Patents Issued in October 2, 2003
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Publication number: 20030182904Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying glue to boxes, and more particularly a method and apparatus that is used for applying glue to boxes during a process of sealing the flaps of boxes is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Earl Roland Fields, John Arthur Dahman
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Publication number: 20030182905Abstract: The invention proposes an envelope-filling bench for adding onto a push-in station of a mail-processing machine, the bench containing envelope-conveying means for transporting envelopes in front of the push-in station and for transporting them away once the envelopes have been filled with enclosures or sets of enclosures. The envelope-filling bench is formed essentially from two vertical transverse partition walls, which are spaced apart parallel to one another, a sheet-metal C-profile support, which runs horizontally in the direction perpendicular to the transverse partition walls, and a sheet-metal L-profile support, which is welded into said sheet-metal C-profile support, it being the case that openings and cutouts in the walls of a box chamber enclosed by the sheet-metal supports are produced by punching sheet-metal blanks prior to the production of the sheet-metal supports by angling operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Martin Sting, Christian Botschek
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Publication number: 20030182906Abstract: The working process of the automatic air filter cleaner can be broken down to 3 specific operating functions. These functions are the controlling system, cleaning system, and the dust collecting system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Sukree Chullanandana, Surat Sangpleng
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Publication number: 20030182907Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a vacuum cleaner filter bag on a vacuum cleaner fill tube comprises a filter bag panel. The panel is configured to be grasped by a hand to mount the bag on the fill tube. The panel has an inner edge defining an opening for receiving the fill tube when the bag is mounted on the fill tube. The panel further has an outer edge. A first recessed section of the outer edge is sized and shaped to receive a single finger of the hand when the hand grasps the panel. The first recessed section has a first innermost location. A second recessed section of the outer edge is sized and shaped to receive the thumb of the hand when the hand grasps the panel. The second recessed section has a second innermost location. The innermost locations are spaced apart from each other along an imaginary straight line extending across the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Daniel L. Steele
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Publication number: 20030182908Abstract: A mounting collar is for supporting a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a mounted condition over a vacuum cleaner fill tube. The fill tube has a cylindrical outer surface. A panel of the mounting collar is configured to be attached to the filter bag. The panel has a first inner edge defining a first opening for receiving the fill tube. An elastomeric diaphragm of the collar extends across the first opening. The diaphragm has a second inner edge defining a second opening. The second inner edge is configured to be elastically stretched circumferentially about the fill tube and to be in contact with the cylindrical outer surface about the entire circumference of the cylindrical outer surface when the first opening receives the fill tube. A lobe of the diaphragm is defined by the second inner edge and a baseline. The baseline extends from a first point on the second inner edge to a second point on the second inner edge and is located entirely on the diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Daniel B. Zimet, Martin Warchola
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Publication number: 20030182909Abstract: A filter pack includes a filter construction and a sealing system for sealing the construction within a duct or housing. The filter construction has first and second opposite flow faces and is configured for a straight-through flow. The sealing system includes a frame construction and a compressible seal member. The compressible seal member is molded around a portion of the frame construction. The compressible seal member is sufficiently compressible to form a radial seal between and against the frame construction and a surface of a housing when the filter pack is inserted within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Steven Scott Gieseke, Carolyn J. Finnerty
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Publication number: 20030182910Abstract: A pre-cleaner for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine including a housing enclosing an upper chamber and an aspirator port chamber, the upper chamber containing a plurality of particulate separator tubes for removing particles from air flowing through the tubes en route to the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Derryn W. Pikesh, Randy Carlz
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Publication number: 20030182911Abstract: An improved filter element is provided. In preferred form, the filter element includes first and second end caps, with media extending therebetween. The end caps are preferably formed from foamed polyurethane, and preferably there are no outer peripheral standoff indents provided in the end caps. Each end cap preferably includes a standoff ring, spaced from an outer perimeter, positioned therein. Preferred approaches to manufacturing such elements are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Kevin J. Schrage
