Patents Issued in January 15, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040006954
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus of a hard disk drive includes a filter filtering particles from air flowing inside a housing which includes a base plate and a cover plate, and two holders installed inside the housing and having support grooves supporting both end portions of the filter. The filter includes a filtering portion through which the flowing air passes and particles are filtered from the flowing air, and an insertion portion included at both end portions of the filtering portion and inserted into the support grooves forming a seal. Thus, since no gap is generated between the support groove of the holder and the insertion portion of the filter, all the air flowing toward the filter passes through the filtering portion. Also, the flow of air passing through the filtering portion is smooth, so that an efficiency of filtering tiny particles included in the air flowing in the hard disk drive is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yong-Chul Yoo
  • Publication number: 20040006955
    Abstract: A reverse flow air filter arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a filter element having first and second-end caps, the second end cap having a central drainage aperture. A funnel shape on an interior surface of second end cap is used to direct moisture flow to the drainage aperture. The arrangement includes a housing in which the filter element is positioned, operatively, during use. Certain features in the housing facilitate moisture withdrawal from the filter element while also inhibiting interference with sealing between the filter element and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Francis Engel, Dolan Bartels, John Hacker, Bruce Crenshaw, Don Harold, Shirley A. Harold
  • Publication number: 20040006956
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide filtering candles (1) comprising a sintered filtering tube (2) and a collar (3) which is connected thereto, and having an increased shelf life and improved resistance values. To this end, the collar (3) comprises an annular collar wall (4) which is oriented towards the filtering tube (2) from the neck. Said wall comprises at least one recess (8) which is arranged in a perpendicular manner and at an angle in relation to a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the filtering tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Simon Steigert
  • Publication number: 20040006957
    Abstract: A function management system includes a programmable control unit that can automatically coordinate combine traction functions and/or implement functions. In a learn mode, the operator performs a sequence of manual manipulations of the operator controlled traction and implement devices, and the control unit records and then stores information pertaining to the sequence of device operations. In an execute mode, the control unit automatically performs the sequence of device operations so that the sequence of operations occurs at the same intervals at which they were learned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Alan David Sheidler, Kenny L. Hennings, Mark Peter Sahlin
  • Publication number: 20040006958
    Abstract: A position control for a crop pickup device which is mounted for vertical movement relative to an agricultural harvester. A measuring device is provided for determining the distance from the crop pickup device to the ground, wherein the position of the crop pickup device relative to the ground is adjustable by one control device as a function of the measured ground distance. The distance to the ground is determined by the measuring device at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel. As a result, advantageously the inclination of the ground can be determined and used for optimized control of ground simulation of the crop pickup device. Additionally, the cutting angle can be adapted automatically to the slope of the ground, to avoid crop losses and impede damage to the grain header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Thiemann, Hubert Uhlending, Ludwig Dammann
  • Publication number: 20040006959
    Abstract: A mid-mount mower including a body frame supported above the ground by front wheels and rear wheels, and a mower unit vertically movably suspended from the body frame between the front wheels and rear wheels. The mower unit includes a mower deck having a top board, and a front wall, side walls and a rear wall depending from the top board. The mower deck has a rearwardly opening recess formed in a sideways middle region at a rear end thereof. A mower input shaft is disposed on the top board for transmitting power to the rotary blades juxtaposed inside the mower deck to be rotatable about three vertical axes arranged sideways. The mower input shaft extends longitudinally of the body frame and has a rear connecting end. A PTO shaft is provided in a rear transmission mechanism that drives the rear wheels. The PTO shaft extends longitudinally of the body frame and has a forward connecting end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Samejima, Kenichi Chujo, Teruo Shimamura, Yoshiyuki Esaki, Masatoshi Yamaguchi, Yoshihiro Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20040006960
