Patents Issued in January 9, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030005655
    Abstract: A glass block structure supported by a flexible phenolic resin framework is disclosed. The phenolic resin framework is bonded to the individual glass blocks with an adhesive substance that is placed so as to lie at or near the corners of the blocks. The phenolic resin that makes up the supporting framework may advantageously be formed in a pultrusion process wherein the resin is embedded with glass-like strands. Further heat-tolerance and adhesion may be obtained from the use of a high-heat tolerant putty applied between the phenolic resin and the glass blocks. The flexibility of the phenolic resin allows the block structure to be preassembled and then transported to an installation site as a single, ready-to-install unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Steven G. LeMert
  • Publication number: 20030005656
    Abstract: A decorative cover assembly for a substantially vertical surface is disclosed. The vertical surface is in the form of at least one panel having a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges. The cover assembly includes a mounting bracket removably attachable to the panel top edge with attachment elements being disposed on the bracket. A plurality of first connecting members are positioned along the panel front surface at spaced intervals proximate the panel side edges. A plurality of decorative sheets are then provided and adapted to align with each other to form a coherent piece of art. The sheets are sized for placement adjacent each other and include second connecting members releasably attachable to the first connecting members to position the sheets over the outer surface of the panel to display the coherent piece of art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Tom B. Kim, Larry Russell Craycraft
  • Publication number: 20030005657
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing (1) on settlement joints, having a moveable loop-shaped ribbon (2) between the joint edges (3) and having an angle section (4), wherein the loop has a support ribbon (2) and on top thereof at least one sealing layer(s) (5, 5′) produced on the basis of a pourable plastic with a plastic-fleece protruding at the borders of said support ribbon, which extend(s) beyond the ends of the support ribbon (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Triflex Beschichtungssysteme GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventors: Cornelius Visser, Hermann Kaschuba, Dieter Roeske
  • Publication number: 20030005658
    Abstract: A sealed roof and a method of sealing a roof is disclosed. The sealed roof is of the type having a inclined substrate with a first layer of shingles attached thereto. A sealing means is positioned adjacent at least a portion of the first layer of shingles. A second later of shingles is placed over the sealing means and attached to the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jonny Folkersen
  • Publication number: 20030005659
    Abstract: A buck system for forming a frame to insert a window, door, or the like into a wall. The buck system includes assembly members that have a width that corresponds to the dimension of the cavity, if any, and optionally includes end caps. The assembly members and end caps are preferably formed of materials that avoid the drawbacks of dimensional lumber. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: James D. Moore,
  • Publication number: 20030005660
    Abstract: A finishing device used to form a corner between two panels of drywall has a flexible joint extending along a predetermined axis. Two wings are connected to and extend outwardly in a diverging relation from the flexible joint to form a corner having an adjustable angle. Each wing has a front surface, a rear surface, and an edge distal from the flexible joint. The device is adjustable to fit various thicknesses of drywall panel. A layer of primer or adhesive laminate is applied to the front surface of the wings so that paint can bond to the front surface. The finishing device is capable of forming both inside and outside corners. To form inside and outside corners, the finishing device bends along the flexible joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Stibolt
  • Publication number: 20030005661
    Abstract: A device for leveling or aligning adjacent prestressed hollowcore concrete planks includes an insert member that is received between the planks at a grout joint. One end of the insert member supports a first alignment member that is received against one side of the planks. The other end of the insert member cooperates with a second alignment member that is received against an opposite side of the planks. An adjustment member adjusts the spacing between the first and second alignment members to provide a desired alignment between the planks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Loris Collavino
  • Publication number: 20030005662
    Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Ishii, Hiroyuki Nishida, Takao Asakura, Hideyuki Uezono
  • Publication number: 20030005663
    Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Henry Dennis Anstey, Nissim Mass, Yuval Lieber, Zvi Paz
  • Publication number: 20030005664
    Abstract: A device for partitioning portion packages from a filled casing string by constricting it and applying at least one closing clip onto the casing string, which consists of two sets of displacement elements and a clipping apparatus consisting of two interacting elements that can move between the displacement element sets in mutually opposite directions, wherein he displacement elements and the elements of the closing apparatus are connected via rotating joints to the cranks driven in the same direction and are guided via a joint guiding element, which is seated in a swiveling manner about the (virtual) casing axis on a carrier holding also the cranks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Topfer