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Publication number: 20030182912Abstract: A mower having mower units for attaching to a carrier machine, comprising mower blades operatively connected to mower gyros which rotate in a circulating motion about predominantly vertical gyro axis and operatively connected to the mower units, a support frame operatively connected to the mower units by movable joints, the mower units capable of being folded at a pivoting device about pivot axis parallel to a direction of travel, wherein the mower unit is moved from a working position to a transporting position and from the transporting position to the working position, and the movable joints are separated from each other by a first distance in the working position and a second distance in the transporting distance, wherein the second distance is substantially larger than the first distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: CLAAS SAULGAU GmbHInventor: Ullrich Boll
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Publication number: 20030182913Abstract: An angled extension is added to a lawnmower which diverts the grass besides the walls and other objects under the housing and into the cutting area. This improves the cutting area of the mower and potentially eliminates a secondary trimming operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: David L. Wittschen
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Publication number: 20030182914Abstract: A lawn mower for directing grass clippings to a grass catcher. The lawn mower includes a vehicle body and a mower unit supported by the vehicle body to be vertically movable for varying a height thereof above the ground. The mower unit includes a housing, cutting blades rotatable about vertical shafts, and a grass clippings discharge channel connected to the housing and opening downward for rearwardly directing grass clippings cut by the cutting blades. The lawn mower further includes a grass collecting duct for connecting a discharge opening of the grass clippings discharge channel to the grass catcher, and a receiving plate having a receiving surface for covering the downward opening of the grass clippings discharge channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Shibata, Takashi Fujii, Hideya Umemoto, Takeshi Komorida, Hiroyuki Tada, Nobuyuki Yamashita, Shoso Ishimori
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Publication number: 20030182915Abstract: A lawn mower includes a grass discharge passage extending rearward from a housing 11. A grass receptacle is removably mounted to the discharge passage via a receptacle mounted portion. A shutter is provided at a passage opening of the grass discharge passage facing the housing. The shutter is rotatably provided within the housing to adjust the degree of opening of the passage opening. The lawn mower is switched between a bagging mode, a mulching mode and an intermediate mode by the opening control with the shutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Takao Kobayashi, Tetsuo Iida, Hiromitsu Sasaki, Kenzo Shimada
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Publication number: 20030182916Abstract: A lawn mower has a scroll portion for allowing grass clippings to swirl within a housing while guiding them to a grass discharge passage. A guide provided beneath a top plate of the housing is placed along the scroll portion. A rear guide end of the guide is opposed to a passage opening facing the housing of the grass discharge passage. The direction of a swirling flow is gradually changed and guided toward the passage opening by the guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Tetsuo Iida, Takao Kobayashi, Hiromitsu Sasaki, Kenzo Shimada, Masanori Shin
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Publication number: 20030182917Abstract: A blade coupler assembly operable to couple a cutting blade and a drive belt to a lawn mower engine crankshaft is provided. The blade coupler assembly may include a blade/belt driver assembly having a tube portion with a first bore defined by a first diameter, wherein the first bore spans between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the tube portion. A pulley portion may also be provided and fixed to the tube portion such that at least a portion of the pulley portion abuts the first longitudinal end of the tube portion. The pulley portion preferably includes a second bore defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter. A blade receiver portion may also be included and is preferably fixed to the tube portion such that the blade receiver portion abuts the second longitudinal end of the tube portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: The Toro CompanyInventor: Chris A. Wadzinski
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Publication number: 20030182918Abstract: A rotary lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable cutting edge members which may be replaced without replacing an entire blade or sharpening the used blade. The cutting edge members slide into place on corresponding “T”-shaped tongues of the blade body until encountering an integral stop. The cutting blade member is securely held in place by a blade retainer having a rectilinear portion which mates with a retainer stud fastened in the blade body and an extension plate portion with mounting cap screws reaching through the blade retainer extension plate into the cutting blade member. In another embodiment the cutting edge members are secured by set screw extending downward from the upper surface of the cutting edge member and bearing against the upper side of the “T”-shaped tongue of the blade body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: John L. Stone, Rodney A. Stone
