Patents Issued in February 26, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040035098
    Abstract: An engine arrangement (14) comprises a gas turbine engine unit (16) and first and second support members (18, 20). The support members (18, 20) extend from a structural component (24) of the engine casing (22) to support the engine unit in a position spaced from the body or airframe of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Karim El Hamel, Arnold C. Newton
  • Publication number: 20040035099
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling hot fluids, especially exhaust gases, with a multi-pass cooler core. The cooler core is particularly useful for cooling exhaust gases flowing in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system or regime in operative association with an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine. Cooled gases are recirculated to the engine input to help reduce noxious exhaust emissions. The invention utilizes unequal areas-in-flow between the first exhaust pass through the core and the second and subsequent passes through the core. The first pass through the core features an area-in-flow comparatively larger than the area-in-flow of the second pass. The difference in areas-in-flow between passes influences gas velocities to reduce fouling, despite changes in exhaust gas temperature between passes through the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Paul Beldam, Keith D. Agee
  • Publication number: 20040035100
    Abstract: A method of controlling emissions from a fixed-speed internal combustion engine includes injecting a controlled flow of air into the exhaust between a first catalyst bed adapted to reduce HC and NOx emissions, and a second catalyst bed adapted to reduce CO emissions. The flow of air is controlled to optimize the level of CO emissions, preferably as a function of engine load or temperature. In a marine engine-generator set, the flow of air is controlled as a function of generator load or temperature of the exhaust mixture entering the second catalyst bed, and seawater is injected into the exhaust stream downstream of the catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: John H. Westerbeke, Erik S. Larson
  • Publication number: 20040035101
    Abstract: A regeneration control method for regenerating a continuously regenerating diesel particulate filter device (1) capable of regenerating a filter (4) by efficiently removing PM while suppressing the deterioration of fuel consumption and preventing a drivability from being deteriorated, wherein the clogged-state of the filter (4) is judged in three or more phases of the clogged-state and, when the clogged-state of the filter (4) reaches a specified phase, a specified regenerating mode operation set in correspondence with the reached phase is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Takehito Imai, Tsuneo Suzuki, Masashi Gabe, Naofumi Ochi
  • Publication number: 20040035102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic transmission (1), comprising a hydraulic pump (2) and a hydraulic engine (3) linked with the hydraulic pump (2) via working lines. A by-pass line (6) links the high-pressure system with the low-pressure system and is connected to the high-pressure system and to the low-pressure system at branches (6a, 6b). A stop valve (7) is disposed in the by-pass line (6) and opens the by-pass line (6) when the pressure in the high-pressure system drops below the pressure in the low-pressure system. The circuit portion that extends between the branches (6a, 6b) and through the hydraulic engine (3) is longer than half the length of the entire circuit, thereby enlarging the possible applications and uses of the hydrostatic transmission (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Raimund Roth, Werner Hoermann
  • Publication number: 20040035103
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a plural pressure oil energies selective recovery apparatus which can selectively recover pressure oil energies stored in plural pressure oil actuators, based upon recovery conditions. A priority for recovering a return pressure oil from a hydraulic actuator is set in advance for an operation lever of each of the plural hydraulic actuators. If the operation lever is in the non-actuation state at a preceding detection point, the plural pressure oil energies selective recovery apparatus recovers a return pressure oil from a corresponding hydraulic actuator. If the operation lever is in the actuation state, the plural pressure oil energies selective recovery apparatus does not recover a pressure oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Shinobu Nagura, Kazuhiro Maruta, Nobumi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040035104
    Abstract: The invention relates to steerable vibration plates that are set vibrating by rotating unbalanced masses. By twisting the unbalanced masses relative to one another the resulting forces and their direction of action can be changed, thereby influencing the travel speed of the vibrating plate and its direction of travel. The inventive vibration plate is characterized in that the unbalanced masses disposed on a common shaft can be adjusted independent of external forces and torques since the adjustment piston adjusting the unbalanced masses is braced in the adjustment cylinder to a much higher degree than would be possible with conventional coil springs. To this end, every adjustable unbalanced mass is associated with a double-action hydraulic cylinder that comprises two liquid chambers. The connection of said chambers to a storage and a pump can be locked in order to fix the piston which can be adjusted within the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Josef Sollinger, Norbert Jungwirth
  • Publication number: 20040035105
