Combined Devices Patents (Class 123/2)
  • Publication number: 20100127507
    Abstract: A converter converts mechanical energy of a piston to and from electrical energy during each piston cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, William H. Gates, III, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20100089340
    Abstract: Improvements in the device and method of providing portable electrical, hydraulic and compressed air power to a variety of job site applications requiring the use of hand held industrial tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffery Givens
  • Publication number: 20100089062
    Abstract: This invention provides heat engines based on various structures of internal combustion engines, such as a four-stroke piston-type combustion engine, two-stroke piston-type combustion engine, rotary combustion engine, or a free-piston type combustion engine. Said heat engine is provided with at least a heating chamber per piston or rotor, a heat exchanger unit disposed within said heating chamber through which thermal energy is extracted from a heat source and at least a port leading to a working chamber space from said heating chamber, and has a significantly increased heat transfer duration from the heat source to the working fluid within said heating chamber without increasing the number of strokes per power stroke in a cycle. Additionally, said heat engine is provided with an over expansion mechanism in conjunction with a compression means for intake charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Yiding Cao
  • Publication number: 20100071636
    Abstract: An electro-magnetic internal combustion engine having means to operate in an electro-magnetic configuration, in an internal combustion configuration, and in an electro-magnetic internal combustion combination configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Shimon ELMALEH
  • Patent number: 7673589
    Abstract: An engine-driven work machine is provided in which elastic support members (11, 11) are disposed between a lower part of a work unit (U) having an engine (3) and a frame (2) having the work unit (U) mounted thereon, the elastic support members (11, 11) being disposed beneath a crankshaft (17) of the engine on either side of a vertical plane (V) passing through the axis of the crankshaft (17), and restricting means (122) is provided between the work unit (U) and the frame (2), the restricting means (122) restricting the amplitude of swing of the work unit (U) around the crankshaft (17) to within a predetermined angle, and the restricting means (122) being disposed between upper parts of the work unit (U) and the frame (2). Even when the work unit receives a large external force in the lateral direction, swing of the work unit can thereby be restricted to within the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yuji Shimada, Hiromi Kakoo
  • Publication number: 20100012052
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive, developed as a parallel hybrid, and having a drive train, especially for a motor vehicle, having at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electrical machine device or a hydraulic machine device, a separating clutch being situated between the internal combustion engine and the electrical or hydraulic machine device and, as seen in the drive direction, the electrical or the hydraulic machine device is postconnected to the internal combustion engine, the separating clutch being separated in the overrun condition if a specifiable drag torque is able to be absorbed by the electrical or the hydraulic machine device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Ruprecht Anz, Michael Werner, Oliver Fautz, Michael Glora
  • Patent number: 7642665
    Abstract: A portable genset with an engine driving a generator mounted to a frame and positioned within an enclosure. The enclosure includes front and rear hoods that are hingedly mounted adjacent opposite ends of the genset. The hoods may be hinged open to permit access to either of the engine or the generator. The genset may also include a tongue with a hitch mounted an outer end permitting the genset to be towed. The tongue may be movable between an extended position and a generally vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Chad O. Konop, Daniel J. Petrazak
  • Publication number: 20090322098
    Abstract: A new approach to achieving greater fuel efficiencies in the design and implementation of hybrid automotive vehicles. Efficiency and power benefits accrue from the integration of electric motor components into various components of combustion-fueled engines, thus obviating the need for much separate equipment, such as discrete electric motor(s) and gear arrangements in order to obtain hybrid operation. Among other things, a significant savings of weight in the vehicle and increased control of the coordination between combustion-fueled and electric motor propulsion of the vehicle is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20090283058
    Abstract: Reformulated fuel system for engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Dean Modroukas, Jason S. Tyll, John C. Leylegian, Florin Girlea, Richard Perlman
  • Publication number: 20090277400
    Abstract: An integrated expansion turbine/electrical generator assembly (collectively referred to as a “turbo-generator”) suitable for use in waste heat recovery and similar applications. The turbo-generator uses a common shaft mounting a one or more stage expansion turbine and a homopolar electrical generator. Magnetic levitating axial and thrust bearings are used to hold the common shaft in its proper position with a fixed housing. The magnetic bearings minimize frictional losses, allowing the common shaft to spin at a very high rotational velocity. Sensor rings continually monitor the common shaft's position. This information is used by control electronics to regulate the magnetic bearings in order to hold the rotating shaft's position. Electrical energy is extracted from the rotating shaft in the form of a direct current. Preferably integrated power-switching electronics are used to generate single or three-phase AC power, which can be phase-matched to an existing power grid or other application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald David Conry
