Patents Issued in April 17, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140102060
    Abstract: Air cleaner assemblies, features thereof and components thereof are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: DONALDSON COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeo KATO, Hajime Yao, Yota Kawabe, Yutaka Kuwabara, Junich Teshigawara, Shugo Yanada
  • Publication number: 20140102061
    Abstract: A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul E. Sandin, Joseph L. Jones, Daniel N. Ozick, David A. Cohen, David M. Lewis, JR., Clara Vu, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Joshua B. Preneta, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Duane L. Gilbert, Tony L. Campbell, John Bergman
  • Publication number: 20140102062
    Abstract: A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul E. Sandin, Joseph L. Jones, Daniel N. Ozick, David A. Cohen, David M. Lewis, JR., Clara Vu, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Joshua B. Preneta, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Duane L. Gilbert, Tony L. Campbell, John Bergman
  • Publication number: 20140102063
    Abstract: A lawnmower with operation protection and a safety switch mechanism. The safety switch mechanism include: an inner pipe and a pipe sleeve slidably connected with and enclosing the inner pipe, a safety switch with a contact tab mounted inside the pipe sleeve, a trigger configured to trigger the safety switch by contacting the contact tab when the inner pipe slides, and an elastomer configured to drive the trigger to keep from contacting with the contact tab. All of the safety switch, the trigger and the elastomer are arranged on the same side of the inner pipe. The safety switch mechanism functions to disable the motor upon accidental proximity of the operator to the cutter body to thereby lower the possibility of an accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Toshinari Yamaoka, Fangjie Nie, Haishen Xu, Xiandian Shao
  • Publication number: 20140102064
    Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, and an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body. The distance in the horizontal direction between the axial central line of the cylindrical gripping portion of the operating arm and the axes of the elongated handle of the main body along the length direction is less than 5 cm. Because of the structure mate relationship between the operating arm and the cylindrical gripping portion, the operator feels more comfortable during the transporting process, the volume of lawncare apparatus during transporting is reduced and the convenience of transporting is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Toshinari Yamaoka, Fangjie Nie, Haishen Xu, Xiandian Shao
  • Publication number: 20140102065
    Abstract: A battery car 25 which supplies electrical power to a running motor 16 and a mower motor 15 is included, wheels 34, 38 for facilitating the movement is attached to the battery car 25, and the battery car 25 is connected to a rear portion of a chassis 11 in a freely attachable and detachable manner. Moreover, a bracket 50 for connecting the battery car 25 is included in the rear portion of the chassis 11, and a locking shaft 74 to be connected to the bracket 50 is included in the battery car 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuma Moriguchi, Tomoyuki Ebihara
  • Publication number: 20140102066
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrostatic transmission including a hub having a plurality of radially outwardly protruding teeth circumferentially spaced around the hub and at least one jaw having at least one tooth for engaging teeth on the hub to prevent rotation of the hub, thereby preventing rotation of an output shaft of a motor. When the at least one tooth on the jaw engages teeth on the hub, rotation of the output shaft is prevented by interference rather than friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Mike Crosby, Jason Emmette, David Heathcoat
  • Publication number: 20140102067
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header, the top conditioning roll is set back from a conventional position slightly leading the bottom roller so as to instead reside directly over or slightly rearward of the bottom roller, whereby rejection of crop material back into the cutting zone by the top roller is reduced. A rear deflector compensates for a resulting lack of upward trajectory of crop material from the nip, acting to impart a lifting action to same as it exits the rear of the header. Concentrated streams of crop material from pairs of counter-rotating disks may be broken up by a rotational action of the deflector. A front deflector may be included to further prevent crop rejection by the top roller by directing lifted crop material downwardly toward the nip to avoid contact with an upper front quadrant of the top roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Neil Gordon Barnett
  • Publication number: 20140102068
    Abstract: A variable speed, self-propelled walk-behind lawnmower includes a housing, a blade housed within the housing for cutting and a handle extending rearwardly from the housing. The handle includes a slidably mounted speed control member movable for adjusting a speed at which a transmission mounted on the housing drives a wheel rotatably mounted to the housing with motive of power from an engine mounted on the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Shengyong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140102069