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus comprises a housing containing a pair of coaxial axles and a pair of stepless transmissions drivingly connected to the respective axles. The pair of stepless transmissions are symmetrically centered on a central point on the axis of the axles. In one embodiment, the central point of the axis is located in a gap between the axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Publication number: 20040035106
    Abstract: An apparatus having a smart material actuator, a support structure and at least one temperature compensating material insert, either externally mounted to the support structure, integrally formed with the support structure, or any combination thereof. The apparatus includes a mechanically leveraged electrically stimulated smart material. The support structure and actuator are susceptible to the effects of differences in thermal coefficients of expansion of the materials used in the construction. The smart material typically displaces less than 0.001 inches and is leveraged up to fifty times to obtain useful movement. The temperature effect on the smart material is therefore leveraged and amplified producing undesirable motion in the apparatus with ambient and/or operating temperature changes. A method for dimensioning and placement of a compensating insert with respect to the support structure provides an accurate and cost effective compensating insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jeff Moler, John A. Bugel, Mark Oudshoorn
  • Publication number: 20040035107
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel engine technologies for power generation and work applications. The engines transform sunlight, heat, or cold, directly into mechanical force. The invention uses a focusing means to apply temperature differentials to a thermally reactive material retained in moveable housings. Said thermally reactive material is mounted in contact with a bearing element configured to apply directional force to said thermally reactive material surface as it changes shape in response to said applied temperature differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Howard Letovsky
  • Publication number: 20040035108
    Abstract: An apparatus for two degree of freedom positioning a moveable structure relative to a support structure is provided. The apparatus includes a moveable structure, a support structure, a compliant support disposed between the moveable structure and the support structure. The compliant support biases the moveable structure away from the support structure. In addition, three shape memory alloy actuators are provided between the structures and symmetrically arranged about the compliant support. The shape memory alloy actuators are selectively activated to provide two degrees of freedom of movement for the moveable structure relative to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Andrei Szilagyi
  • Publication number: 20040035109
    Abstract: An expansion reservoir is disclosed, which has a fluid chamber defined by a reservoir bottom and a flexible reservoir top movable relative to the reservoir bottom as a function of the reservoir filling level, wherein a hydraulic connection to a master cylinder is provided at the reservoir bottom while the reservoir top comprises a substantially liquid-tight but air-permeable connection to the atmosphere, in order to allow pressure compensation between an air volume left in the filled fluid chamber and the atmosphere. According to the invention, the hydraulic connection to the master cylinder comprises an extension protruding into the fluid chamber, which extension defines a predetermined volume V in the fluid chamber which is larger than the air volume left in the filled fluid chamber. In addition thereto, the reservoir top may take the form of a rolling lobe bellows, which comprises a plurality of wall portions substantially concentric at least in the undeformed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Diethard Bornkessel, Rainer Leuschke, Elliott Scott
  • Publication number: 20040035110
    Abstract: An energy exchanger (2) is connected to an earth energy exchanger (18) via a flow line (10) and a return flow line (14). The flow line (10) and the return flow line (14) are both provided with a regulatable stop valve (12, 16). At least one heat-insulated flow pipe (20) is surrounded by a separation pipe (24) in a bore hole (22), whereby a return flow area (28) for circulatory water is connected thereto in a radially outward manner. The return flow area (28) contains at least one return flow pipe (30) connected to the return flow line (14) and a porous filling (38) in addition to being connected, at least on the base of the bore hole (22), to the lower inlet (46) of the flow pipe (20) or the lower inlets (46, 46a) of the flow pipes(20,20a) via one or several through openings (44) in the separation pipe (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Hildebrand
  • Publication number: 20040035111
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing steam by means of solar energy, whereby water is brought into a field of tubes comprising a number of approximately horizontal metal tubes (2) and concentrators (3) of solar radiation directed onto these tubes (2), whereby in a heating part (14) of this field of tubes (1), water is heated, this water, in a saturation part (15) of the field of tubes (1) having a number of parallel tubes (2) connecting to the heating part (14), is transformed into saturated steam and, in a superheating part (16) of the field of tubes (1), the saturated steam is superheated. In the aforementioned parallel tubes (2) of the saturation part (15), an amount of steam is supplied with such a speed that the water flows in these tubes (2) in a tubular shape against the interior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Livien Domien Ven, Michel Sureda
  • Publication number: 20040035112