    Abstract: A mower unit attachable to a vehicle body includes a mower deck. The mower deck defines a grass discharge opening at an opposite side of one side wall, and has a plurality of rotary blades juxtaposed inside the mower deck to be rotatable about vertical axes. All of the rotary blades are rotatable in the same direction so that a front half, with respect to a traveling direction, of a track of rotation of each rotary blade points toward the side having the grass discharge opening. A rear baffle depends from a top board of the mower deck for enclosing the rotary blades in combination with a front wall, and surrounds, in form of a concentric part circle, a rear portion of the track of rotation of each rotary blade. A front baffle and a mulching baffle are provided to be selectively attached to the mower deck to be located forwardly of the tracks of rotation of the rotary blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Samejima, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Teruo Shimamura, Masatoshi Yamaguchi, Yoshiyuki Esaki, Kenichi Chujo, Yoshihiro Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20040006961
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a self-powered hedge cutter at a selected height and orientation so that a hedgerow can be more readily and consistently trimmed. The assembly includes a wheeled base that is filled with a weighted material. A vertical support extends upwardly from the base. A support bracket is provided that is free to move up and down along the length of the vertical support. A push handle also extends from the base. The push handle enables a person to readily push the wheeled base to a desired location. Controls are attached to the push handle. One control adjusts the height of the support bracket on the vertical support. The other control is a throttle control that can be selectively attached to the hedge cutter. A self-powered commercial hedge cutter is temporarily mounted to the support bracket. The hedge cutter can be mounted to the support bracket in a plurality of orientations. The hedge cutter can then be rolled along a hedgerow to trim that hedgerow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ira R. Stahl
  • Publication number: 20040006962
    Abstract: An improved shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30° from the central axis of the mowing blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard Plamper
  • Publication number: 20040006963
    Abstract: A plastic impregnated wire rope is provided with plastic bands between its core and its outer strands so as to prevent contact between the wires of the core and those of the outer strands during flexing of the rope. This produces a substantial increase in the life of the rope. The method for manufacturing such rope involves wrapping plastic bands on the core just prior to laying outer strands on the core and on top of the plastic bands. Thereafter, the so formed rope is impregnated with molten plastic, which is then allowed to solidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Misrachi, Olivier Payant, Vincent Quirion
  • Publication number: 20040006964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wet spinning process of an elastomeric polymer thread comprising a wet spinning phase in which a spun prepolymer is passed in equicurrent to a reactive solution to give a polymeric thread, a drying phase in which the solvent of the reactive solution is removed from the yarn and a collection phase in which said thread is wound on winding devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Claudio Sironi, Giuseppe Covelli, Gustavo Gusmini, Carlo Raimondi
  • Publication number: 20040006965
    Abstract: A turbo shaft engine for amplifying an air stream flow rate includes a turbine fan assembly and gas generator. The gas generator includes a primary air duct defining intake and outlet ports. A combustion chamber is connected to the primary air duct for igniting an admixture of fuel and a portion of the intake flow to form an energized motive flow. The motive flow is discharged from the combustion chamber back into the primary air duct over a Coanda-profiled guide member so as to amplify the flow rate of incoming intake flow by momentum transfer. A portion of the motive flow is returned directly to the fan assembly for amplifying incoming intake flow. The remaining motive flow is again combusted and used to rotate turbine blades. A resonance chamber with volume adjustment is included for tuning a pulse of intake flow into the primary combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Schierbaum
  • Publication number: 20040006966