  • Patent number: 7589429
    Abstract: An energy generating module comprises an enclosure, an energy generating device, a fuel chamber, and one or more sealable ports. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel chamber comprises a primary containment tank contained within a secondary containment tank, the primary and secondary containment tanks separated by one or more interstitial spaces. The enclosure comprises a plurality of exterior enclosure walls and a plurality of interior enclosure walls that cooperate to form the secondary containment tank such that the primary containment tank is disposed between the exterior enclosure walls and the interior enclosure walls. In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior enclosure walls and the interior enclosure walls cooperate to form a single-walled fuel chamber disposed between the exterior and interior enclosure walls of the energy generating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: F3 & I2, LLC
    Inventor: Jefferey Allen Hunter
  • Publication number: 20090211253
    Abstract: The shaft (20) of an engine (19) is coupled to a turbine (28) of an organic Rankine cycle subsystem which extracts heat (45-48, 25) from engine intake air, coolant, oil, EGR and exhaust. Bypass valves (92,94, 96, 99) control engine temperatures. Turbine pressure drop is controlled via a bypass valve (82) or a mass flow control valve (113). A refrigeration subsystem having a compressor (107) coupled to the engine shaft uses its evaporator (45a) to cool engine intake air. The ORC evaporator (25a) may comprise a muffler including pressure pulse reducing fins (121, 122), some of which have NOx and/or particulate reducing catalysts thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas D. Radcliff, Bruce P. Biederman, Kent R. McCord, Lili Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090211825
    Abstract: A method for operating a combustion engine, in which at least one electric motor for providing drive assistance is activated at least intermittently in a normal driving mode having a requested drive power. It is provided that the combustion engine is operated selectively in steady-state or dynamic fashion as a function of a selected combustion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Karsten Mann, Markus Hernier
  • Publication number: 20090205335
    Abstract: In a domestic energy supply system, the thermal energy of the temperature difference between at least one heat source and at least one heat sink is converted into work by way of a thermal engine. The thermal engine has a fluid cycle with at least two reservoirs, which, in each case as a condenser to be cooled or an evaporator to be heated, are thermally coupled to the heat source or the heat sink. A working temperature difference between the reservoirs of approximately 10° to 200° C. is set at a working temperature of 30° to 280° C. The thermal engine has a hybrid motor in the form of a combination of a pressure media motor and an internal combustion engine, in which firstly a pressure difference of the fluid as a result of the working temperature difference is used for driving purposes and secondly fuel is combusted and converted into work. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Karl Wohlleib
  • Publication number: 20090199789
    Abstract: The idea that I am seeking to patent is the process of manufacturing and storing pressurized air to be injected into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine for ignition of the fuel. Unlike a standard engine, that continuously compresses air during every engine cycle, this engine will only compress the air that it needs for combustion or other functions. This compressive optimization saves the energy that would have been used to compress air continuously, thus significantly improving fuel economy. This requires the use of a storage facility. When the storage facility is pressurized to a predetermined amount this engine will no longer compress air. As the air is used and the storage facility pressure decreases to a predetermined amount, the compression cylinders valves may be aligned to raise the air pressure in the storage facility back up to the predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Danny Franklin Beard
  • Publication number: 20090194041
    Abstract: A system includes a shipping container having air inlets at each end and an air outlet at a top and approximate center. The system includes two engines positioned one on each side of a center region, with two generators—each positioned between one of the engines and an end of the container. The center region includes a fuel tank and an air director. An air flow path on each side flows air in the air inlet, over the generator, over the engine, through an engine radiator, mixes the air with exhaust from the engine, and flows out the air outlet. The system maximizes an exhaust flow path length back to the air inlet to prevent exhaust gas recirculation. The system further configures the exhaust air to be heated and released at a higher location than the inlet to minimize potential exhaust gas recirculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Kent A. Lobsiger
  • Publication number: 20090194067