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an auxiliary power unit for use with a vehicle, typically a truck. The power unit uses an air-cooled generator and associated auxiliary engine to supply power and air regulation requirements to the truck on demand. The air-cooled auxiliary engine is employed with an electrical generator and a compressor to provide the auxiliary power unit. The unit is self-contained in that it is not interconnected with the vehicle liquid coolant systems. A remote control module directs the operation of the power unit to supply heating and air conditioning to the vehicle interior by a sleeper unit. The sleeper unit provides a heating source and a coolant source that are powered by the power unit. A housing for the power unit is designed to assist in cooling and maintenance of the power unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Jitesh Bhabra
  • Publication number: 20040035113
    Abstract: In order to improve the fuel consumption efficiency of a hybrid vehicle, a control apparatus 1 for a hybrid vehicle is provided, which comprises as a power source a motor M and an engine E capable of executing partial cylinder deactivation operation and the driving force of at least one of these is transmitted to wheels for running the vehicle. When the required output is larger than the output of the engine under partial cylinder deactivation operation, and is smaller than the total output of the engine and the motor, which is adjustable for assisting the engine, the control apparatus operates the engine under partial deactivation and adjusts the motor output so as to compensate the difference between the total output of the power source and the output of the partial cylinder deactivated engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Hanada, Teruo Wakashiro, Shigetaka Kuroda, Takahiro Yonekura, Makoto Kishida, Tomohiro Nishi
  • Publication number: 20040035114
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor comprises a premixed combustion burner disposed on the periphery of a pilot burner, an approximately cylindrical combustor liner disposed on the downstream side of the premixed combustion burner, which defines a combustion chamber in the liner. The gas turbine combustor is characterized by further comprising flame stabilizers radially disposed at the exit of the premixed combustion burner, and a fuel injection means with which the pilot burner is provided injects at least one of gas fuel and liquid fuel, in which a plurality of air nozzles are provided which are located outside the pilot burner and inside the premixed combustion burner, and which spout out air into the combustion chamber. Adequate combustion can be accomplished with a combustor which is capable of using gas fuel and liquid fuel, and at the same time, NOx can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Akinori Hayashi, Shinichi Inage, Hiromi Koizumi, Isao Takehara, Kazuyuki Ito, Toshifumi Sasao, Hidetaro Murata
  • Publication number: 20040035115
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an inner liner, an outer liner spaced radially from the inner liner, an annular dome connected to the inner and outer liners, a plurality of air/fuel mixers connected to the dome and circumferentially spaced within the dome, an outer cowl connected to the outer liner, and an inner cowl connected to the inner liner, wherein a combustion chamber is formed by the inner liner, the outer liner and the dome. The dome further includes a first end connected to a liner of the combustor, a second end spaced radially from the first end, a first portion extending rearwardly from the first end adjacent the liner, a second portion extending rearwardly from the second end and flaring radially outward from the longitudinal axis, and a nonlinear third portion connecting the first and second dome portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James Anthony Groeschen
  • Publication number: 20040035116
    Abstract: A gas collection pipe (1) carrying hot gas establishes the connection between the combustion chambers (9) of a gas turbine plant and the flow channel (13) of the gas turbine. The gas collection pipe (1) has two inlet pipe connections (2), which open via an elbow (3) axially into a gas ring channel (4), which is joined to the flow channel (13). Cooling air is guided on the outside along the elbow (3). A plurality of ribs (8) are arranged at spaced locations from one another on the outside on the gas collection pipe (1) in the area of the elbow (3) on the side facing away from the flow channel (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-O Jeske, Klaus Mohr
  • Publication number: 20040035117
    Abstract: In a method which, owing to improved environmental properties, allows production of power, power and thermal energy, power and cold, or power, thermal energy and cold, a system includes a compression unit is used for pressurizing a working fluid containing oxygen, preferably air. The system further comprises a combustion unit which downstream of the compressing unit, as seen in the direction of flow of the working fluid, is arranged to supply a first amount of heat to the working fluid by substantially complete combustion of a fuel in the working fluid. An expansion unit is arranged to produce mechanical work during expansion of the working fluid. A heat recovery unit is arranged downstream of the expansion unit to divert a second amount of heat from the working fluid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Per Rosen
  • Publication number: 20040035118
