Patents Issued in December 27, 2011
  • Patent number: 8082692
    Abstract: An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome Skuba
  • Patent number: 8082693
    Abstract: An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Mario M Marocco
  • Patent number: 8082694
    Abstract: A cable guide which has a simple structure and can be easily assembled is adapted to change the direction of the inner cable which slide and drive the slide door of a vehicle, and includes a pulley case 11 whose upper surface is opened, a pulley 12 housed in the pulley case and pivoted rotatably, and a case cover 13 to cover the upper surface of the pulley case. The pulley case has a fixing portion 15 of the outer casing which slidably houses an inner cable. The fixing portion has grooves of roughly U-shaped cross section. The inner perimeter of the groove has a case protrusion 15a. A cover protrusion 13e is formed in the case cover so as to face the case protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Corporation
    Inventor: Chiharu Azuma
  • Patent number: 8082695
    Abstract: A mullion assembly (10) includes a top mounting block (92) having a positioning rod (102) and attached to a top beam (24) of a door frame (22). A bottom mounting block (112) is mounted on a floor (20) spaced from the top beam (24) in a vertical direction. A post (40) is detachably mounted between top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 112). A brace (50) is mounted to an upper end (42) of the post (40). A mounting bracket (122) is mounted to the brace (50). A pivotal plate (172) is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket (122) and detachably engaged with the positioning rod (102). A retaining member (138) is mounted to the mounting bracket (122) to lock the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 112). The mounting bracket (122) moves upwardly and is coupled with the positioning rod (102), allowing further locking of the post (40) when the mullion assembly (10) is exposed to a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 8082696
    Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Oliver, Peter L. Harvey
  • Patent number: 8082697
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is included that is capable of securing an associated rigid sunscreen on an associated building structure. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated building structure and a second bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated rigid sunscreen. The first bracket can include a first interengaging feature, and the second bracket can include a second interengaging feature that is cooperative with the first interengaging feature of the first bracket. A sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly, a sunscreen and mounting bracket kit, and a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Robert T. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8082698
    Abstract: A light weight modular enclosure that may be easily assembled by a user and mounted on a utility trailer or pickup truck includes a plurality of modular foam-encapsulated side panel assemblies and two foam-encapsulated corner panel assemblies arranged in adjacent positions in U-shaped anchor channels secured along three edges of a rectangular floorboard to form a front wall and two side walls of the modular enclosure. The side panel and corner panel assemblies each include a plurality of molded key pins and key sockets that are positioned for mating engagement to secure the panel assemblies in strict alignment when adjacently positioned in the anchor channels. A door frame assembly fits into the open rear end of the modular enclosure. A pop-up canopy assembly is installed over the top of the modular enclosure to provide additional head room during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Drake
  • Patent number: 8082699
    Abstract: A modular structure includes at least one modular unit comprising a structure base and a structure enclosure carried by the structure base. Each of the structure base and the structure enclosure comprises lightweight concrete providing a significantly improved structure over the currently used fabrication processes. The modular structure is fabricated utilizing tunnel fabrication processes, creating a unitary structure. The structure can be finished at a manufacturing location, then transported and installed at the desired location. Connector plate assemblies are molded into the structure for securing two adjacent modules. Adjacent modules can be oriented perpendicular, parallel, or any angle therebetween to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry A. Kychelhahn
  • Patent number: 8082700
    Abstract: A building structure with a tubular frame structure in a hut shape may be provided with cladding in the form of curved panels to provide a temporary or emergency shelter. These panels may consist of two spaced-apart plastic sheets fused together by parallel ribs serving as webs to provide parallel channels therein, e.g., Coroplast™-like sheeting. Such sheeting is preferably stiffening with one or more battens that are inserted through the hollow channels of the panel allowing them to be used as semi-rigid cladding over the entire building structure. The outer tubular members of the frame are all curved to improve rigidity. The frame includes channels for seating the panels as well as contribute to the structural integrity of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Housall Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Miles Kennedy, Mark Edey, Reinier Halbertsma, Aldo Balatti
  • Patent number: 8082701
    Abstract: A formed metal piece is U-shaped to be fit to an outer edge of a framing stud, with a pair of side walls, at least one formed with a guide hole for accurately locating drilled holes for routing cables, etc. The front wall is sufficiently strong to provide nail shielding for protection of cables or pipes passed through the hole drilled in the stud. A series of pieces are installed in alignment prior to drilling the stud holes to speed the process. A cut out portion can be removed to optionally form a slot for installation as a nail shield reinforcement after the cables or piping is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald M. Wendel