    Abstract: A power management system, in certain aspects, may utilize direct load sensing feedback from the prime mover (e.g., engine), thereby reducing the possibility of overloading the prime mover. The use of direct load sense feedback from the prime mover can then be used with additional feedback, such as prime mover RPM feedback and individual output load sensing feedback, to directly control the output loads and set the primary power sources rpm set-point to better manage the power available and reduce the possibility of overloading the primary power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Peotter, Ross Renner
  • Patent number: 7557458
    Abstract: A soundproof type engine generator has a first external air inlet and a second external air inlet formed on a soundproof case K. A first cooling passage guides external air drawn in through the first external air inlet through a duct to a first fan, then from the first fan to a generator and discharges the air out of the soundproof case K. A second cooling passage guides external air drawn in through the second external air inlet to an engine using a second fan and then discharges the air out of the soundproof case The first fan is made up of a disk-like planar part, a plurality of first blades and a plurality of second blades, respectively provided radially on both head and tail sides of the planar part. External air drawn with the plurality of first blades through the first external air inlet is guided through the duct to the generator, and discharged out of the soundproof case. Air in the soundproof case is discharged with the plurality of second blades out of the soundproof case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, Hidenori Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090112368
    Abstract: Ground support equipment for servicing an airplane includes a ground support equipment cart upon which are mounted at least two equipment modules and a control module. A first equipment module mounted upon the cart contains ground support equipment for servicing an airplane and also has a network connection, and at least one additional equipment module mounted upon the cart contains additional ground support equipment for servicing an airplane and also has a network connection. The control module has a user display and user controls that are connected to a control processor which has a network connection. The user display and the user controls serve as a shared control panel for the ground support equipment contained in the modules mounted upon the cart. A network interconnects the network connections of the modules mounted upon the cart. The control processor can cause the user display to present a menu listing various types or classes of airplanes for selection by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: James W. Mann, III, Jeffrey E. Montminy, Steven E. Bivens, David Wayne Leadingham
  • Patent number: 7523724
    Abstract: A method of and system for reducing engine environmental atmospheric pollution emissions from a vehicle having a combustion engine utilizing hydrocarbon fuel for at least one of propulsion and auxiliary electrical power is disclosed. The method basically includes providing an unprocessed bulk fuel storage container and a clean processed fuel tank on the vehicle, supplying the engine for propulsion with fuel from the unprocessed fuel storage container when the vehicle is beyond a predetermined distance from an area having environmental restrictions passing a portion of unprocessed fuel through a desulphurization process to fill a clean fuel storage container while the vehicle is in motion and supplying the combustion engine for one of propulsion and auxiliary electrical power from clean fuel in the processed fuel storage container when the vehicle is within an area having environmental restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Anand Chellappa
  • Publication number: 20090065652
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a turbine with an exhaust manifold thereabout from which fluids can be transferred to the turbine and an air compressor having an air transfer duct extending therefrom so as to be capable to provide compressed air in that air transfer duct at one end thereof to the air intake of an internal combustion engine provided as an intermittent combustion engine. The air intake and an exhaust outlet are each coupled to combustion chambers therein and a rotatable output shaft is also coupled to those combustion chambers for generating force. The exhaust outlet has an exhaust transfer duct extending therefrom so as to have the intermittent combustion engine be capable to provide exhaust therefrom in that exhaust transfer duct at one end thereof, and the exhaust transfer duct being connected at an opposite end thereof to the exhaust manifold to be capable of transferring intermittent combustion engine exhaust thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Brian M. Fentress, Charles E. Lents
  • Publication number: 20080314338
    Abstract: In order to provide a handheld work machine that does not require expensive start circuitry for the critical start-up phase of the combustion engine, and in which nevertheless the required constant supply voltage for the engine is present in order to achieve optimum starting behaviour, a handheld work machine is provided with at least one combustion engine which in operation requires a supply voltage, and with a voltage generator that supplies a generator voltage that depends on the rotary speed of the combustion engine, which generator voltage is used to generate the supply voltage, wherein the handheld work machine is electrically connected to an additional voltage source that prior to starting the combustion engine provides the required supply voltage that at this point in time is not yet present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Carsten Ziegs
