Patents Issued in December 23, 2014
  • Patent number: 8915050
    Abstract: Sliced products are deposited in a shipping tray 10 by depositing a first row 71 of the sliced products in the center portion of the tray, moving the first row across the bottom of the tray to a first side wall, depositing a second row 72 of sliced products in the center portion of the tray, then moving the second row of sliced products to the opposite side wall, and depositing a third row 73 of the sliced products in the center portion of the tray. The lateral movement of the first and second rows of sliced products avoids obstruction by the perimeter rim of the tray and the endmost slices of the products tend to follow the curvature of the corners 17-20 of the shipping tray as they are moved toward the side walls of the shipping tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Maxwell Chase Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walsh, D'Anthony K. Moore
  • Patent number: 8915051
    Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card including a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card including a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: Sean McGonagle, Greg Pankow, J. Randolph Lewis, Victor Lee
  • Patent number: 8915052
    Abstract: A method and a device for screw capping vessels, in particular bottles, by measuring the power consumption of a linear drive system for lifting and lowering the closing head in a pick phase for picking up the respective closing cap and/or in a screw phase for screwing on the closing cap being, and by comparing that measured power consumption with at least one characteristic value of the power consumption to detect an imminent or occurred incorrect closure. In this manner, vessels can be closed at a low error rate and possibly incorrectly closed vessels can be discharged from a continuous product stream at a low error rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Andreas Dewert, Klaus Buchhauser, Günter Frankenberger
  • Patent number: 8915053
    Abstract: A head harness for a horse includes a browband linked, at the ends thereof, to two headpieces, each of which has, symmetrically on either side of the harness, two attachments arranged side by side, and in that, on the front headpiece, the cheek strap of the bit and one end of the throat latch are attached to the first attachment and to the second attachment, respectively, and in that, on the rear headpiece, the noseband cheep strap and one end of an auxiliary cheek strap and one end of an auxiliary cheep strap are attached to the first attachment and to the second attachment, respectively, the other end of said auxiliary cheek strap being attached onto the noseband cheek strap located on the other side of the harness, and in that the second attachment of the front headpiece that receives the throat latch and the second attachment of the rear headpiece that receives the auxiliary cheek strap are rigidly connected by a link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Emmanuelle Verger
    Inventor: Emmanuelle Verger
  • Patent number: 8915054
    Abstract: A rotor comprising a rotary housing and at least one oscillating arm, the oscillating arm comprising at least an internal part connected to the housing and an external part carrying tools, one of the parts comprising an engaging portion able to engage partially in an engaged portion of the other part, the portions each comprising at least one hole and being able to be assembled by a connecting device comprising at least one threaded element with a shoulder, the threaded element passing through each hole of the portions. The connecting device comprises an insert with at least one tapping able to be inserted inside the engaging portion, the threaded element is screwed in the tapping and the shoulder rests on the engaged portion to tighten the engaged portion against the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Cedric Speich
  • Patent number: 8915055
    Abstract: The spinning station of a spinning machine includes a yarn end disposal means, arranged between the outlet of the spinning device and the winding device, and with the aid of which an end section of the produced yarn is separated from the rest of the yarn and eliminated. Furthermore, a process for removing an end section of a yarn at a spinning station of a spinning machine prior to the subsequent piecing process is proposed, wherein the end section is gripped, cut off, and subsequently eliminated from the area of the spinning station with the aid of a yarn end disposal means arranged between the outlet of the spinning device and the winding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG
    Inventors: Adalbert Stephan, Josef Ludvícek, Gernot Schäffler
  • Patent number: 8915056
    Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding supplying lines used with a digging tool on a drilling machine is described. The device comprises a support branch, formed by a plurality of spacers, adjacent to one another in which a rope or tie-rod is inserted in a housing comprised in the spacers, a supplying pipe for the supplying line and a crosspiece comprising a seat adapted to support the supplying pipe. Each pair of adjacent spacers comprises retaining means. Each retaining means comprises a retaining element, associated to a first spacer of a pair of adjacent spacers, and a slot having a shape substantially matching the shape of the retaining element, associated to a second spacer of the pair of adjacent spacers. A retaining element, during use, engages with a slot allowing relative axial movement, in the longitudinal direction of the rope, of a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Soilmec S.p.A.