  • Publication number: 20030005665
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding piece goods (P) to a tubular-bag packaging station (4) has a feed conveyer (1) for feeding the piece goods (P) and a packaging-material-web conveyer (5) for conveying the packaging-material web (50) to the packaging station (4). A position-detecting unit (2) serves for detecting the piece goods (P) conveyed on the feed conveyer (1). Furthermore, at least one gripping unit (3) is provided for removing the piece goods (P) from the feed conveyer (1) and for depositing the piece goods (P′) directly or indirectly in a predetermined position on the packaging-material web (50), it being possible to convey the piece goods (P′) from the packaging-material web (50) to the packaging station (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Alfred Wipf, Thomas Strasser
  • Publication number: 20030005666
    Abstract: A method of handling an object using a robot end effector. The method includes providing a robot having an end effector supporting a pair of carriages, providing a pair of fingers for each carriage, moving the end effector over an object, grasping an object with the fingers, moving the object with the end effector to a container, and depositing the object by counter-rotating the pairs of fingers. One or both of the carriages is movable toward the other carriage to engage objects on a conveyor system with the fingers. The robot moves the end effector between the conveyor system and shipping containers for shipping the objects. Because the pairs of fingers counter-rotate, the friction forces between each finger and the tray is offset by the friction forces between the other finger in the pair and the tray. The improved handling method thereby maintains objects substantially in the desired stacking orientation within the shipping container. Preferably, an actuator is provided for each finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Grams
  • Publication number: 20030005667
    Abstract: Oil which has been heated by use in a gas compressor is cooled by transferring the heat from the oil to gas upstream from the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Walter Duane Ollinger
  • Publication number: 20030005668
    Abstract: An air purifier has a rotatable power plug capable to be inserted directly into a common socket and to be turned around to suit to different directions and positions of various sockets to increase facility in use. Besides, the body of the air purifier is provided with a bulb inside and a bulb switch on an upper side to turn on or turn off the bulb, thus also serving as a lamp lighting at night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ping Huang
  • Publication number: 20030005669
    Abstract: Turbine air filter media include at least one porous film of polytetrafluoroethylene, and at least one air-permeable support member, wherein the turbine air filter media exhibit a pressure drop of from 100 Pa to 300 Pa, both inclusively, and a PF value of not smaller than 15. The porous film of polytetrafluoroethylene preferably exhibits a pressure drop of from 70 Pa to 250 Pa, both inclusively, and a PF value of not smaller than 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Maeoka, Eizo Kawano
  • Publication number: 20030005670
    Abstract: A grease containment assembly to collect grease discharged from a grease exhaust system that has an exhaust duct extending upwardly from a roof top and interconnected to a fan base that connects to an exhaust fan. The grease containment includes a plurality of interconnecting channels positioned around the exhaust duct to form a frame surrounding said exhaust duct. The channels further include a water channel running along the bottom portion defined therein. A sorbent material is further received within the interconnecting channels, having properties that absorbs grease and repels water. A plurality of egresses positioned in the interconnecting channels permit water running along the water channels to drain out of the interconnecting channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Chwala
  • Publication number: 20030005671
    Abstract: A filter system, including a folded filter (1) and a cover (2) of a filter housing (3), the folded filter (1) and the cover (2) forming a preassemblable unit (4) and being essentially sealingly joined to each other so as to be detachable without destruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Uwe Felber, Bjorn Boschert, Christoph Malig, Tilo Rinckleb, Dieter Schottmer
  • Publication number: 20030005672
    Abstract: A towed rotary cutter includes a self-leveling hitch equipped with a parking stand mounted in a centered position beneath the hitch. Through the operation of the leveling links, the hydraulic lift cylinder that is used for raising and lowering the ground wheels of the cutter relative to the cutter frame is also used to manipulate the hitch, once the parking stand is placed in its park position, so as to remove the weight of the hitch from the tractor drawbar when unhitching the tractor from the rotary cutter, or to place the hitch clevis at the correct height for connecting it to the tractor drawbar when hitching the cutter to the tractor. In a first embodiment, the parking stand is constructed for use with a hitch having a feature for automatically maintaining the clevis in a horizontal attitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventor: Henry Friesen
  • Publication number: 20030005673
