Patents Issued in March 27, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030056471
    Abstract: 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Frank V. Linker, Frank V. Linker
  • Publication number: 20030056472
    Abstract: This procedure is a totally different one in the art of sign making, it is based on laser sheet, with the sign design, applied to a coroplast board by using transfertape. The board is inserted in the plastic wrap and we seal it by using the L-Sealer shrink wrap machine. The sealed sign is passed through the heat tunnel machine in order for the plastic to take form of the sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Delbusca
  • Publication number: 20030056473
    Abstract: A flexible container for liquids including an outer shell, an inner liner and an intermediate structure in which the intermediate liner is coupled to the outer shell to maintain a cross-sectional profile and the volume of the inner liner is greater than the enclosed volume of the intermediate structure. Liquids are loaded into a flexible container wherein the container is lifted by straps so that the container hangs freely, the container is filled with the liquid, the filling tube is sealed, the sealed tube is placed between the outer shell and stabilizing straps on the outside surface of the outer shell and the flexible container is then rested on a surface, trapping the filling tube between the outside surface and strap so that the container is securely sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Carlos J.D. Matias
  • Publication number: 20030056474
    Abstract: A method of inspecting newly purchased or reground materials for making printed circuit board (PCB) includes the steps of receiving the materials; sending the received materials to an automatic optical inspection system, at where the materials are inspected and graded; sending the inspected and graded materials to a packing machine to be separately packed; storing the packed good materials in a warehouse or issuing them to a production line for use; sending the packed defective materials and the good materials that have been used for a period of time to a specified place for regrinding; inspecting the reground materials with the automatic optical inspection system again; and scraping the materials that are no longer regrindable. The method enables materials for making PCBs to be always maintained in an optimal working condition to ensure production of high-quality PCBs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Chieh Szu Chung
  • Publication number: 20030056475
    Abstract: A container packaging method is provided which ensures a sealing ability and yet has an easy opening ability. Between a container edge (1) and a film covering an upper opening face of a container, a strip seal (3), having a portion sealed partially weakly at an outer side portion of a corner of the container edge (1), is formed and a double line seal 5, 6 is formed on the strip seal (3). An outer line seal (5) has its corner end projected toward an outer side edge of the corner of the container edge (1). The outer line seal (5) and an inner line seal (6) are connected by a seal connection (8) formed in a diagonal direction B-B of the container. The inner line seal (6) has its inner side edge at the corner of the container edge (1) formed in a cornered shape (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakabayashi, Kazuhiko Goto
  • Publication number: 20030056476
    Abstract: An envelope stripping apparatus is disclosed for opening and holding open the flaps of envelopes or mail processed in a mailing machine or other envelope-processing machine. The flaps of the envelopes are held down against a vacuum plenum during transport of the envelope. The envelopes are fed along the feeding path towards a moistening device while the flap is stripped and held by the vacuum plenum. An arrangement of the plenum apertures is such that stiffer portions of the flaps have more vacuum applied than those that are of lesser area, or at the extreme end of the flap. A second arrangement of the envelope flaps will cause additional holding of the end of the flap if it is a larger envelope with a greater area at the end such as a square flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Franklin J. Buckley, Christopher D. Clark, Robert P. Rebres, Kenneth A. Schulz, Steven A. Supron, Geoffrey S. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20030056477
    Abstract: A hay stacking assembly which includes a pickup for picking loose hay up from a window and conveying it into a stacker assembly that has a stack support bed that rotates as the stacker moves. Means are provided for packing the hay into the stacker assembly until a complete hay stack is formed. When the hay stack is formed, the packed hay stack is removed from the stacker bed through the use of a push off device, and the unit is then again used for making another hay stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Rettich