    Inventor: Davide Trevisani
  • Patent number: 8915057
    Abstract: A sump pressurization system for a gas turbine engine comprises a first hollow shaft and a second hollow shaft disposed within the first hollow shaft and defining a cavity therebetween. Each of the first and second hollow shafts has a common axis of rotation. Also included is a source of pressurized air to pressurize the cavity and a plurality of hollow tubes disposed in the cavity. The tubes are oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation and are connected to and rotatable with the first hollow shaft. A plurality of apertures in the second hollow shaft are in fluid communication with the tubes, such that pressurized air flowing through the tubes passes through the apertures into the interior of the second hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bala Corattiyil, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Bradley W Fintel, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Scott Wolfer
  • Patent number: 8915058
    Abstract: A heat transfer arrangement for a fluid-washed body having first and second ends and a fluid-washed surface extending there-between. The arrangement includes a heat transfer member extending from the first end at least part way along the body towards the second end. A heat source is arranged in use to heat the heat transfer member in the vicinity of the first end of the body. A plurality of thermal control layers are provided on the heat transfer member, each of the layers having a different thermal conductivity and being juxtaposed so as to create a thermal conductivity profile which varies along the length of the member. The arrangement may be used for prevention of icing of an aerofoil body such as a blade, vane or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: David S Knott, Alexis Lambourne, Andrew M Rolt, Cosimo Buffone
  • Patent number: 8915059
    Abstract: A method is provided for modifying a fuel control system for a gas turbine having a standard unloading sequence and a pre-defined minimum inlet pressure requirement associated with the standard unloading sequence to allow the gas turbine to operate over an increased range of fuel supply pressure. The method includes modifying the fuel control system by inputting a modified unloading sequence onto a computing system operatively associated with the fuel control system, the modified unloading sequence comprising a series of operating modes, mode transfers, or a combination thereof that is different than the standard unloading sequence; and modifying the fuel control system by inputting a new defined minimum inlet pressure requirement for the modified unloading sequence onto the computing system, the new defined minimum inlet pressure requirement being less than the pre-defined minimum inlet pressure requirement thereby reducing a fuel supply pressure trip point for the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Pradeep Rentala
  • Patent number: 8915060
    Abstract: A method of varying a fan duct throat area of a gas turbine engine may include non-pivotably moving a fan nozzle outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine during axially aft translation of the fan nozzle without activating a thrust reverser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dean L. Parham
  • Patent number: 8915061
    Abstract: A propulsion system and an aircraft that includes the propulsion system are provided. The propulsion system includes an engine and a cowling that surrounds at least a portion of the engine. The propulsion system also includes an inlet. The inlet includes a compression surface that is upstream and external to the cowling. The compression surface can slow air flow from a supersonic speed to a subsonic speed before the air flow enters the cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Thomas Anderson, John D. Klinge, Kenneth J. Hajic, Zachary S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8915062
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine operating at a lean air/fuel ratio includes a reductant injection system configured to dispense reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream upstream of a selective catalytic reduction device. The reductant injection system includes a reductant delivery system fluidly coupled to a reductant dispensing device that is configured to dispense the reductant. A method for monitoring the reductant injection system includes commanding the reductant dispensing device to dispense reductant at a prescribed reductant flowrate, controlling the reductant delivery system to a preferred operating state, monitoring operation of the reductant delivery system and estimating a reductant flowrate as a function of the monitored operation of the reductant delivery system, and diagnosing operation of the reductant injection system as a function of the prescribed reductant flowrate and the estimated reductant flowrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Charles E. Solbrig, Stephen Paul Levijoki
  • Patent number: 8915063
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for controlling NOx emissions based on the calculation of an error given by the difference between a first measured value obtained from a NOx sensor (7) and a second one estimated from a NOx estimation. Said sensor (7) can be used in an adaptation loop, where an open-loop or closed-loop EGR control system is adapted such that the expected NOx emissions (from the EGR controller) match the ones measured with the NOx sensor under steady-state conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Iveco Motorenforschung AG
    Inventor: Theophil Auckenthaler
  • Patent number: 8915064
    Abstract: A flow device for an exhaust treatment system includes a base and at least one flow deflector tube secured to the base. The flow deflector tube includes a flow inlet, a flow outlet, and a passage that extends through the flow deflector tube from the flow inlet to the flow outlet. The flow outlet is at an angled orientation to the flow inlet. A method of mixing reactants and exhaust in an exhaust treatment system includes the steps of injecting reactants into exhaust gases flowing through an exhaust conduit used to convey the exhaust gases from an engine. Bent tubes are disposed in the exhaust conduit and used to mix the exhaust gases and the reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Dean Blaisdell, Karthik Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 8915065