    Abstract: A drawn agricultural machine comprising a carrier frame for carrying processing members, the carrier frame supportable on the ground, at least during transport, by means of a wheel set comprising at least a wheel, a coupling frame for coupling the agricultural machine 1 to the three-point suspension of a tractor, the coupling frame comprising two lower coupling points and an upper coupling point and the coupling frame being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation relative to the carrier frame. The machine also comprises a drawing element for exerting a force on the coupling frame, wherein the coupling frame, the carrier frame and the drawing element are interconnected in such a manner that a downward force component is exerted on the lower coupling points when the drawing element exerts a force on the coupling frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Alfonsus Jacobus VAN DEN ENGEL, Norbert VAN HEMERT
  • Publication number: 20140102070
    Abstract: A link for a linear carrier chain is disclosed, said link including side and end walls connected together to form a duct for a hose, cable or the like, said walls being connected by means of flanges adjacent edges of some of said walls, said flanges being slidably engaged in slots in others of said walls and wherein said flanges are disposed at outwardly directed oblique angles to reduce stress concentrations at the base thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: COBRACO IP PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Daly, Tony Gardner
  • Publication number: 20140102071
    Abstract: A system for heating fuel in a combined cycle gas turbine includes a fuel heat exchanger downstream from a turbine outlet, and the fuel heat exchanger has an exhaust gas inlet, an exhaust gas outlet, a fuel inlet, and a fuel outlet. A first exhaust gas plenum has a first exhaust gas inlet connection between the turbine outlet and a heat exchanger and a first exhaust gas outlet connection upstream from the exhaust gas inlet. A second exhaust gas plenum has a second exhaust gas inlet connection downstream from at least a portion of the heat exchanger and a second exhaust gas outlet connection upstream from the exhaust gas inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Wesley Ball, JR., Korey Frederic Rendo, Dean Matthew Erickson, Diego Fernando Rancruel, Leslie Yung-Min Tong
  • Publication number: 20140102072
    Abstract: Various embodiments include power systems. In a particular embodiment, the power system includes a combined-cycle power system having: a first shaft having a first group of components coaxially mounted thereon, the first group of components including: a first steam turbomachine; a first gas turbomachine; and a reheat combustor; and a second shaft separated from the first shaft, the second shaft having a second group of components coaxially mounted thereon, the second group of components including: a second steam turbomachine; a second gas turbomachine; and a duct fluidly coupled to the second gas turbomachine and the reheat combustor, the duct for providing exhaust from the second gas turbomachine to the reheat combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael John Bowman, Andrew Joseph Travaly
  • Publication number: 20140102073
    Abstract: Thermal energy storage is leveraged to store thermal energy extracted from a bottom cycle heat engine. The thermal energy stored in the thermal energy storage is used to supplement power generation by the bottom cycle heat engine. In one embodiment, a thermal storage unit storing a thermal storage working medium is configured to discharge thermal energy into the working fluid of the bottom cycle heat engine to supplement power generation. In one embodiment, the thermal storage unit includes a cold tank containing the thermal storage working medium in a cold state and a hot tank containing the working medium in a heated state. At least one heat exchanger in flow communication with the bottom cycle heat engine and the thermal storage unit facilitates a direct heat transfer of thermal energy between the thermal storage working medium and the working fluid used in the bottom cycle heat engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Raymond Pang, Huijuan Chen, Thomas Arthur Gadoury, Kamlesh Mundra, Andrew Maxwell Peter, Duncan George Watt
  • Publication number: 20140102074
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in conducting an eruption reaction are disclosed. The apparatus includes a catalytic solids container with a mouth and fluid egress opening and a trigger device or mechanism that allows for the controlled release of a catalytic solid into an eruptible fluid. The catalytic solids container may be adapted to be coupled to a container for an eruptible fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Steven D. Spangler
  • Publication number: 20140102075
    Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a jet pump that jets water rearward from a jet port, a reverse gate, a reverse gate moving mechanism, and a withdrawal controller. The reverse gate is movable in an up/down direction between a reverse drive position at which an entirety of the jet port is covered and a forward drive position at which the entirety of the jet port is open. In a state of being positioned at the reverse drive position, the reverse gate guides forward the water that has been guided to the jet port. The reverse gate moving mechanism includes an electric motor that generates power to move the reverse gate between the reverse drive position and the forward drive position, and a transmitting mechanism that connects the electric motor and the reverse gate. The withdrawal controller monitors malfunctions of the reverse gate moving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa KINOSHITA