  • Publication number: 20030056478
    Abstract: An air filtration device for intake of atmospheric air, removal of contaminants from the atmospheric air, expulsion of filtered air, includes a housing configured for application directly to an electrical outlet and provides air intake from the front surface of the housing and air expulsion from the side of the housing to utilize a wall surface to disperse the filtered air. An indicator is provided to communicate that a filter should be changed, and a filter orientation system is provided to allow proper orientation of the filter with respect to air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Pillion, Anthony V. Cruz, Matt R. Ragland
  • Publication number: 20030056479
    Abstract: A self-supporting filter media, comprising a batt made of thermoplastic fibers, and heat induced scores provided at predetermined intervals along a length of the batt. The batt has a shape memory induced by the scoring whereby the batt will self pleat when heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Harley LeMaster
  • Publication number: 20030056480
    Abstract: A lawn mower including a frame, an engine having an electrical system and attached to the frame, a mower deck assembly connected to the frame and having a rotating blade selectively engaged with the engine, a reversible transmission driven by the engine and having a shift mechanism having forward and reverse positions, a switch in electrical communication with the electrical system and mower deck assembly, and a solenoid attached to the transmission, in electrical communication with the switch, and having a plunger. The plunger has an extended position when the switch is in its first position and the blade engages the engine, wherein the plunger blocks movement of the shift mechanism into its reverse position, and a retracted position when the switch is in its second position and the blade disengages the engine, wherein the plunger does not block movement of the shift mechanism into its reverse position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030056481
    Abstract: A self-propelled power equipment unit having a frame with a handle having a general U-shaped rear end; a drive located on the frame and connected to a drive wheel by a transmission; and a user actuated control connected to the transmission. The user actuated control comprises a speed control lever pivotably connected to the handle proximate the U-shaped rear end and an operator presence lever pivotably connected to the speed control lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Harlin J. Trefz
  • Publication number: 20030056482
    Abstract: A deflector of a stalk divider for a harvesting assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a joint between an operating position and a transport position. The deflector can be held in the operating position and in the transport position. The joint is provided with a first locking element for holding the divider in the operating position. The joint is provided with a second locking element for holding the divider in the transport position. The first locking element is spaced at a greater distance from the pivot axis than the second locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Dirk Weichholdt
  • Publication number: 20030056483
    Abstract: The wet leaf gathering and compressing machine includes a main frame supported by wheels and adapted to be moved along a path parallel to a leaf windrow. A leaf gathering and compressing frame is pivotally attached to the main frame. A leaf gathering assembly, a leaf elevator and a leaf compressor are attached to the leaf gathering and compressing frame. The leaf compressor includes a pair of cantilevered parallel driven augers. Leaves are deposited on top of a forward portion of the parallel driven augers. the rear portion of the driven augers cooperate with a compression housing to compress leaves and force the compressed leaves into the lower portion of a leaf storage bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Earl R. Smith, Thomas R. Gross
  • Publication number: 20030056484
    Abstract: The present invention provides yarn and cloths made by utilizing bamboo fiber and methods for manufacturing these yarn and cloths, thereby the bamboo fiber can be utilized by being extracted from sheaths of bamboo shoots or bamboo sheaths that generate at the root of bamboo abundantly, which have been left as they are or mostly disposed of as wastes. By fibrillating or chemically treating bamboo sheaths 10 which is a main raw material, bamboo fiber 16 mainly comprising cellulose is obtained, and then it is formed into yarn by spinning. A cloth is produced as woven or knitted fabric using the yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: KATSUYAMA TECHNOS LTD.