  • Patent number: 7461617
    Abstract: An engine-driven work machine is provided in which an engine/work machine unit (5) and an exhaust muffler (23) are housed in a box (30), the box (30) is provided with a cooling air passage (44) that passes the area around the engine/work machine unit (5) and the exhaust muffler (23), and a cooling fan (15) driven by the engine (2) is disposed in the cooling air passage (44), wherein the box (30) is provided with blocking means (51) for blocking the cooling air passage (44) between the engine (2) and the exhaust muffler (23) when running of the engine (2) is stopped. The heat of the high temperature exhaust muffler can thus be prevented from affecting the engine/work machine unit even when running of the engine is stopped, while maintaining the soundproofing of the box housing the unit, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiyo Onodera, Hitoshi Yuki
  • Publication number: 20080284177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile container power plant. The aim of the invention is to allow for the first time the production of a mobile power plant of this size, which produces an electric current without the emission of pollutants. To achieve this, said plant consists of a container (1), in which a drive assembly (4), a generator (3), a drive shaft with transmission gearing (5), a ventilation and deaeration system (9) and a control system (7) comprising GPS-GSM technology are installed. The mobile power plant can supply an electric current of up to 10 MW. Said electric current is environmentally friendly, as the fuel that is used consists of methanol and water or ethanol and water and produces no pollutants. Said mobile container can be installed anywhere and is autonomous as it contains a tank (10) with a capacity of up to 45,000 litres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Gerhard Auer
  • Publication number: 20080277195
    Abstract: A device for generating an acoustic signal in a fluid includes an engine operable to repeat a thermodynamic process to vibrate a membrane of the engine to generate an acoustic signal having more than one period. The thermodynamic process includes heating mass inside a chamber of an engine to generate pressure inside the chamber; in response to generating the pressure, moving in a first direction a portion of a membrane of the engine; removing mass from inside the chamber to decrease the pressure inside the chamber; and in response to decreasing the pressure inside the chamber, moving the membrane portion in a second direction. Because the engine repeats the thermodynamic process, the engine can generate and sustain an acoustic signal for a significant amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John Rapp, N. John Nagurny, Curry Farrior, Robert J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20080257284
    Abstract: A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Gary G. Otterstrom, Charles P. Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20080252080
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gasoline generator, belongs to the technical field of motive power equipment. Wherein the gasoline engine set in an enclosed case, a permanent magnet generator is mounted on the engine housing, handle tray mounted on the fore end surface of cool air suction cover, suction cover is joined to the engine housing handle tray, joined to the suction cover, together forms the main cooling air channel for the motive power. The present invention provides a simple, compact and rational structure. Air guide plate and the cool air suction cover envelop all the high temperature parts of the engine and the generator, exhaust pipe and muffler as a whole. Cool air sucked in by the suction fan provides specific and adequate cooling for the above units/parts and then exhausted out of chamber through outlet slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: WUXI KIPOR POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Henglin Xiao
  • Publication number: 20080236913
    Abstract: When an exhaust gas switching valve is in a closed state, a target rotation speed Ne* and a target torque Te* are set in the same way as when the exhaust gas switching valve is in an open state to control an engine (S120, S130). A motor torque command Tm1* is set by using the target torque Te* corrected by a correction torque ?T based on an engine rotation speed Ne, and also a motor torque command Tm2* is set so that a torque demand Tr* is delivered to a drive shaft to control motors MG1 and MG2 (SL50 to S230). Thereby, since the exhaust gas switching valve is in a closed state, even if the output from the engine decreases, the engine and the motors MG1 and MG2 can be controlled properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Ichimoto
  • Patent number: 7426907
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle system including an internal combustion engine is disclosed, the method comprises separating a second fuel from a first fuel, the second fuel having a greater concentration of at least one component than the first fuel; combusting at least the first fuel at least during a first engine load; and combusting at least the second fuel at least during a second engine load higher than the first engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Dearth, Christian T. Goralski, Thomas G. Leone
  • Publication number: 20080224476