    Abstract: Air intake temperature in a gas turbine is regulated by a heat exchange fluid having a low viscosity at low temperatures. The circulated heat transfer fluid preferably comprises an alkali metal formate, most preferably potassium formate. The potassium formate may be blended with other alkali metal formate(s), with alcohol, glycols, salt brines, or any combination of glycols, alcohols, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrates, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, water and/or or other salt brines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Clearwater International
    Inventors: John Henry Hallman, William J. Hyland, Ray Veldman, Jeff Diaz, William Larry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040006967
    Abstract: A frangible coupling for interconnecting parts comprising a first ring and a second ring coaxially arranged relative to each other and axially joined via an annular array of fuse ligaments equidistantly spaced apart from each other. The ligaments are configured to fail when an abnormal radial load of a predetermined value causes the first and second ring to move out of their coaxial relationship. When all of the fuse ligaments are severed, the communication between the first and second rings is severed. This allows the first ring to move independently of the second ring, preventing the out of balance load on the first ring being communicated to the second ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: ROLLS ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Brynley Clark
  • Publication number: 20040006968
    Abstract: A lobe mixer (22) used in jet engines, is provided with diameter expansion portions (22a) in which the diameters gradually increase in the downstream direction, in which adjacent diameter expansion portions have different diameters from each other, and which guide the core gasses that flow along the inner sides of the adjacent diameter expansion portions, peripherally outwards at different angles. Thus, the gasses are mixed without the thrust of the jet engine being reduced, and the noise of the jet is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Tsutomu Oishi
  • Publication number: 20040006969
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle assembly (18) for a gas turbine engine (10), the assembly (18) comprises a main axis (20), an inner nozzle (19), an outer nozzle (17), a translatable centre-body (44) and a means for translating the centre-body (49) between a forward position and a rearward position. The centre-body (44) is disposed radially inwardly of the inner nozzle (19) thereby partly defining an inner duct (35) for a core engine gas flow (28), an outer duct (17) for a bypass gas flow (30) is defined by the inner nozzle (19) and the outer nozzle (17). The outer nozzle (17) extends downstream of the inner nozzle (19) and with the centre-body (44) defines a final mixing duct (36) having a final exhaust exit area (38). When the centre-body (44) is in the forward position the final exhaust exit area (38) is at a maximum area, and when the centre-body (44) is in a rearward position the final exhaust exit area (38) is at a minimum area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Whurr
  • Publication number: 20040006970
    Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine, in particular, of a motor vehicle has two mufflers through which the exhaust gas is able to flow in a parallel fashion. A switching unit makes it possible to selectively convey the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine only or almost exclusively through the first muffler, or only or almost exclusively through the second muffler, or through both mufflers in a parallel fashion. The two mufflers are realized differently with respect to their muffling effect and/or flow resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Siegfried Worner, Ulrich Sigel
  • Publication number: 20040006971
    Abstract: A catalyst degradation determining method is for use with an emission control apparatus of an internal combustion engine that includes a catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, and a downstream-of-catalyst air-fuel ratio sensor disposed in the exhaust passage downstream of the catalyst. The method includes the steps of: acquiring an oxidizing-reducing capability index value that changes in accordance with a degree of an oxidizing-reducing capability of the catalyst; controlling an upstream-of-catalyst air-fuel ratio occurring upstream of the catalyst to an air-fuel ratio that is lean of a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio so that the catalyst stores oxygen in the catalyst up to a maximum storage amount of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Kamoto, Toshinari Nagai, Yasuhiro Oi, Noriyasu Adachi, Koji Ide, Daisuke Kobayashi, Shuntaro Okazaki, Naoto Kato, Takahiro Uchida
  • Publication number: 20040006972
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20040006973
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine coupled to an emission system is provided. The system includes an emission catalyst and a HEGO sensor disposed downstream of the catalyst. The method includes adjusting an air-fuel ratio of the engine to substantially maintain an output signal from the downstream HEGO sensor within a predetermined linear operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns
  • Publication number: 20040006974
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an NOx adsorber aftertreatment system for internal combustion engines which utilizes adsorber catalysts arranged in parallel. The exhaust flow from the engine is divided in a predetermined ratio between the two catalysts during lean operation (e.g. 50-50). At a predetermined regeneration time (for example, when the adsorber catalyst is 20% full), the exhaust gas flow is reduced through the parallel leg that is to be regenerated (e.g., 20% through the leg to be regenerated, 80% of the flow to the other leg). A quantity of hydrocarbon is injected into the reduced-flow leg in order to make the mixture rich. Since the flow has been reduced in this leg, only a small fraction of the amount of hydrocarbon that would have been required to make the mixture rich during full flow is required. This will result in a substantial reduction in the fuel penalty incurred for regeneration of the adsorber catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bradlee J. Stroia, Michael J. Cunningham, Rahul Mital, Scott Cole
  • Publication number: 20040006975
    Abstract: The present invention provides for adsorber catalysts arranged in parallel. The exhaust flow from the engine is divided in a predetermined ratio between the two catalysts during lean operation (e.g. 50-50). At a predetermined regeneration time (for example, when the adsorber catalyst is 20% full), the exhaust gas flow is reduced through the parallel leg that is to be regenerated (e.g. 20-80). A quantity of hydrocarbon is injected into the reduced-flow leg in order to make the mixture rich. Once the leg has been regenerated, the flow distribution between the parallel legs is reversed, and the other catalyst leg is regenerated while the other side (which is now clean) receives the majority of the exhaust flow. Once both catalyst legs have been regenerated, the exhaust flow is adjusted back to normal (e.g. 50-50) until the catalysts are again ready for regeneration and reduction. A catalytic soot filter is positioned upstream from each adsorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bradlee J. Stroia, Robert C. Yu, Rahul Mital, Michael J. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20040006976
    Abstract: The present invention provides for adsorber catalysts arranged in parallel. The exhaust flow from the engine is divided in a predetermined ratio between the two catalysts during lean operation (e.g. 50-50). At a predetermined regeneration time (for example, when the adsorber catalyst is 20% full), the exhaust gas flow is reduced through the parallel leg that is to be regenerated (e.g. 20-80). A quantity of hydrocarbon is injected into the reduced-flow leg in order to make the mixture rich. Once the leg has been regenerated, the flow distribution between the parallel legs is reversed, and the other catalyst leg is regenerated while the other side (which is now clean) receives the majority of the exhaust flow. Once both catalyst legs have been regenerated, the exhaust flow is adjusted back to normal (e.g. 50-50) until the catalysts are again ready for regeneration and reduction. A catalytic soot filter is positioned downstream from the adsorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bradlee J. Stroia, Robert C. Yu, Rahul Mital, Michael J. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20040006977
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust passage that branches into a first exhaust branch passage and a second exhaust branch passage, which join at downstream ends thereof into a common exhaust passage, a NOx catalyst disposed in each of the exhaust branch passages, a particulate filter disposed in the common exhaust passage and located downstream of a joining point of the exhaust branch passages, and flow control valves that control the amounts of exhaust gas flowing through the respective exhaust branch passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichiro Nakatani, Shinya Hirota, Shunsuke Toshioka
  • Publication number: 20040006978
    Abstract: EGR mass fraction or a value indicative thereof can be calculated based on temperature measurements rather than mass flow and/or pressure measurements, hence negating the need for expensive and relatively unreliable measurement devices in an active EGR system for an internal combustion engine. The EGR system may be a low pressure EGR system configured to direct cooled, filtered EGR to the engine's air intake system using an effective, simple venturi and/or a continuously regenerated catalytic particulate trap. The resultant system can reduce NOx emissions in a diesel engine on the order of 50% and approximately 90% for CO, HC, and PM. NOx and other emissions can be reduced still further when the EGR system is combined with other pretreatment and/or after treatment devices. Many components of the low pressure EGR system are also usable in a passive EGR system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Clean Air Products, Inc.