    Inventor: Tomonaga Oda
  • Publication number: 20030056485
    Abstract: High capacity spool with built-in balloon control head (1) and folding system consisting of a spool composed of a balloon control head (1), a central tube (2) and a base (3) and of a folding system adjusted to this spool in two stages, a first stage in which a support cone for the second stage is obtained. The result obtained on the spool is a format whose final appearance is that of the so-called bottle type, although this fold differs from the habitual bottle fold, appropriate for any kind of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jordi Galan I Llongueras
  • Publication number: 20030056486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the maintenance of a plurality of processing stations (13) of a textile machine (10), whereby at least one first maintenance unit (14a-d) can travel alongside the processing stations (13) in order to service and/or control the processing stations (13). According to the invention the maintenance unit (14a-d) is moved into an optimized readiness position when none of the processing stations (13) needs to be serviced and/or controlled by the maintenance unit. Alternatively, the direction of travel in which the maintenance unit (14a-d) is to travel to the next processing station (13) in need of service is determined, whereby the direction of travel depends on the totality of processing stations in need of maintenance. In addition it is ensured that the maintenance unit (14a-d) is able to perform an already previously performed maintenance task on a processing station (13) when routine maintenance is imminently expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: RIETER INGOLSTADT SPINNEREIMASCHINENBAU AG
    Inventors: Bernd Bahlmann, Sebastian Brandl, Adalbert Stephan, Erwald Lenk, Martin Zipperer
  • Publication number: 20030056487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a textile machine with at least one first service unit (14a, 14b) capable of traveling along a guide rail alongside a plurality of processing stations of the textile machine, and with a control system (20a, 20b; 22) for the control of the travel movement of the service unit (14a, 14b). According to the invention the control system (20a, 20b; 22) can make data on travel path delimitations (18), predetermined return points and/or obstacles (14a-d) available, and the control system (20a, 20b; 22) controls the travel movement in function of the data of the travel path delimitations (18), the predetermined return points and/or the obstacles (14a-d).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: RIETER INGOLSTADT SPINNEREIMASCHINENBAU AG
    Inventor: Martin Zipperer
  • Publication number: 20030056488
    Abstract: An air-spinning arrangement has an opening device having a feed device and an opening roller for opening a sliver into individual fibers. A perforated removal roller receives the opened fibers from the opening roller in the circumferential direction. A conveyor belt conveys the fibers from the removal roller to a nip with a following air-spin nozzle for forming a yarn. The conveyor belt is arranged axially-parallel with the removal roller. A sufficiently close spacing of the conveyor belt from the removal roller is selected such that the fibers conveyed to the removal roller can be picked up by mechanical contact, and the conveyor belt is driven such that it deflects the fibers by approximately 90° and conveys them to the combing location. The air-spinning arrangement allows the formation of a fiber structure that is well suited to the air-spinning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Raasch
  • Publication number: 20030056489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain assembly method for joining a single or multiple link-plate chain having alternating, uncranked outer and inner chain links using prefabricated inner chain links in particular comprising two parallel link plates and parallel hollow pins connecting the latter. This assembly method is to be simplified as compared with production methods used hitherto for link plate chains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Murat Bekiroglu
  • Publication number: 20030056490
    Abstract: A valve assembly that is useful for controlling fuel delivery utilizes turbine power available from the steady state fuel flow within the valve assembly. A turbine element, which is moved by the steady state fuel flow, provides a motive force to a valve element that controls fuel delivery through selected outlet members of the valve arrangement. A rotating cage valve member preferably is coupled with the turbine element so that the valve member rotates responsive to movement of the turbine element. A controller determines the rate of rotation of the valve member and selectively controls a braking actuator to control the movement of the turbine element and the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Torger J. Anderson, William Proscia, Jayant S. Sabnis
  • Publication number: 20030056491
    Abstract: An electronic engine controller is provided in which a backup controller or independent protection module is located in a sealed housing 8 which itself is located within the main housing 4 of the controller. The backup controller is thermally insulated such that it has enhanced durability in the event of a fire or the like occurring in the vicinity of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: David Coleman, Geoffrey Slack, Anthony Cheshire
  • Publication number: 20030056492