    Abstract: A small portable power pack includes a fuel/air supply for mixing fuel, which is supplied from outside, with outside air, thereby providing mixed gas; a uniflow scavenging micro-engine for receiving mixed gas from the fuel/air supply and igniting mixed gas to explode; a control panel for operating and controlling the uniflow scavenging micro-engine; a capacitor battery for powering the control panel and the uniflow scavenging micro-engine. The portable power pack is easily carried and used without the restriction of spaces and sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Gang-Chul Kim, Yong-Jae Lee, Yong-Dug Pyo, Young-Min Woo, Oh-Seuk Kwon, Jong-Pyo Cho, Hak-Geun Jung, Nam-Jo Jeong, Jong-Huy Kim, Choong-Sik Bae
  • Publication number: 20080202447
    Abstract: An engine-driven generator is provided that is formed by supporting an engine (3) and a generator (4) on a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) is formed as an open periphery framework type, within this frame (2) a duct member (31) is disposed around the outer periphery of the engine (3) and the generator (4), the duct member (31) defining a series of cooling air passages (32) between itself and the engine (3) and generator (4), a cooling fan (26) is provided in the cooling air passage (32), the cooling fan (26) being driven by the engine (3), an intake box (34) having an intake opening (38) at an outer end thereof and housing an electrical component (53, 55) is connected to the upstream end of the duct member (31), and an exhaust box (68) having an exhaust opening (73) at an outer end thereof and housing an exhaust muffler (74) of the engine (3) is connected to the other end of the duct member (31). A compact engine-driven generator that enables running noise to be reduced can thereby be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Toshifumi Kochi, Tadafumi Hirose, Ryuji Tsuru, Shouhei Kasagi, Yuji Shimada, Takeshi Maeda
  • Publication number: 20080163833
    Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductor assembly and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the conductor assembly about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductor assembly when relative motion is produced between the conductor assembly and first magnet assembly. The conductor assembly defines a fluid path therein for the transfer of heat from the conductor assembly to a fluid. The magnetic heater is a component of a heat generation system comprising an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft for rotating the magnet assembly. The heat generated by the magnetic heater, as well as the heat generated by the engine from the engine exhaust and engine cooling system, is combined to heat a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: MagTec Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy W. Lunneborg
  • Publication number: 20080149049
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method of measuring the vibration of an aircraft engine. One embodiment herein provides an engine monitoring system either connected to and/or positioned in close proximity to an aircraft engine. Also provided is a clearance measuring device within the engine monitoring system. The clearanceometer collects clearance data that is later converted into vibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Mollmann, Tod R. Steen
  • Publication number: 20080127912
    Abstract: An engine-driven work machine is provided in which an engine/work machine unit (5) and an exhaust muffler (23) are housed in a box (30), the box (30) is provided with a cooling air passage (44) that passes the area around the engine/work machine unit (5) and the exhaust muffler (23), and a cooling fan (15) driven by the engine (2) is disposed in the cooling air passage (44), wherein the box (30) is provided with blocking means (51) for blocking the cooling air passage (44) between the engine (2) and the exhaust muffler (23) when running of the engine (2) is stopped. The heat of the high temperature exhaust muffler can thus be prevented from affecting the engine/work machine unit even when running of the engine is stopped, while maintaining the soundproofing of the box housing the unit, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taiyo Onodera, Hitoshi Yuki
  • Publication number: 20080103679
    Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of accessories, and a primary internal combustion engine adapted to drive the vehicle. The accessory drive system includes an auxiliary internal combustion engine operatively connected to each of the plurality of accessories. The auxiliary internal combustion engine is the exclusive source of power for the accessories and is configured to meet the power requirements of the accessories in a fuel efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: VICTORIANO RUIZ
  • Patent number: 7325519
    Abstract: An engine operated generator is provided with an engine, a generator driven by the engine, and a power control unit for controlling the power generated by the generator. A fuel gas stored in fuel bottles set in a case for the engine operated generator, is supplied to the engine though a fuel pressure regulator. The fuel bottles and the fuel pressure regulator are disposed adjacent to the power control unit to enable heat exchange with the power control unit provided with an inverter. Thus, heat is mutually utilized between the power control unit and at least one of the fuel bottles as fuel receptacles and the fuel pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sugimoto, Hiroaki Kojima, Kazuhito Takemura, Katsuhiro Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20070289560
