Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating refrigeration in a process operating at sub-ambient temperatures in which the refrigeration is generated by a turboexpander. The turboexpander is coupled to a generator controlled so that its speed is maintained at a setpoint through electromagnetic braking and its power output is maintained at line matching voltage and frequency. The speed control of the generator therefore, also controls the speed of the turboexpander. The setpoint is calculated to be equal to a product of an operational efficiency parameter, U/Co, and a square root of twice the enthalpy drop in the flow passing through the turboexpander divided by a product of pi and a diameter of an impeller employed within the turboexpander.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating refrigeration in a process operating at sub-ambient temperatures in which the refrigeration is generated by a turboexpander. The turboexpander is coupled to a generator controlled so that its speed is maintained at a setpoint through electromagnetic braking and its power output is maintained at line matching voltage and frequency. The speed control of the generator therefore, also controls the speed of the turboexpander. The setpoint is calculated to be equal to a product of an operational efficiency parameter, U/Co, and a square root of twice the enthalpy drop in the flow passing through the turboexpander divided by a product of pi and a diameter of an impeller employed within the turboexpander.

Abstract: A throttle body for an automobile includes a throttle shaft defining a rotational axis. The throttle shaft includes deformable members integrally formed about an exterior surface of the throttle shaft. A housing includes a bore. The throttle shaft extends through the bore with the deformable member partially-located within the bore. A bearing includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The bearing inner surface forms a press-fit connection with the deformable members to substantially prevent movement between the throttle shaft and the bearing in a direction parallel to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A throttle body for an automobile includes a throttle shaft defining a rotational axis. The throttle shaft includes deformable members integrally formed about an exterior surface of the throttle shaft. A housing includes a bore. The throttle shaft extends through the bore with the deformable member partially-located within the bore. A bearing includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The bearing inner surface forms a press-fit connection with the deformable members to substantially prevent movement between the throttle shaft and the bearing in a direction parallel to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A throttle body for an automobile and a method of assembly of a throttle body are provided. The throttle body includes a throttle shaft defining a rotational axis, a housing having a bore, a deformable member located on the throttle shaft and at least partially-located within the bore, and a bearing having an inner surface and an outer surface. The bearing inner surface forms a press-fit connection with the deformable member to substantially prevent movement between the throttle shaft and the bearing in a direction parallel to the rotational axis.

Abstract: An air intake control device is provided, including a housing, a plurality of bores, a passageway, and a support surface. The housing defines the bores, the passageway, and the support surface. A shaft is rotatably received within the passageway, and a plurality of plates are connected to the shaft. The bores accept fluid with a varying flow rate based on the rotation of the shaft and plates. A bushing is located between the support surface and the shaft and it prevents contact between the shaft and the housing. The bushing may selectively engage the shaft based on the flow rate through the bores. Additionally, the bushing may also have a slit and a variable diameter. The air intake control device may include a bearing assembly, which includes a rotating element which contacts the shaft, and a support element which positions the rotating element with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing and cover member with a throttle valve, gear mechanism, motor, and failsafe or default mechanism. A spring member positioned between the housing and sector gear member which is attached to the throttle valve shaft, biases the throttle valve plate member toward the closed position. A spring-biased plunger member biases the throttle plate member from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position. In order to reduce contact between the spring member of the default mechanism and the plunger member, the spring member can have an hourglass shape and/or the outer surface of the plunger member can be minimized.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing and cover member with a throttle valve, gear mechanism, motor, and failsafe or default mechanism. A spring member positioned between the housing and sector gear member which is attached to the throttle valve shaft, biases the throttle valve plate member toward the closed position. A spring-biased plunger member biases the throttle plate member from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position. In order to reduce contact between the spring member of the default mechanism and the plunger member, the spring member can have an hourglass shape and/or the outer surface of the plunger member can be minimized.