    Abstract: A controller is provided in which an independent protection controller is provided in a casing, which casing is disposed within the casing for the main controller, such that the protection controller is provided as a box within a box. This allows the casing for the main controller to provide extra protection to the protection controller against mechanical stress and damage. The independent protection module is directly connected to a pilot operated “shut down” demand and in response to such a demand assumes authority to shut the engine down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Nigel Herbert Henson
  • Publication number: 20030056493
    Abstract: A thrust reverser includes axially adjoining forward and aft cowls defining a fan nacelle for surrounding a fan and core engine with a fan duct therebetween. The aft cowl has a forward face and the forward cowl has an aft face adjoining each other to define a reverser nozzle which converges radially outwardly. The aft cowl is translatable between a stowed position in which the reverser nozzle is closed and a deployed position in which the reverser nozzle is open for discharging fan air in a forward direction for thrust reversal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: The NORDAM Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Jannetta, Frederick H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20030056494
    Abstract: A controller is provided in which an independent protection controller is provided in a casing, which casing is disposed within the casing for the main controller, such that the protection controller is provided as a box within a box. This allows the casing for the main controller to provide extra protection to the protection controller against mechanical stress and damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: David Coleman
  • Publication number: 20030056495
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The invention comprises adjusting an air/fuel ratio in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to maintain the amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst at or near an oxidant target value. The oxidant target value is either a pre-determined constant value or a dynamically-determined value that is calculated based on engine operating conditions. 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 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Stephen L. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20030056496
    Abstract: A state determining apparatus for an exhaust gas purifier is provided for accurately determining the state of the exhaust gas purifier including an adsorbent for adsorbing hydrocarbons, including a deterioration of the adsorbent, in accordance with a temperature state in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The state determining apparatus for an exhaust gas purifier is arranged in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine for determining the state of the exhaust gas purifier including the adsorbent capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and moisture in exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Masaki Ueno, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Masahiro Sato, Tetsuo Endo, Shiro Takakura
  • Publication number: 20030056497
    Abstract: The invention relates to the starting of an internal combustion engine. The engine is coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment device that has a minimal threshold temperature for proper operation. Within a certain period of time after engine start, the load on an electrical generator driven by the engine is increased. Also, the air intake is throttled to reduce the intake manifold pressure to a target pressure. Both measures provide faster engine and catalyst warm-up and, thus, reduced emissions, particularly for a diesel engine in connection with an oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Johannes Kuenstler, Paul Eduard Moraal
  • Publication number: 20030056498
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regenerating a particulate filter in the exhaust system of a diesel engine, an increase in the temperature of the exhaust gases being brought about by post-injection of fuel. The intake pressure (MAP) and/or the air mass flow rate (MAF) are reduced as a function of the ambient temperature of the engine and preferably also when the engine load is low by throttling the engine. In this way, the proportions of burned or unburned post-injected fuel can be stabilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Johannes Kuenstler, Paul Eduard Moraal, Urs Christen, Yasser M. Yacoub
  • Publication number: 20030056499
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas aftertreatment device with a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine, and a method for operating an exhaust-gas aftertreatment device which is assigned to an internal combustion engine and has a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter. An SCR catalytic converter is arranged in the exhaust-gas aftertreatment device, it being possible for the exhaust gas which emerges from the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter to be fed to the SCR catalytic converter when the internal combustion engine is in a desulphating operating mode with a reducing exhaust-gas composition, in order for H2S which is formed during the desulphating to be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Binder, Josef Gunther, Andreas Hertzberg, Brigitte Konrad, Bernd Krutzsch, Heinz-Jost Olschlegel, Stefan Renfftlen, Dirk Voigtlander, Michel Weibel, Marko Weirich, Gunter Wenninger, Rolf Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20030056500