    Inventors: N. John Beck, Hoi Ching Wong, Kresimir Gebert
  • Publication number: 20040006979
    Abstract: A linear actuator having a low profile and a long stroke is provided. The actuator includes a housing integrally connected to a telescoping piston. The piston may be extended by a fluid such as inflation gas provided by an inflation gas generator in fluid communication with the piston. The piston extends rapidly through a one-shot stroke. The extending piston converts energy in the fluid into motion for performing linear work. The linear actuator may be formed from a single piece of parent material through stamping processes including deep draw stamping. Alternatively, other metal forming processes may be used to form the linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Brent Parks
  • Publication number: 20040006980
    Abstract: A tractor-mounted front end loader includes lift boom having a tool, disclosed as a bucket, pivotally mounted to one end of the boom for selected movement by one or more hydraulic adjustment cylinders. A safety valve is associated with one of the pressure chambers of each adjustment cylinder to prevent unintended lowering of the tool in the event a supply-return hose extending between a direction control valve and the adjustment cylinder should rupture. Also connected to this pressure chamber of each adjustment cylinder is an accumulator for providing a damping action. The connection between the pressure chamber and the accumulator is made by rigid tubing, and in one disclosed embodiment, includes a remotely operable on/off valve for selectively coupling the accumulator to the pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Berthod, Philippe Ostermann
  • Publication number: 20040006981
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly, for use in a hydrostatic transmission, for controlling fluid transfer between a first, a second and a third line, wherein two of the lines define first and second pressure lines, within a closed-loop circuit. The valve assembly comprises: a valve body having ports in communication with the three lines; a spool bore; a valve spool, adapted for sealing reciprocation within the spool bore, having a first and second end portion, a connecting portion, and a first and second bypass orifice within the valve spool; and dampers for centering the valve spool. This spool is movable from a neutral position occurring when the fluid pressure forces in the first and second pressure lines are substantially similar, to a first or a second position occurring when the fluid pressure force in the first pressure line is greater or less than that in the second pressure line, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Xingen Dong, James S. Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20040006982
    Abstract: A heat transfer head (10) for a stirling engine is disclosed. The heat transfer head (10) comprises a plurality of external circumferential fins (30) projecting out from the heat transfer head (10). At least two of the adjacent fins (30) are arranged to be substantially parallel and such that some of the radiant heat received by one of the fins is reflected onto the other fin. A second set of fins (40) is provided above the circumferential fins. The second set of fins are arranged to enable combustion gases from a burner to pass upwards therebetween to enable heat to be absorbed from the passing combustion gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: David Antony Clark, James Robert Lowrie
  • Publication number: 20040006983
    Abstract: A pressure intensifier for generating relatively large output force includes a piston driven in an advancing and a retracting direction. The piston provides a relatively large cross-sectional area for a pressurized fluid to act during the retracting stroke. As such, relatively large, heavy, tools may be returned to an elevated position without the use of external force-producing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Publication number: 20040006984
    Abstract: A pressure intensifier for generating a relatively large output force includes a piston driven in an advancing direction and a retracting direction. In one embodiment, two pistons are also driven to eliminate the need for a high pressure source. Another embodiment includes a biased piston for urging a ram in the advancing direction. A module for converting a single piston intensifier to a dual piston intensifier is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Publication number: 20040006985
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine (1) having a compressor (5) for compressing the air drawn in by suction by the engine (1). The compressor is especially an exhaust-gas turbocharger. With the method and arrangement, a requirement-proper and timely opening of a valve (10) of an air path (15) is ensured for avoiding compressor pumping. The air path (15) bypasses the compressor (5). The valve (10) of the air path (15), which bypasses the compressor (5), is controlled in dependence upon at least one pregiven characteristic line (20, 25) of a compressor characteristic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ernst Wild, Sabine Wegener, Rainer Hild
  • Publication number: 20040006986