  • Patent number: 8082702
    Abstract: A ground anchor and weight distribution plate assembly includes a ground anchor member and a weight distribution plate member. The weight distribution plate member includes an opening formed therein which is sized and shaped to allow for only partial passage of the ground anchor member there through. During installation, the ground anchor member is partially passed through the opening in the weight distribution plate member and then driven into the ground. Compressive forces are exerted by the weight distribution plate member to compact underlying soil and provide a foundation for construction structures such as decks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: OZ-POST, International LLP
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 8082703
    Abstract: A force resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy in a shear wall or shear wall segment includes at least one active element, the active element having a force versus deflection property under at least one cyclic load such that the shear wall has at least one building code compliant parameter. The building code compliant parameter includes an equivalent response coefficient, R, a system overstrength coefficient, W, and a deflection amplification factor, C. Exemplary embodiments of prefabricated shear walls or shear wall segments include the disclosed force resisting device. Exemplary embodiments of buildings include the disclosed prefabricated shear wall or shear wall segment with the disclosed force resisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ei-Land Corporation
    Inventors: John Hulls, Rory R. Davis
  • Patent number: 8082704
    Abstract: A flooring, preferentially designed to be used for laying running tracks, includes a treading layer constituted by an elastomer mass and a supporting layer also constituted by an elastomer mass. The supporting layer has, on the side opposite to the treading layer, an array of cavities delimited by ribbings constituting a mesh of uniform ribbings. The cavities are cavities having an elongated shape in the direction of running on the flooring. The cavities occupy a volume equal to at least 28%, and preferentially at least 30%, of the volume of the supporting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: MONDO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fernando Stroppiana
  • Patent number: 8082705
    Abstract: A skylight shaft substrate is rendered internally reflected in several ways. To limit the formation of focal points that can lead to hot spots as light travels down the shaft, the shaft substrate is formed with dimples or longitudinal corrugations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Jaster, David W Rillie
  • Patent number: 8082706
    Abstract: A strap to secure bolts at a proper spacing for installing a storm panel to a track using bolts and fasteners. The strap holds the bolts in place, allowing ease of storm panel installation. The storm panels are typically used to protect building openings, such as windows and doors, during periods of bad weather. The storm panels may also be used for security purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Got A Strap, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry Lawrence Myny, Donee Lois Myny
  • Patent number: 8082707
    Abstract: An improved vibration damping apparatus is provided for use with window structures, including windows used in vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft. The vibration damping system includes at least two separate layers of solid material that are typically substantially clear at visible wavelengths, in which the two layers are spaced-apart by a predetermined distance to form a space or gap therebetween. This gap will be of a size and shape to enhance vibration damping when it is filled with a gaseous compound, such as air. The air-film vibration damping system created by the above structure can be applied to an external pane of a window structure, or to the interior pane of a window structure, or perhaps to both an exterior pane and an interior pane of the same window structure, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Damping Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lewis, Michael L. Parin
  • Patent number: 8082708
    Abstract: Synthetic doors composed a rectangular frame with of skins of compression molded sheets secured to opposite sides of the frame and a core of foamed plastics with a window light therein are improved with a novel glazing cleat for securing a window light in an aperture in such a door that includes plate that rests against edges the skins about the aperture, the plate having an upright rim engaging a face of a window light and downwardly directed flanges which, with tangs on a retainer member having a upright tab engaging the opposite face the window light when nesting with the plate sandwiches the skins between the flanges and tangs to take advantage of the mechanical strength of the skins. Further if a fire resistant plate is married to internal face of each skin, the cleat will take advantage of the mechanical strength of such plates in supporting the window light in the case of fires, even if the outer or exterior skin or skins are turned to ash by a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Kuei Yung Wang Chen
  • Patent number: 8082709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8082710
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an attachment system for use in a building comprising a plurality of first wall sections, a plurality of horizontal planks resting on the first wall sections, and a plurality of second wall sections resting on the horizontal planks. The system includes a plurality of threaded rods holding the system together, and may be made of concrete or similar material. The system may be disassembled and reassembled without affecting the structural integrity of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ballistics Technology International Ltd.