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Publication number: 20030182919Abstract: A deck assembly for a self-propelled, walk-behind rotary lawn rotary mower is provided. The deck assembly is configurable for either front or rear wheel drive and includes a deck defining a cutting chamber which may house a cutting member. The cutting chamber is bound at least in part by a rear enclosure member. The deck assembly also includes a side discharge port having a side discharge port door. A rear discharge port located on a rear portion of the deck is also provided. Preferably, a duct of substantially rectangular cross section extends through the rear enclosure member between the cutting chamber and the rear discharge port. In one embodiment, the duct has a first, uppermost surface and a second, lowermost surface, wherein the first, uppermost surface and the second, lowermost surface both form substantially horizontal planes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: James R. Baumann, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Chris A. Wadzinski
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Publication number: 20030182920Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method, which permits the automated harvesting of produce, preferably lettuce. The apparatus consists in its most basic form of a vehicle having a bandsaw positioned at a front portion thereof, the blade of which is positioned to slice the lettuce head at the desired location. The apparatus further includes a conveyor, that transports the harvested produce from the cutting site and onto the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus additionally features a washing conveyor, washing station, inspection station, and elevator conveyor, to assist in the further processing of harvested produce.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Frank J. Maconachy, David Offerdahl, Chris Garnett
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Publication number: 20030182921Abstract: The device consists of a replaceable windguard tine for a windguard assembly on an agricultural round baler. The windguard tine comprises a first tine portion parallel to a second tine portion. A support region connects the first tine portion and second tine portion. The windguard pipe has a series of tine apertures through which the first and second tine portions are inserted. The support region is bound to the windguard pipe by using a clip. The clip has a tine catch and a pipe release to allow for easy removal and installation of the windguard tine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: John R. McClure
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Publication number: 20030182922Abstract: A composite textile yarn and a moisture management fabric made therefrom, the yarn comprising hydrophilic fibers embedded at the yarn center within a matrix of hydrophobic fibers such that the hydrophobic fibers are concentrated at the periphery of the yarn, a transition area between the center hydrophilic fibers and the peripheral hydrophobic yarns in which both fiber types are present.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Tim Peters, William L. Fay
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Publication number: 20030182923Abstract: A yarn false twist texturing machine for texturing multifilament synthetic yarns (4), wherein a heating device and a false twist unit are arranged within a false twist zone. An aftertreatment zone accommodates a second heating device and a countertwist device. The countertwist device is used to remove any residual twist that is left in the yarn by the false twist unit. To be able to perform a selective treatment by the countertwist device, a first embodiment provides for a twist imparting member yarn guide means for guiding the yarn (4) and being adapted for reciprocal movement between an idle position for not treating the yarn (4) or for threading it and an operating position for treating the yarn (4). In a second embodiment, the countertwist device comprises a movable twist imparting member (28, 29), which is adapted for reciprocal movement between an idle position for not treating or for threading the yarn (4) and an operating position for treating the yarn (4) by twisting it.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Barmag AGInventor: Thomas Wortmann
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Publication number: 20030182924Abstract: A protective guide for a cable is formed by connecting a plurality of links, each of which is formed a pair of spaced, opposite, side plates connected to each other by connecting plates. Each side plate includes a connecting rod having a flexible portion and an engagement portion, and includes an opposite connecting opening into which a connecting rod of the adjacent side plate is fitted. The connecting rods include flexible portions which bend to allow adjacent links to articulate relative to each other. The guide avoids generation of dust due to frictional rubbing of parts against one an other, reduces noise generated during high speed movement, and allows easily removal and addition of links.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Kazuhiro Tsutsumi, Shoichiro Komiya
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Publication number: 20030182925Abstract: A turbofan engine exhaust nozzle includes cooperating outer and inner mixers. The outer mixer includes alternating outer lobes and outer chutes. The inner mixer includes alternating inner lobes and inner chutes. Forward ends of the outer and inner mixers are spaced radially apart, and aft ends of the mixers are joined together to define an outlet of the nozzle for discharging exhaust flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
