Patents Issued in October 16, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030192302
    Abstract: A method for selecting a setpoint for a turbofan engine having a fan speed and a core idle speed scheduling includes determining a weighting factor based upon a throttle lever position, the weighting factor being zero in an idle region and ranging from zero to one in a dead band region and applying the weighting factor to an output of a fan speed governor and to an output of a core speed governor to select the setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Chapman, John J. Rushinsky
  • Publication number: 20030192303
    Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Marius A. Paul
  • Publication number: 20030192304
    Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Marius A. Paul
  • Publication number: 20030192305
    Abstract: A control system for a compression injection engine can prevent deterioration in exhaust purification at the time of the switching of combustion between spark ignition and compression ignition, at the time of said spark ignition combustion and said compression injection combustion, and can diagnose any deterioration of an NO x detector and a three way catalyst. The control system includes a catalytic converter installed within an exhaust passage of the compression ignition engine for compressing and igniting a pre-mixture of a fuel and air, an air/fuel ratio detector for detecting an air/fuel ratio at upstream side of said catalytic converter, and an NOx detector for detecting NOx at downstream side of said catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi Iihoshi, Shiro Yamaoka, Minoru Ohsuga
  • Publication number: 20030192306
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine emission control apparatus includes split passages that divide exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine into a plurality of streams. Emission control catalysts are provided that individually divide the exhaust gas in the split passages, and remove a component present in the exhaust gas at a high removal rate if a temperature of exhaust gas that inflows via the split passages satisfies a predetermined temperature condition. A controller changes proportions of the amounts of flow of the exhaust gas into the split passages so that the predetermined temperature condition is satisfied in at least one split passage of the split passages. Therefore, the emission control can be performed in a broad range of changing temperatures of the exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichiro Nakatani, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Koichi Kimura, Shunsuke Toshioka, Akira Mikami
  • Publication number: 20030192307
    Abstract: An exhaust purifying method and apparatus of an internal combustion engine is provided with an exhaust switch valve for switching a flow of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust filter. By switching the exhaust switch valve, the exhaust gas is fed from one side and the other side of the filter, thereby stirring the soot (particulates) in the exhaust gas deposited on the filter having a NOx absorbent and an active-oxygen discharging agent supported thereon. Thus, the soot in the exhaust gas is continuously burned. Moreover, the switching of the exhaust switch valve and the rich spike are inhibited from being conducted simultaneously. In the case where the rich spike is conducted in order to discharge and reduce NOx absorbed in the NOx absorbent, the exhaust gas containing a large amount of HC and CO can be prevented from being discharged into the atmosphere without being purified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Itoh, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Koichi Kimura, Koichiro Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20030192308
    Abstract: A system for generating power, including:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen John Hastings
  • Publication number: 20030192309
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus consisting of a housing for compactly housing inner portions of axles, a hydrostatic transmission, and a transmitting mechanism for transmitting power to the axles from an output shaft of the hydrostatic transmission. The housing is partitioned by an internal wall into a chamber containing the hydrostatic transmission and a chamber containing the other transmitting mechanisms. The housing is filled with oil in common with both chambers. A trunnion for changing the output rotation of the hydrostatic transmission is disposed in parallel to the axles. A shock absorber is provided to prevent abrupt speed change. A differential locking device is attached to the differential gear to thereby improve the straightforward running capacity of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Norihiro Ishii
  • Publication number: 20030192310
    Abstract: There is provided, an embodiment, a machine and a method for utilizing the roll of an imbalanced seesaw-like system to obtain useable power. A buoy 11 filled with air is immersed in water inside a container 13, at each end of rolling seesaw. One buoy 11 displaces water outwards, by the force of its buoyancy, in one container 13, while another buoy 11 displaces water inward, by derivative force acting on it in an outwards direction, in the other container 13. The buoys 11 are connected by a pipe 10, which moves the buoys, back and forth, in the containers 13. During the roll, one container 13 becomes heavier than the other and always on the same side of the rolling path, which keeps the seesaw rolling in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ezra Shimshi
  • Publication number: 20030192311
    Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine used a crankshaft to develop rotating motion. A rotary pulse detonation engine can be adapted to rotate a shaft. A combustor portion of the rotary pulse detonation engine is spaced from an axis of the shaft a preestablished distance therebetween in a mass member. An intake portion and an exhaust portion of the combustor portion is positioned in a parameter of the mass member. A combustion portion of the combustor portion is interposed the intake portion and the exhaust portion. The combustion portion has a frustoconical first position which converges to form a deflagration wave and progresses into a detonation. The deflagration to detonation transition occurs in the transition region. A combustible fuel and air mixture is combusted in the combustor portion creating a high speed jet exiting the exhaust portion and rotating the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: James J. Callas, Scott B. Fiveland
  • Publication number: 20030192312
    Abstract: The invention concerns a charged internal combustion engine (1) with at least one stage of charging by a turbocharger (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Patric Hoecker, Stefan Munz, Jens-Wolf Jaisle
  • Publication number: 20030192313
    Abstract: The invention concerns a charged internal combustion engine (1) with at least one stage of charging by a turbocharger (3). The invention is characterized by the fact that at least one supplemental compressor (4) is connected parallel to or in series with the turbocharger, where the supplemental compressor (4) has a drive independent form the working medium cycle of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Patric Hoecker, Stefan Munz, Jens-Wolf Jaisle
  • Publication number: 20030192314
    Abstract: An electrical energy-generating heat sink system is described herein that provides a convenient and economical method for continuously recharging an energy storage device in electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Poova Tadayon, Franklin G. Monzon, Prateek Dujari
  • Publication number: 20030192315
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing energy is provided for generating renewable energy. Captive compressed fluid cycles between two coupled containers through a motive power source. The captive compressed fluid flows between the containers in response to a difference in the pressure of the compressed fluid within the first container compared to the pressure of the compressed fluid within the second container. This pressure differential develops as the compressed fluid within the first container experiences a temperature change of a differing percentage magnitude or direction than the compressed fluid within the second container over the same period of time. The differing percentage temperature fluctuations result as the containers are provided dissimilar exposure to natural renewable or man-made energy sources or are insulated therefrom. A continuous supply of additional compressed fluid is not required, nor is fluid routinely vented to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Craig C. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20030192316
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a gas turbine engine involves calculating a simple corrected speed value for the engine using values of compressor speed and inlet stagnation temperature of the compressor. This simple corrected speed value is then adjusted to take into account the water vapour concentration at the inlet to the compressor. This results in a more accurate value of corrected speed for the compressor, which may be used to modulate the fuel supply to a combustor of the engine or to control the geometry of one or more variable compressors in the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Arthur L. Rowe, Michael A. Horswill
  • Publication number: 20030192317
    Abstract: A method of combustor cycle air flow adjustment for a gas turbine engine according to the present invention solves the problem of a higher flame temperature in the combustor, thereby affecting the emission levels when a heat-recuperated air flow cycle is used to increase the compressed air temperature. In low emission combustors this impact is severe because emission levels are significantly dependent on the primary combustion zone flame temperature. The method of the present invention includes a step of changing a geometry of an air flow passage and thereby changing distribution of a total air mass flow between an air mass flow for combustion and an air mass flow for cooling in order to ensure that flame temperature in a primary combustion zone of a combustor are maintained substantially the same whether the gas turbine engine is manufactured to operate as a simple air flow cycle engine or as a heat-recuperated air flow cycle engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Peter John Stuttaford, Aleksandar Kojovic
  • Publication number: 20030192318
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas powered turbine which employs a heat exchanger and a catalyst to combust a fuel without the emission of undesired chemical species. A gas powered turbine requires expanding gases to power the turbine blades. Fuel is combusted to produce the required gases. A catalyst is employed to lower the combustion temperature of the fuel. The catalyst is placed on a set of tubes in the heat exchanger such that a portion of the thermal energy may be transferred to the air before it engages the catalyst. After encountering the catalyst, the combusted fuel increases the temperature of the air to an auto-ignition temperature so that no other ignition source is needed to combust additional fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Sprouse, Michael Patrick Moriarty, David Robert Matthews
  • Publication number: 20030192319
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas powered turbine which employs a heat exchanger and a catalyst to combust a fuel without the emission of undesired chemical species. A gas powered turbine requires expanding gases to power the turbine blades. Fuel is combusted to produce the required gases. A catalyst is employed to lower the combustion temperature of the fuel. The catalyst is placed on a set of tubes in the heat exchanger such that a portion of the thermal energy may be transferred to the air before it engages the catalyst. After encountering the catalyst, the combusted fuel increases the temperature of the air to an auto-ignition temperature so that no other ignition source is needed to combust additional fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, Michael Patrick Moriarty, David Robert Matthews
