Patents Issued in December 4, 2003
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Publication number: 20030221384Abstract: A number of wall panel apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment the wall panel apparatus includes a rectangular frame, two oppositely disposed metal tiles, each tile having a number of attachment and mounting clips whereby mounting of the tiles to opposite sides of the rectangular frame is easily accomplished by locating mounting clips attached to the lower edge portions of the tiles to a bottom frame member and pivoting the upper portion of the tiles so that the attachment clips which are resilient snap into place. A glass wall panel apparatus includes the same rectangular frame, however, top and bottom channels cover the top and bottom frame members of the rectangular frame, each of the channels having hook portions for engaging the top and bottom edges of the glass panes. Also included are side shroud channels and tensioning screws to adjust the channels in relation to the glass panes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: David J. Burken, Matthew C. Brown, Jeffrey E. Tjebkes, Chad C. Lolling, Peter A. Simmons, Tim B. Wilson, Gordon K. Hartman, Brian D. Meyer, Darren P. Williams, Thomas W. Garrett, Michael J. Frantz, Joseph A. Miller, Matthew R. Hanley
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Publication number: 20030221385Abstract: A post mount for affixing a construction member having a cavity to a floor includes a support block, an adjustment plate, a plurality of adjustment bolts threadably mounted to the adjustment plate, a bearing plate, a plurality of optional compression pins, a clamping plate, a bolt extending therethrough, and a nut connected to the bolt. The support block is fixedly attached to the floor and is slidingly received in the cavity. The post mount securely affixes the post to the floor and permits the post to be oriented plumb with the vertical direction and provides support to allow the post to withstand moderate shock loading to the lower end thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Robert E. Platt
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Publication number: 20030221386Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing masonry walls made of open-celled blocks without the need for mortar between individual blocks or courses of blocks using individual C-shaped bracketed pieces that lock adjacent blocks together. The open-celled blocks must have recessed notches between the cells to receive the brackets. An alternative E-shaped bracket structure allows for defined spacing between blocks that may be used to create curves in the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Barry L. McDonald
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Publication number: 20030221387Abstract: A laminated board for indoor use has a substrate formed of a mixture of sawdust and plastic particles joined together by a binder, with a thin strip of natural hardwood secured to one surface of the substrate by an adhesive. A groove is formed along one side of the substrate and a complementary tongue along an opposite side to provide a tongue and groove joint when joining adjacent board in an indoor flooring assembly. The substrate is extruded from a mixture of the sawdust and plastic particles and then cut to size.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Kumud Shah
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Publication number: 20030221388Abstract: A tile edging system comprising a primary substrate, a secondary substrate, a tile member, and a tile edging member. The secondary substrate is positioned in so as to overlie the primary substrate. The tile member is positioned so as to overlie the secondary substrate. The tile edging member comprising a substrate engaging member positioned between the primary substrate and the secondary substrate, a tile engaging member positioned between the at least one tile member and the secondary substrate, and, a transition member connecting the substrate engaging member and the tile engaging member, the transition member spanning a thickness of the secondary substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Robert Benedettini
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Publication number: 20030221389Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: James M. Smelser
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Publication number: 20030221390Abstract: The invention provides a utility pole that comprises an upper end and a lower end, with the lower end having a butt end. The butt end of the pole is encased in a substantially non-corrodible metallic cladding, that is formed from a sheet of the metal, so that the cladding protects the buried end of the pole from attack by microorganisms in the surrounding soil, when the pole end is buried. Further, the metallic cladding substantially prevents migration of any biocidal chemicals from the pole into the surrounding environment. In certain embodiments, the metallic cladding may also be connected, through a ground conductor, to form an electrical grounding means for the pole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Lloyd W. Docter
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Publication number: 20030221391Abstract: A device for affixing a decking member to a joist includes a jig body positionable atop a pair of spaced-apart decking members positioned atop a joist. The jig body has an angled bore having a bottom end extending through a bottom face of the jig body, the bottom end of the angled bore in communication with the space between the decking members. The angled bore defines a centerline extending through the space to a position on the side of the first structural member. The angled bore is for receiving a fastener drivable therethrough into the first structural member's side face, through the first structural member's bottom face, and into the second structural member's top face.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Carl William Bolton