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Publication number: 20030182926Abstract: The invention provides a device for supporting and recentering a shaft (2) after decoupling. The device comprises an annular support (4) surrounding the shaft (2), a bearing (5) secured to the annular support (4) and having an inner ring (9) which is spaced apart from the shaft by clearance J. The inner ring (9) has two webs or tenons (14a, 14b) that are normally held to the periphery of two troughs (16a, 16b) carried by the shaft (2). Two sets of balls (28a, 28b) normally bear against the bottoms of indentations (25, 26) formed facing one another in the adjacent radial walls of the troughs (16a, 16b) and of the inner ring (9). Resilient means (26) tend to urge the troughs (16a and 16b) towards each other. In the event of the webs or tenons (14a, 14b) breaking due to a large unbalance, the balls (28a, 28b) roll on the walls of the indentations (25, 26) and move the troughs (16a, 16b) apart from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURSInventors: Daniel Plona, Patrick Morel
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Publication number: 20030182927Abstract: A shock wave reflector includes a number of reflective units positioned along a longitudinal direction and separated by a gap G. Each reflective unit has a length L. The length L and the gap G are governed by a relationship L+G≧&lgr;. The variable &lgr; characterizes a cell size for a detonation mixture. A detonation chamber includes a receiving end, a discharge end, and a wall extending along a longitudinal direction between the receiving and discharge ends. The detonation chamber further includes a number of reflective units formed in the wall and positioned along the longitudinal direction. The reflective units are separated by a gap G, and each reflective unit has a length L.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ivett Alejandra Leyva
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Publication number: 20030182928Abstract: The present invention relates to a scram jet engine for use with a hypersonic vehicle. The scram jet engine has an upper boundary wall, a lower boundary wall, and a plurality of side walls defining an inner air flowpath. The walls are formed by a plurality of tubular heat exchanger panels. Each of the heat exchanger panels comprises a plurality of structural panels, each having a plurality of cooling passages, joined together. In the scram jet engine of the present invention, fuel may be used as a coolant and supplied to the cooling passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Sillence, Daniel P. Guinan, Dennis J. Nemecek, Costante Salvador, Henry K. Webster, Thomas B. Fortin, Sergio Rinella, Ravi K. Nigam
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Publication number: 20030182929Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling system for a post combustion jet nozzle (1), said jet nozzle comprising a primary gas duct (2) allowing a primary flow of gas, a secondary air duct (3) allowing a secondary flow of air, said secondary air duct surrounding the primary gas duct and separated from it by a protective thermal shroud (4), said secondary air duct having a downstream end (3a), dampers (5) surrounding an output section of the primary gas duct, the system comprising a protective thermal shell (7) in the secondary air duct, at the downstream end of said duct. According to the invention, the protective thermal shell bears an annular diaphragm (8) extending out in front of the dampers and being provided with support sectors (11) and inter-sector zones equipped with slots, said inter-sector zones defining spaces between the diaphragm and the protective thermal shroud.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURSInventors: Leopold Jean-Marie de Verduzan, Maurice Floreani, Jacques Andre Michel Roche
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Publication number: 20030182930Abstract: An integrated non-thermal plasma reactor-diesel particulate filter exhaust treatment apparatus 10 comprises a wall flow-type substrate 12 including a plurality of alternating high voltage 20 and ground electrode layers 22 and filter layers 24 disposed between said high voltage 20 and ground electrode layers 22. Channels 34 extending through the electrode layers 20, 22 are plugged to prevent exhaust flow. A portion of the exhaust channels 18 extending through the filter layers 23 are plugged 26 such that each channel 18 is plugged only at one end 14 or 16. During operation, a plasma is generated in the filter layers 24. An exhaust stream 28 is passed through the filter channels 18 and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust stream 28 are converted in the plasma primarily to NO2 while particulate matter in the exhaust stream 28 is captured in the porous channel walls 19. The filter 24 is continuously regenerated by NO2 formed in the plasma. NO byproduct from the filter regeneration is converted back into NO2 via plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: David Alexander Goulette, Joseph V. Bonadies
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Publication number: 20030182931Abstract: An in-cylinder injection type spark-ignition internal combustion engine and a control method thereof realize a stabilized stratified-charge combustion by setting a large lift amount to an intake valve when the engine is cold-started and by executing a compression stroke injection. At this time, warming-up capability of a catalyst is improved by delaying an ignition timing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukihiro Sonoda, Yasuyuki Irisawa, Takashi Tsunooka, Koichi Kitaura
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Publication number: 20030182932Abstract: A HC adsorption type three-way catalytic converter is arranged in an exhaust gas passage of a diesel engine at a position upstream of a diesel particulate filter or a NOx trapping catalytic converter. Upon need of reactivation of the diesel particulate filter or NOx trapping catalytic converter under cold operation of the engine, a control unit carries out lowering an excess air ratio of the exhaust gas of the engine when the temperature of the catalyst bed of the three-way catalytic converter is lower than or equal to a first predetermined temperature (viz., oxidization activation temperature); raising the excess air ratio of the exhaust gas when the temperature of the catalyst bed of the three-way catalytic converter is higher than the first predetermined temperature but lower than or equal to a second predetermined temperature (viz.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Manabu Miura, Takashi Shirakawa