    Abstract: In one example, a method of operating an engine having a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle, the particulate filter having a length and depth, includes performing particulate filter regeneration in response to temperature variation across the length and/or depth of the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Avra Brahma, Michiel van Nieuwstadt
  • Patent number: 8915066
    Abstract: A device for evaporating a urea-water solution includes a delivery duct for the urea-water solution. The delivery duct extends through at least a first zone and a second zone for the introduction of heat energy. The zones can be heated separately from one another and, in the second zone, the delivery duct initially has a meandering course in a second inlet region, and thereafter has a rectilinear course. A method for evaporating a urea-water solution includes pre-heating the urea-water solution in the first zone to a temperature in a range from 100° C. to 150° C. and evaporating the urea-water solution in the second zone at a temperature in a range from 420° C. to 490° C. In particular, this significantly reduces the tendency for such an exhaust-gas-external evaporator for a urea-water solution to become blocked. A motor vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Christian Vorsmann, Jan Hodgson, Sven Schepers
  • Patent number: 8915067
    Abstract: Provided is a diesel engine which can efficiently regenerate a diesel particulate filter. The control for regeneration using an ECU includes a first regeneration by burning particulate matter at slightly more than 300° C. for 20 minutes when the accumulation of particulate matter exceeds a first threshold; a second regeneration by burning particulate matter at approximately 560° C. for 30 minutes by an additional injection to remove particulate matter other than ash when the accumulation of particulate matter exceeds the first threshold for a first predetermined period of time, or every 100 hours; and a third regeneration by burning particulate matter at approximately 600° C. for 15 minutes by an additional injection to remove particulate matter other than ash when the accumulation of particulate matter exceeds a second threshold and an emergency regeneration switch is pushed, or after 50 hours since the second or third regeneration and the emergency regeneration switch is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oohashi, Tomohiro Fukuda, Taichi Togashi
  • Patent number: 8915068
    Abstract: A device (40) for reducing pollutants, in particular nitrogen oxides, in an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine, includes a reducing agent (46), in particular a urea-water solution, which is stored in a storage tank (42), a metering module, in particular a nozzle (68), for injecting the reducing agent (46) into the exhaust gas flow, and a pump (56, 100) for delivering the reducing agent (46) from a suction point (62) in the storage tank (42) to the metering module via lines (58, 66). A pump (56, 100) lies beneath a reducing agent level (44) in the storage tank (42), and a non-return valve is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Haeberer
  • Patent number: 8915069
    Abstract: Arrangement for introducing a liquid medium into exhaust gases from a combustion engine: an exhaust gas line (2), an injection chamber (3) bounded in radial directions by a tubular wall (8), an injector (13) injects the liquid medium into the injection chamber; a mixing duct (14) to which the injection chamber has an outlet (10) for delivering exhaust gases; a bypass duct (15) which has an outlet (17) via which it is connected to the mixing duct, and an endwall (7) at the injection chamber's downstream end and demarcating the chamber from the mixing duct, such that the chamber's outlet is situated at the periphery of the endwall. The outlet of the bypass duct is close to the outlet of the injection chamber so that the exhaust gases which flow into the mixing duct via the chamber's outlet will collide with the exhaust gases which flow into the mixing duct via the outlet of the bypass duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CV Ab (Publ)
    Inventor: Peter Loman
  • Patent number: 8915070
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Patent number: 8915071
    Abstract: Provided is an exhaust gas purifying device which can improve handling work ability such as maintenance of an engine while it can improve a purifying performance of an exhaust gas of the engine. The exhaust gas purifying device is provided with a plurality of gas purifying bodies which purifies the exhaust gas discharged by the engine, a plurality of inside cases which are inward provided with the gas purifying bodies, and outside which are inward provided with the inside cases. An outlet end portion of an inside case in an exhaust gas upstream side and an inlet end portion of an in an exhaust gas downstream side are superposed as a double structure. Sensor boss bodies for supporting exhaust gas sensors are arranged in an outside surface of the outlet end portion or the inlet end portion of the double structure. The sensor boss bodies are extended to an outside direction of the outside case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masataka Mitsuda
  • Patent number: 8915072
    Abstract: An exhaust port structure of a cylinder head includes a connection pipe communicating with a plurality of exhaust ports of the cylinder head and an exhaust hole connected to the connection pipe and performing a function of an exhaust manifold, wherein the connection pipe has an EGR line integrally formed and connected thereto and each of the exhaust ports is formed with the same shape or a symmetrical shape, and the present invention can reduce the weight of the cylinder head and the manufacturing cost and improve the EGR rate and T/C efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Woo Ko, Hyunwook Ryu