    Abstract: An aquatic shredder includes a watercraft and a pair of large, high speed propellers mounted at both the bow and stern ends of the watercraft. The propellers are configured to not only propel the watercraft through the water but also to chop vegetation at or near the water surface. Moreover, the bow propellers are similar in construction to the stern propellers so that they similarly effect comminution of the vegetation and propulsion of the watercraft. In particular, each pair of propellers extends completely across the width of the watercraft and projects laterally outward beyond the port and starboard sides of the watercraft. Each pair of propellers is preferably supported by a swingable frame that permits the user to raise and lower the propellers as desired. To enhance the cutting action of the propellers, the blades of the propellers may be provided with fore and aft extending knives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: David M. Penny, Kenneth F. Knapp, Gerald S. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20030005674
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for the support and guiding of a weed and grass trimmer is disclosed. The invention attaches to gas and electric weed and grass trimmers and permits a user to more easily use the trimmer and space and maintain a selected height of the cutting plane of the trimmer above the work surface, generally the surface of the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Judy C. Powell
  • Publication number: 20030005675
    Abstract: A wheeled support for a vegetation trimmer which includes a first body and a second body. The first body has a wheel end and a clamp end. A first wheel is positioned at the wheel end of the first body. The second body also has a wheel end and a clamp end. a second wheel is positioned at the wheel end of the second body. A pivotal assembly extends between and connects the wheel end of the first body and the wheel end of the second body. This pivotal assembly leaves a vegetation trimmer receiving space between the first body and the second body. A clamp clamps together the clamp end of the first body and the clamp end of the second body, thereby clamping a body of a vegetation trimmer in the vegetation trimmer receiving space between the first body and the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20030005676
    Abstract: A tool lifting apparatus for gardening vehicles such as lawn mowers or the like, of the type that comprises a lever-type frame, which supports the tool and is associated with hydraulic-cylinder lifting actuators, coupled between the frame and the vehicle chassis. The lever-type frame is coupled to the vehicle chassis to perform oscillations with respect to a longitudinal axis. The lever-type frame defines a third-class lever in which the lever fulcrum is arranged to the rear of, and parallel to, the front axle of the vehicle and to the rear of the actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: ANTONIO CARRARO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Girolamo Martignon
  • Publication number: 20030005677
    Abstract: A flex wing rotary cutter includes wheel axles on each of the center and wing deck frames which are linked together for simultaneous rocking by a lift cylinder coupled between the center deck frame and the center axle. Each of the support wheels of the cutter is mounted to a spindle carried at the rear end of a rocker arm that is pivotally attached, at a location between its ends, to a rear location of a respective strut cantilevered from one or the other of the axles. An air spring is coupled between the strut and a forward end of the rocker arm and a shock absorber is coupled between the rocker arm and the strut at a location between the air spring and the connection of the rocker arm with the strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Ken Kengi Oka, Henry Friesen
  • Publication number: 20030005678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crop lifter for harvesting machine reaping systems with reaping fingers (2). The crop lifter (2) has a support bar (6). An attachment element (10) is mounted on, and connected to the support bar (6). The attachment element (10) retains the crop lifter on the reaping finger (2) in different alignment positions. The attachment element (10) comprises a holding element (11) with two distanced legs (12). The tip of the reaping finger (2) can be inserted between the legs (12). A retaining lever (16) is supported between the two legs (12) on a pivot pin (15). The retaining lever (16) has a first lever arm (17) with an adjusting screw (20). The adjustment screw (20) can be brought into contact with the upper side of the reaping finger (2). A second lever arm (18) of the retaining lever (16) has two retaining faces (24, 24a). A retaining element, in the form of a leaf spring (25) has a front face (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20030005679
    Abstract: A cutting implement which includes a baffle for directing the flow of air and vegetation caused by the rotation of cutting blades of the implement is provided. The baffle serves to intercept the flows of air and vegetation of adjacent chambers to accelerate the discharge of cut material. Further, the baffle directs cut material above the cutting plane of the blade to permit the blade to effectively raise and cut vegetation in its path which is particularly useful when that vegetation has previously been matted down by at least one of the tires on the tractor on which it is carried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Henry Buss, Todd Lynn Smith
  • Publication number: 20030005680
    Abstract: An implement that substantially reduces the likelihood of material being blown out from the underside thereof is provided. To decrease this likelihood, the implement is constructed with a lip that extends outwardly from the front edge of its center chamber. Further provided is an adjustable extension to the lip which may be made part of the implement at the option of the operator. In providing an implement with both the lip and its extension, an operator is permitted to insure against the possibility of vegetation and debris leaving the underside of the deck at the front of the center chamber. Consequently, the overall appearance of one's grounds may be greatly enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Henry Buss, Todd Lynn Smith