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine (20) which achieve an optimal efficiency in different operating states. An opening time of an inlet valve (5) of a cylinder (1) of the engine (20) is variably adjusted. Depending upon an operating variable, especially the engine speed, two operating states of the engine (20) are distinguished. In a first operating state, during an intake operation, an opening of the inlet valve (5) is delayed. In a second operating state, a closing of the inlet valve is delayed and carried out during a compression operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Baeuerle
  • Publication number: 20040006987
    Abstract: A turbine power generation system is provided for use with an off-gas fuel source. The system comprises first compression means for compressing air; second compression means for compressing off-gas; combustion means for combusting a mixture of said compressed air and a fuel comprising said off-gas; turbine means for converting energy released from combustion into mechanical energy; transduction means for converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy; a shaft linking the first compression means, turbine means, and transduction means, to allow mechanical energy produced by the turbine means to be used by the transduction means and first compression means; and an off-gas heating means for heating the compressed off-gas to a temperature greater than the gas dew point of the off-gas to ensure that no liquids are formed in the fuel gas supply to the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Manuel M. Cardenas
  • Publication number: 20040006988
    Abstract: A premix fuel nozzle and method of operation for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The premix fuel nozzle utilizes a fin assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending fins for injection of fuel and compressed air in order to provide a more uniform injection pattern. The fuel and compressed air mixes upstream of the combustion chamber and flows into the combustion chamber as a homogeneous mixture. The premix fuel nozzle includes a plurality of coaxial passages, which provide fuel and compressed air to the fin assembly, as well as compressed air to cool the nozzle cap assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen T. Jennings, Ryan McMahon, Brian R. Mack
  • Publication number: 20040006989
    Abstract: A dual fuel premix nozzle and method of operation for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The dual fuel premix nozzle utilizes a fin assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending fins for injection of fuel and compressed air in order to provide a more uniform injection pattern. When in gas operation, the fuel and compressed air mixes upstream of the combustion chamber and flows into the combustion chamber as a homogeneous mixture. The premix fuel nozzle includes a plurality of coaxial passages, which provide gaseous fuel and compressed air to the fin assembly. When in liquid fuel operation, the gas circuits are purged with compressed air and liquid fuel and water pass through coaxial passages to the tip of the dual fuel premix fuel nozzle, where they inject liquid fuel and water into the secondary combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen T. Jennings, Ryan McMahon, Brian R. Mack
  • Publication number: 20040006990
    Abstract: A premix fuel nozzle and method of operation for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The premix fuel nozzle utilizes a fin assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending fins for injection of fuel and compressed air in order to provide a more uniform injection pattern. The fuel and compressed air mixes upstream of the combustion chamber and flows into the combustion chamber as a homogeneous mixture. The premix fuel nozzle includes a plurality of coaxial passages, which provide fuel and compressed air to the fin assembly, as well as compressed air to cool the nozzle cap assembly. An alternate embodiment includes an additional fuel injection region located along a conically tapered portion of the premixed fuel nozzle, downstream of the fin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen T. Jennings, Ryan McMahon, Brian R. Mack
  • Publication number: 20040006991
    Abstract: A dual fuel premix nozzle and method of operation for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The dual fuel premix nozzle utilizes a fin assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending fins for injection of gas fuel and compressed air in order to provide a more uniform injection pattern and homogeneous mixture. The premix fuel nozzle includes a plurality of coaxial passages, which provide gaseous fuel and compressed air to the fin assembly. When in liquid fuel operation, the gas circuits are purged with compressed air and liquid fuel and water pass through coaxial passages to the tip of the dual fuel premix fuel nozzle, where they inject liquid fuel and water into the secondary combustion chamber. An alternate embodiment includes an additional gas fuel injection region located along a conically tapered portion of the premixed fuel nozzle, downstream of the fin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen T. Jennings, Ryan McMahon, Brian R. Mack
  • Publication number: 20040006992
