Patents Issued in June 20, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020073673
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment to corn heads used in harvesting corn to make harvesting faster and safer. The apparatus is designed to allow adjustments in speed, size and number of corn head rows, and in positioning of the sweeper paddle assemblies to optimize how it helps in the harvesting. Thus, the apparatus is useable on old or new combines and in any field. This adjustability also allows a sweeper apparatus to be useable on many different models of corn heads and to be easily installed on different corn heads. Thus, the sweeper apparatus becomes a universal sweeper for all corn head designs and all configurations of corn harvesters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas K. Gengenbach
  • Publication number: 20020073674
    Abstract: A mowing and mulching system for lawnmowers having multi-blade knives coupled to a motor-driven driving shaft and rotating in a pot-like cover opening at the bottom side. The blades are attached to a central hub part forming several cutting edge segments on the leading edge zones of the knife blades in the direction of rotation and repelling or bucket-like baffle elements on the trailing edge zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Hartmut Troger, Alfred Tutschka
  • Publication number: 20020073675
    Abstract: A chopper arrangement for a harvesting machine comprises a body that is rotated in a predominantly vertical axis of rotation. The body is provided with a plurality of radially extending knives that are axially distributed along the body. The knives have radially outer ends that are arranged in a conical shape. In this way the knives at the first end having a smallest radial extension are rotated at a slower circumferential speed than knives having a larger radial extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Buermann, Walter Hirsch, Adolf Belter, Gerd Bernhardt, Siegfried Firus, Andre Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20020073676
    Abstract: A net rotation speed control system for an oscillatory shaker head assembly driven by a force-balance drive carried on a crop harvester has a harvester forward velocity signal input. Also provided is an operator input for selecting appropriate speed relationship between the harvester velocity and the net shaker head rotation velocity. The system is useful as an open loop system, but is improved to correct for otherwise uncontrolled operating conditions by incorporating a speed sensor for net shaker head rotation velocity and closing the loop by connecting an output from the net rotation speed sensor to the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Ag-Right Enterprises
    Inventors: Franklin P. Orlando, Marty Dean Youman
  • Publication number: 20020073677
    Abstract: The expansible baling chamber of a large round baler is constructed so as to have chamber-forming elements that act to bias a forming bale away from the chamber inlet so that harvest entering the inlet will be more easily wrapped onto the bale, these chamber-forming elements, in some embodiments, also acting to increase the tension of tensioning means forming part of the baling chamber. Also aiding in the delivery of harvest to the baling chamber is a conveyor having portions located within the chamber inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Lucand, Jean Viaud
  • Publication number: 20020073678
    Abstract: A baling chamber for a large round baler includes a discharge gate having opposite side walls which meet respective side walls of the main frame along a line of separation that inclines downwardly and to the rear from top to bottom. The bottom of the baling chamber is defined in part by a bottom conveyor which slopes downward to the rear from a front end which delimits a lower side of an inlet through which crop is fed into the baling chamber. The discharge gate carries a lower front roll that supports an endless tension element arrangement and that is itself supported on a tensioning arm arrangement that pivoted to the discharge gate for movement against the resistance of a yieldable spring arrangement so as to permit the lower front roll to move rearwardly from a first position adjacent the inlet, which it occupies at the beginning of bale formation, as the bale grows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Lucand, Jean Viaud
  • Publication number: 20020073679
    Abstract: A weed extraction apparatus is provided for aiding in the removal of weeds from gardens, flower beds and the like. The invention has two claw like appendages at its lower end, which are held apart by a spring. The claws have multiple tines which mesh in an interlocking pattern to grasp the offending weed and its roots. The claws are forced together by an operating rod connected to a lever located at the upper end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Schenck-Williams
  • Publication number: 20020073680
    Abstract: A leaf rake is provided with a tine section formed of one solid piece of either plastic or sheet metal. Additionally, in lieu of small individual tines, the edge of the rake is composed of a series of rounded, semicircular, scalloped edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: A. B. Barajas