    Inventors: James E. Sigurdson, John T. Sutton
  • Patent number: 8082711
    Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system which provides walls and wall sections for use on upright walls, ceilings, and floors, and appurtenances, as well as accessories which make such structures more versatile. The walls and wall sections can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. A wall section has inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members which extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall section, at spaced locations along the length of the wall section. The spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the wall or wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Composite Panel Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn P. Schiffmann, Gerhard P. Schiffmann
  • Patent number: 8082712
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a deck drain vent system is disclosed. The deck drain vent system includes at least one panel disposed below a lower surface of a deck. The panel is substantially planar and has a bottom side and a top side facing and spaced apart from the lower surface. At least one vent penetrates the panel to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the bottom side. The deck drain vent system further includes a shaft lock secured to the vent. The shaft lock hinders liquids and debris from entering the vent, yet allows air to freely circulate between the cavity and a surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: David Lee Butler, Anthony James Sclafani
  • Patent number: 8082713
    Abstract: A screed corner comprises a screed base including substantially perpendicular nailing flanges and a bead leg extending away from each nailing flange. The bead has a horizontally disposed V-shaped cross section. A separate screed corner component is provided to be secured to arms of the bead and to close a gap in the screed base which is located in a volume comprising an intersection of a projection of each bead leg. The screed corner may be provided in a contour in sheet metal which can be readily bent to form a screed base. The screed corner component may comprise formed sheet metal. The corner component may comprise a sharp corner or may comprise a radius at its periphery. In one further form, the bead may comprise a substantially planar surface extending away from the nailing flange. In another, further form, the screed corner may be molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: James F. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8082714
    Abstract: A rotatable wedge tile spacer to be removably positioned in a gap between adjacent upper and lower tiles that are being bonded one above the other to a vertical surface (i.e., a wall). The tile spacer includes a curved (i.e., circular) body having a thin tip at one end and a thick tail at the opposite end. The height of the circular body increases along a tile-supporting top surface thereof that runs from the thin tip to the thick tail. With the tile spacer seated upon the lower tile, the circular body is rotated continuously around its longitudinal axis until the tile-supporting top surface engages the upper tile. Accordingly, the circular body of the rotatable wedge tile spacer will fill the gap and thereby prevent the upper tile from moving through the gap towards the lower tile during the bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jason W. Burns, Grant B. Jones
  • Patent number: 8082715
    Abstract: Bottom mounted (anchored) fire barrier systems include UL 2079 and ASTM 1399 tested and certified fire barrier/retainer structures, especially useful for floor/floor, wall/floor, and wall/wall expansion joint spaces formed by spaced opposing pre-cast concrete building units of 4½ inches thickness. The use of this system in structures using pre-cast building units provides room for installation of mandated rubber boots into the limited expansion joint space. Each fire barrier has affixed to its outside long edges a metal retainer that is structured for holding the barrier correctly and tightly positioned to the building unit surfaces first for secure and tight anchoring and then for providing support for the barrier to prevent leakage of gas, flame, smoke, and heat during a fire. Providing for ease of installation there is a reusable installation tool, an optional guard unit, male/female connections between barrier sections, and a splice connector butt to connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Fireline 520, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Shaw
  • Patent number: 8082716
    Abstract: A roofing tile system provides a secure covering for a building roof and comprises a plurality of rigid tiles attached on a pitched roofing substrate in multiple interlocked rows of tiles. Each tile includes a protected end partially overlapped by another tile in an adjacent row, and an exposed end. The protected end of each tile includes at least one attachment hole and at least one anchoring panel. The exposed end of each tile includes at least one interlock hole. Primary roofing screws are provided for driving through attachment holes and into the substrate for attaching tiles in side-by-side relation to form multiple rows. Secondary roofing screws are provided for driving through interlock holes and into the interlock panel of a partially overlapped tile in an adjacent row, for interlocking the exposed ends of the roofing tiles with anchoring panels in adjacent tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald J. Worley, Harry Robinson
  • Patent number: 8082717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel having means for the detachable connection of adjacent panels by means of pivoting, the means provided comprising, on a first edge, a projecting tongue (3) with a lower and upper tongue surface (4, 5) which divides the edge into an upper and a lower edge section (7, 6), the second edge situated opposite the first edge having a groove (8) which corresponds to the tongue of an adjacent panel and which is enclosed by an upper-side and a lower-side panel section, the upper tongue surface having a projection (13) with a contact surface (14) which is directed rearwardly in the direction S of the upper edge section, and the upper-side panel section having on its lower side a recess which at least partially accommodates the projection and which has a complementary surface (16) interacting with the contact surface, the complementary surface interacting with the contact surface of an adjacent panel in the pivoted-in state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Dirk Dammers