  • Publication number: 20030005681
    Abstract: A plastic driving cable for attachment and use in driving systems. The plastic driving cable is comprised of an all-plastic inner core, with or without an outer jacket, and all-plastic molded end fittings. The inner core has a configuration of interwoven or bundled fibers of high performance polymer providing a cable of increased strength and flexibility that fits a smaller bending radius and has high performance at low temperatures. The outer jacket comprises a non-metallic material that surrounds the inner core providing improved performance at low temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Xinhua (Sam) He, Mansour Ashtiani
  • Publication number: 20030005682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air textured yarn with elastic character, of which the purpose is to eliminate the shortcoming of making one comfortless while wearing clothes made of conventional air textured yarn by its lack of elasticity; the present invention is characterized in: the inner core yarn, which is made from the heat plastic fiber with self-curling elastic character, and the outer enclosing yarn, which is made from an appropriate heat plastic fiber in accordance with the function need of various fabric, are air textured processed to manufacture a high class yarn with elastic character, which is of industrial applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Zo-Chun Jen
  • Publication number: 20030005683
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling reductant injection into an exhaust stream upstream of a catalyst coupled to an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method and system determine a reductant fraction representative of the fractional amount of the reductant used in the catalyst (i.e., the amount of reductant used in the reaction in the catalyst) and the amount of the reductant passing through the catalyst. The method and system vary the amount of reductant injection in accordance with both the determined reductant fraction and the amount of reductant passing from the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Christine Kay Lambert, Karen Marie Adams, Robert Henry Hammerle
  • Publication number: 20030005684
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. To do so, the invented system estimates an amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. The amount of oxidants stored is estimated by determining an amount of oxidants that are available for storage by the catalyst or that are needed to oxidize hydrocarbons being produced by the engine. Based thereon, a change in oxidant storage in the catalyst is calculated. The estimate of the amount of oxidants that are available for storage by the catalyst or that are needed to oxidize hydrocarbons is adjusted based on a feedback parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Stephen L. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20030005685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The claimed invention comprises adjusting an air/fuel ratio in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to maintain a desired level of oxidants in the catalytic converter. At various times, the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalytic converter is determined. The actual oxidant amount is compared to a target amount of oxidants to be stored in the catalytic converter. The air/fuel ratio in the cylinders is adjusted based on the magnitude of the difference between the actual oxidant amount and the target oxidant amount to prevent NOx and hydrocarbon breakthrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Stephen L. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20030005686
    Abstract: An exhaust system or an engine (12) includes a lean NOx catalytic device (18), and a heat exchanger (70) positioned upstream of the catalytic device (18). Control means (44, 46) controls a valve (36) to regulate exhaust gas flow through the heat exchanger (70) or along a bypass path (26). The heat exchanger (70) can cool the exhaust gases to ensure that the maximum operating temperature of the catalytic device (1) is not exceeded. During use, the heat exchanger (70) can be bypassed to allow high temperature purge cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes Hartick
  • Publication number: 20030005687
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact efficient exhaust handling device that is particularly advantageous for use with small two-stroke, piston-type internal combustion engines, which device provides both exhaust scavenging and charge densification in the cylinder of the engine by utilizing a first muffler section formed in a helical or wrapped configuration, and a muffler expansion chamber also formed in a wrapped configuration, and axially displaced from the first section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Marion Barney Jett
  • Publication number: 20030005688
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having two banks of cylinders by which pulses of exhaust gas are alternately directed to a diverter subassembly. The diverter subassembly, which is located in the muffler, includes a perforated gas decelerator chamber which divides each pulse of exhaust gas between two exhaust outlets and causes a low pressure wave to occur in the exhaust system to enhance scavenging of a subsequent pulse of exhaust gas and thereby improve engine performance and mileage. The muffler further includes one or more cores and may or may not include a dead air space chamber to provide attenuation and tonal balance to the exiting exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Darryl C. Bassani
  • Publication number: 20030005689