  • Publication number: 20020073681
    Abstract: A combination tool in the form of a mechanical rake having a sweep that includes a handle, a rake head mounted on the handle, and a sweep assembly cooperating with the rake head to move between an opened configuration and a closed configuration for picking up material. The sweep assembly includes a flexible sweep member having a planar configuration and form of resilient material that tapers in thickness to a distal end and that conforms to the shape of the ground when pushed there against and flexes to move the rake tines forward and when unflexing pulls the rake tines toward the sweep that is then moved into the closed position for picking up the material. To facilitate normal use of the rake tines, the sweep assembly is held in a normally-closed position. Interchangeable rake heads with different tine configurations provide more versatility, and the tines themselves have an extended length in the range of two to four inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Michael O. Roser, Kelly C. Sheehan
  • Publication number: 20020073682
    Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber cable component including passing an optical fiber ribbon stack (18) through a stack guide (31), the stack guide being rotated and forming a twist in the ribbon stack, and passing the twisted ribbon stack (18′) through a cross-head (40) and extruding a material thereover. In addition, an exemplary cable component production line having a rotatable strander (12) for receiving optical fiber ribbon packages (14) thereon, a rotatable closing die (30) sized to receive the optical fiber ribbon stack, and controller (20) operatively associated with the strander and the closing die for driving the closing die, the controller being operative to effect a predetermined rotational ratio with respect to the strander and the closing die whereby a twist can be formed in the optical fiber ribbon stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Jody L. Greenwood, David H. Smith, David K. Brittain
  • Publication number: 20020073683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus to monitor a yarn piecing joint on a spinning machine with a plurality of piecing stations (1) to which a piecing robot (2) equipped with a yarn piecing apparatus (13) with adjustable yarn piecing speed can be presented, whereby each spinning station (1) or the piecing robot (2) is provided with a yarn monitoring apparatus (6) to monitor the yarn quality. According to the invention the piecing robot (2) and the yarn monitoring apparatus (6) of the spinning station (1) are connected via a communication system through which the piecing parameters of the piecing robot (2) are transmitted to the yarn monitoring apparatus (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Martin Zipperer
  • Publication number: 20020073684
    Abstract: The new invention proposes that filament yarns, in particular partially stretched yarns known as POY yarns, be subjected to stretch texturing via an air treatment nozzle. The air treatment nozzles are designed in miniaturized form, have a continuous yarn duct in which there open a plurality of transverse bores for the supply of high pressure air in the range over 14 bar, preferably within specific working windows between 20 and 50 bar. With the new invention, it was possible for the first time to process POY yarn via simultaneous stretch texturing using an air twister. The invention allows an individual thread as well as a parallel bundle of threads to be treated and permits for the first time the construction of a false twist stretch texturing bundle device with simultaneous air treatment of 500 to 1000 and more threads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Heberlein Fibertechnology, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Simmen
  • Publication number: 20020073685
    Abstract: For cleaning of a spinning rotor independently of the support of the spinning rotor, a rotary drive (4) is selectively movable into and out of contact with an outer rotor surface via entraining elements (7) for imparting rotary movement to the spinning rotor (1). The entraining elements (7) are arranged such that radial forces produced by the contact are mutually cancelled. The entraining elements (7) are advantageously attached directly to the electric rotor (9) of the rotary drive (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Anton Paweletz
  • Publication number: 20020073686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor spinning machine comprising a plurality of operating units situated next to each other, each of which contains a spinning unit (1) with a singling-out device (5) having in its body a rotatably mounted combing roller (52) equipped on its circumferential surface with an operative coating (521) around which there is provided in the body (51) of the singling-out device a circumferential fibre channel (511) whose operative section extends in the sense of rotation of the combing roller (52) from the mouth of the sliver feeding device (4) to the supply channel (6) bringing the singled-out fibres into the rotor, said circumferential fibre channel (511) having provided therein the mouth of a closable auxiliary supply channel (514) for pressure air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Rieter CZ a.s.