  • Patent number: 8082718
    Abstract: A construction method to form a building structure in a post frame bookshelf style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Tyler Jon Esbaum
  • Patent number: 8082719
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower, includes a first substantially tubular wall section having a tapered edge; a second substantially tubular wall section, arranged substantially coplanar with the first wall section, having a flared edge for seating against the tapered edge of the first wall section; and at least one fastener for securing the tapered edge of the first wall section to the flared edge of the second wall section. The at least one fastener includes a bolt extending through the tapered edge and the flared edge, and the bolt is arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first and second wall sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Bharat S. Bagepalli
  • Patent number: 8082720
    Abstract: In a conventional tablet packing device, a tablet discharged from a tablet case is supplied to a medicine packing unit through a common path such as a hopper. Thus, in the conventional tablet packing device, a large number of types of tablets are collected through the common path, so that a problem of cross contamination (the chipped pieces of the tablet of the type different from that of the tablet to be packed are mixed) occurs. The present invention provides a tablet packing device from which common path is eliminated. The present invention is characterized by including a conveyance unit for conveying a tablet case to a case arrangement section so that a tablet can directly be discharged from the tablet case to a tablet packing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Mori, Masayoshi Ogura
  • Patent number: 8082721
    Abstract: A packaging group that packages products at a high speed when the products are fed in succession in accordance with a predefined and variable pitch is provided. The packaging group includes a conveyor of the products, at least one roll of at least one plastic film, a feed mechanism that feeds the at least one plastic film from the at least one roll respectively atop and underneath the products substantially upon exiting the conveyor, a counter-welder belt downstream of the conveyor which receives the products covered on their upper and lower parts with the at least one plastic film, and a transverse welder device at the counter-welder belt. The transverse welder device includes a rotating star-like structure equipped with at least three spokes provided at their tips with welder mechanisms cooperating one after the other in succession with the counter-welder belt, in order to weld together portions of the at least one plastic film between the products advancing on the counter-welder belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: SITMA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi
  • Patent number: 8082722
    Abstract: The device places filled and sealed collapsible containers. The device has a gripping unit with a number of finger pairs that correspond to the number of containers in a packing state. The gripping unit has a gripping state in which each finger is arranged to make a squeezing motion such that the contents of the container forms an inner counter-pressure structure to provide a well-defined grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolean Research & Development A/S
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8082723
    Abstract: A draping system designed for the treatment of a horse tail or mane having drapes shaped to expose a horse tail and a horse mane, while protecting underlying and adjacent areas of the horse's coat from unwanted treatment solutions. The draping system is especially useful in cosmetic treatments of the horse tail or mane, as for example when applying coloring or permanent treatments or when applying a medicament in liquid or powder form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Rhonda Lorene Beale
  • Patent number: 8082724
    Abstract: The present invention improves the reliability of a combusting system including multiple combustors and improves an environmental performance thereof. The invention includes a device that delays the start time of fuel injection from a fuel nozzle of a combustor including a ignitor from the start time of fuel injection from a fuel nozzle of the combustor not including the ignitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Hirata, Shohei Yoshida, Tatsuya Sekiguchi, Hiroshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8082725
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a combustion apparatus comprises: an oxidant inlet, a fuel inlet, a mixing zone configured to mix fuel and oxidant to form a mixture, a combustion zone in fluid communication with the mixing zone and configured to combust the mixture, and an outlet in fluid communication with the combustion zone. The mixing zone, the combustion zone, and/or the outlet comprises an electro-dynamic swirler configured to swirl ionized gas. The electro-dynamic swirler comprises a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with a power source. In one embodiment, a method of creating thrust comprises: mixing a fuel and an oxidant to form a mixture, igniting the mixture to form an ignited mixture, combusting the ignited mixture to form a flame, and using the flame to create thrust, wherein the flame and/or the fuel and oxidant are electro-dynamically swirled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdelkrim Younsi, Seyed Gholamali Saddoughi, John Thomas Herbon, Florian Peter Pintgen