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Publication number: 20030182933Abstract: A system and a method for removing NOx from an internal combustion engine exhaust stream at lower temperatures, and releasing the NOx back into the exhaust stream at higher temperatures, includes an occluder with an adsorbent able to selectively adsorb NOx at temperatures below a predetermined temperature and desorb NOx at temperatures above the predetermined temperature. The system includes an engine control module that operates the engine during cold operation so as to produce an increased ratio of NO2/NO.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Brad Adelman, Per Gosta Edvin Anderson
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Publication number: 20030182934Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a diesel engine in which an air ratio (&lgr;) of the fuel which is to be burnt and of the combustion air supplied is set by a control unit (14) according to predetermined values. When a value (15) which is predetermined as a switching criterion is recorded, the control unit (14) switches to a special operating mode for regeneration of a catalytic converter (22) and sets the fuel/air ratio according to predetermined values for this operating mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Holger Adler, Klaus Allmendinger, Dirk Becker, Oliver Erlenmayer, Andreas Hasert, Hans-Hubert Hemberger, Anton Kerckhoff, Stefan Kurze, Michael Lenz, Thomas Liebscher, Ulrich Merten, Andreas Roll, Norbert Ruzicka
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Publication number: 20030182935Abstract: An NOx catalyst 17 for selectively reducing NOx in exhaust gas by adsorbing ammonia is provided at an exhaust system of an engine 1, ammonia or urea water is supplied to the NOx catalyst by reducing agent supplying means 29, a consumption amount of ammonia adsorbed to the NOx catalyst is derived by consumption amount deriving means 43 based on an exhaust amount of NOx exhausted from the engine detected or estimated by NOx exhaust amount deriving means 41 and an actual NOx cleaning rate by the NOx catalyst derived by actual NOx cleaning rate deriving means 42, an actual adsorption amount of ammonia adsorbed to the NOx catalyst is derived in accordance with an addition amount of ammonia and the consumption amount of ammonia by adsorption amount deriving means 45 and the reducing agent supplying means is controlled by controlling means 46 in accordance with the actual adsorption amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Kenji Kawai, Yoshinori Takahashi, Shinichi Saito, Toru Kawatani, Yoshinaka Takeda, Ritsuko Shinozaki, Reiko Doumeki, Takeshi Hashizume, Satoshi Hiranuma
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Publication number: 20030182936Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying method for an internal combustion engine, including determining an amount of particulates in an exhaust gas which is accumulated in a particulate filter disposed within an exhaust passage of the engine, determining whether the particulate filter is at an adequate state for regeneration, and executing regeneration of the particulate filter by controlling oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas depending on the amount of the trapped particulates when it is determined that the particulate filter is at the adequate state and the amount of the accumulated particulates exceeds a first preset value. An exhaust gas purifying apparatus including a plurality of sensors detecting parameters relative to an engine operating condition, a particulate filter operative to accumulate particulates present in exhaust gas flowing thereinto and a controller programmed to implement the determinations and the execution of regeneration of the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasuhisa Kitahara
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Publication number: 20030182937Abstract: A structure of an exhaust manifold branch collecting portion includes a double collecting pipe 21 for collecting a plurality of exhaust openings 11A, 17A. The double collecting pipe 21 is comprised of an inner pipe 21-1 and an outer pipe 21-2, which are connected integrally to each other. In a space formed between the inner pipe 21-1, the outer pipe 21-2, and a ring-shaped stainless steel cushion member 22-2, a tubular cushion member 22-1, which is thermally expanded and foamed, is arranged as a restricted cushion structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicants: YUMEX CORPORATION, NICHIAS CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiko Fukumoto, Katsumi Tateiwa, Takashi Yasuda, Kazuya Tominaga, Hideaki Shimamoto, Hideaki Madono, Syuuichi Ishiwa
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Publication number: 20030182938Abstract: A fluid system having a common source of pressurized fluid is provided to selectively control the speed and/or pressure of a first hydraulic circuit while also providing flow/pressure priority to a second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit includes a first electrically controlled proportional relief valve connected between the source of pressurized fluid and a first fluid actuator and a second electrically controlled proportional relief valve connected between the reservoir and a point downstream of the first electrically controlled proportional relief valve. The second hydraulic circuit is connected to the source of pressurized fluid in parallel with the first hydraulic circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: David P. Smith