  • Publication number: 20140102076
    Abstract: A turbofan engine has an engine case and a gaspath through the engine case. A fan has a circumferential array of fan blades. The engine further has a compressor, a combustor, a gas generating turbine, and a low pressure turbine section. A speed reduction mechanism couples the low pressure turbine section to the fan. A bypass area ratio is greater than about 6.0. The low pressure turbine section airfoil count to bypass area ratio ratio is below about 170.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul R. Adams, Shankar S. Magge, Joseph B. Staubach, Wesley K. Lord, Frederick M. Schwarz, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Publication number: 20140102077
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for detecting ammonia slip. In one example method, an amount of exhaust gas recirculation is reduced when output from an exhaust gas sensor indicates an increase in nitrogen oxide above a threshold amount. When the sensor output increases above a second threshold while the exhaust gas recirculation is reduced, the sensor output is allocated to nitrogen oxide; and when the sensor output does not increase above a second threshold while the exhaust gas recirculation is reduced, the sensor output is allocated to ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Riffle, Frank M. Korpics, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Devesh Upadhyay, John Paul Bogema, Jeff Reich
  • Publication number: 20140102078
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system and a regeneration control method thereof is configured to determine whether a regeneration condition of particulate filter is satisfied through vehicle information to regenerate the particulate filter until particulate matter has reached a predetermined reference amount by increasing temperature of exhaust gas when a regeneration condition is satisfied, to maintain temperature of lean NOx trap in a range of a predetermined reference temperature when regeneration of the particulate filter has reached the predetermined reference amount, to provide desulfurization performed to the lean NOx trap during rich burn, and regeneration where the particulate matter during lean burn is removed according to engine being controlled to drive such that lean burn and rich burn are repeatedly and alternately performed, and to control engine to drive by a normal burn when the desulfurization of the lean NOx trap and the regeneration of the particulate filter are completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jun Sung Park
  • Publication number: 20140102079
    Abstract: A regeneration method (10) for regenerating an adsorber (19), connected downstream of an internal combustion engine (13), of a motor vehicle (11) with a hybrid drive train is described. The internal combustion engine (13) is operated in a phase of rich combustion for regeneration of the adsorber (19). According to the description, an engine load (30) and/or an engine rotational speed (31) of the internal combustion engine (13) for the rich combustion is influenced by means of an electric machine (14) which can be coupled mechanically to the internal combustion engine (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Linzen, Leonhard Bartsch, Matthew Allen Schneider, Yasser Mohamed Sayed Yacoub, Jan Harmsen
  • Publication number: 20140102080
    Abstract: A system includes an internal combustion engine producing an exhaust gas, an aftertreatment system receiving the exhaust gas, the aftertreatment system including a particulate filter positioned upstream of an SCR catalyst component, and a urea injector operatively coupled to the aftertreatment system at a position upstream of the SCR catalyst component. The system further includes a controller that interprets an exhaust temperature value, an ambient temperature value, and a urea injection amount. The controller determines a urea deposit amount in response to the exhaust temperature value, the ambient temperature value, and the urea injection amount, and initiates a desoot regeneration event in response to the urea deposit amount. The desoot regeneration event includes operating the engine at a urea decomposition exhaust temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Chetan Ponnathpur
  • Publication number: 20140102081
    Abstract: A method for controlling ammonia generation in an exhaust gas feedstream output from an internal combustion engine equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment system including a first aftertreatment device includes executing an ammonia generation cycle to generate ammonia on the first aftertreatment device. A desired air-fuel ratio output from the engine and entering the exhaust aftertreatment system conducive for generating ammonia on the first aftertreatment device is determined. Operation of a selected combination of a plurality of cylinders of the engine is selectively altered to achieve the desired air-fuel ratio entering the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joel G. Toner, Kushal Narayanaswamy, Gerald A. Szekely, JR., Paul M. Najt
  • Publication number: 20140102082