    Abstract: A process and a system are used for controlling the mixture composition for an Otto engine with an NOx storage catalyst during a regeneration phase. The process includes controlling, to the value of one, a &lgr;-value (&lgr;M) of an exhaust gas fed to the NOx storage catalyst during a regeneration phase as a function of a &lgr;-value (&lgr;K) of an exhaust gas emitted by the NOx storage catalyst. The system includes a control device for controlling, to the value of one, a &lgr;-value (&lgr;M) of the exhaust gas fed to the NOx storage catalyst during the regeneration phase as a function of the &lgr;-value (&lgr;K) of the exhaust gas emitted by the NOx storage catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG; Audi AG; Bayerische Motoren Werke AG; DaimlerChrysler AG; and Volkswag
    Inventors: Ngoc-Hoa Huynh, Lorenz Salzer, Ulf-Peter Schmeling, Peter Gerl
  • Publication number: 20030056501
    Abstract: A temperature estimating apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided for correctly calculating the temperature of an exhaust device even when the internal combustion engine is started under low temperature conditions. The temperature estimating apparatus comprises an ECU for estimating the temperature of a hydrocarbon adsorbent in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine through calculations. The ECU calculates an estimated adsorbent temperature of the adsorbent in accordance with an engine rotational speed, an absolute intake pipe inner pressure, an engine water temperature, an intake temperature, and a detected humidity of exhaust gases. This calculation is started when condensation, which has occurred within an intake pipe, is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Masaki Ueno, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Masahiro Sato, Hideharu Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20030056502
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of an outboard motor is provided. The exhaust system provides dual exhaust passages, simplifying the engine's construction and reducing manufacturing costs, while optimizing engine performance. The exhaust system includes exhaust ports having equal lengths that avoid differential pressure losses across cylinders. The arrangement of the exhaust passages enables a cowling to have a tapered aerodynamic design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Goichi Katayama, Katsumi Ochiai, Masanori Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20030056503
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having a first cylinder and a second cylinder from which pulses of exhaust gas exit and are routed along separate paths towards the exhaust mufflers. The exhaust system independently routes the pulses of exhaust gas from the two cylinders. The exhaust gases that are expelled from the first cylinder are routed through a first exhaust pipe. The exhaust gases that are expelled from the second cylinder are routed through a second exhaust pipe assembly. The second exhaust pipe assembly routes the exhaust gasses from an exhaust port for the second cylinder laterally across the motorcycle to achieve a true dual exhaust system. The second exhaust pipe assembly provides an approximate equal length flow path as compared to the path used by the exhaust gasses that are expelled from the first cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Darryl C. Bassani
  • Publication number: 20030056504
    Abstract: A waste heat recovering device for an internal combustion engine includes: an internal combustion engine; and an evaporator into which an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is introduced as a high temperature fluid. An exhaust gas inlet of the evaporator is placed adjacent to an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. Thus, there can be provided a waste heat recovering device having a high waste heat recovery rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Naoki Ohta, Tsuneo Endoh, Atsushi Baba, Tsutomu Takahashi, Masashi Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20030056505
    Abstract: An exhaust gas manifold of an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes a diverging pipe elbow and exhaust pipes. Each exhaust pipe has an end and is connected to the diverging pipe elbow. The ends of the exhaust pipes extend substantially unidirectionally into the pipe elbow. The sections of the exhaust pipes adjacent to the ends are joined and together form a circular cross section. The portions of the exhaust pipes adjacent to the joined sections are separated from each other with a gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kim Havemann, Christoph Pleuss
  • Publication number: 20030056506
    Abstract: A wind turbine generator is disclosed which includes a hub, a plurality of wind driven blades arranged around the hub, a drive belt or drive chain or other mechanical drive driven by the plurality of blades, an electric generator driven by the mechanical drive; and a boxlike frame forming a wind blocking wall for blocking wind from blowing against any of the plurality of wind driven blades in the reverse direction. In one arrangement, the wind turbine generator further includes two oil or gas tanks, and the boxlike frame is placed between the tanks to take advantage of the natural wind channeling between the two tanks. In another arrangement, the wind turbine generator further includes a house or building and the boxlike frame is built into the side of the house or building. The boxlike frame is also built into the top of a roof or the middle of a roof in other arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Alan B. Cutcher
  • Publication number: 20030056507