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Publication number: 20030182939Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating acoustic energy are presented. In some embodiments, a combustion zone provides heat to a regenerator using a mean flow of compressible fluid. In other embodiments, a thermoacoustic driver is concentrically disposed within a shell to permit radial heat transfer from the thermoacoustic driver to compressible fluid within the shell, thereby preheating the compressible fluid within the shell. In other embodiments, burning of a combustible mixture within the combustion zone is pulsed in phase with the acoustic pressure oscillations to increase acoustic power output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Nathan Thomas Weiland, Ben T. Zinn
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Publication number: 20030182940Abstract: The present invention provides a variable nozzle opening control unit insuring a low fuel consumption rate and excellent response speed in the low load mode for an exhaust turbine supercharger. To achieve the purpose described above, an opening of the variable nozzle of the exhaust turbine supercharger 10 is set to and maintained at the maximum value in the constant operating state when the load is not more than a prespecified load level, and also the opening is gradually made smaller, when the load is not less than the specified load level, as the load becomes higher. When the load shifts from the high load region to the low load region, the variable nozzle is more closed or maintained at the original opening. Further when the operating state may get close to the surging limit, the variable nozzle is more opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiko Nishiyama, Hiroshi Sugito, Takahisa Iino
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Publication number: 20030182941Abstract: Liquid fuel for a power plant is vaporized against a heat-exchange fluid, cooling the fluid. A re-circulation circuit enables cooled fluid to be re-directed back for further cooling, when desired. The cooled fluid is used to cool the inlet air for a combustion turbine. Some of the cooled fluid is periodically directing to the bottom of a stratified tank, from which it can be drawn during times when the need for or value of cooling the inlet air is higher. The fluid is warmed as it cools the inlet air, and may be returned for use in vaporizing additional fuel, or returned to the top of the stratified tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: John Stephen Andrepont, Per A Duus, Robert J Golueke
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Publication number: 20030182942Abstract: A gas turbine combustion chamber includes combustion chamber tiles 3 attached to a supporting structure 6 of the gas turbine combustion chamber, with each tile possessing at least one dilution air hole 4 which is flush with a dilution air hole of the supporting structure 6, wherein a diameter of the dilution air hole of the supporting structure 6 is considerably larger than a diameter 14 of the dilution air hole 4 of the combustion chamber tile 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Miklos Gerendas
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Publication number: 20030182943Abstract: A combustion chamber of a gas turbine includes starter film cooling of a combustion chamber wall 4 and several circularly arranged burners 7 with local maxima and minima in the intensity of the starter film 3 being provided around the circumference of the combustion chamber wall 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Miklos Gerendas, Michael Ebel
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Publication number: 20030182944Abstract: A highly supercharged gas-turbine generation system include a gas turbine power plant that is supercharged to a high inlet pressure, preferably over about 1.15 pressure ratio and preferably includes a transmission system with refrigerated transformers for increased output. The gas turbine power plant includes a precompressor that supercharges to a design pressure ratio of about 1.20 to 10, with a preferred pressure ratio of about 2. For high supercharging pressures, a pressure-reducer is located downstream of the gas turbine to maintain turbine outlet pressure that is close to the inlet pressure. The pressure-reducer is preferably an expander, but can alternatively be an orifice. A torque-limiting coupling on the shaft between the gas turbine and the generator prevents transient overload of the shaft. Capacity of the gas turbine plant is preferably controlled by varying supercharging pressure. The expander preferably has variable-pitch blades to allow efficient variation of turbine outlet pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: John S. Hoffman, William L. Kopko
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Publication number: 20030182945Abstract: A fuel injector for gas turbine engines includes an inlet fitting, a housing stem, and a spray nozzle. A pair of fuel passages in the stem deliver fuel in a primary (continuous) flow and a secondary (non-continuous or reduced) flow to primary and secondary discharge orifices in the nozzle. The fuel passages are defined by inner and outer concentric conduits, with the primary flow directed through the inner conduit, and the secondary flow directed through the outer conduit. Fins are provided unitary with the inner conduit along the length of the housing stem, and are fixed at their radial outer ends to the outer conduit. The fins provide structural support and thermally connect the inner and outer conduits. During low power operation, the fins transfer heat energy between the outer conduit to the inner conduit to cool the outer conduit and thermally protect the fuel in the secondary fuel passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Bryan T. Runkle, Jie Qian, Curtis F. Harding