  • Patent number: 8082726
    Abstract: A turbofan flow delivery system includes a fan case housing a fan. Flow exit guide vanes are arranged downstream from the fan and extend radially inwardly from the fan case toward a bypass flow path. A supply passage includes an opening provided in the fan case between the fan and flow exit guide vanes configured to selectively provide pressurized air to a component using air from the bypass flow path. Swirling air from the bypass flow path enters the supply passage and is converted to a static pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cloft
  • Patent number: 8082727
    Abstract: A gas turbine propulsion system comprises a turbofan engine, a peripheral duct, an annular frame, an auxiliary turbine and an auxiliary fan. The turbofan engine is configured to produce bypass air and combustion air. The bypass air flows through a bypass duct and the combustion air flows through a core engine. The peripheral duct surrounds the turbofan engine and is configured to selectively receive peripheral inlet air. The annular frame is disposed aft of the bypass duct and the peripheral duct, and is rotatable to alternately guide the bypass air out the bypass duct or the peripheral duct. The auxiliary turbine is connected to an aft end of the core engine and is configured to receive the combustion air. The auxiliary fan is connected to the auxiliary turbine and is configured to receive airflow from the peripheral duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary D. Roberge
  • Patent number: 8082728
    Abstract: A continuous detonation system, including: a rotatable member including a forward end, an aft end, a circumferential wall and a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough; an outer circumferential wall, wherein the rotatable member is positioned therein so that the circumferential wall of the rotatable member is spaced radially inwardly from the outer circumferential wall; at least one helical channel formed by a plurality of helical sidewalls extending between the circumferential wall of the rotatable member and the outer circumferential wall, each helical channel being open at the forward end and the aft end of the rotatable member so as to provide flow communication therethrough; an air supply for providing air to each helical channel; and, a fuel supply for providing fuel to each helical channel. In this way, a mixture of the fuel and air is continuously detonated within each helical channel in a manner such that combustion gases exit therefrom with an increased pressure and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kurt David Murrow, Lawrence nmn Butler
  • Patent number: 8082729
    Abstract: A configuration for treating exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine having a predetermined displacement volume, includes an exhaust gas recirculation line. Exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas recirculation line interacts with a turbocharger. A screening layer is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation line upstream of the turbocharger. The screening layer is larger than an average cross section of the exhaust gas recirculation line. A motor vehicle having at least one such configuration is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Arndt-Udo Rolle, Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 8082730
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an engine having an engine housing. The engine system further includes an exhaust system, and a turbine disposed within the exhaust system. A particulate reduction device is disposed in the exhaust system upstream of the turbine. The particulate reduction device includes an exhaust retarder having a flow property which is based at least in part on a residence requirement for combustion of particulates in exhaust gases passing therethrough. The flow property may be a flow restriction property, and the exhaust retarder may include a flow restricting trapping element configured to trap particulates in the exhaust gases. The flow restricting trapping element defines a combustion efficacy to exhaust mass flow and temperature coefficient for the particulate reduction device which is based at least in part on a combustion initiating residence requirement for particulates passing through the particulate reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Michael Pollard, Jamie Stringfield, Herbert DaCosta
  • Patent number: 8082731
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a NOX storage catalyst. A storage capacity (NOX_STC) of the NOX storage catalyst is determined for the purpose of operating the internal combustion engine. The temperature (TEMP) of the NOX storage catalyst is increased if the storage capacity (NOX_STC) is less than a predefined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Tino Arlt, Thomas Baumann, Gerd Rösel
  • Patent number: 8082732
    Abstract: A device is provided for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system and a dosing device for feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust system. At least one heating rib, heatable by the exhaust gas and arranged downstream from the dosing device in the exhaust system is oriented largely in a flow direction of the exhaust gas. The dosing device is situated in or on a hollow body arranged on the exhaust system, an internal volume of which is connected to the exhaust system to conduct exhaust gas. An extremely low-flow device for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine is achieved by this design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Nefischer
  • Patent number: 8082733
    Abstract: The present invention is a turbocharger (18) and control system based strategy to control exhaust gas filters (30) for aftertreatment regeneration. The air handling system (10) uses the variable turbine geometry (VTG) of the turbine (20) and a compressor (22) flow control bleed valve (24) to drive pressurized intake air into the exhaust. The oxygen rich exhaust gas can then be mixed with fuel and combusted. Increasing the temperature of the exhaust gas will combust the excess exhaust gas emissions and reduce the pressure drop across the filter (30). This system (10) can be used under any operating conditions so as to be available to combust the excess exhaust gas emissions when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Grissom, Steven R. McKinley