    Inventors: Josef Ludvicek, Pavel Kousalik, Jaroslav Markl, Tomas Tesar
  • Publication number: 20020073687
    Abstract: Devices and methods for liquid fuel reverse purge on shutdown of turbines are provided. The device and method may utilize a liquid fuel reverse purge control system that includes an induction motor associated with a pump, together with fuel system solenoid valves, an electronic control unit and associated software logic. The device and method may alternative utilize a liquid fuel valve manifold including an assembly for mechanical reverse purging of liquid fuel from the atomizer fuel manifold and supply lines thereto, optionally together with an assembly for controlling the flow of the reverse-purged fuel through a re-circulation circuit used to preheat fuel prior to system start-up under cold conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: John Lipinski, David K. Schott, Fredd Rodriguez, Paul Fukumoto
  • Publication number: 20020073688
    Abstract: A annular recuperator to recover waste heat from a gas turbine exhaust in order to preheat the compressed air delivered to the gas turbine combustor, formed with gas flow passages for the relatively hot turbine exhaust gases and air flow passages for the relatively cool compressed air separated by thin, thermally conductive metal foil barriers. The flow passages have contoured gaps between the foil surfaces in order to establish the desired air/gas aerodynamic friction induced pressure drop and mass flow profiles within the recuperator core. The gaps are set by an array of dimples in the metal foil barriers with each dimple having a precisely controlled height. The metal foil barriers are formed by first dimpling and then bending a single sheet metal strip to form a convoluted foil structure that is wrapped around an inner cylinder and the ends joined. An outer cylinder is then installed around the wrapped, convoluted foil barrier structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Robert W. Bosley, Yungmo Kang
  • Publication number: 20020073689
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ion engine, more particularly an ion engine using the inconsumable specialty of a super conductor to make the electromagnetic impulse generated thereby produce continuous and ceaseless energy; mainly, two gassed sides of a dynamo are disposed with super conductors; since the said super conductors have inconsumable specialty, the released high voltage therefrom influences the gas inside the dynamo to ionize and further generate continuous and endless electric current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Chao-Yuan Liang
  • Publication number: 20020073690
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine of a fan bypass type includes an exhaust shroud having a perforated tubular wall extending between a forward end and an aft end. The exhaust shroud is adapted to be affixed to a gas turbine engine exhaust for discharging engine exhaust gases without substantial blockage thereto. The perforations formed in the shroud wall communicate the regions at both sides of the shroud wall to pass fluid flow across the perforated shroud wall so that the mixing of the engine exhaust gases with a surrounding fluid flow is enhanced. The mixing of the engine exhaust gases with the surrounding fluid flow is further enhanced by a trailing edge of the exhaust shroud. The trailing edge is deviated from a straight line in a circumferential direction of the tubular wall to effectively increase the peripheral length of the mixing boundary. Thus, the jet noise contribution volume of the engine exhaust gases is effectively reduced, thereby significantly reducing the aero-engine jet noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Man-Chun Tse
  • Publication number: 20020073691
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Nancy M. Rey, Robin Mihekun Miller, Thomas G. Tillman, Robert M. Rukus, John L. Kettle, James R. Dunphy
  • Publication number: 20020073692
    Abstract: A device for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine featuring improved purifying efficiency even in a lean operating condition without deteriorating the fuel efficiency. The device comprises an electrochemical catalyst 5 installed in the exhaust system 3 of the internal combustion engine 1, the electrochemical catalyst 5 containing an electron conducting substance and an ion conducting substance, the oxidizing reaction and the reducing reaction being promoted by the conduction of ions and electrons, thereby to electrochemically purify the exhaust gas G in the exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki Katashiba, Satoshi Wachi, Kenro Mitsuda, Kouji Hamano
  • Publication number: 20020073693
    Abstract: A diagnostic system in which the accuracy of the diagnosis of the deterioration state of a catalyst in a catalytic converter for cleaning the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is enhanced without incurring a rise in cost. The temperature of the catalyst is estimated using the operating-state signal (for example, the flow rate of intake air or the width of a fuel injection pulse) of the engine by a diagnostic device. The conversion efficiency of the catalyst calculated from the outputs of oxygen sensors is corrected using the estimated temperature by the diagnostic device. The deterioration state of the catalyst is diagnosed on the basis of the corrected temperature by the diagnostic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Takashi Mukaihara, Toshio Ishii, Kiyoshi Miura, Kazuya Kawano
  • Publication number: 20020073694