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Publication number: 20030221392Abstract: A system and method of fixing a frame to a panel, that allows panels or the like to be attached to a frame and removed quickly and easily without damage to the panels, frames or their surroundings. Generally, the invention provides for a first article and a second article. The first article may have an aperture and the second article may have a groove or indentation. A first end of a connecting means may be placed in the aperture of the first article and a second end of a connecting means may be placed in the receptacle of a second article such that the forces between the receptacle and the connecting means anchor or secure the first article to the second article. The connecting means may also allow for sliding in a horizontal or vertical direction. However, the first article and second article may also be locked into place. The present invention also provides a method for the easy adjustment, hanging and replacement of paneling systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Alexander Furman
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Publication number: 20030221393Abstract: A flexible stand-up liquid pouch is formed from a sheet of foil film laminate material whereby opposed side walls of the material are folded together with sealed circumferential edges to form an enclosed chamber. A liquid is provided in the chamber, and the side walls of the sheet material which form the container have raised portions which, when sealed together, cooperatively form an internal straw restraining passage inside the container. The straw restraining passage communicates with the liquid chamber and a straw is held loosely captive inside the straw restraining passage and is axially displaceable therein. The straw restraining passage defines a reduced cross-sectional area of the chamber, and the pouch is manufactured with a weakened portion on an upper portion of the pouch, whereby the weakened portion can be torn by a user, thus enabling the internal straw to emerge, due to the buoyancy of the straw, from the interior of the pouch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Rahul A. Kothari
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Publication number: 20030221394Abstract: A cottoner having a wadding section forming station, the station having: carrier means, holding means, and feeding means mounted on a base in series. Moving means on the base reciprocate the carrier means toward and away from the feeding means. Operating means on the base open and close the holding means. The carrier means has gripping means for gripping a length of wadding material to carry it from the holding means toward the feeding means when the carrier means is moved toward the feeding means while the holding means is open. The carrier means releases the length of wadding material when moved away from the feeding means while the holding means is closed to hold the length of wadding material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Luc Jalbert, Bruno Jalbert
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Publication number: 20030221395Abstract: The invention proposes a method of venting a filled bottle with is closed by means of an elastic stopper (10), the stopper inserted into the bottle opening being deformed such that an air-outlet opening is formed in the sealing region between the stopper and bottle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Erich Willstumpf
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Publication number: 20030221396Abstract: The invention relates to a system and process for loading containers with formed product. The system includes a container transport assembly, a product transport assembly and a combined transport assembly. The container transport assembly advances and positions the containers along a first path towards a loading zone. The product transport assembly advances and positions the formed product along a second path towards the loading zone. The combined transport assembly defines a third path away from the loading zone. The first path and the second path share at least one common direction of travel and each path is in part independent of the other and each path is in part merged with the other. The formed product is loaded into the containers as the paths merge. Thereafter, the containers with formed product loaded therein are advanced away from the loading zone along the third path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Gerald Keith Sosalla, Michael Joseph Muhlebach
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Publication number: 20030221397Abstract: In a saddle for equestrian use, the saddle panels are secured within the saddle at their front and rear ends by screws driven into the saddle tree whereby the saddles can be detached from the saddle just by removal of the screws. Each panel is stiffened around its rear edge by wire or rod so that its edge is substantially self-supporting between the points of attachment defined by adjacent screws.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Kenneth John Bates