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Publication number: 20030182946Abstract: A vapor compression apparatus and a method for operating a vapor compression system are provided. A working fluid is conveyed through a vapor compression system having a fluid line. A magnetic field generator is connected to the fluid line to direct a magnetic field through the working fluid. The magnetic field is operable to disrupt intermolecular forces and weaken intermolecular attraction to enhance expansion of the working fluid to the vapor phase, increasing the capacity, performance and efficiency of the system components, and reducing system cycling, mechanical wear and energy consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Samuel M. Sami, Peter A. Kulish, Ronald J. Kita, Garrett J. Shivo
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Publication number: 20030182947Abstract: A process is provided for converting a boil-off stream comprising methane to a liquid having a preselected bubble point temperature. The boil-off stream is pressurized, then cooled, and then expanded to further cool and at least partially liquefy the boil-off stream. The preselected bubble point temperature of the resulting pressurized liquid is obtained by performing at least one of the following steps: before, during, or after the process of liquefying the boil-off stream, removing from the boil-off stream a predetermined amount of one or more components, such as nitrogen, having a vapor pressure greater than the vapor pressure of methane, and before, during, or after the process of liquefying the boil-off stream, adding to the boil-off stream one or more additives having a molecular weight heavier than the molecular weight of methane and having a vapor pressure less than the vapor pressure of methane.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: E. Lawrence Kimble, Ronald R. Bowen, James R. Rigby
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Publication number: 20030182948Abstract: An improvement to an LNG carrier having a vaporizer on board said LNG carrier for vaporizing the LNG to a gaseous state is disclosed. The LNG carrier includes a source of heat for said vaporizer; an intermediate fluid circulating between said vaporizer and said source of heat; and one or more pumps for circulating said intermediate fluid between said vaporizer and said source of heat. The improvement includes equipment connections for adding at least one additional source of heat for said vaporizer, pre-installed flow conduits between said vaporizer and said equipment connections, and valves for isolating said pre-installed flow conduits from said vaporizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Alan B. Nierenberg
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Publication number: 20030182949Abstract: A temperature control system is described for producing and maintaining temperatures in a pre-defined space within a pre-defined temperature range. A working fluid comprising an aqueous solution of 1-3 propanediol is circulated through a heat transfer system in thermal communication with both the working fluid and the pre-defined space to produce and maintain the temperature in the pre-defined space that is within the pre-defined temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Richard P. Carr
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Publication number: 20030182950Abstract: A non-intrusive refrigerant charge level indicator includes a structure for measuring at least one temperature at an outside surface of a two-phase refrigerant line section. The measured temperature can be used to determine the refrigerant charge status of an HVAC system, and can be converted to a pressure of the refrigerant in the line section and compared to a recommended pressure range to determine whether the system is undercharged, properly charged or over-charged. A non-intrusive method for assessing the refrigerant charge level in a system containing a refrigerant fluid includes the step of measuring a temperature at least one outside surface of a two-phase region of a refrigerant containing refrigerant line, wherein the temperature measured can be converted to a refrigerant pressure within the line section.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Viung C. Mei, Fang C. Chen, Esher Kweller
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Publication number: 20030182951Abstract: An apparatus and method for defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration sealed system is described. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to an evaporator fan, a condenser fan and a defrost heater, and the method includes operating the sealed system until a selected time till defrost interval expires, initiating a defrost cycle when the time till defrost interval expires, and selectively operating the sealed system to raise a temperature of the evaporator while the defrost heater is inactivated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Ziqiang Hu, Anil Kumar Tummala, Richard DeVos
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Publication number: 20030182952Abstract: A method for controlling a sealed system including a variable speed compressor coupled to a controller includes defining a first set of temperature ranges for operating the compressor during a temperature increase period, defining a second set of temperature ranges for operating the compressor during a temperature decrease period, the second set of ranges different than the first set of ranges, and operating the compressor using the defined first set and the defined second set.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Richard Dana Brooke
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Publication number: 20030182953Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling system configured to cool a compartment is provided. The method includes receiving a temperature of the compartment from a temperature sensor, adjusting the received temperature to obtain a corrected temperature, and controlling the cooling system based on the corrected temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Ziqiang Hu, Alexander Rafalovich