  • Patent number: 8915073
    Abstract: A fluid power device, method and system, the device including a passive, latent, integrally formed fluid reservoir member designed for operable communication with a transmission system, the reservoir member capable of at least absorbing any pressure increases in the transmission system and providing fluid back into the transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Theobald
  • Patent number: 8915074
    Abstract: A method for determining whether an accumulator is filled to a predetermined level with a hydraulic fluid includes commanding a current to a solenoid, providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the accumulator, setting a timer to an initial value, incrementing the timer, determining if the timer is greater than a timer threshold value, measuring a current to the solenoid if the timer is greater than the timer threshold value, calculating a modified current as a function of the measured current, the timer value, and the commanded current, comparing the modified current to a threshold, and determining that the accumulator is filled to the predetermined level if the modified current is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 8915075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control arrangement for a mobile machine tool, particularly for a forklift, comprising at least two hydraulic loads (10, 12), one of them having a lifting function. According to the invention, the two loads are each controlled via a LUDV valve with inflow measuring diaphragm (36, 44) and LUDV pressure regulator (46) connected downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Keyl, Vincenzo Domenico Bollero
  • Patent number: 8915076
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes an engine driven main pump and an electrical motor driven auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to shift control subsystems during a vehicle launch while the main pump provides hydraulic fluid to cooler or lubrication subsystems during the vehicle launch. A pressure regulation valve regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the main pump. Once the main pump reaches a critical speed, the main pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to the hydraulic control system and the auxiliary pump is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Zhe Xie, Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, James M. Hart, Steven P. Moorman
  • Patent number: 8915077
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising at least one floating power plant body and means for converting movement of the floating power plant body into a rotary motion for power take off. The floating power plant body (1) is adapted to perform a gyrating motion in response to waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Wello Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 8915078
    Abstract: A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GWAVE LLC
    Inventor: Glenn L. Beane
  • Patent number: 8915079
    Abstract: A brake actuator unit capable of improving the pedal feeling. The brake actuator unit includes a housing, a master cylinder connected to one end of the housing and provided therein with first and second pistons arranged in parallel to each other, an operating fluid reservoir coupled to an upper portion of the master cylinder to store operating fluid, a simulator accommodated in the master cylinder to provide repulsive force to a pedal, an input shaft moving back and forth according to an operation of the pedal, a control plunger slidably moving back and forth together with the input shaft, first and second output shafts positioned corresponding to first and second pistons to move back and forth together with the control plunger, and a pedal displacement sensor connected to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Hyup Bae, Hong Ki Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Patent number: 8915080
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure generator for a hydraulic vehicle brake system for the regulated generation of a hydraulic brake pressure in a brake circuit, the pressure generator having a multiple-piston pump for delivering a brake fluid with at least two pump pistons and associated pressure chambers, on which the pump pistons act, an actuator for actuating the multiple-piston pump, and a fluid feed line which extends to the pressure chambers and is configured for connection to a storage container, in which a hydraulic fluid is stored. At least one valve is arranged in the fluid feed line and divides the latter into a first section which is arranged upstream of the valve and into a second section which is arranged downstream of the valve, the valve being configured to optionally at least partly shut off or open the second section of the fluid feed line and therefore to control the fluid supply of at least one pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Boris Köth
  • Patent number: 8915081
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a compressor disposed in an intake system configured to compress combustion air and deliver it to cylinders of the engine. A compressor inlet assembly has a combustion air inlet, in fluid communication with, and configured to receive combustion air from the intake system. A combustion air passage extends through the assembly to an outlet located downstream of the inlet and is configured for fluid communication with the compressor. An EGR mixing conduit is disposed within the compressor inlet assembly and has an EGR inlet configured for fluid communication with, and receipt of EGR from, an EGR supply conduit. An EGR passage extends from the EGR inlet to an EGR supply annulus disposed about the combustion air inlet opening and a plurality of EGR ports extend between the EGR supply annulus and the combustion air passage for delivery of EGR thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker
  • Patent number: 8915082