  • Publication number: 20030192320
    Abstract: An annular one-piece liner for a combustor of a gas turbine engine, including a first end adjacent to an upstream end of the combustor, a second end adjacent to a downstream end of the combustor, and a plurality of corrugations between the first and second ends, each corrugation having an amplitude and a wavelength between an adjacent corrugation, wherein the amplitude of the corrugations and/or the wavelength between adjacent corrugations is variable from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Shaun M. Devane, John L. Vandike
  • Publication number: 20030192321
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for holding food in ready-to-serve state, comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Electrolux Professional GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Baumann
  • Publication number: 20030192322
    Abstract: One embodiment of a spring with an integral dynamic gas seal according to the present invention includes a spring with a pair of spaced-apart ends and a spring body extending therebetween. The spring body includes a perimeter wall formed of a first material and extending in a longitudinal direction. The wall has a plurality of openings defined therein. The openings are provided in a plurality of transverse tiers. Each tier includes a plurality of separate openings each extending along a portion of the perimeter. The openings in each tier are spaced apart so as to define a post between each adjacent opening such that each tier includes a plurality of posts. The openings in each tier are staggered with respect to the openings in adjacent tiers such that each of the openings in each tier overlie one of the posts in an adjacent tier. A closure member closes each of the openings such that the spring body is sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Steven L. Garrett
  • Publication number: 20030192323
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a thermoacoustic device has a complaint enclosure which includes a rigid portion and a compliant portion. The compliant portion includes an oscillating member and a flexure seal with a pair of ends and a flexure body extending between the ends. One of the ends is sealed to the rigid portion and the other end is sealed to the oscillating member. The flexure seal has an average cross-sectional area and an end-to-end equilibrium length. A flexure volume is defined as the product of the average cross-sectional area and the end-to-end equilibrium length. A thermal core is disposed in the complaint enclosure and includes at least a first and a second heat exchanger. A working volume of gaseous working fluid fills the complaint enclosure. The working volume of gaseous working fluid has an equilibrium pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Mathew E. Poese, Robert W. M. Smith, Ray S. Wakeland, Steven L. Garrett
  • Publication number: 20030192324
    Abstract: A thermocoustic device includes a housing with a thermal core supported in the housing and having a first and a second surface. The thermal core includes a first heat exchanger defining the first surface of the thermal core and a second heat exchanger defining the second surface of the thermal core. A main chamber is in fluid communication with the first surface of the thermal core and a secondary multiplier chamber is in fluid communication with the second surface of the thermal core. A working volume of a gaseous working fluid fills the main chamber, the multiplier chamber, and the thermal core at a pressure. An equilibrium pressure is defined as the pressure of the working volume of gaseous working fluids with the thermoacoustic device is in a non-operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Robert W. M. Smith, Matthew E. Poese, Steven L. Garrett, Ray S. Wakeland
  • Publication number: 20030192325
    Abstract: Method for the control of the flow rate of refrigerating fluid in ice cream making machines comprising a vapour-compression refrigerating circuit provided as a minimum with a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a main valve for injecting refrigerating fluid into the said evaporator, the method comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Publication number: 20030192326
    Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicle has a refrigeration cycle with a variable displacement type compressor; A fuel cut control is carried out in response to a vehicle deceleration. In the fuel cut control, the displacement is first increased so that an evaporator performs as a cold storage. Then, if an engine speed is decreased to a certain level, the displacement is decreased to decrease an engine load. The displacement is kept in the decreased level for a predetermined time period or until the end of the fuel cut control. Even when the displacement is decreased, the evaporator can cool air, since the evaporator performs as the cold storage. Further, the time period for keeping the displacement in the decreased level is limited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive temperature rise and to keep comfortable air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Takafumi Masuda, Takahiro Ishihara, Yasutane Hijikata
  • Publication number: 20030192327
    Abstract: A refrigerator ice-making apparatus that prevents or reduces interference between a water supply pipe and an ice-making vessel. The rotational axis of a motor driven ice-making vessel is controlled such that contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel, which is below the water supply pipe, is prevented or reduced. The rotational axis is either offset from the center of the ice-making vessel or varies by contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Si Yeon An, Da Un Jang
  • Publication number: 20030192328