    Abstract: A device for purifying exhaust gas of diesel engines, in which an oxidizing catalyst, a diesel particulate filter, and an Nox occluding/reducing catalyst are successively disposed in an exhaust gas passage of the diesel engine from the upstream side of the passage, the device for purifying exhaust gas of diesel engines comprising a bypass that connects the upstream side of the oxidizing catalyst with the downstream side thereof in the exhaust gas passage, an exhaust gas passage change-over means for changing-over the exhaust gas flow into either the oxidizing catalyst or the bypass, an air-fuel ratio control means for controlling the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas, an NOx occlusion amount detector means for detecting the amount of NOx occluded by the NOx occluding substance, and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Toshitaka Minami
  • Publication number: 20020073695
    Abstract: A method and a system for treating an internal combustion engine exhaust gas using a hydrocarbons as fuel. The internal combustion engine exhaust gas contains particulates and toxic substances. Such particulates and toxic substances being liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and Nox. The system uses carbon dioxide to interact with the exhaust gas. The carbon dioxide is stored within a container at its triple state. The carbon dioxide and the exhaust gas are conducted through an emission exchanger. The exhaust gas is scrubbed or cleaned by the carbon dioxide and the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, Nox, and particulate emissions are carried away by a carbon dioxide gas stream. The cleaned exhaust gas can be discharged into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide gas stream can be cleaned by passing the same through separator components which remove the pollutants therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: David L. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20020073696
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (10) in the exhaust gas system of a diesel engine (5) is disclosed in which particulate matter is burned by increasing the temperature in the diesel particulate filter (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Johannes Kuenstler, Paul Eduard Moraal, Urs Christen, Yasser Mohamed Sayed Yacoub
  • Publication number: 20020073697
    Abstract: A variable flow regulator assembly comprises a first stationary exhaust pipe, a second stationary exhaust pipe concentrically disposed within the first stationary exhaust pipe, and a movable exhaust pipe concentrically disposed between the first and second stationary exhaust pipes. The first stationary exhaust pipe includes one or more interference tabs concentrically and circumferentially fitted about its interior surface. The movable exhaust pipe includes one or more interference tabs concentrically and circumferentially fitted about its exterior surface. The interference tabs complimentarily interact and restrict the movement of the variable flow regulator so that the flow maldistribution of the exhaust gas stream entering the catalytic converter can be variably controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Paul E. Jankowski, Stephen J. Myers
  • Publication number: 20020073698
    Abstract: A gas treatment system comprises a variable flow regulator assembly placed in operable and fluid communication with a shell of a gas treatment device. The variable flow regulator assembly comprises two or more conduit portions comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than a first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first portion. The variable flow regulator assembly structurally changes shape to alter the flow maldistribution of an exhaust gas stream into the gas treatment device when light off is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Eric J. D'Herde, Carlos Gutierrez, Stephen J. Myers, Paul E. Jankowski
  • Publication number: 20020073699
    Abstract: There is a speed control apparatus and method of a working vehicle which can reduce a working speed of a working machine and a traveling speed of the vehicle to a desired speed range in correspondence to a change of working contents and working conditions at a time of a crane operation on the basis of a preset crane mode, thereby improving a working efficiency. A controller sets an optional pump absorbing curve which can be obtained by connecting an upper limit value of a pump discharge amount in a pump absorbing torque at an intersecting point of an engine speed torque curve at a maximum engine speed required at a time of being in the crane mode with a proper pump absorbing torque curve to a lower limit value of a pump discharge amount at a pump absorbing torque in correspondence to a minimum engine speed required for a working vehicle, when an operator selects the crane mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Satoru Nishimura, Takumi Nagahara
  • Publication number: 20020073700
    Abstract: A fluid-pressure transmitting apparatus is provided which is capable of securing the operationality of a working machine and braking and preventing against engine stall. Furthermore, a fluid-pressure transmitting apparatus is provided which makes it possible to switch over, in arrangement relationship, between a working-machine operating device and a traveling operating device. When a second operating unit is operated during operation of a first operating unit, the pilot pressurized oil outputted from each operating means through first and second pilot-pressure admission passages is admitted to a low-pressure selecting valve. At this time, when the pilot pressurized oil to be admitted to the second pilot pressure admission passage is lowered, it is automatically selected through the low-pressure selecting valve to control the delivery capacity of the traveling pump and braking and preventing engine stall and realizing travel at low speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Shinobu Nagura, Toshio Ozawa, Norihide Mizoguchi
  • Publication number: 20020073701