    Abstract: A premix fuel nozzle and method of operation for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The premix fuel nozzle utilizes a fin assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending fins for injection of fuel and compressed air in order to provide a more uniform injection pattern. The fuel and compressed air mixes upstream of the combustion chamber and flows into the combustion chamber as a homogeneous mixture. The premix fuel nozzle includes a plurality of coaxial passages, which provide fuel and compressed air to the fin assembly, as well as compressed air to cool the nozzle cap assembly. An alternate embodiment includes an additional fuel injection region located along a conically tapered portion of the premixed fuel nozzle, downstream of the fin assembly. A second alternate embodiment is disclosed which reconfigures the injector assembly and fuel injection locations to minimize flow blockage issues at the injector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen T. Jennings, Ryan McMahon, Hany Rizkalla, Alfredo Cires
  • Publication number: 20040006993
    Abstract: A dual fuel premix nozzle and method of operation for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The dual fuel premix nozzle utilizes a fin assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending fins for injection of gas fuel and compressed air in order to provide a more uniform injection pattern and homogeneous mixture. The premix fuel nozzle includes a plurality of coaxial passages, which provide gaseous fuel and compressed air to the fin assembly. When in liquid fuel operation, the gas circuits are purged with compressed air and liquid fuel and water pass through coaxial passages to the tip of the dual fuel premix fuel nozzle, where they inject liquid fuel and water into the secondary combustion chamber. An alternate embodiment includes an additional gas fuel injection region located along a conically tapered portion of the premixed fuel nozzle, downstream of the fin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen T. Jennings, Ryan McMahon, Hany Rizkalla, Alfredo Cires
  • Publication number: 20040006994
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) comprises a first compressor (16), a combustor (22) and a first turbine (24) arranged in flow series. The first turbine (24) is arranged to drive the first compressor (16). The first compressor (16) has variable inlet guide vanes (38) and the first turbine (24) has variable inlet guide vanes (42). A second compressor (48) is arranged upstream of the first compressor (16). An auxiliary intake (12) is arranged upstream of the first compressor (16) and downstream of the second compressor (48). A valve (54) is arranged upstream of the first compressor (16) and downstream of the second compressor (48). The valve (54) is movable between a first position in which the second compressor (48) supplies air to the first compressor (16) and a second position in which the second compressor (48) does not supply fluid to the second compressor (16) and the auxiliary intake (12) supplies fluid to the first compressor (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Philip P. Walsh, Paul Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20040006995
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes inner and outer liners with a row 112, 114 of dilution air holes penetrating through each liner. The row 114 of holes in the outer liner comprise at least a set of large size, major outer holes 116 and may also include a set of smaller size minor outer holes 118 circumferentially intermediate neighboring pairs of the major outer holes. The row 112 of holes in the inner liner include dilution air holes circumferentially offset from the major outer holes and may also include a set of minor holes 122 circumferentially intermediate major inner holes 120. The major and minor holes admit respective major and minor jets of dilution air into the combustor. The unique distribution of major and minor holes and the corresponding major and minor dilution air jets helps to minimize NOx emissions and regulates the spatial temperature profile of the exhaust gases discharged from the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy S. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20040006996
    Abstract: A workpiece chuck and method for supporting a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are described. The workpiece chuck includes an upper surface for supporting the wafer and a temperature control assembly in thermal communication with the upper surface to control temperature in the wafer. The temperature control assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules between an upper and lower layers. One or more spacers between the upper and lower layers provide a space between the upper and lower layers such that the one or more thermoelectric modules vertically float in the space. That is, the upper and lower layers of the temperature control modules do not mechanically constrain the thermoelectric modules in the vertical direction. As a result, mechanical stresses on the thermoelectric modules due to temperature effects are substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in much higher reliability of the chuck and the thermoelectric modules over temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Dana G. Butcher
  • Publication number: 20040006997
    Abstract: A food chiller including an enclosed container supported on a base receives a flow of cooling air from a Peltier effect thermoelectric module in the base through cool air inlet openings into the container. Air is returned from the container to the base by a fan mounted in the air duct system in communication with the cold sink of the thermoelectric device. In each of the disclosed embodiments, duct length is minimized and air flow into the container is optimized by air hole placement and orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: George A. Clark, Mark S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040006998