    Abstract: An engine is described having an engine control unit and two or more hydraulically operated wheels, wherein a fluid is flowed from an accumulator to the engine via the first wheel to assist in acceleration of the turbocharger in response to an acceleration signal from the engine control system and wherein the fluid is flowed from the engine to the accumulator via the second wheel to decelerate the turbocharger in response to a deceleration signal from the engine control unit. In one particular embodiment, the second wheel absorbs energy from the turbocharger in response to the deceleration signal from the engine control unit to decelerate the turbocharger. In some embodiments, the hydraulically operated wheels may be positioned on the same shaft of, and between, the turbine and compressor of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Huimin Sun, David R. Hanna, Michael Levin, Eric Warren Curtis, F. Zafar Shaikh
  • Patent number: 8915083
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor powered apparatus for generating electric power. Embodiments of the present invention include a storage tank containing a working fluid having a boiling point less than 160° F., a heating source that vaporizes at least a portion of the working fluid to provide a working pressure of the vaporized working fluid, and a pressure motor that converts the working pressure of the vaporized working fluid into mechanical motion. The vaporized working fluid exiting the pressure motor is captured, condensed and returned to the storage tank. Preferably, at least some of the components of the apparatus are hermetically sealed by an outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 8915084
    Abstract: A system and method to extract heat energy from underground heat sources, then transport that heat to the surface in the form of a high temperature liquid or gas, and deliver the contaminant-free heat energy to a surface user of heat. The heat captured in the working fluid of the system is gained by heat transfers and can be extracted from the in situ combustion of any oil sands, heavy oil, conventional or unconventional oil, bitumen, coal, conventional or unconventional natural gas, methane or oil shales, or from various other sources. The invention creates a closed circulation system, in which the working fluid and steam circulating in the system are protected from any direct contact with the hydrocarbon reservoir, and gases produced by the in situ combustion are sequestered in the reservoir by the overlying overburden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: 7238703 Canada Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Rogers, Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8915085
    Abstract: A bleed assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes: a duct having an inlet and an outlet; a bleed valve that controls the flow of bleed fluid into the inlet; and a dome-shaped diffuser screen which covers the outlet. The diffuser screen has a plurality of through-holes for passage of the bleed fluid. Each through-hole has one or more nearest-neighbour through-holes at a nearest-neighbour spacing. At the periphery of the diffuser screen, the average nearest-neighbour spacing of the through-holes at a given radial distance from the centre of the diffuser screen increases with increasing radial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Quentin L. Balandier, John P. Vardy
  • Patent number: 8915086
    Abstract: A system for controlling combustion dynamics is provided. The system includes a combustor having a combustion chamber and an inlet for feeding a fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber. The system also includes a dome plate at an upstream end of the combustion chamber. The system further includes a liner along a length of the combustion chamber. The system also includes an actuator configured to control one or more recirculating zones in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chukwueloka Obiora Umeh, Joel Meier Haynes, Jeffrey Scott Goldmeer
  • Patent number: 8915087
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transferring heat from a transition nozzle. The transition nozzle includes a transition portion, a nozzle portion integrally formed with the transition portion, and at least one surface feature configured to transfer heat away from the transition portion and/or the nozzle portion. The transition portion is oriented to channel the combustion gases towards the nozzle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Weston McMahan, Ronald James Chila, David Richard Johns
  • Patent number: 8915088
    Abstract: A method for controlling a flow of fuel to a starting gas turbine engine includes controlling the flow of fuel to the engine by controlling fuel pressure to the engine, and modulating the flow of fuel to the engine if engine exhaust gas temperature approaches a given exhaust gas temperature to lower the engine exhaust gas temperature below the given exhaust gas temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Andre M. Ajami, Kenneth W. Winston, Xiaolan Hu
  • Patent number: 8915089
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting and controlling flashback and flame holding in a combustor of a gas turbine. The system includes at least one flame indicator disposed in a combustor and at least one detector disposed downstream from the flame indicator. The flame indicator may be configured to produce light when exposed to a flame and the detector may be configured to detect the light produced by the flame indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey David Myers, Timothy Joseph Rehg, Timothy Andrew Healy, Anthony Wayne Krull
  • Patent number: 8915090
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes first and second stages having a rotational axis. A circumferential array of airfoils is arranged axially between the first stage and the second stage. At least one of the airfoils have a curvature provided equidistantly between pressure and suction sides. The airfoils extend from a leading edge to a trailing edge at a midspan plane along the airfoil. An angle is defined between first and second lines respectively tangent to the intersection of the midspan plane and the curvature at airfoil leading and trailing edges. The angle is equal to or greater than about 10°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Praisner, Shankar S. Magge, Matthew B. Estes