    Abstract: A control server includes a device information database storing device characteristic data constituting the air conditioning equipment, a fuel/power rate database storing price and rate data regarding gas, oil, power and the like, a device characteristic and price database, an air conditioning equipment simulator for calculating running costs by using the data stored in the fuel/power rate database, and communication portion for performing communications through a network. The control server, and an air conditioning management controller for managing and controlling the air conditioning equipment provided with the communication portion for performing communications through the network, are connected to the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshige Kikuchi, Tadakatsu Nakajima, Keiji Sasao
  • Publication number: 20030192329
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption cooling and/or heating system having a variable speed burner which uses active flow control of weak liquor and/or active control of refrigerant flow to the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance Kirol, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Publication number: 20030192330
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption cooling and/or heating system actively controls the flow of weak liquor from the generator to the absorber, using one or more valves operated in response to weak liquor temperature, and/or pressure and/or concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance Kirol, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Publication number: 20030192331
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a space conditioning system having multi-stage cooling and dehumidification capability is provided. The system includes plural refrigeration circuits operable in a cooling mode to provide cooled air to an indoor space. At least one of the refrigeration circuits is also operable in a reheat mode, wherein air is dehumidified by cooling it and then reheating it before it is supplied to the space. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the refrigeration circuits to satisfy both a demand for cooling and a demand for dehumidification. Depending upon the level of demand for cooling, the system is operated to satisfy the dehumidification demand and the cooling demand simultaneously. However, in response to a higher level of demand for cooling (e.g., a second stage demand, or in some cases, a higher demand), the demand for cooling takes priority over the dehumidification demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm L. Alford
  • Publication number: 20030192332
    Abstract: A purging device for a system accumulating condensable and non-condensable gases. The purging device comprises: a purge tank; apparatus receiving the condensable and non-condensable gases from the system and directing said gases into the purge tank; apparatus condensing the non-condensable gases into a condensed form; apparatus accumulating the non-condensable gases in a header space; apparatus returning the condensed gases from the purge tank to the system; apparatus controllably removing the accumulated non-condensable gases from the header space; and apparatus generating controlled flow in the condensable and non-condensable gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Heiden, Robert J. Roth, Brian T. Sullivan, Steven E. Wolfgram, Lori Ann Manning
  • Publication number: 20030192333
    Abstract: A purging device for a system accumulating condensable and non-condensable gases. The purging device comprises: a purge tank; apparatus receiving the condensable and non-condensable gases from the system and directing said gases into the purge tank; apparatus condensing the non-condensable gases into a condensed form; apparatus accumulating the non-condensable gases in a header space; apparatus returning the condensed gases from the purge tank to the system; apparatus controllably removing the accumulated non-condensable gases from the header space; and apparatus generating controlled flow in the condensable and non-condensable gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Heiden, Robert J. Roth, Brian T. Sullivan, Steven E. Wolfgram
  • Publication number: 20030192334
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system has an interior unit in which a width dimension, that is, a dimension parallel to the width of the vehicle, is smaller than competing devices. A blower unit, an evaporator as a cooling heat exchanger, and a heater core as a heating heat exchanger are integrally disposed inside a casing for blowing air toward a vehicle compartment. A face passage is formed above the heater core such that the temperature-controlled air passes through the heater core and is lead to a face opening by the face passage. A foot passage is formed inside the casing and above the heater core so as to protrude from the rear face of the casing toward the face passage. A foot door for opening and closing a foot opening of the foot passage is disposed inside the face passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hisashi Kawauchi, Masahiro Kanbara
  • Publication number: 20030192335
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a first pre-charged section of an air conditioning system to refrigerant lines connecting the section to a second section of the system. A service unit is employed to connect each refrigerant line to the pre-charge section which includes a body fabricated from a square or rectangular piece of bar stock. A main channel is formed through the bar stock and one end of the main channels is coupled to a suitable system component in the pre-charged section by a tube. A connector having a penetratable seal is mounted in the opposite end of the channel. The connector has a male fitting that is threaded into a female fitting. One fitting is mounted in the opposite end of the main channel and the other fitting is mounted in the refrigerant line. The seal is ruptured or broken when the male fitting is threaded into the female fitting a sufficient depth to establish a leak proofjoint therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas K. Rembold, Ronald G. McFarland, James K. Beerbower