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter has a converter housing drivable in rotation by an engine, with an impeller. A turbine non-rotatably connected to an output shaft is hydrodynamically coupled to the impeller by way of a stator through an oil circuit. The turbine is axially slidably supported on the shaft. A friction surface on the turbine upon axial displacement of the turbine comes into frictional contact with a counterpart friction surface on the converter housing, thereby producing a lockup clutch effect. The turbine is also connected by way of springs to a coupling element arranged non-rotatably on the shaft. In an alternative configuration the turbine is arranged non-rotatably on the shaft and the lockup clutch action is by way of friction surfaces on a coupling element and on the converter housing. A torsion damper can be provided between the coupling element and the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Bernd Bornschier, Michael Sengpiel, Vladimir Premiski
  • Publication number: 20020073702
    Abstract: A 90° swivel connector capable of rotating 360° has threads on one end that screw into a threaded hole in a boss on a compressor portion of a turbocharger and has barbs on the other end of the swivel connector for receiving and retaining a hose. The 360° rotation enables alignment of the swivel connector with the hose to prevent kinking of the hose when the relative angular position of the connector and hose is varied to facilitate diverse engine usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Mahmood Julazadeh, James C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020073703
    Abstract: A free piston engine system, particularly suitable for use in a motorized vehicle, is provided with at least one hydraulic pump, each pump having a first fluid port and a second fluid port. A free piston internal combustion engine includes a combustion cylinder and a hydraulic cylinder. A low pressure accumulator is fluidly coupled with the hydraulic cylinder. A first control valve interconnects the low pressure accumulator with the hydraulic cylinder. At least one high pressure accumulator is fluidly coupled with the hydraulic cylinder. At least one second control valve is provided, with each second control valve interconnecting a respective high pressure accumulator with the hydraulic cylinder. A third control valve interconnects the hydraulic cylinder with the first fluid port of each pump. A fourth control valve interconnects the hydraulic cylinder with the second fluid port of each pump. A first working pressure accumulator is coupled between each pump and the third control valve or fourth control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Brett M. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20020073704
    Abstract: The engine head is provided with a compressor blade assembly in each intake port of each cylinder to compress the air introduced into the cylinder in order to supercharge the engine. A similar turbine blade assembly is provided in each exhaust port and is connected via a transmission to an adjacent compresssor blade assembly to drive the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Steven L. DiMarco
  • Publication number: 20020073705
    Abstract: A method of engine compression release braking with avoidance of turbine overspeed is disclosed. Initially, an electronic control module determines whether a turbine overspeed condition is present. If an overspeed condition is present, then the blow down timing of an engine compression release braking event is advanced. The present invention is particularly applicable to preventing turbine overspeed for vehicles operating at higher altitudes while compression braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott Leman, David E. Martin, Ronald E. Shinogle
  • Publication number: 20020073706
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a compressor operable as a single stage or multi-stage compressor. A first compressor stage includes a first compressor wheel carried by a shaft, an axially extending first inlet and a radially extending first outlet. A second compressor stage includes a second compressor wheel carried by the shaft and axially extending second inlet and a radially extending second outlet. An interstage duct fluidly connects in series the first outlet of the first compressor with the second inlet of the second compressor. The interstage duct includes a bypass opening includes in communication with an ambient environment. A valve is positioned within the interstage duct. The valve is moveable to and between a first position to close the interstage duct and a second position to close the bypass opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip J. Houtz
  • Publication number: 20020073707
    Abstract: An injector of a two-headed combustion chamber of a turbomachine has a first feed tube which is connected to an annular injection piece for discharging primary fuel into the combustion chamber. It also has a second feed tube surrounding the first feed tube and connected to a cylindrical endpiece for discharging secondary fuel into said combustion chamber. This endpiece has an annular channel of diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second feed tube and that extends over its entire length. A third tube is provided that surrounds the second tube and that is connected to a tubular separation element which is inserted in the annular channel of the cylindrical endpiece so as to form two annular spaces in which a cooling fluid can flow over 360° all the way to the end of the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURS
    Inventors: Alain Lavie, Stephanie Martelli, Marion Michau, Jose Rodrigues, Alain Tiepel
  • Publication number: 20020073708
    Abstract: An assembly method in which a brazing metal is initially filled into radial wells pierced in an annular injection piece having first injection orifices for discharging a primary fuel, and in a cylindrical endpiece surrounding the annular injection piece and having secondary injection orifices for discharging a secondary fuel; thereafter the annular injection piece is fitted inside the cylindrical endpiece and these pieces are together fitted on a first tube for feeding primary fuel and a second tube for feeding secondary fuel and surrounding the first tube, and also to an outer wall of the injector; finally, the end portion of the injector as assembled in this way is placed in an enclosure where it is heated so as to melt the brazing metal to unite the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURS