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device having a first hydraulic actuator provided with a cylinder space, in which a piston/piston rod assembly is accommodated in such a way that it can move to and fro between first and second end positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Laurentius Andreas Gerardus Mentink
  • Publication number: 20030056508
    Abstract: A multilevel speed regulation method for a jack and a multilevel speed regulation jack use a hydraulic speed regulation line which includes at least two parallel hydraulic sub-lines extending between the input and output cylinders and the pressure applied by the output cylinder against the load is taken as the control signal to control the opening and closure of the hydraulic sub-lines or their combination at different speed levels. Application of the method in this invention provides the jack with the capability to automatically transfer between different speed levels in the case of different loads, and thus the lifting efficiency is improved. Additionally, this invention also provides a multilevel speed regulation jack, in which a hydraulic speed regulation line of at least three speed levels is connected in series between the input and output cylinders. This hydraulic speed regulation line consists of at least two parallel hydraulic sub-lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Qun Fan
  • Publication number: 20030056509
    Abstract: A pressure booster comprising a housing (11) with a low-pressure fluid inlet (14), a high-pressure fluid outlet (15), and an inlet (16) and an outlet (17) for compressed air. In the housing (11) there is provided a main piston (22) with an enlarged portion (23), which together with the housing (11) define a third cylinder space (26), which can be connected to the compressed air inlet (16). Furthermore, the main piston (22) has a small end portion (22b) which together with the housing define a second cylinder space (27) and whereby fluid at increased pressure can be moved out of the housing (11) via a high-pressure fluid outlet (15) when the third cylinder space (26) is supplied with compressed air. In an axial passage (29) there is mounted a check valve (30), which can be influenced by a body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Lucien Lenerand, Sven Bjorkgard
  • Publication number: 20030056510
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine employing a cylinder deactivation strategy during idle or light load conditions. A continuous stream of air is supplied to the hydrogen internal combustion engine. A control system responsive to engine speed and accelerator pedal position calculates a specific amount of hydrogen to inject into the continuous air stream. The resulting stream is combusted in the engine to provide power to the vehicle. During idling or light load conditions, the hydrogen supply to one or more cylinders may cease while maintaining the flow of air to the cylinders. A rechargeable battery and an electric motor receiving power from the battery are used to supplement the hydrogen powered internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Robert C. Stempel, Richard O. Geiss, Bruce A. Webster, Ian Kinoshta
  • Publication number: 20030056511
    Abstract: A dampening device for suppressing vibrations of a tube assembly in a catalytic combustor which includes, a plurality of closely oriented, parallel tubes with each tube having at least one expanded region and at least one narrow region. The expanded regions being structured to contact at least one adjacent tube, thus providing support and minimizing degradation of the joint connecting the tubes to the tube sheet, and degradation of the tubes themselves. Such degradation can result from vibration due to flow of cooling air inside of the tubes, flow of the fuel/air mixture passing over the tubes transverse and longitudinal to the tube bundle, and/or other system/engine vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald J. Bruck, Thomas E. Lippert, Daniel R. Bartolomeo, William E. Kepes, Donald M. Newburry
  • Publication number: 20030056512
    Abstract: A catalytic combustor includes a plurality of rectangular, tubular subassemblies having the catalyst coating on their outside surfaces. The subassemblies are held in spaced relationship within channels in support walls so that the catalyst coated surfaces of adjacent subassemblies define a catalyst-coated channel, and the interior of the tubular subassemblies defines uncoated channels. This structure permits precise location and support for the various subassemblies, provides wide flexibility in selecting the number and size of catalyst coated subassemblies, and provides for multiple possible flow paths for cooling air and fuel-air mixture through the catalytic combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Bruck, Maria E. Stampahar, Dennis M. Bachovchin, Mary Anne Alvin, Donald M. Newburry
  • Publication number: 20030056513
    Abstract: A gas turbine plant comprises an air compressor, gas turbine turbine including at least one high temperature section, a driven equipment, which are operatively connected in series, a gas turbine combustor arranged between the air compressor and the gas turbine, a fuel system disposed for supplying a fuel to the gas turbine combustor, and a heat exchange section for heating the fuel from the fuel by means of a high pressure air as a heating medium fed from the air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tadashi Kobayashi, Takanari Okamura, Shokou Ito, Takashi Sasaki, Akinori Koga
  • Publication number: 20030056514