    Abstract: A flexible line element (14), for an exhaust system (4) of an internal combustion engine (1), especially of a motor vehicle, includes a metal bellows (15), which is corrugated in a ring-shaped or helical pattern and through which an exhaust gas stream (8) can flow. The risk of deposition of urea and/or urea derivatives in the metal bellows (15) is reduced by a conical flow guide body (16), through which the exhaust gas stream (8) can flow, and which tapers in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas stream and which protrudes into an inlet area (17) of the metal bellows (15). The flexible line element (14) is combined with the flow guide body (16) integrated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heike TĂ–BBEN, Silvia CALVO
  • Publication number: 20140102083
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas system (10) for an internal combustion engine (12), having an exhaust gas path which includes at least in sections two parallel exhaust gas lines (34, 36), namely a main line (34) and an auxiliary line (36), an adsorber (46) for reversible sorption of unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) and/or nitrogen oxides (NOx) being situated in the auxiliary line (36); having an adjusting means (48) for selectively guiding an exhaust gas flow into the main line (34) and/or into the auxiliary line (36) and having a main catalytic converter (44) situated downstream from the parallel exhaust gas lines (33, 36). An exhaust gas flow-conducting, gas-permeable element (58) is provided upstream from the adsorber (46), which separates the auxiliary line (36) from the remaining exhaust gas flow-conducting areas. In addition, the adsorber (46) may also be equipped with a particle filtering function and/or a catalytic function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Jörg-Dieter Baetge, Alf Degen, Markus Paulovsky, Valeri Seiler, Peter Männel
  • Publication number: 20140102084
    Abstract: A device for injecting a liquid, particularly an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust gas flow has at least one atomizing nozzle which is designed as a two-component nozzle and by means of which the liquid is injected into the exhaust gas flow by means of pressurized air such that the liquid can be mixed with the pressurized air first directly upon exiting, or after exiting, the respective atomizing nozzle outside of the atomizing nozzle. The atomizing nozzle, or each atomizing nozzle, has a nozzle base body, a nozzle air cap and a nozzle insert which are formed as turning parts. The respective atomizing nozzle can be connected to a nozzle lance via the nozzle base body, and the nozzle air cap and the nozzle insert are received and held in the nozzle base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Plamen TOSHEV, Stephan SchlĂ¼ter
  • Publication number: 20140102085
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes an engine, a rotating frame, a vehicle body frame, a diesel particulate filtering device, a selective catalytic reduction device, and a connecting pipe. The diesel particulate filtering device and the selective catalytic reduction device are supported by a vehicle body frame. At least a portion of the connecting pipe includes an extendable bellows part. The connecting pipe connects the engine and the diesel particulate filtering device. The diesel particulate filtering device is located further away from the engine than the selective catalytic reduction device along a first direction on a horizontal plane. The first tubular body portion of the diesel particulate filtering device and the second tubular body portion of the selective catalytic reduction device are disposed apart from each other with a space therebetween in a plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD
    Inventors: Tadashi Mori, Manabu Himoto, Osamu Nishimura, Kenji Sanada
  • Publication number: 20140102086
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Moses Alexander Fridman, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20140102087
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a power transmission device that can efficiently transmit power. In the present power transmission device, a first stator is configured to direct a fluid to a turbine such that the turbine is rotated in a first rotational direction if a rotation restriction part allows the first stator and a second stator to be rotated in the first rotational direction. The first stator is configured to direct the fluid to the turbine such that the turbine is rotated in a second rotational direction if the rotation restriction part restricts the first stator and the second stator from being rotated in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Takao Fukunaga
  • Publication number: 20140102088
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a natural energy extraction apparatus which can extract kinetic energies of river water currents or tidal water currents at various depth layers, and which is easy to attach to the fixed structure above water current. A natural energy extraction apparatus comprises a float, a vertical-axis water turbine fixed to the float and extending downward, a power transmission device engaging an upper end of the float and converting rotational kinetic energy of the float to driving torque for driven equipment, and arm members supporting the power transmission device rotatably around a horizontal axis at one ends and supported by a fixed structure above a water current rotatably around a horizontal axis at the other ends, wherein the float and the vertical-axis water turbine are located in a river water current or tidal water current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ALBATROSS TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventor: Hiromichi Akimoto
  • Publication number: 20140102089