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor has a body and blades, which are attached to the rotor by a root portion, for receiving a hot fluid flow and a compressed fluid from a compressor. Each blade has a base portion, an external airfoil surface, a blade flow portion of the airfoil, and a passage system communicating with the compressor and with the blade flow portion to create a thermal insulating boundary between the heated fluid and the external airfoil surface. The rotor has a substantially planar platform member, extending substantially transversally to the body of the blade and having an upstream portion protruding in the direction toward the combustion zone. The platform member has at least a pair of openings on either side of the airfoil, the openings being positioned in series along the blade flow portion. One opening of the pair defines an inclined passage in the platform member, and the other opening is separated by a partition from the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: ALM Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail Kolotilenko
  • Publication number: 20040035119
    Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage containers to control the temperature of the beverage within the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Carolyn L. Slone, Steven J. Kuehl, Marcus Fischer, Tyree Sampson
  • Publication number: 20040035120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage container for a cryogenic propellant, especially hydrogen, having a double-walled construction comprising an interior and an exterior container (2, 3) and having a vacuum insulation and a multilayer insulation (4a) in the space between said interior and exterior containers (2, 3). Furthermore, a refrigeration line (9), through which a refrigerant can flow and which is in contact with the multilayer insulation (4a) and with a thermal shield (4b) set at a distance from the multilayer insulation (4a) and forms part of a refrigerant circuit is also present in the space between interior and exterior containers (2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Klaus Brunnhofer
  • Publication number: 20040035121
    Abstract: A cryostat having a connecting branch which is connected to a coolant chamber and is open on the end side. The connecting branch expands from an inside diameter to an outside diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Norbert Huber, Rudolf Rockeloin
  • Publication number: 20040035122
    Abstract: The refrigeration system of the present invention includes multiple economizer circuits. After flowing through the condenser, a first path of refrigerant is split from the main path. The refrigerant in the first path is expanded to a lower pressure and cools the refrigerant in the main path in the high pressure economizer heat exchanger. The refrigerant in the first path then returns to the compressor in a high pressure economizer port. A second path of refrigerant is then split from the main path. The refrigerant in the second flow path is expanded to a lower pressure and cools the refrigerant in the main path in the low pressure economizer heat exchanger. The refrigerant in the second path then return to the compressor in a low pressure economizer port. The refrigerant in the main path is then evaporated. The dual stage economizer refrigeration system can be employed with a screw compressor or a scroll compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Yan Tang
  • Publication number: 20040035123
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a cooling compartment provides a memory storing data about a user and data on food items stored in the cooling compartment; a user recognition device recognizing a present user; a controller reading the food item data corresponding to the user data relevant to the present user recognized by the user recognition device; and a display displaying the food item data read by controller. Thus, the refrigerator may be provided, which displays food item information appropriate to a user and reflecting the user's taste, physical constitution and health condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-nyeun Kim, Gun-ho Hong
  • Publication number: 20040035124
    Abstract: A cold storage monitor or indicating audibly, visually, or both; when a predetermined temperature in the cold storage apparatus is reached. The monitor may include a power supply, a temperature gauge, an audible alarm coupled to the power supply, a visual alarm coupled to the power supply, where the audible and visual alarms activate when the temperature gauge measures the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jack Nicklas Lucas, Fredric Joseph Lucas
  • Publication number: 20040035125
    Abstract: A facility working apparatus includes objects (1), a management apparatus (2), and an exterior information source (3) such as a weather company, a power company or the like. Each object (1) and the management apparatus (2), the exterior information source (3) and the management apparatus (2) are connected via a network. Each object (1) includes a facility (1a) such as a heat storage air conditioner, power storage air conditioner or the like, and a controlling apparatus (1b) for working and controlling the facility (1a) and for extracting facility information of the facility (1a) and user determination information. The management apparatus (2) includes a database (2a) and a data processing section (2b). The data processing section (2b) in the management apparatus (2) carries out processing based upon facility information, user determination data, and exterior information, and generates working and controlling information. The information is transferred to corresponding controlling apparatus (1b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Koichi Ishida, Kenji Nagashima, Yoshihiro Nakagawa, Hidetaka Nakane, Nobuhiro Imada, Akira Murai, Mitsuhiko Yamamoto, Naofumi Takenaka
  • Publication number: 20040035126