    Abstract: To determine the temperature profile (Tm(t)) of a hot-rolled material (1) in a cooling line (5), a heat conduction equation which takes the following form 1 ∂ e ∂ t - div ⁡ [ λ ⁡ ( e , p ) ρ · grad ⁢   ⁢ T ⁡ ( e , p ) ] = 0
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Franz, Klaus Weinzierl
  • Publication number: 20040006999
    Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing of a biopharmaceutical material includes a cavity for receiving a container for holding the biopharmaceutical material. Further included are at least a pair of opposed surfaces facing the biopharmaceutical material holding container. At least one of the opposed surfaces includes a moveable contacting surface configured to contact the container to inhibit a clearance between the container and the movable contacting surface. Also included is at least one heat transfer surface which is thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical material holding container when the moveable contacting surface contacts the container. Also, the cavity may be configured to receive a frame for supporting the container holding the biopharmaceutical material. Further, the system may include a driver to move the frame holding the container inside the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Integrated Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Brown, Jonathan Cutting, Eric K. Lee, Nicolas Voute, Brian J. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20040007000
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus incorporates an ion generating device that generates positive and negative ions by applying an alternating-current voltage between electrodes. The generated positive and negative ions coexist in the air and, when they attach to the surfaces of airborne bacteria, they react chemically with each other and generate radical hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide, which extract hydrogen atoms from the cells of the bacteria and thereby kill them. This sterilizing effect is combined with the temperature-conditioning, dehumidifying, humidifying, air-purifying, and other functions of the air conditioning apparatus to bring about a comfortable and healthful indoor environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Yasukata Takeda, Takashi Kohama, Yoshinori Sekoguchi, Toshiaki Takano, Akio Miyata, Kazuo Nishikawa, Hideo Nojima, Katsutoshi Noguchi, Fumiaki Shimizu, Hiroyasu Yamashita, Tomohisa Itoh, Mamoru Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20040007001
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering conditioned air using short duty cycles during which a damper is fully open for a time and fully closed for the remaining time. Conditioned air is continuously supplied to a plenum at low pressure and is applied to the space when the damper is open and blocked when the damper is closed. The proportion of on to off time during each duty cycle is adjusted to meet the load. When several supply terminals serve a space, their duty cycles are staggered to avoid fan instability. A special motor is coupled directly to the damper shaft for fast opening and closing of the damper. A magnetic latch holds the damper open or closed until the motor moves it again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: AirFixture L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stanley J. Demster
  • Publication number: 20040007002
    Abstract: In an air conditioner having a vertical wind deflector in an air outlet, in order to blow almost all of a warm air flow toward a floor surface without leakage on the ceiling surface side at the heating operation time, a recess connecting with an air passage in a housing is formed at the front part of the air outlet, and a vertical wind deflector is disposed in the recess via a support frame. At the cooling operation time, the support frame and the vertical wind deflector are opened integrally, and at the heating operation time, only the vertical wind deflector is opened in a state in which the support frame is stored in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Fujitsu General Limited
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Asami, Akihiko Nojima, Shinji Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20040007003
    Abstract: A system including an evaporator, a variable capacity compressor coupled in fluid communication with the evaporator, a condenser coupled in fluid communication between the compressor and the evaporator, an expansion valve disposed intermediate the condenser and the evaporator, and an isolation valve disposed intermediate the condenser and the expansion valve is provided. The isolation valve is in communication with the compressor to respectively synchronize opening and closing thereof with on- and off-cycles of the compressor to prohibit migration of liquid refrigerant. In an alternative embodiment, first and second check valves are respectively associated with the compressor and the condenser for prohibiting reverse migration of refrigerant during the off-cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: John Joseph Healy, Man Wai Wu, Mark Lai Yuen Ng, Hung M. Pham