  • Patent number: 8082734
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a reciprocating pump includes a support structure with a linear actuator mounted on the support structure. The linear actuator has a stationary portion and a movable ram portion. At least one direction altering cable guide is mounted to the movable ram portion of the linear actuator. At least one cable is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is anchored to one of the support structure or the stationary portion of the linear actuator. The second end is adapted for attachment to a polish rod of a reciprocating pump. As the movable ram portion moves, the cable and cable guide configuration provide a mechanical advantage which results in the polish rod reciprocally moving a multiple of the distance travelled by the movable ram portion of the linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: 1238585 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Perry L. St. Denis
  • Patent number: 8082735
    Abstract: Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Daniel R. Cohn, John B. Heywood
  • Patent number: 8082736
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an internal combustion engine system that includes an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger with a compressor and a turbine and a gas flow pathway defined therebetween, one or more pressure sensors to detect pressure along the gas flow pathway, an emission control device structured to receive exhaust from the turbocharger, and a controller responsive to input from the one or more pressure sensors. The controller determines a control signal indicative of turbine outlet temperature as a function of such input, and selectively generates an output signal to adjust temperature of the exhaust provided to the emission control device from the turbocharger in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Mulloy
  • Patent number: 8082737
    Abstract: A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Jupiter Oxygen Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Patrick, Tom L. Ochs, Danylo B. Oryschyn, Cathy A. Summers
  • Patent number: 8082738
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having an axial flow compressor, an annular combustion chamber, a turbine, and a diffuser. The diffuser includes a flow-dividing element formed by an inner deflecting flank and an outer deflecting flank that divides a compressed gas flow into two partial flows at a branching point. The two deflecting flanks define: an angle of less than 90° along at least a portion of the deflecting flanks, and an angle between 15° and 90° between the deflecting flank angle bisector and the turbine longitudinal axis. The deflector also includes a main deflecting region arranged upstream of the branching point and directed at an acute angle from the turbine longitudinal axis toward an inner combustion chamber shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Cornelius, Reinhard Mönig, Peter Tiemann, Iris Oltmanns, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8082739
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor includes a combustion chamber defined by a combustor liner, the combustor liner having an upstream end cover supporting one or more nozzles arranged to supply fuel to the combustion chamber where the fuel mixes with air supplied from a compressor. A transition duct is connected between an aft end of the combustion chamber liner and a first stage turbine casing, the transition duct supplying gaseous products of combustion to the first stage turbine nozzle. One or more additional fuel injection nozzles are arranged at an aft end of the transition duct for introducing additional fuel into the transition duct upstream of the first stage turbine nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald James Chila, Mark Hadley
  • Patent number: 8082740
    Abstract: A method of heat energy transfer, hi one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of establishing a temperature gradient along a first direction in a heat reservoir with a medium and having a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion defining a length, L, therebetween, wherein the first direction is from the first end portion to the second end portion, such that the first end portion has a first temperature, Ti1; and the second end portion has a second temperature, Ti<Tj1; and applying an electromagnetic field in the heat reservoir to establish an electromagnetic field gradient along a second direction to generate a driving force to transfer heat energy from the second end portion to the first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Weili Luo
  • Patent number: 8082741
    Abstract: A cluster tool has a transfer chamber, and a load lock chamber. An adaptor is configured to be coupled between the transfer chamber and the load lock chamber. The adaptor has an adaptor housing with an interior space including an entrance with a first valve and an exit with a second valve. The adaptor housing forms a substrate path through the interior space. The first valve connects the interior space and the load lock chamber. The second valve connects the interior space and the transfer chamber. A cryogenic surface is associated with the adaptor. Other pumps can be associated with the adaptor, such as, for example, a turbo pump, or water vapor pump. The cryogenic surface is configured to selectively evacuate the interior space. A wafer is adapted to be moved through the first valve and through the adaptor housing along the path. The wafer is moved through the exit and into the transfer chamber once the second valve is opened. This adaptor can be applied to the process chamber as well as the load lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen J. Bartlett, Joseph A. Kraus, Michael J. Eacobacci, Jr.