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of proposed hydrogen-oxygen and hydrogen-air engines are usable in automotive, power-producing, chemical and other industries. The engines comprise cylinders; water dissociation means, including thermo-impact transformers and possibly electrolyzers; ionic dividers separating hydrogen and oxygen ions; injection means configured to inject hydrogen and oxygen/air doses in response to an operator's action and according to proposed dosing methods accounting a hydrogen-oxygen optimal ratio suitable for an explosive plasma reaction in the cylinders, increasing engines torque, eliminating/reducing pollutions. Determination of optimal ratios for hydrogen-air mixtures is also discussed. The dosing methods include algorithms for computing termination injection pressures for hydrogen-oxygen/air doses. Different hydrogen-oxygen/air delivery system are described in conjunction with modified dosing methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Aleksandr Smushkovich, Yuriy Yatsenko
  • Patent number: 7293533
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fuel reforming using the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines and high temperature combustion processes in which a fuel for reforming and steam mixture is introduced into a tube bundle having a plurality of heat exchange tubes and heat from the exhaust gases is transferred into the heat exchange tubes, thereby increasing the temperature of the mixture. The heated mixture is reformed by contact with a reforming catalyst external to, but proximate to the exit of, the tube bundle, forming a reformed fuel. To remove substantially all of the heat from the exhaust gases, a plurality of tube bundles and associated reforming catalyst arranged in series are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Utilization Technology Development, NFP
    Inventor: Klaus Heinrich Hemsath
  • Patent number: 7246610
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and rocker box assembly that includes a duct arrangement that removes blow-by gases. In a first embodiment, a duct is formed from the upper surface of the cylinder head aligned with an opening in the bottom of the rocker box and proceeds to horizontal sections leading to a fitting with a line leading to an intake manifold. In a second embodiment, a single straight duct includes a straight angled portion extending downward at an oblique angle to the upper surface of the cylinder head to an intake port in the cylinder head. Action of the engine draws the unwanted gases from the rocker box through the opening of the ducts to an intake of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: S & S Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Sjovall, Eric Orvis Wangen, Nathan L. Oium, Jeffrey John Bailey
  • Patent number: 7245033
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a compact, AC operated auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit operable in the cabin of a transport vehicle and powered by the an auxiliary power unit (“APU”). The system includes control means coupled to the auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit and the APU, and harness means for coupling the auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit, the APU, and the control means together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Energy & Engine Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Roger N. Wurtele
  • Patent number: 7227272
    Abstract: A control apparatus such as an ECU, that controls the generator of a vehicle, measures the engine rotation speed and generator rotation speed while the engine is idling, and calculates and stores the ratio of the speed values. Thereafter when the vehicle is being driven and the current value of generator rotation speed is required, it is calculated based on the stored ratio value and the currently measured speed of the engine. The processing load on the ECU is thereby reduced, since generator rotation speed measurement processing is performed only in the idling condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadatoshi Asada, Fuyuki Maehara
  • Patent number: 7193333
    Abstract: The present invention is a gasoline engine driven electrical generating system for use in confined space enclosures wherein all routine servicing can be accomplished from the single exposed side. The ambient operating temperature of the confined enclosure is minimized by a combination of component locations, sizing and a thermal siphoning exhaust enclosure. Through the use of an electronic fuel management system, throttle body furl injection and a catalytic converter all current EPA NOX emission standards can be met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy Blair Kitch
  • Patent number: 7146962
    Abstract: A portable engine generator has a box-shaped case defining an internal space for holding an engine and an electric generator to be driven by the engine. The case is provided with carrying handles. The portable engine generator is provided with a cooling air passage through which fresh air as cooling air flows into the internal space while the engine is in operation. An inward depressed part is formed in a front cover of the case on the side of the internal space with respect to the carrying handles. The carrying handles and the inward depressed part define the cooling air passage. The cooling air passage serves as a hand space into which human hand is inserted to grip the carrying handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sugimoto, Tadahiro Yaguchi, Kazuhito Takemura, Takao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7089889
    Abstract: A generator having a plastic frame. The frame includes plastic panels surrounding the engine and alternator assembly for the generator, providing an enclosure for the engine and alternator assembly and permitting additional features to be added to the frame without adding additional pieces. A retractable cord wrap folds into and out of recesses in one or more panels of the generator. An oil drain chute is provided in one portion of the frame. A retractable handle is extendable from a first recessed position in which the handle is substantially contained within the frame for the generator to an extended position in which the handle extends outward from the frame. A fuel gauge extends along the outer portion of a fuel tank and is formed from a translucent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Powermate Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Johnson, Jere B. Albright, Jr., Saeid Shokrzadeh