    Abstract: Disclosed is a personal watercraft capable of appropriately detecting temperatures of an engine and an exhaust manifold by using one temperature sensor and in particular capable of finding that cooling water flow is stagnant in cooling systems of them based on the detection of the temperatures. The personal watercraft comprises a water-cooled multi-cylinder engine placed in an engine room of a body, an exhaust manifold for gathering an exhaust gas from the engine, the exhaust manifold being cooled by cooling water, and a temperature sensor provided so as to be located downstream of the vicinity of an end of the exhaust manifold that is located downstream in an exhaust gas flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimoto Matsuda, Yasuo Okada, Hideaki Ebisui
  • Publication number: 20030005690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method to provide energy for hydraulic systems. The device includes at least one gas generation cartridge (2) and a device (5) for the activation of a gas generation. Gas pressure vessels (2) or pyrotechnic gas generation cartridges (2) can be used advantageously as gas generation cartridges (2). The method of the invention includes activating a gas generation when the pressure in a hydraulic circuit drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ottmar Neuf, Rainer Bavendiek, Recep Macit
  • Publication number: 20030005691
    Abstract: Disclosed is a controller for construction equipment, which avoids occurrence of an engine stall even at the time of a heavy load while assuring simultaneous operation of a hydraulic actuator for a working machine and a hydraulic drive motor. The controller is provided with a torque variable control valve for controlling a pump maximum displacement so that a suction torque of a hydraulic pump becomes constant when a discharge oil pressure of the hydraulic pump exceeds a predetermined value; and a servo valve for changing the tilt angle of a cam plate of the hydraulic pump in accordance with an instruction from the torque variable control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ikuo Kita, Yuuichi Nagahiro, Hiroshi Nakagami
  • Publication number: 20030005692
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a convertible top assembly of a motor vehicle. The actuating device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated electric pump motor and one or more hydraulic actuators, each for driving an associated movable part of the convertible top assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Laurentius Andreas Gerardus Mentink, Johnny Antonius Jacobus Wiggemans
  • Publication number: 20030005693
    Abstract: An hydraulic pressure control system in the hydrostatic system of a split torque transmission uses a shunt circuit to redirect hydraulic fluid in a loop between a first pump and a second pump or motor. The shunt is opened by restricting a variable area or valve in the primary loop and opening a variable area or valve in the shunt. Adjusting the openings of the valves prevents overloading of the engine, lugging under instantaneous loads and overspeed due to backloading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael F. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20030005694
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for fastening an exhaust gas turbocharger on an exhaust gas manifold of an internal-combustion engine. A manifold flange is provided at the exhaust gas manifold, on which manifold flange an exhaust gas turbocharger can be fastened which is also provided with a flange surface. It is provided that the manifold flange provided on one side of the exhaust gas manifold is connected with sleeves leading to the opposite side of the exhaust gas manifold, in which sleeves screws are guided for the fastening of the exhaust gas turbocharger. This permits a simple and easily accessible mounting or demounting of the exhaust gas turbocharger on the exhaust gas manifold of the internal-combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Christoph Pleuss, Michael Kuhnel, Werner Engl
  • Publication number: 20030005695
    Abstract: System for controlling an electric assisted turbocharger comprise an electric motor disposed within turbocharger, and an electric motor controller electrically coupled thereto for purposes of controlling the same. A memory is electrically coupled to the electric motor controller and is configured with a condition map that correlates electric motor instructions with engine and turbocharger conditions. The system includes sensors that are electrically coupled to the electric motor controller, and that are configured to sense conditions of at least one of the turbocharger and the internal combustion engine that is coupled thereto. The electric motor controller is configured to control the electric motor based upon the input received from the plurality of sensors as compared to the data contained multi-dimensional condition map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: John Allen, Rhett Hedrick, Len Wedman, Gerhard Delf, Daniel Black, Kevin Birch
  • Publication number: 20030005696
    Abstract: The “Internal Combustion Engine Energy Extractor” is a device that is extracts otherwise wasted heat from both the engine exhaust system and it's cooling system. This heat is converted into mechanical energy, which is 1) used to power the “Extractor” and 2) may be used for auxiliary engine devices, such as an intake air supercharger or an electrical generator. The Energy Extractor by itself 1) increases engine efficiency and power by decreasing exhaust back pressure and 2) decreases engine wear by decreasing the cylinder and engine temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Benjamin Raymond Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030005697