  • Publication number: 20030192336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening structure for an ice maker of a refrigerator. The structure for fastening an ice maker 30, which makes ice in an ice-making container 32 of the ice maker 30, to a wall surface of a freezing chamber F of a refrigerator comprises mounting brackets 42 each of which is provided at one side of the ice maker 30 and includes an insertion section 43 with a predetermined width formed to penetrate therethrough and an catching section 45 with a width relatively smaller than that of the insertion section 43 formed to penetrate therethrough; and hangers 50 each of which includes a large diameter portion 52 with a diameter corresponding to the width of the insertion section 43 and a small diameter portion 54 with a diameter corresponding to the width of the catching section 45. The small diameter portion 54 is mounted on the wall surface of the freezing chamber F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Sung-Koo Son
  • Publication number: 20030192337
    Abstract: Cross flow fan, and air conditioner fitted with the same, the cross flow fan including a plurality of annular rims arranged at regular intervals along a horizontal direction, and a plurality of blades on a side surface of the rim vertical thereto, and along a circumference direction of the rim, wherein pitch angles between two adjacent blades are not regular, the pitch angle taking a center of the rim as an apex, and a number of blades are 32 or 35. The pitch angles of the blades are designed by a computer optimization method taking a number of the blades and the like as parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Cheol O. Ahn, Sim Won Chin, Chang Seon Lee, Mun Kee Chung, In Cheol Yun, Dong Soo Moon, In Hwa Jung
  • Publication number: 20030192338
    Abstract: Efficiency of a transcritical vapor compression system is increased by compressor cooling. In one embodiment, a stream of cooling fluid accepts compressor motor heat. The heated cooling fluid merges with the fluid medium which accepts heat from the refrigerant in the gas cooler and exits the system, usefully transferring the heat out of the system. Additionally, as the refrigerant in the compressor is cooled, the density and the mass flow rate of the suction gas in the compressor is increased, increasing efficiency. Alternatively, an intercooler positioned between stages of a multi-stage compressor exchanges heat with the same fluid medium which accepts heat from the refrigerant in the gas cooler. After accepting heat from the refrigerant in the intercooler, the heated fluid medium exits the system, usefully transferring heat from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Shailesh Manohar, Scott M. MacBain, Tobias H. Sienel, Young Kyu Park
  • Publication number: 20030192339
    Abstract: Turning vanes are located in the suction and discharge line elbows of a refrigerant circuit and at the entrance to the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Scott M. Macbain
  • Publication number: 20030192340
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a plurality of thermally-conductive, fluid-conveyance tubes, and at least one header from which each of the plurality of fluid-conveyance tubes extends. The header includes an elongate outer tube and an elongate inner tube disposed eccentrically within the outer tube, with a fluid conduit being defined between the inner tube and the outer tube. The plurality of fluid-conveyance tubes are in fluid communication with the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. DiFlora
  • Publication number: 20030192341
    Abstract: The refrigeration system for an ethylene plant comprises a closed loop tertiary refrigerant system containing methane, ethylene and propylene. The tertiary refrigerant from a compressor is separated into an inter-stage discharge and the final compressor discharge to produce a methane-rich vapor fraction and two levels of propylene-rich liquids so as to provide various temperatures and levels of refrigeration in various heat exchange stages while maintaining a nearly constant refrigerant composition flowing back to the compressor and with the bulk of the total return refrigerant flow going to the first stage compressor section. This tertiary system can also be applied to an ethylene plant with a high pressure demethanizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Vitus Tuan Wei, Qi Ma, James Tzong-Chaur Wu
  • Publication number: 20030192342
    Abstract: The refrigeration system for an ethylene plant comprises a closed loop tertiary refrigerant system containing methane, ethylene and propylene. The tertiary refrigerant from a compressor final discharge is separated into a methane-rich vapor fraction and two levels of propylene-rich liquids so as to provide various temperatures and levels of refrigeration in various heat exchange stages while maintaining a nearly constant refrigerant composition flowing back to the compressor and with the bulk of the total return refrigerant flow going to the first stage compressor section. This tertiary system can also be applied to an ethylene plant with a high pressure demethanizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Vitus Tuan Wei, Qi Ma, James Tzong-Chaur Wu, Charles Sumner
  • Publication number: 20030192343
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing liquefied natural gas. A liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream passes through a turbo expander creating work output. A compressor is driven by the work output and compresses the process stream. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is divided into first and second portions with the first portion being expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. The second portion of the cooled, compressed process stream is also expanded and used to cool the compressed process stream. Additional features and techniques may be integrated with the liquefaction process including a water clean-up cycle and a carbon dioxide (CO2) clean-up cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce M. Wilding, Dennis N. Bingham, Michael G. McKellar, Terry D. Turner, Kevin T. Raterman, Gary L. Palmer, Kerry M. Klingler, John J. Vranicar