  • Patent number: 7082896
    Abstract: A generator set assembly in which an engine is mounted upon a base by way of a specialized mounting component, and a related method of mounting an engine upon a base using such a specialized mounting component, are disclosed. The specialized mounting component includes a first rigid portion capable of being fixedly coupled to the engine, a second rigid portion capable of being fixedly coupled to the base, a flexible intermediate portion coupled between the first and second rigid portions that allows relative movement of the first and second rigid portions to occur in response to expansion and contraction of the engine during operation of the engine, and a further component extending between the first and second rigid portions through the flexible intermediate portion. The further component is capable of limiting relative movement of the first and second rigid portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Allen, Richard D. Locke
  • Patent number: 7081682
    Abstract: A portable power module trailerable over public roads and capable of providing at least approximately one megawatt of electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable power module includes a gaseous fuel motor drivably connected to an electrical generator. The motor includes a combustion chamber and a coolant jacket positioned adjacent to the combustion chamber. A radiator is connected in flow communication with the coolant jacket and an exhaust gas silencer is connected in flow communication with the combustion chamber. In one aspect of this embodiment, the portable power module further includes a container in which the motor, the generator, the radiator, and the exhaust gas silencer are installed when the portable power module is in a normal operating configuration. In one embodiment, the container has the dimensions of a standard shipping container, such as a standard 40-foot ISO shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edmund Campion
  • Patent number: 7036464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lubricating at least two units of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, each unit comprising one or more assemblies, and to a corresponding vehicle. In order to be able to dispense with an oil change of the individual units, and at the same time ensure the necessary quality and quantity of lubricant, it is proposed according to the invention to conduct the lubricant in series through the at least two units in that fresh lubricant is fed to the first unit from a container, at least some of the used lubricant is removed from the oil trough of the individual units and is fed to the unit which is respectively arranged afterwards in the series, and the lubricant which is removed from the oil trough of the last unit is fed to the internal combustion engine for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fuchs Petrolub AG
    Inventors: Rolf Luther, Christian Seyfert
  • Patent number: 7023101
    Abstract: A generator includes a housing, an engine, a first main impeller rotatably mounted in the engine, a first secondary impeller rotatably mounted in the housing and located outside of the engine, a generating body, a second main impeller rotatably mounted in the generating body, and a second secondary impeller rotatably mounted in the housing and located outside of the generating body. Thus, the first secondary impeller and the second secondary impeller can dissipate the heat produced from the engine and the generating body, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the generator, and thereby increasing the lifetime of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 7007966
    Abstract: Air ducts for portable power modules trailerable over public roads and capable of providing at least approximately one megawatt of electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable power module includes a shipping container having an air inlet and housing a gaseous fuel motor drivably connected to an electrical generator. In one aspect of this embodiment, the air duct includes a body positioned adjacent to the air inlet to at least partially define a first opening parallel to a first direction and a second opening at an angle to the first direction. The body of the air inlet duct further defines a first body dimension in the first direction and a second body dimension in a second direction at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the first body dimension being greater than the second body dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edmund Campion
  • Patent number: 7004134
    Abstract: A positioning pin is knocked onto a crankshaft of an engine and a key way is formed in a boss of a first flywheel. When an outer rotor type generator is connected with the engine, the boss of the first flywheel is fitted over the crankshaft so as to adjust the positioning pin to the key way. When an inner rotor type generator is connected with the engine, a rotor shaft on which a rotor of a generator is mounted is fitted to a second flywheel so as to adjust the positioning pin to a key way formed in the second flywheel. The ignition angle of the engine is determined by fitting the positioning pin to the key way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Higuchi