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Publication number: 20030221398Abstract: A cyclone arrangement for separating particles or droplets from a fluid stream, including at least two cyclones (1, 2, 3; 21, 22, 23), which have a tangential intake opening (4, 5, 6; 24, 25) for the fluid stream and set the fluid stream into rotation so that due to the resulting centrifugal force, particles or droplets to be separated from the fluid stream may be discharged from the cyclone separator through discharge openings (10, 11, 12). A plurality of cyclones are connected in parallel, and the intake openings (4, 5, 6) of the cyclones are closed or opened by a common slider (17; 24), which also has an opening (15, 16, 17; 24, 25) in the vicinity of each cyclone intake opening for passage of the fluid stream. The position and size of each slider opening is designed such that in various slider settings, the fluid stream will reach a different number of cyclone intake openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbHInventors: Pius Trautmann, Michael Durst
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Publication number: 20030221399Abstract: The invention is directed to a single power unit that can drive many different implements merely by taking one implement off the basic power unit and replacing it with another one. The different implements can be a concrete mixer, a snow blower, a roto-tiller or a cleaning brush. The implement can take the form of a leaf blower, a rotary lawn mower, a chipper or mulcher, an electric generator, an air compressor or a wagon box among others. The basic power unit has a horizontally driven power take-off shaft that is coupled to any one of the various implements that also have horizontally extending driven shafts that will connect whenever one of the various implements is connected to the basic power unit. The various basic implements are constructed in such a manner that each one of them can operate in the manner designed for them. Various reduction or increase gears are used to either speed up the working device or to slow it down as the end work requires.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Glenn A. Hall
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Publication number: 20030221400Abstract: A two wheeled carriage for converting a hand held appliance such as a string trimmer to a wheeled equivalent thereof. The carriage has an axle and two wheels of diameter of at least nine inches, and a clamp for retaining the shaft of the appliance. A swivel joint mounted to the axle enables the clamp to adjust angular orientation of the appliance relative to the carriage. A latch selectively locks the swivel joint in a selected one of several available angular orientations. The clamp preferably includes a grasping element which is flexible and adjustable, for engaging shafts of different dimensions and configurations. A lever operated over-center arrangement closes the grasping element over the shaft of the appliance. The clamp optionally also includes two saddles for securing the shaft of the appliance in fixed perpendicular and non-intersecting angular relationship to the axle. An adjuster varies deviation of the shaft from the horizontal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Bill Gallentine
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Publication number: 20030221401Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural machine comprising a body and a drawbar, which drawbar is connected to the body using a first articulation with a substantially vertical axis and allows the agricultural machine to be moved along during work and during transport, the body resting on the ground during work using wheels which are each connected to the body via at least one connecting means, the body comprising a central unit and a work unit, which work unit is arranged transversely to the direction of forward travel during work and is arranged substantially parallel to the direction of forward travel during transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: KUHN S.A.Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Ligouy
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Publication number: 20030221402Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower for operation by an operator. The operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. Thus, the mower includes both sitting and standing modes. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the foot platform is located between first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for approximate zero radius turning of the mower about a vertical turning axis. The foot platform is positioned near this vertical axis so that the operator when standing may be substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, William D. Patton
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Publication number: 20030221403Abstract: A grass bag apparatus includes a bag portion, a lower bag attachment subassembly, and an upper bag attachment subassembly. The lower bag attachment subassembly includes a hoop portion and a handle portion. The upper bag attachment subassembly includes a first upper subportion element (itself including a main wireform subportion and hook portions) and a second upper subportion element (itself including a main wireform subportion and a shield portion). When the grass bag apparatus is attached to a convention lawnmower having a handle assembly, the lower bag attachment subassembly is mounted proximate the discharge opening of the lawnmower. The upper bag attachment subassembly is mounted proximate the handle assembly, particularly at a location including a crossbar. Hook portions being part of the first upper subportion element hook over the crossbar such that the first and second upper subportion elements tend to be locked together during such mounting on said crossbar.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Snapper, Inc.Inventors: Frank H. Hancock, Stephen C. Price