    Inventors: Alain Lavie, Stephanie Martelli, Marion Michau, Jose Rodrigues, Alain Tiepel
  • Publication number: 20020073709
    Abstract: A diffusion flame nozzle gas tip is provided to convert a dual fuel nozzle to a gas only nozzle. The nozzle tip diverts compressor discharge air from the passage feeding the diffusion nozzle air swirl vanes to a region vacated by removal of the dual fuel components, so that the diverted compressor discharge air can flow to and through effusion holes in the end cap plate of the nozzle tip. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle gas tip defines a cavity for receiving the compressor discharge air from a peripheral passage of the nozzle for flow through the effusion openings defined in the end cap plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Theodore Bechtel, David Orus Fitts, Guy Wayne DeLeonardo
  • Publication number: 20020073710
    Abstract: A diffusion flame nozzle gas tip is provided to convert a dual fuel nozzle to a gas only nozzle. The nozzle tip diverts compressor discharge air from the passage feeding the diffusion nozzle air swirl vanes to a region vacated by removal of the dual fuel components, so that the diverted compressor discharge air can flow to and through effusion holes in the end cap plate of the nozzle tip. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle gas tip defines a cavity for receiving the compressor discharge air from a peripheral passage of the nozzle for flow through the effusion openings defined in the end cap plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Theodore Bechtel, David Orus Fitts, Guy Wayne DeLeonardo
  • Publication number: 20020073711
    Abstract: A combustor liner has a stepped combustor liner surface and an overhang portion forming an air cooling slot. A contoured rear facing edge of the overhang portion reduces turbulence of combustion gas flow and reduces a combustor liner surface area exposed to combustion gases. A thermal barrier coating is also applied to the contoured rear facing edge, reducing heat flow into the overhang portion and hence reducing the operating temperature of the combustor liner. Thus, the amount of cooling air is reduced, which can reduce exhaust emissions, increase engine performance and extend a working life of the combustor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Hagle, Junhaur Jih, James N. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20020073712
    Abstract: A gas-turbine engine with a subatmospheric operating pressure that is suitable for bottoming cycles and topping cycles with conventional power plants. A hot-gas stream expands through a turbine to a pressure below atmospheric. The resulting low-pressure gas stream is cooled to a lower temperature and then pressurized through a compressor. The cooling can be accomplished by the addition of a water fog to the air stream. The pressurized air stream exiting the compressor may be exhausted to the atmosphere. The compressor and turbine may share a common shaft a drive a generator to produce an electrical output. Another option is a pressure output; the compressor outlet pressure may be higher than the turbine inlet pressure so as to act as pump. Other embodiments drive a supercharging fan for a conventional combustion turbine. A topping cycle embodiment uses a high-temperature heat exchanger with low pressure differential and is suitable for use with coal and other solid fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: William L. Kopko
  • Publication number: 20020073713
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a rotatable impeller having a plurality of vanes with inlet and outlet ends. A plurality of diffuser channels are spaced apart radially beyond the outlet ends. A movable source of gaseous fuel is positioned adjacent the inlet ends of the vanes. The movable source of gaseous fuel is movable as a function of the rotational speed of the impeller, whereby the flow of gaseous fuel injected from the movable source is ejected from the outlet ends of the vanes into a selected one of the plurality of diffuser channels to facilitate combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventor: Robin Mackay
  • Publication number: 20020073714
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a housing and an axially extending shaft journaled to the housing by two axially spaced apart bearings. The bearings are located along the shaft so as to define an overhung shaft portion. A rotating component such as a turbine wheel or compressor wheel is mounted on the overhung shaft portion and is concentric about the centerline of the engine. An annular shroud that is part of the housing is disposed about the rotating component, the annular shroud being concentric about a centerline radially offset from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas K. Yim, Robert A. Nims, Mike Masoudipour
  • Publication number: 20020073715
    Abstract: A compact, volatile organic compound removal system is presented. The system has a metal condensation plate and a cooling source in intimate thermal contact with the metal condensation plate. The metal condensation plate has a channel formed in the plate, an inlet in the condensation plate for introducing a gas carrying volatile organic compound vapors into the channel, a high surface area metallic structure, such as foamed metal or metallic fins, in intimate contact with the walls of the channel, an outlet in the condensation plate for removing the gas from the channel and a drain in the condensation plate for removing volatile organic compound condensates from the channel. The cooling source cools the channel walls and the high surface area metallic structure so that the volatile organic compound vapors condense on the high surface area metallic structure to be removed from the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Logan, Lloyd F. Wright