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system incorporates a contactor for counter current direct heat exchange between a non-condensible gas and a liquid, typically hot water. The water is from a heat source available at the site such as a solar source, a geothermal source, an industrial plant or the like. Hot mainly saturated gas exits from the contactor and drives a motor, typically a turbine. The turbine drive a work consuming device, normally an electric generator. A condenser/separator downstream from the turbine condenses the water vapor and separates the non-condensible gas from the liquid. The liquid from the condenser is preferably recycled or may be discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Donnie W. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20030005698
    Abstract: A system for vaporizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) utilizes the residual cooling capacity of LNG to condense the working fluid of a power producing work producing cycle and chills liquids that are used in a direct-contact heat transfer system to cool air. The cold air is used to supply air to a combustion gas turbine operating in conjunction with a combined cycle power plant. Power is produced from both the work producing cycle and the combined cycle power plant and the chilling of the intake air to the gas turbine increases the output capacity of the combined cycle power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold P. Keller
  • Publication number: 20030005699
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a gas depressurization station, comprising a preheater for preheating a gas, an expander having an output shaft for expanding and depressurizing the gas, and an air compressor coupled to the output shaft for creating high pressure air for use in controlling the depressurization process. The invention is also directed to a method for safely depressurizing a gas, comprising: passing the gas through a preheater and a gas expander which drives an output shaft; driving an air compressor attached to said output shaft to produce compressed air; and controlling the pressure of said compressed air by means of control throttling means; whereby unwanted variations in the speed of rotation of said output shaft may be safely controlled by said control throttling means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Nalin Walpita
  • Publication number: 20030005700
    Abstract: Electricity generating apparatus with an outside wood-burning furnace having a water jacket to produce steam driving a steam engine. The steam engine drives an electric generator. A heated water supply for a house or other structure may also be obtained by utilizing the spent steam from the steam engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: David Gordon Mcintyre
  • Publication number: 20030005701
    Abstract: Augmentation of the thrust achieved by a supersonic nozzle of continuous curvature is achieved by causing secondary combustion to occur in an annular region of the interior of the divergent section of the nozzle. The secondary combustion forms a secondary combustion gas that complements the primary combustion gas passing through the nozzle and maintains a wall pressure that is equal to or greater than ambient pressure at low altitudes, eliminating the negative component of the thrust in an overexpanded nozzle at takeoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • Publication number: 20030005702
    Abstract: An operation method for a combined plant can simplify the steam lines and also decrease the cost for manufacturing combined plants as well. The combined plant comprises a gas turbine plant and a steam turbine plant; the steam turbine plant comprising a steam drum for generating steam and supplying the steam into a steam turbine, a condenser for condensing steam passing through the steam turbine, a steam turbine bypass line for connecting the upstream of the steam turbine and the condenser and bypassing the steam turbine; and a gas turbine steam cooling portion for cooling a hot portion of the gas turbine plant by steam supplied from the steam drum, and which is provided parallel to a pipe connecting the upstream of the steam turbine bypass line and the steam drum, wherein when the combined plant is in a normal operation mode, an amount of steam passing through the gas turbine steam cooling portion is adjusted by a valve which is provided in the steam turbine bypass line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Jyun Taguchi, Yoshinori Hyakutake, Masayuki Takahama
  • Publication number: 20030005703
    Abstract: A method for equalizing fluid pressure in a primary fluid flow region, comprised of providing a modulating fluid flow region adjacent to the primary flow region and separating the two regions with a perforated wall. By controlling the fluid pressure in the modulating fluid flow region, and permitting fluid to flow between the perforated wall, the fluid pressure in the primary fluid flow region is equalized. The perforations may be formed either in at least one ring about the perimeter of the plenum or at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the plenum. Furthermore, at least one of the perforations may be canted in either the longitudinal or radial directions. This method is important in equalizing the air pressure in a turbine engine air inlet and thereby avoiding aerodynamic distortions in said inlet. Additionally, an apparatus is provided for equalizing the pressure in a primary fluid flow region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Link C. Jaw
  • Publication number: 20030005704
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor rotor assembly including a first rotor, a combustor configured to operate with a fuel/air mixture equivalence ratio less than one, and a water injection assembly. The water injection assembly includes a water delivery system including a first plurality of spray nozzles to supply water upstream from the first rotor. The water being supplied to the first rotor is atomized with the first plurality of spray nozzles prior to being supplied to the engine to lower the emissions generated by the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Richard B. Hook, M. Waseem Adhami, Narendra D. Joshi