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Publication number: 20030221404Abstract: A grass cutting blade is provided which can be rotated in either direction while providing cutting and airlift in either direction. This can be used in cooperation with a cutting deck housing which includes a particular discharge opening and channel configuration which facilitates side discharge for one blade direction and mulching in the other. By controlling the blade direction, such as by an electric switch controlling electric blade shaft drive motor, side discharge or mulching can be had at a flip of a switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Snapper, Inc.Inventors: Frank H. Hancock, Stephen C. Price
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Publication number: 20030221405Abstract: A mower deck includes a cutting chamber, at least one blade mounted cutting chamber and at least one deflector mounted in the cutting chamber. The at least one deflector is semi-permeable to clippings circulating in the cutting chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Dean E. Hartley
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Publication number: 20030221406Abstract: A conduit plate adapter for use with an open-end spinning device, comprising a base body having a central passage bore extending therethrough and a yarn withdrawal nozzle mouth fixedly secured directly in the central passage bore. The conduit plate adapter of the present invention is removably inserted into a conduit plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.Inventors: Eckhard Sonntag, Rolf Danner, Claus-Dieter Landolt, Michael Spitzer, Brigitte Riede
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Publication number: 20030221407Abstract: A generally cylindrical opening roller unit of an open-end spinning device includes a unitary ring body having card clothing formed of at least one helical groove formed in the rind body, at least one helical ridge between courses of the groove, and saw teeth defined by transverse cuts on the ridge. The roller unit also includes an integrated annular collar that is at least codiametric with the teeth in order to protect the teeth. An integral transition area between the card clothing and the annular collars eliminates the problem of a tooth gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.Inventors: Claus-Dieter Landolt, Heinz-Georg Wassenhoven
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Publication number: 20030221408Abstract: A method of manufacturing jewelry and a chain article formed therefrom that results in a product substantially lighter than its solid counterpart. A length of wire mesh or woven wire type of “fabric” having a hollow seamed wire with a non-precious core of a width and length corresponding generally to the proportions of the jewelry chain to be created is provided. The non-precious core is then removed by one of many methods. Then, a series of hollow link sections are received on the length of wire mesh such that the interior surfaces of the links surround the mesh. The links are arranged in an end-to-end abutting relationship upon the mesh until the length of chain desired is reached. Alternatively, a spiral resembling a spring may be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Giuseppe A. Dal Monte
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Publication number: 20030221409Abstract: A combustion chamber in a combustion turbine is operated in a fuel rich mode, so that combustion is incomplete in the combustion chamber. Additional air can be added either in the expansion turbine or in additional combustion chambers, with additional combustion taking place either in the expansion turbine or in the additional combustion chambers. The process is better able to maintain a steady temperature throughout the expansion turbines, achieving higher efficiencies and more nearly approximately the more efficient infinite reheat cycle than the simple Brayton cycle. The atmosphere at the exit to the combustion chamber is reducing, rather than the normal oxidizing atmosphere, so oxidation of nitrogen to produce NOx is lessened, and the ability to use other alloys is enhanced. Emissions of CO2, a greenhouse gas, are reduced per unit of power produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Thomas F. McGowan
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Publication number: 20030221410Abstract: A steam-heated intermediate superheater is connected into a steam duct between a medium-pressure stage and a low-pressure stage of the steam turbine. The heating steam for the intermediate superheater may be extracted from the first intermediate superheater to increase efficiency of the steam turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Thorsten Wolf
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Publication number: 20030221411Abstract: An exhaust flow nozzle for a jet engine having a plurality of flow altering components extending from a lip portion of a secondary exhaust nozzle that are movable between first and second positions. In the first position the flow altering components are disposed substantially parallel to an exhaust gas flow path and thereby do not produce drag or a reduction of thrust from the engine. In the second position the flow altering components bend or are deformed to project into the exhaust gas flow path exiting from the secondary exhaust nozzle. The flow altering components are comprised of a shape-memory alloy material which deforms in response to heat. One or more additional layers of material are bonded or otherwise coupled to the shape-memory alloy layer of each flow altering component to assist in returning the shape-memory alloy layer to its unheated shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Eric H. Nesbitt, George W. Butler, David H. Reed