  • Publication number: 20020073716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a system are described. The method and apparatus use the Seebeck effect of a thermoelectric cooler. The apparatus includes a current source that generates current; a thermoelectric cooler having a first end and a second end connecting to the current source; and a control circuit. The control circuit monitors a voltage difference across the thermoelectric cooler and controls the current source according to the voltage difference. The voltage difference results in a temperature difference between the two ends of the thermoelectric cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: William Melaragni
  • Publication number: 20020073717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling MRI system components including components that reside inside an RF shield such as an RF coil, a receiver coil, a patient support table and a patient enclosure wall wherein the cooling system employs a liquid coolant essentially devoid of protons and to that end, essentially devoid of hydrogen atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: David E. Dean, Benny Assif, James W. Hugg
  • Publication number: 20020073718
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for indirect evaporative cooling of a fluid stream to substantially its dew point temperature. Plate heat exchanger has perforations 11 and channels 3, 4 and 5 for gas or a low temperature for liquids on a dry side and wet side. Fluid streams 1 flow across the dry side 9, transferring heat to the plate. Gas stream 2 flows across the dry side and through perforations to channels 5 on wet side 10, which it then cools by evaporative cooling as well as conductive and radiative transfer of heat from plate. A wicking material provides wetting of wet side. In other embodiments, a desiccant wheel may be used to dehumidify the gas, air streams may be recirculated, feeder wicks 13 and a pump may be used to bring water from a water reservoir, and fans may be used to either force or induce a draft. The wicking material may be cellulose, organic fibers, organic based fibers, polyester, polypropylene, carbon-based fibers, silicon based fibers, fiberglass, or combinations of them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Valeriy Maisotsenko, Leland E. Gillan, Timothy L. Heaton, Alan D. Gillan
  • Publication number: 20020073719
    Abstract: A vacuum fluorescent iconographic display (10) operable to communicate the operating conditions of a low temperature refrigeration unit (5), with the display (10) using only intuitively recognizable pictorial iconic elements (12), numeric elements (14), and recognized symbolic elements (16) to convey the information. The iconic elements (12) unambiguously represent the various operating conditions without reliance on legends or other conventional written or spoken language, thereby avoiding translation or interpretation mistakes due to the use of such a conventional language in a possibly international product or multi-lingual situation. The iconic elements (12) may also be used in diagnostic applications by lighting, for example, in combination with the numeric elements (14) to communicate quantitative diagnostic measurements of the subsystem represented by the icon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Bryan M. Elwood, Robert D. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20020073720
    Abstract: A dual evaporative pre-cooling system is installed packaged air conditioning units. The dual evaporative pre-cooling system includes an evaporative media disposed in a housing through which incoming condenser air flows. A water distribution device is disposed above the evaporative media. A sump and a pump are located below the evaporative media to recirculate water through the water distribution device and a ventilation air pre-cooling coil. A plurality of pipes connect, and allow circulation of, a water source discharged from the pump through the ventilation air pre-cooling coil, and to the water distribution device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: DAVIS ENERGY GROUP, INC
    Inventors: Richard C. Bourne, Marshall B. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20020073721
    Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an air conditioner with a pressure regulation device. The air conditioner controls the number of operated compressors according to load. The air conditioner includes a plurality of bypass conduits for guiding gaseous refrigerant from the outlet sides of compressors to the inlet sides of the compressors. A plurality of bypass valves are arranged on the bypass conduits for selectively opening and shutting the bypass conduits. A control unit controls the opening and closing of the bypass valves so as to control pressure in the inlet sides of one or more started compressors during the starting of the compressors. In addition, a method for controlling the air conditioner is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Hyeong-Joon Seo, Jong-Moon Kim
  • Publication number: 20020073722
    Abstract: A displacement control apparatus is used for a variable displacement compressor. The compressor is driven by an internal combustion engine. The compressor has an inclining swash plate and a piston, which is reciprocated by the swash plate. The stroke of the piston is changed in accordance with the inclination angle of the swash plate. The displacement of the compressor is changed between a minimum displacement and a maximum displacement in accordance with the stroke of the piston. The apparatus includes an actuator coupled to the swash plate. The actuator is actuated by exhaust pressure or intake pressure from the engine. A controller changes the inclination angle of the swash plate by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Masaki Ota, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Tomoji Tarutani, Yasunori Ueda, Yoshinori Inoue