    Abstract: A valve of an accumulator device, which is formed by an accumulator cylinder and an accumulator piston guided therein, includes a valve sealing body. The valve sealing body is configured to selectively open and close a valve opening at a valve seat. The valve also includes an opening mechanism configured to selectively raise the valve sealing body from the valve seat. The opening mechanism is held by a spring element, and the spring element is formed by a punched and bent part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Mayer, Klaus-Peter Schmoll, Dietmar Kratzer, Edgar Kurz
  • Publication number: 20140102090
    Abstract: A release mechanism passively releases a mechanically coupling as a result of a temperature rise. The release mechanism includes a breakable element, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, that is configured to break when the element is heated to a predetermined temperature. The breakage of the breakable element releases a mechanical coupling, such as a coupling holding a lid onto a container. The release mechanism may be part of a handle or other device to close the container. The release mechanism may have a mechanical load on it prior to release, a load that in part passes through the breakable element. Most of the load may pass through one or more other members of the release mechanism, providing the force for separation after the release mechanism is triggered. The release mechanism may be used to provide a passive way of releasing a mechanical coupling in response to heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Douglas M. Beard, Anthony O. Lee
  • Publication number: 20140102091
    Abstract: A carrier housing is provided for a turbocharger arrangement to be fastened at an internal combustion engine comprising a fastening area for a mechanical fastening of the carrier housing at an internal combustion engine and with a first fastening flange for a mechanically fastening of a turbine of a high-pressure turbocharger at a carrier housing, a second fastening flange for the mechanical fastening of a turbine of a first low-pressure turbocharger at the carrier housing, and with a third fastening flange for a mechanical fastening of a turbine of a second low-pressure turbocharger at the carrier housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Walter Gauss
  • Publication number: 20140102092
    Abstract: Various methods for controlling a wastegate with an electric actuator including a bias are provided. In one example, the actuator is supplied with a first current when moving a wastegate valve toward a fully open position, and is supplied with a second current when moving a wastegate toward a fully closed position. The methods may ensure appropriate supply of boost to an engine even in the event of wastegate degradation while enabling engine downsizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Yan Wang, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
  • Publication number: 20140102093
    Abstract: A multistage turbocharging system provided with a first turbocharger, a second turbocharger, and an exhaust bypass valve device, in which a seal surface of the opening of the bypass flow passage that is abutted by the bottom surface of the valve body of the exhaust bypass valve device has a higher oxidation resistance than the housing of the second turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tomohiro HONMA, Kenji BUNNO, Fumihiko FUKUHARA
  • Publication number: 20140102094
    Abstract: A geothermal power generation system using heat exchange between working fluid and molten salt includes a heat collecting unit. A plurality of molten salt containing units are disposed in the ground at predetermined intervals from each other. A heat exchanging unit transfers a heat source of the heat collecting unit to the molten salt in the plurality of molten salt containing units. A plurality of working fluid containing units respectively surround the molten salt containing units and are disposed in the ground at predetermined intervals from each other. A turbine unit is connected to the plurality of working fluid containing units, and generates mechanical energy using steam energy that is generated by the plurality of working fluid containing units. A power generating unit is connected to the turbine unit, and generates electrical energy using the mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCE
    Inventors: Byoung Ohan Shim, Hyoung Chan Kim, Chanhee Park
  • Publication number: 20140102095
    Abstract: A geothermal power generation system using heat exchange between working gas and molten salt includes a heat collecting unit. A plurality of molten salt containing units are disposed in a heat transferring unit at predetermined intervals from each other. A heat exchanging unit transfers a heat source of the heat collecting unit to the molten salt in the plurality of molten salt containing units. The heat transferring unit is disposed in the ground. Working gas which receives the heat source of the molten salt via heat exchange enters and exits the heat transferring unit. A turbine unit is connected to the heat transferring unit, and generates mechanical energy using energy of the working gas. A power generating unit is connected to the turbine unit, and generates electrical energy using the mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Byoung Ohan Shim, Hyoung Chan Kim, Chanhee Park
  • Publication number: 20140102096