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Publication number: 20030221412Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatically powered high-pressure and lightweight fluid pump. The pump is useful for pumping fuel for liquid rocket engines and for pumping water, such as for fire suppression. During operation of the pump, liquid is drained from a tank into a pump chamber and the chamber is then pressurized to deliver fluid. The chamber is then refilled from the main tank. An auxiliary chamber supplies fuel while the main chamber is being filled, thereby a steady stream is delivered from the pump. The auxiliary chamber is refilled from the tank while the main chamber is delivering fluid. The design results in substantial weight savings over a system in which the main tank is pressurized or a system with two pump chambers of similar size. The auxiliary chamber of the present disclosure has a smaller capacity than the main chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Steven M. Harrington
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Publication number: 20030221413Abstract: Either (a) the exhaust (20) of an engine (9) and/or (b) inlet air (11) is sent to a hydrogen generator (22) along with diesel fuel (18) to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide (26) for either (c) mixing with the mainstream of exhaust fed to a catalytic converter (28) or (d) regenerating a pair of NOx adsorption traps (35, 36), thereby reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to provide system exhaust (29) which may have less than 0.20 grams/bhp/hr of NOx and 0.14 grams/bhp/hr of non-methane hydrocarbons. A water recovery unit (52, 63) may extract water from either the exhaust or the effluent of the NOx traps to humidify inlet air (11) for mixture with fuel. Inlet air (11) may be humidified in an air bubbling humidifier (72) that receives water from a condenser (76) that uses inlet air to cool NOx trap effluent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: John G. Buglass, Francis A. Kocum, Ke Liu, Ronald J. Schoonebeek, Antonio M. Vincitore
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Publication number: 20030221414Abstract: An emission treatment system for a vehicle is provided that includes a plasma reactor is disposed in a main exhaust pipe and configured to reduce noxious emissions of an engine. A bypass pipe is connected to the main exhaust pipe both before and after the plasma reactor such that exhaust emissions can be caused to bypass the plasma reactor. A control valve is disposed at a position where the main exhaust pipe and the bypass pipe intersect, and is configured to selectively open and close the main exhaust pipe and the bypass pipe. A power supply unit supplies power to the plasma reactor and the control unit is coupled to the power supply unit and the control valve controlling a voltage of power supplied to the plasma reactor and an operation of the control valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Yone-Seung Kim, Hyung-Jei Cho, Chi-Young Jeong, Eun-Ki Hong
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Publication number: 20030221415Abstract: A method for diagnosing an exhaust gas cleaning system of a lambda-controlled internal combustion engine where a catalyst is subjected to a specific oxygen load which is greater than the normal operating load, by increasing the surface covered by the oscillation of a signal of a pre-catalyst lambda probe according to a set value. The exhaust gas cleaning system can be tested by evaluating the oscillation of a signal of a post-catalyst lambda probe. In the event this diagnosis shows a defect in the exhaust gas cleaning system without the area covered by the oscillation of the probe signal of the pre-catalyst lambda probe having had to be increased to or beyond a set value, the pre-catalyst lambda probe is defective. Otherwise, it can be concluded that the catalyst is defective.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Gerd Rsel, Hong Zhang
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Publication number: 20030221416Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Grant Alan Ingram, Gopichandra Surnilla
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Publication number: 20030221417Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
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Publication number: 20030221418Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
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Publication number: 20030221419Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
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Publication number: 20030221420Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a gas flow including guiding the gas flow through a gas treatment unit (18) adapted for filtering particles in the gas flow, and eliminating the particles in the gas treatment unit (18). Particles are filtered from the gas flow by means of accumulating the particles in, or in connection with, a number of ducts (21) forming part of the gas treatment unit (21) during passage of the gas flow through the gas treatment unit (18). The temperature of the gas flow is controlled along the ducts (21) to a value that provides combustion of the particles, and eliminates the filtered particles in the gas treatment unit (18) by means of combustion in the ducts (21). An improved treatment of a gas flow is provided, in particular in connection with exhaust gas purification in a diesel engine, for eliminating particles in its exhaust gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: AB VOLVOInventors: Edward Jobson, Bjorn Heed