    Abstract: A fuel conditioning system for a turbine plant may include an inlet fuel module followed by a turbine fuel module for each turbine, the modules being monitored and controlled by a programmable logic controller. The inlet fuel module may include a metering station, an inlet pressure control station, an inlet scrubber station, and an inlet coalescing filter station. Each turbine fuel module has a turbine pressure control station, a turbine super-heater station, and a turbine coalescing filter station. The fuel conditioning system may also include a trip transient mitigation system and a latent fuel venting system. The programmable logic controller collects data from all of the stations and systems as well as the turbine and then uses self-correcting algorithms to control the stations and systems. The programmable logic controller also stores the data collected and transmits the data to an off-site storage and verification center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Lohn
  • Publication number: 20030056515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat shield block, in particular for lining a combustion chamber wall, having a hot side which can be subjected to a hot medium, a wall side opposite the hot side, and a peripheral side adjoining the hot side and the wall side. A tension element which can be prestressed to a prestress (Fz) is attached to the peripheral side, release of a fragment, formed during a fracture, of the heat shield block being reliably prevented by the prestress (Fz) of the tension element. The invention also relates to the use of a heat shield block, in particular for lining a combustion chamber wall of a gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Ulrich Bast, Uwe Rettig, Christine Taut
  • Publication number: 20030056516
    Abstract: Walls that require cooling, including combustor walls of jet engines, having two members forming a waffle shaped structure are described. The dual member structure comprises passages for incoming air, which zigzag through part of the waffle structure. The air is then released to the combustor or exhausted elsewhere. Additionally, the need for a cool film on one side of the wall may be eliminated. The waffle shaped structure disclosed is relative easy to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: James Lolnell Hadder
  • Publication number: 20030056517
    Abstract: A gas turbine (12) capable of combusting a low quality gaseous fuel having a ratio of flammability limits less than 2, or a heat value below 100 BTU/SCF. A high quality fuel is burned simultaneously with the low quality fuel to eliminate instability in the combustion flame. A sensor (46) is used to monitor at least one parameter of the flame indicative of instability. A controller (50) having the sensor signal (48) as input is programmed to control the relative flow rates of the low quality and high quality fuels. When instability is detected, the flow rate of high quality fuel is automatically increased in relation to the flow rate of low quality fuel to restore stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: John Samuel Brushwood, Paul Pillsbury, John Foote, Andreas Heilos
  • Publication number: 20030056518
    Abstract: A combustion control system controls a turbine engine that includes a fuel manifold and a plurality of fuel injectors. The control system includes a fuel pulsator and a controller. The fuel pulsator is coupled in flow communication with the plurality of injectors and the fuel manifold. The controller is coupled to the fuel pulsator such that the pulsator is between the controller and the fuel manifold. The controller is variably selectable and configured to facilitate promoting stable combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Ivan Elmer Woltmann
  • Publication number: 20030056519
    Abstract: A catalytic combustor (34) for a gas turbine engine (30). A fuel-air mixture (50) is reacted on a catalytic surface (54) of a catalytic heat exchanger module (36) to partially combust the fuel (48) to form heat energy. The fuel-air mixture is formed using compressed air (44) that has been pre-heated to above a reaction-initiation temperature in a non-catalytic cooling passage (46) of the catalytic heat exchanger module (36). Because the non-catalytic cooling passages (46) provide the necessary pre-heating of the combustion air, no separate pre-heat burner is required. Fuel (48) is added to the pre-heated air (44) downstream of the non-catalytic cooling passage (46) and upstream of the catalytic surface (54), thereby eliminating the possibility of flashback of flame into the cooling passages (46). Both can-type (60) and annular (80) combustors utilizing such a combustion system are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Donald M. Newburry
  • Publication number: 20030056520
    Abstract: A combustion catalyst coating (36) applied to the surface of a ceramic thermal barrier coating (34) which is supported by a metal substrate (32). The microstructure of the thermal barrier coating surface provides the necessary turbulent flow and surface area for interaction of the catalyst and a fuel-air mixture in a catalytic combustor of a gas turbine engine. The temperature gradient developed across the thermal barrier coating protects the underlying metal substrate from a high temperature combustion process occurring at the catalyst surface. The thermal barrier coating deposition process may be controlled to form a microstructure having at least one feature suitable to interdict a flow of fuel-air mixture and cause the flow to become more turbulent than if such feature did not exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Chris Campbell, Ramesh Subramanian, Andrew Jeremiah Burns