    Abstract: It is an object to supply stable motive power to a compressor even if load variations have occurred in an electric power station. Provided is a CO2 recovery system equipped with a CO2 compressor 12 that compresses recovered CO2 removed by a CO2 recovery unit 11, a steam turbine 13 that supplies motive power to the CO2 compressor 12, and an auxiliary motor 14 that, if there is a shortage of the motive power from the steam turbine 13, supplies the CO2 compressor with motive power in an amount corresponding to the shortage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Takahito Yonekawa, Masayuki Inui, Koji Nakayama, Tatsuya Tsujiuchi, Yoshiki Sorimachi
  • Publication number: 20140102097
    Abstract: Disclosed is an approach that uses an overload valve to operate a steam turbine reheat section. In one embodiment, the steam turbine reheat section receives a supply of reheated steam from a reheater at a first steam admission location via a reheat valve. The steam turbine reheat section is further adapted to receive a diverted portion of the reheated steam from the reheater at a second steam admission location via the overload valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Cornell, Raymond Pang
  • Publication number: 20140102098
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide heat engine systems and methods for recovering energy, such as by generating electricity from thermal energy. Generally, the heat engine system has a working fluid circuit containing a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) for absorbing thermal energy from the heat source stream via a heat exchanger. In one aspect, the method includes controlling a power turbine by modulating a turbo pump throttle valve and a power turbine bypass valve to adjust the flowrate of the working fluid entering the power turbine while monitoring and controlling process operation parameters of the heat engine system to synchronize the frequency of the power generator to the frequency of the electrical grid during a synchronization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Brett A. Bowan, Mike Vermeersch
  • Publication number: 20140102099
    Abstract: A power generation plant including a solar radiation receiver for heating a medium stream and a turbine assembly being arranged to receive the heated medium stream from the solar radiation receiver, said turbine assembly being coupled to an electric power generator, wherein a combustor is positioned downstream of the solar radiation receiver and upstream of the turbine assembly, an air compressor unit having a compressed air outlet is arranged to supply compressed combustion air to the combustor, and a steam generator is arranged to extract heat from an outlet flow from the turbine assembly, and to produce steam to be transmitted to a medium stream inlet of the solar radiation receiver and subsequently to combustor. The invention also related to a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: EUROTURBINE AB
    Inventors: Hans-Erik Hansson, Leif Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20140102100
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a safety system for multiple turbine stages for saturated steam applications. The system comprises an isolating system having the inter-stage pipes for isolating the turbine stages and for transferring steam from one stage to another stage. A draining system is connected to each seal housing, inlet casing, exit casing and inter stage pipe to drain out a condensed steam vapor during a passage of steam between two successive stages. The draining system comprises drain pipes and a condensate pot for collecting and storing condensed steam. A thermodynamic trap is attached to the drain pipes and condensate pot for removing the condensed steam vapors collected in the condensate pot and drain pipes without significant steam leakage. A control system is provided for detecting and stopping high speed rotation of rotor disk in turbine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: KRISHNA KUMAR BINDINGNAVALE RANGA
  • Publication number: 20140102101
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide heat engine systems and methods for recovering energy, such as by generating electricity from thermal energy. In one configuration, a heat engine system contains a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within a working fluid circuit, two heat exchangers configured to be thermally coupled to a heat source (e.g., waste heat), two expanders, two recuperators, two pumps, a condenser, and a plurality of valves configured to switch the system between single/dual-cycle modes. In another aspect, a method for recovering energy may include monitoring a temperature of the heat source, operating the heat engine system in the dual-cycle mode when the temperature is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and subsequently, operating the heat engine system in the single-cycle mode when the temperature is less than the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tao Xie, Michael Vermeersch, Timothy Held
  • Publication number: 20140102102
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method and a system for maintaining a constant power output from the low pressure stages of an extraction-condensing type steam turbine under the large variations of extraction or bleed. The method comprises of keeping the flow of working fluid to the low pressure stages constant for a wide range of variations in extraction. The embodiments herein utilizes a pressure reducing and de-superheating stations (PRDS) and an Auxiliary Quick Startâ„¢ turbine to maintain the constant flow of working fluid or alternatively two pressure reducing and de-superheating stations (PRDS) for the same. The Auxiliary Quick Startâ„¢ turbine or PRDS is used to maintain the constant power output from the low pressure stages of the extraction-condensing type steam turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: KRISHNA KUMAR BINDINGNAVALE RANGA