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Publication number: 20030221421Abstract: A control (30) for controlling a variable valve actuation mechanism (26) of an internal combustion engine (10) to regenerate a particulate filter (35) in the exhaust system (25) of the engine. The control comprises an operating program (50, 50A) for regenerating the particulate filter while the engine is running under its owns power by causing the variable valve actuation mechanism to change the timing of engine cylinder valves during an engine operating cycle, and as a result, elevate the temperature of flow through the exhaust system to a temperature that is effective to combust particles trapped by the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Xinqun Gui, Jinhui Sun, Steven T. Omachi, Xiaoyan Lei
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Publication number: 20030221422Abstract: In a method for operating an exhaust-gas purification system, in which CO and NO are simultaneously oxidized in accordance with the SCONOx principle by means of a first catalyst, and the NO2 formed is absorbed on the surface of the catalyst, in which furthermore SO2 is oxidized in accordance with the SCOSOx principle by means of a second catalyst arranged upstream of the first catalyst, and the SO3 formed is absorbed on the surface of the catalyst, and in which the first and the second catalyst are regenerated in a regeneration cycle at regular time intervals by means of a regeneration gas containing hydrogen, a reduced requirement for hydrogen is achieved and the overall performance of the purification system is enhanced by virtue of the fact that the regeneration of the first and second catalysts is carried out at time intervals of different lengths, and that the time interval between two regeneration cycles of the second catalyst is significantly longer than the time interval between two regeneration cycleType: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Gisbert Kaefer
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Publication number: 20030221423Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a particulate filter for collecting exhaust particulate matters included in exhaust gas. An oxidization catalyst is supported on the particulate filter. A fuel injection control system for the engine has injection quantity setting means. The injection quantity setting means sets an injection quantity for a post-injection so that the injection quantity is increased toward a basic injection quantity corresponding to a heating value, which is suitable for eliminating exhaust particulate matters collected by a particulate filter. The injection quantity is gradually increased to the basic injection quantity while maintaining temperature of the particulate filter including the oxidization catalyst above a lower limit temperature for inhibiting generation of white smoke. The lower limit temperature is determined in accordance with the injection quantity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Yuji Kosaka, Toshimi Matsumura
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Publication number: 20030221424Abstract: An exhaust cleaning system for motor vehicles, especially a diesel exhaust cleaning system for medium to heavy utility vehicles. The exhaust cleaning system has an exhaust muffler (1), a catalytic converter (2) and an exhaust particle filter element (3). The exhaust muffler (1), the catalytic converter (2) with a U-shaped tubular urea injection element (4) arranged upstream and an exhaust particle filter element (3) are integrated in a common housing and designed as a structural, functional unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: J. Eberspacher GmbH & Co.Inventors: Siegfried Woerner, Peter Zacke, Thomas Hauber, Rudolf Buhmann, Marcus Werni
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Publication number: 20030221425Abstract: An electronic control device and method for determining the fuel quantity at which a burner is operated whose exhaust gas mixes with the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in an exhaust-gas system in front of a catalytic converter, in which a first oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is measured spatially before the mixing of the exhaust gas of the burner with the exhaust gas of the combustion engine, a second oxygen concentration in the intermixed exhaust gas is measured, and the fuel quantity at which the burner is operated is determined on the basis of processing the first oxygen concentration and the second oxygen concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Andreas Posselt, Wolfgang Boerkel
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Publication number: 20030221426Abstract: An exhaust system in an internal combustion engine has an exhaust manifold, an exhaust flange is connected to the exhaust manifold, and a turbocharger is connected to the exhaust flange. The turbocharger has an exhaust inlet flange connected to the exhaust flange. The exhaust manifold has a first passage and a second passage, and the exhaust flange has a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. The exhaust ports of the exhaust flange each have a generally triangular cross-sectional configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Timothy A. Bruce, Daniel J. Pelarski, Matthew D. Rampenthal, Neil A. Terry
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Publication number: 20030221427Abstract: A magnet ring assembly for a piston/magnet assembly that can be used in a Stirling cycle cryocooler comprises a cylindrical magnet holder and a plurality of magnet sectors disposed on the inner surface of the magnet holder. The magnet sectors are captured in the rotational direction by bonding the magnet sectors to the inner surface of the magnet holder. The magnet sectors are also captured in the radial direction by providing them with a uniform radial magnetic field, such that they mutually repel each other against the inner surface of the magnet holder. Also, the edges of the magnet sectors are shaped, such any one magnet sector is prevented from being displaced radially inward by the edges of adjacent magnet sector. The magnet sectors are captured in the axial direction by forming an annular ledge on the inner surface of the magnet holder on which one axial edge of each magnet sector rests, and swaging the axial edge of the magnet holder around the other axial edge of each magnet sector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Amr H. O'baid, Wallace Y. Kunimoto
