve also includes a housing having a compressor port, a wastegate actuator port and an atmospheric port. The housing also includes a pair of walls for enabling movement of a permanent magnet between a first position wherein a magnetic attraction is formed between the top portion and the magnet to seal the internal channel to enable substantially equal boost pressure levels in the compressor and the wastegate actuator ports. The magnet is also movable to a second position wherein a magnetic field is generated by the coil for repelling the magnet to unseal the internal channel to enable a portion of the boost pressure level to be vented to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Kirk Ivens, Stavros Tsokonas
  • Publication number: 20060064981
    Abstract: An engine includes an electric supercharger as a first supercharger, a turbocharger as a second supercharger, a secondary air supply passage, a secondary air valve and a catalyst. The electric supercharger is provided in an intake passage which is in communication with a combustion chamber, and supercharges intake air into the combustion chamber. The turbocharger is provided in the intake passage in series with respect to the electric supercharger, and supercharges intake air to the combustion chamber. The secondary air supply passage and the secondary air valve supply air compressed by the electric supercharger to a discharge passage which is in communication with the combustion chamber. The catalyst is provided in the discharge passage to purify exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Ichiyo Kojima, Toshio Inui, Hideo Nakai, Tetsuo Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20060064982
    Abstract: There is disclosed a valve comprising a valve body, a bonnet, a bellows assembly and a translator assembly. The bellows assembly comprises a bellows and a bellows flange. The bellows flange is positioned between the bonnet and the valve body. The bellows flange defines a bellows flange opening, around which the bellows is attached. The translator assembly extends through the bellows flange opening. The bellows is attached to a periphery of the translator assembly. The invention also provides a power generating system comprising at least one turbine and at least one combustion system which comprises at least one fuel supply, at least one combustion canister, and at least one valve according to the present invention. There is also provided a method of constructing a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Mitten Manufacturing
    Inventor: John Mitten
  • Publication number: 20060064983
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a dome assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor includes forming an annular dome plate including a plurality of substantially circular eyelets circumferentially spaced thereon, coupling a seal plate to the dome plate at each eyelet such that an opening defined in each seal plate is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, coupling a baffle to each seal plate such that an opening defined in each baffle is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, and coupling a swirler assembly having an integrally formed swirler and flare cone to each seal plate such that the flare cone extends at least partially through the baffle opening, and such that cooling air may be directed towards the flare cone through openings formed in the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Aureen Currin, Kamil Kaczorowski, John Jacobson, Joseph Monty
  • Publication number: 20060064984
    Abstract: A nozzle for use in a hot gas valve is provided that includes a housing, an insert, and a throat retainer. The housing is constructed of an insulating material and has a flow path formed therein. The flow path has a throat section. The insert is made of material capable of maintaining structural integrity at a temperature up to about 5000° F. and is disposed at least partially in the throat section and has a flow path extending therethrough in fluid communication with the housing flow path. The throat retainer is constructed of material having insulating and ablative properties and is coupled between the housing and the insert and configured to retain the insert within the housing throat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Jason Gratton, Donald Christensen
  • Publication number: 20060064985
    Abstract: A method for operating a power plant (2), which includes at least one compressor (3), at least one turbine (4), and a burner arrangement (5), involves, to enhance the power plant (2), feeding a combustion exhaust gas from a pre-burner (8) of the burner arrangement (5) to an oxygen-removal device (11), which removes gas of the oxygen from the combustion exhaust gas in which it is contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Dominikus Buecker, Timothy Griffin, Armin Schimkat
  • Publication number: 20060064986