  • Publication number: 20140102103
    Abstract: A gas compressor includes a compressor unit having a compressor body for compressing gas and an electricity-generation device generating electricity by obtaining a driving force by vaporizing a working fluid utilizing exhaust heat generated by a compressing action in the compressor body and expanding the working fluid so as to utilize the power generated by the electricity-generation device as a power source, and includes a switch device switching between power from the electricity generation device and power from a commercial power supply to supply power to the power consumption equipment, and a control device detecting an electricity-generation amount or a value correlative to the electricity generation amount and switching between the powers by the switch device, thereby generating the power using exhaust heat as a heat source to surely drive an auxiliary machine by a simple configuration regardless of a shortage of the electricity generation amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro YAMAMOTO, Yuji KAMIYA, Masahiko TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20140102104
    Abstract: A marine propulsion and power supply for maritime vessels that includes an arrangement of modules that can be internal combustion engines, regenerative electric motors, engine generators, turbine generators and/or battery banks. These components can be arranged in such a way as to work together to increase efficiency and to utilize various fuel combinations to achieve the lowest overall operating cost or other goals whilst minimizing harmful emissions. Sensors can be used monitor various power parameters and can be coupled to a closed-loop in a control system to achieve vessel operating goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Brian L. Read
  • Publication number: 20140102105
    Abstract: A system for heating combustor fuel includes a turbine exhaust plenum and a heat exchanger downstream from the turbine exhaust plenum. The heat exchanger has an exhaust inlet, an exhaust outlet, a fuel inlet, and a fuel outlet. An exhaust recirculation plenum has a recirculation inlet connection downstream from the exhaust outlet and a recirculation outlet connection upstream from the exhaust inlet. The system further includes structure for controlling a recirculated exhaust flow from the exhaust outlet into the exhaust recirculation plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Durgaprasad Janapaneedi, Korey Frederic Rendo, Dean Matthew Erickson, Timothy Russell Bilton, Christina Renee Pompey
  • Publication number: 20140102106
    Abstract: A bulkhead panel is disclosed. The bulkhead panel may comprise a body having a body having a front surface and an opposite back surface, a fuel nozzle opening in the body and communicating through the front and back surfaces, and a plurality of effusion holes disposed in at least one row that surrounds and is generally concentric to the fuel nozzle opening. Each effusion hole may extend from the back surface to the front surface at an incline angle. Each effusion hole may be positioned at a clock angle from a reference line radially extending from a center of the fuel nozzle opening through a center of the effusion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy S. Snyder, John S. Tu
  • Publication number: 20140102107
    Abstract: A housing structure for a turbo-engine, especially for a gas turbine or an aircraft engine, includes an outer housing wall and an inner housing wall, the inner and outer housing walls annularly enclosing a flow channel for the turbo-engine and being spaced apart radially from the flow channel. At least one heat shield is arranged between the inner and outer housing walls, and a bar or a fixture projects at least somewhat radially from the inner housing wall. The bar or the fixture has on at least one side a broadening element that includes a sealing face against which the heat shield is positioned in a sealing manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: MANFRED FELDMANN, JANINE SANGL, SEBASTIAN KALTENBACH, JOACHIM LORENZ
  • Publication number: 20140102108
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle liner assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a first liner, a second liner spaced from the first liner by a gap, a seal assembly located at least partially within the gap to provide a continuous surface defined by the first liner, the seal assembly and the second liner, and a seal retainer to retain the seal assembly
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: George J. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20140102109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a propulsion system and a rocket having the same. The propulsion system includes: a combustion tube having a propellant therein; a nozzle installed at a rear end of the combustion tube, and configured to discharge combustion gas generated when the propellant is ignited; and a nozzle separation unit coupled to the combustion tube and the nozzle, respectively, and configured to mount the nozzle to the combustion tube, and configured to separate the nozzle from the combustion tube as at least part thereof melts when reaching a preset temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Byeong Yeol PARK, Song Hoe KOO, Ji Chang YOO, Young Dae DOH