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Publication number: 20030221428Abstract: A compensation system for a vehicle has a main reservoir, a vapor collector, an expansion tube, a working liquid supplying reservoir and an oil tank. The main reservoir is connected with the vapor collector via a heat absorbing pipe. The expansion tube is connected to the vapor collector. Two turbines are rotatably received in the expansion tube and are connected to a generator. The supplying reservoir is connected to the expansion tube. The oil tank encloses the expansion tube and absorbs the heat of the waste gas dissipated from the engine. Accordingly, the turbines will be actuated to rotate by means of expansion of volume of the working liquid sprayed into the expansion tube to actuate the generator to operate. The waste heat dissipated from the engine of the vehicle can be efficiently reused.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Yeong-Shyeong Tsai, Shinn-Jieh Wang, Po-Yu Tsai, Lu-Hsing Tsai, Hung-Ming Tsai
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Publication number: 20030221429Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel injector conduit includes a single feed strip having a single bonded together pair of lengthwise extending plates. Each of the plates has a single row of widthwise spaced apart and lengthwise extending parallel grooves. Opposing grooves in each of the plates are aligned forming internal fuel flow passages through the strip from an inlet end to an outlet end. The feed strip includes a substantially straight middle portion between the inlet end and the outlet end. In one alternative, the middle portion has a radius of curvature greater than a length of the middle portion. The feed strip has at least one acute bend between the inlet end and the middle portion and a bend between the outlet end and the middle portion. The feed strip has fuel inlet holes in the inlet end connected to the internal fuel flow passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Peter Laing, Michael Peter Wrubel, Barry Walford Savel, Rex Jay Harvey, Alfred Albert Mancini, James Neil Cooper, Robert Thane Mains
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Publication number: 20030221430Abstract: An automatic engine protection system for use when electronic parts of the control system are exposed to overtemperature conditions. A thermally sensitive component, such as an engine electronic control or an electronic overspeed control, is mounted on the engine. A thermal fuse is mounted adjacent, or in thermal contact with, the speed control. The thermal fuse is placed in electrical series with a valve which controls fuel delivery to the engine. If the temperature of the fuse exceeds its melting point, indicating a possible danger to the electronic control, the fuse melts, thereby terminating fuel to the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Kenneth Foster Cook
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Publication number: 20030221431Abstract: A fuel processing system for a turbine engine includes a fuel processor which mixes fuel and air through a vortical flow which involves the introduction of air tangentially into the fuel processing chamber through inlet apertures formed in the outer wall of the fuel processing chamber. The vortical flow of fluid inside the fuel processing chamber breaks down or atomizes fuel such that the resulting fuel/air mixture will be ideal for combustion. The fuel/air mixture is thereafter introduced into a combustion chamber of the combustor of a turbine engine apparatus. One or more fuel processing units operatively coupled in series may be utilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: LyteSyde, LLCInventor: Kelly P. Rock
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Publication number: 20030221432Abstract: Preferred and modified forms of a method and apparatus for converting waste into useful energy in which solid waste materials are fed through a single or parallel feed lines under constant pressure to a gasifier, at least partially combusted under pressure in the gasifier while constantly removing the ash from the gasifier, advancing the gases through a combuster stage for complete combustion, followed by delivering the combusted gases under pressure to a gas turbine and the like in order to generate power or perform other useful work.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Ronald M. Tucker
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Publication number: 20030221433Abstract: A natural gas fuel storage and supply system, particularly suited for use in vehicles powered by liquid natural gas (LNG), includes an insulated tank containing a supply of LNG with a headspace there above. A pump and a vaporizer are in circuit between the tank and the engine of the vehicle. When activated, the pump pressurizes LNG from the tank and directs it to the vaporizer where gaseous LNG is produced. The pressurized gaseous LNG is routed to the engine where it is consumed as fuel. An economizer circuit communicates with the headspace of the tank and includes a regulator, a control valve and a flow control device. The control valve opens when the vehicle engine is in operation and the regulator opens when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined level so that LNG vapor from the tank headspace flows to the vehicle engine air inlet where it is consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Keith Gustafson