  • Publication number: 20030192344
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hollow tongue and mouth stud that includes an electrical circuit. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical circuit is an illumination circuit including a power source, an electrical sub-circuit electrically connected to the power source, and a light source such as an LED electrically connected to the electrical circuit. In one embodiment, the electrical circuit operates to power the light source in a constant fashion. In another embodiment, the electrical sub-circuit is a flasher circuit so that the electrical circuit operates to power the light source in an intermitent flashing manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Wesley Scott Ashton
  • Publication number: 20030192345
    Abstract: An article of jewelry includes a bezel having spaced apart side walls defining a channel region and a carriage having first and second opposed setting faces received in the channel region and movable both longitudinally and rotatably to first and second positions presenting, respectively, the first and second setting faces. In one instance, the carriage has opposed follower members slidable in opposed longitudinally extending slots of the bezel. In another instance, the bezel has a laterally extending support bar attached to the sidewalls at an end of the channel region. A hollow carriage is movable longitudinally on the bezel from a first location with a first transverse end member adjacent the support bar to a second location with the second transverse end member adjacent the support bar and rotatable about the support bar at the first and second locations to present, respectively, the first or second setting faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jan W. Brassem, Joy B. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20030192346
    Abstract: A novel gemstone cut comprising a crown, a girdle, and a pavilion is described, wherein the gemstone includes precious gemstones (such as diamonds) and semi-precious gemstones. The crown includes an octagonal table, which is surrounded by eight triangular star facets. Eight table bezels are disposed in-between the star facets and eight mid-bezels are disposed in-between the table bezels. Furthermore, the gemstone's pavilion has eight concentrically arranged culet pavilion facets, a girdle pavilion facet and a bottom small break facet that are disposed in-between the culet pavilion facets. The gemstone's girdle has eight left top half facets and eight right top half facets (located in-between the girdle bezels of the crown), and eight left bottom half facets and eight right bottom half facets (disposed in-between the girdle pavilion facets and bottom small break facets).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart Samuels
  • Publication number: 20030192347
    Abstract: A gemstone includes four equal concave portions, a table, a girdle, an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has two stairs. The lower portion includes four surfaces which are broken by eight additional surfaces. Each of the eight surfaces is broken by another two surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hadar Yaskil, Kobe Gertzman
  • Publication number: 20030192348
    Abstract: Prior to conducting chemical strengthening treatment by contacting a glass with a potassium-containing chemical strengthening treating solution, oxidation treatment is conducted to iron-containing particles adhered to a surface of the glass as a pre-step, and the glass is then chemically strengthened. The oxidation treatment is a heat treatment conducted at 80-400° C. in the air. A glass substrate for an information recording medium is obtained by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuriko Kudoh, Kazuishi Mitani, Yasuhiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20030192349
    Abstract: The sag rate of fusion pipes (e.g., isopipes (13) used in an overflow downdraw fusion process) is reduced by the application of axial forces (F) to the end regions (23) of the pipe. The axial forces are applied to the end regions below the pipe's neutral axis (19) so that a bending moment is generated which opposes gravitational sagging of the middle of the pipe. The use of such sag-controlling axial forces increases pipe service life by, for example, at least a third.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gautam Meda, William R. Powell, Randy L. Rhoads
  • Publication number: 20030192350
    Abstract: Systems and methods for large scale synthesis of germanium selenide glass and germanium selenide glass compounds are provided. Up to about 750 grams of a germanium selenide glass or a glass compound can be synthesized at a time in about eight hours or less. Stoichiometrically proportional amounts of germanium and selenium are placed in an ampoule. A variable may also be placed in the ampoule. The ampoule is heated to above the softening temperature of the glass or glass compound being synthesized. The ampoule is then rocked for a period of time while the temperature is held constant. The temperature of the ampoule is then brought down to above the softening temperature of the glass or glass compound being synthesized and then quenched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Stefan Uhlenbrock
  • Publication number: 20030192351
    Abstract: A circular knit blank for use in the manufacture of undergarments, and the garments so manufactured have a circular knit body, and a reinforcement area or areas. The body has a graded stitch density. The reinforcement area or areas have increased stitch density with resultant shorter stretch and higher modulus formed by shortening the stitch lengths during the knitting process. The garment also has a waist band and leg bands formed using a turned welt. The garment may also have a knitted-in stitch pattern design in the body and reinforcement areas formed using miss positive float combination stitching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Virginia Meckley, Kyle C. Pope