    Abstract: A power generating system and method operating at high pressure and utilizing a working fluid consisting of a mixture of compressed non-flammable air components, fuel combustion products and steam. The working fluid is substantially free of CO and NOx. Fuel and compressed air at an elevated temperature and at a constant pressure are delivered to a combustion chamber, the amount of air being chosen so that at least about 90% of the oxygen in the air is consumed during combustion. The quantity of air and fuel supplied to the combustion chamber may be varied provided a constant fuel to air ratio is maintained. Superheated water is delivered under pressure to the combustion chamber, and is converted substantially instantaneously to steam. The quantity of water delivered is controlled such that the latent heat of vaporization of the water maintains the temperature of the working fluid at a desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: J. Ginter, Gary Ginter
  • Publication number: 20060064987
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a rich catalytic injector, a combustor, and a turbine. The rich catalytic injector includes a rich catalytic device, a mixing zone, and an injection assembly. The injection assembly provides an interface between the mixing zone and the combustor. The injection assembly can inject diffusion fuel into the combustor, provides flame aerodynamic stabilization in the combustor, and may include an ignition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Albert Veninger
  • Publication number: 20060064988
    Abstract: A stationary gas turbine engine includes an axial compressor; a turbine; a stationary inner barrel downstream of the compressor; a brush seal including a ring-shaped holder supported by the inner barrel, and a multiplicity of inwardly extending bristle members having an ambient temperature clearance of not less than 0.015 percent of a rotor land region diameter of the rotor under cold conditions for restricting air passage into the chamber from the compressor. The flow of cooling air from the chamber is preferably alterable by a fluid port extending through one wall of the inner barrel, the fluid port being connected to an auxiliary source of pressure air external of the inner barrel, whereby pressure air from the auxiliary source augments the flow of cooling air from the chamber. A calibrated needle valve can adjustably restrict the flow of auxiliary air for controlling a monitored operating parameter such as the temperature within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Ingistov
  • Publication number: 20060064989
    Abstract: A cryostat (1) with a first helium tank (4) which contains helium at an operating temperature T1<3 K, and a second helium tank (2) which is connected to the first helium tank (4) and contains liquid helium at an operating temperature T2>3 K, wherein a cooling means (6) is provided in the first helium tank (4) which generates an operating temperature T1<3 K in the first helium tank (4), wherein the cooling means (6) is designed as a Joule-Thomson valve with downstream heat exchanger from which pumped helium is transported to a room temperature region outside of the cryostat (1) is characterized in that a refrigerator (11) is provided whose cold end (19) projects into the second helium tank (2) and the supplied helium is returned during normal operation in a closed loop along the refrigerator (11) and into the second helium tank (2), thereby being pre-cooled and liquefied at the cold end (19) of the refrigerator (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Bruker BioSpin GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Roth
  • Publication number: 20060064990
    Abstract: A cryopump provides for high pumping speed of Type III gases. An open configuration of a frontal array provides high conductance of gases into a radiation shield which is shaped to focus gases toward a second stage array. The second stage array has an open configuration of baffles coated with adsorbent. Substantially all of the adsorbent has a direct line of sight to the radiation shield or to the opening in the radiation shield, and substantially all of the baffles are coated with adsorbent. In one form, the second stage cryopump array comprises an array of discs fanned to define a generally ball shaped envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Bartlett, John Nordborg, Brian Thompson
  • Publication number: 20060064991
    Abstract: In preferred aspects of the present invention, at least one rib is provided can be molded to an internal dividing wall in the interior of a water separator in an automotive HVAC unit. In more preferred aspects, a plurality of ribs is provided that are molded to or with the wall, and, the plurality of ribs form a pattern, in a way that allows them to ‘direct’ or to ‘channel’ water from an air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Valeo Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Eugene Kozak, Steven Marshall
  • Publication number: 20060064992
    Abstract: A refrigerating system includes: an evaporator (2) for performing a cooling operation as a refrigerant is evaporated; a compressor (4) for compressing the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator as a mover is reciprocally moved; a condenser (6) for changing the refrigerant compressed in the reciprocating compressor to a liquid refrigerant; and a capillary tube (8) for decompressing the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and transferring it to the evaporator. The refrigerant is an HFC refrigerant, hydrogenated carbon fluoride comprising hydrogen, fluorine and carbon and the lubricant is an ester-based lubricant, a sort of synthetic fluid, so that a lubricating performance and a performance of the refrigerating system can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Gi-Bong Kwon