  • Patent number: 8915091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle that operates in a heating mode, a cooling mode or a demisting mode. In some embodiments, the system includes a first circuit having first pump for circulating a first medium therein, a second circuit having a second pump for circulating a second medium therein and a thermoelectric module having a first surface in thermal contact with the first medium and a second surface in thermal contact with the second medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Patent number: 8915092
    Abstract: A heat pump system for conditioning regeneration air from a space is provided. The heat pump system is operable in a winter mode and/or a summer mode. The system includes an energy recovery module that receives and conditions air in a regeneration air channel. A pre-processing module is positioned downstream of the energy recovery module. The pre-processing module receives and heats air from the energy recovery module. A regeneration air heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the pre-processing module. The regeneration air heat exchanger receives and conditions air from the pre-processing module. The pre-processing module heats the air from the energy recovery module to increase an efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Venmar CES, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Gerber, Can Wen Rong
  • Patent number: 8915093
    Abstract: Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8915094
    Abstract: A bypass device of a refrigerator connected to an inrush current preventing device bypasses an input power when the input power is applied to the refrigerator, and a controller controls the input power input through the inrush current preventing device in response to a voltage measured by a voltage measuring device, recovers a function of the inrush current preventing device, and drives a compressor. Therefore, a standby time to re-drive the refrigerator is decreased and convenience is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Yoo Yoo, Chang Oh Kim
  • Patent number: 8915095
    Abstract: An environmental conditioning system has a compressor for compressor air in an air flow path. A turbine drives the compressor and is coupled to the compressor. An evaporator is in communication with the compressor. The evaporator is configured to cool air from the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Douglas L. Christians
  • Patent number: 8915096
    Abstract: A method for producing a silica container includes forming a preliminarily molded substrate, wherein a first powdered raw material is fed to an inner wall of an outer frame having aspiration holes while rotating the outer frame; forming a preliminarily molded intermediate layer, wherein a second powdered raw material added with an aluminum compound or a crystal nucleating agent as an additive is fed to an inner wall of the preliminarily molded substrate; and forming an inner layer, wherein the preliminarily molded substrate and the preliminarily molded intermediate layer are degassed by aspiration from a peripheral side with heating from an inside forming a substrate and an intermediate layer, and a third powdered raw material having a high silica purity is spread from inside the substrate having the formed intermediate layer with heating from the inside forming an inner layer on an inner surface of the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Quartz Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamagata, Tomomi Usui
  • Patent number: 8915097
    Abstract: Producing a silica container includes forming a powder mixture by adding an Al compound or a crystal nucleating agent into a first powdered raw material; preliminarily molding to an intended shape by feeding the powder mixture to an inner wall of an outer frame while rotating the outer frame having aspiration holes; forming a silica substrate; and forming a transparent silica glass layer on an inner surface of the silica substrate, wherein the preliminarily molded article is degassed by aspiration from a peripheral side and heated from inside the preliminarily molded article at high temperature making a peripheral part of the preliminarily molded article to a sintered body while an inner part to a fused glass body, and a second powdered raw material having a higher silica purity than the first powdered raw material is spread from inside the silica substrate and heated from the inside at high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Quartz Products Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamagata, Tomomi Usui
  • Patent number: 8915098
    Abstract: Cooling of downhole components is effected using an expendable refrigerant, such as water. Refrigerant, in thermal communication with a component to be cooled, is evaporated in an evaporator. Vapor is removed from the evaporator and released into a borehole, in order to cool the component. A pump may be used to remove the vapor from the evaporator and force the vapor into the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 8915100
    Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes the steps of: an optical fiber fixing step of fixing two parts of the optical fiber; a first heating step of heating a tip end side part of the optical fiber between two fixed parts fixed in the optical fiber fixing step, and melting the optical fiber of the tip end side heating part; a second heating step of heating a part on a base end side of the optical fiber between the fixed parts away from the tip end side heating part in a state that two parts of the optical fiber are fixed, and making the holes of the optical fiber disappear; and a removing step of removing the tip end side heating part after the second heating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Tachikura, Yoshiyuki Hiramoto