    Abstract: A chiller system comprises a chiller, a burner, a first variable frequency driver and pump, a second frequency drive and pump, and a feedback system. The chiller has a chilled water input and a cooling water input and the burner is coupled to the chiller. The first variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the chilled water input. The second variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the cooling water input. The feedback system is coupled to the burner, the first variable frequency drive, and the second variable frequency drive. The feedback system capable of measuring a characteristic of the burner that is proportional to the cooling load of the chiller system and transmitting a signal corresponding determined characteristic to the first and second variable frequency drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Frank L. Domnick, Bruce A. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20040035127
    Abstract: A hybrid compressor system has a hybrid compressor for compressing refrigerant. The compressor is selectively driven by one of a first drive source and a second drive source. The hybrid compressor system also includes a first one-way clutch, a driver for driving the second drive source, a sensor for detecting a rotational state of the first drive source and a controller. The first one-way clutch is arranged on a first power transmission path between the compressor and the first drive source for permitting power transmission from the first drive source to the compressor. The controller is electrically connected to the driver and the sensor. When a drive source of the compressor is switched from the second drive source to the first drive source, the controller orders the driver to stop the second drive source after the rotation of the first drive source is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP
    Inventors: Taku Adaniya, Akinobu Kanai, Takahiro Suzuki, Shoichi Ieoka, Naoki Usui, Akihito Yamanouchi
  • Publication number: 20040035128
    Abstract: The cool air inside a refrigerator compartment 2 is introduced through a return opening 10 into an ion generation chamber 45 provided behind the refrigerator compartment 2. A voltage is applied to a needle-like electrode 11a arranged in an upper portion of the ion generation chamber 45 so that, by corona discharge, positive and negative ions are discharged substantially parallel to the cool air circulating in the direction indicated by arrow B2. This helps alleviate the loss of ions resulting from collision with a wall surface, and permits the ions to reach a wide area. This prolongs the period for which the cool air is kept in contact with the ions, and thus helps enhance the sterilizing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Masaki Kaji, Yasuo Takenaka, Hiroshi Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20040035129
    Abstract: A refrigerating unit includes a cooling chamber, a storage compartment removably guided within the chamber as far as a closing position, and a disengagement device. The chamber has a parallel-guide disposed on its sides. The guide has a mating toothed configuration, two rollers rigidly coupled, lying opposite each other, and each having an external toothed configuration with a pitch circle diameter to be rollingly coupled to the mating toothed configuration. The guide has an end section reached by the rollers near the closing position. One of the mating toothed configuration and the rollers is positionally fixed. The disengagement device disengages the mating toothed configuration from the external toothed configuration of the rollers and is at the end section and has a disengagement length compensating for oblique positioning of the compartment in and counter to a movement direction arising from an offset of the rollers along the mating toothed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20040035130
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a heat pump (12) having a main refrigerant circuit (14) taking heat from a cold source (16) and transferring it to a hot source (18), and a cooling circuit (48) for cooling an exothermal part, such as an engine, the cooling circuit being connected to a cooling heat exchanger (50). The cold source (16) has a first refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger (24) thermally coupling the main circuit to a first secondary coolant circuit (26) capable of being selectively connected to an “outside” heat exchanger (30), to a “cold” heat exchanger (32), and to the cooling heat exchanger (50). The hot source (18) has a second refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger (34) thermally coupling the main circuit (14) to a second secondary coolant circuit (36) capable of being selectively connected to the outside heat exchanger (30), to a “hot” heat exchanger (39), and to the cooling heat exchanger (50). The invention is applicable to air conditioning a vehicle cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Manuel Amaral, Thomas Gielda
  • Publication number: 20040035131
    Abstract: The present method and device is for configuring the geometry of a surface to emit highly non-diffuse radiant energy. When a target surface is placed in a region where it is targeted by the emitting surface, there can be a net heat flow from the surface emitting the radiant energy to the target surface, notwithstanding the target surface may be at higher temperature than the emitting surface. This method is employed in a radiant heat pump whereby the surface for emitting energy radiation surrounds a target. The temperature of the target, which is originally at a higher temperature than the temperature of the surface, can have further temperature increases as a result of the net heat flow thereby resulting in a useful temperature increase in the target's temperature. The target may then use the temperature increase to upgrade heat flowing through the target for use in industrial processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Gordon Latos
  • Publication number: 20040035132
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-air conditioner including: an outdoor unit having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor fan for ventilating the outdoor heat exchanger; a plurality of indoor units each having an electronic expansion valve and an indoor heat exchanger; a distributor for selectively guiding a refrigerant of the outdoor unit into the plurality of indoor units according to an operation condition; a four-way valve for selectively switching a flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger; a selective expansion unit for selectively expanding the refrigerant according to the flow direction of the refrigerant; a gas-liquid separator for separating a vapor-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant, from the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger; and a connection tube part having a first connection tube for connecting the four-way valve with a distributor, a second connection tube for connecting an upper portion of the gas-liquid separator with t
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park, Chang Seon Lee, Sung Oh Choi, Sung Chun Kim
  • Publication number: 20040035133
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit installed at an outdoor location and exchanging heat with an outdoor air, a plurality of indoor units installed at respective indoor rooms and provided therein with an indoor heat exchanger and an electronic expansion valve, and a distributor provided between the outdoor unit and the indoor units, for selectively guiding the refrigerant according to the operation mode. The outdoor unit is comprised of a compressor, a refrigerant flow control part for controlling a flow path of a compressed refrigerant according to an operation mode, an outdoor heat exchanger exchanging heat with the outdoor air, and a pipe part connecting the elements of the outdoor unit and guiding the refrigerant to the distributor. The distributor guides the refrigerant selectively to the outdoor unit and the indoor units according to the operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park, Chang Seon Lee
  • Publication number: 20040035134
    Abstract: At least one bypass assembly for use in a heating-refrigeration system having a distributor body with a first and second orifice, an inner chamber and a plurality of fluid passages integrated within, and a conduit connected to the distributor body. The conduit has a first end that connects with a component in the heating-refrigeration system, a second end that connects to the first orifice of the distributor body and a third end connected to the second orifice of the distributor body. A metering device is integrated into the conduit. The second orifice of the distributor body has a valve seat integrated therewithin and the conduit has at least one inwardly projecting indentation located in close proximity to the third end of the conduit. A ball is positioned between the valve seat and the inwardly projecting indentations for reciprocating movement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Brian J. Oberley, Jeffrey D. Gleckler, Darryl D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040035135
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-air conditioner in which heating and cooling operations are performed at the same time, the number of connection pipes connecting outdoor unit and distributor is simplified to three to flow a specific pressure and phase refrigerant through each connection pipe regardless of operation condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park, Chang Seon Lee, Sung Oh Choi
  • Publication number: 20040035136
    Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Scotsman Ice Systems and Mile High Equipment Co.
    Inventors: David Brett Gist, Matthew Allison, Daniel Leo Ziolkowski, Michael J. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20040035137
    Abstract: In an ice discharging mechanism of an ice storage box according to the present invention, a swinging solenoid 24 is mounted by means of a swing shaft 23 fixed onto arm portions 22 of a bracket 21. A support plate 27 is welded onto a lower part of the bracket 21. One end of a plunger 33 and one end of a link member 34 are coupled with each other by means of a coupling shaft 31 inserted through a long hole 29 of the support plate 27. In a lower end portion of the bracket 21, a pivoting plate 37 that forms an opening/closing door is pivotably mounted to a fulcrum shaft 35 that is provided parallel to the swing shaft 23. A moving shaft 41 provided to the other end of the link member 34 is inserted through the pivoting plate 37 whereby the plunger 33 and the pivoting plate 37 are connected with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Masayuki Kuroyanagi, Takashi Hibino, Hiroshi Torimitsu
  • Publication number: 20040035138
    Abstract: A reliable method for producing and storing ice pieces includes a liquid feeding device dosing liquid to be frozen in a freezer container, the liquid feeding device being in contact with the liquid after it has been introduced. As soon as the liquid is frozen or the ice piece is formed, the liquid feeding device moves to the top, whereby the adherent ice piece is displaced against a scraper. Simultaneously, a chute is moved over the freezer container so that the lower end of the chute is disposed such that the ice piece(s) slides from the chute and falls into a collecting container after it has separated and fallen from the liquid feeding device. Additionally, a cover of the collecting container can be opened during the movement of the chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Eugen Schlotzer
  • Publication number: 20040035139
    Abstract: An electrically powered air freight container (1) includes an insulated housing (2) and a refrigeration unit (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Leslie John Lindsey, Christopher Robin Hill
  • Publication number: 20040035140
    Abstract: Disclosed is an indoor unit of a packaged air conditioner including a cabinet having an inlet grill at a lower part and an outlet grill at an upper part so as to provide a circulation space of an indoor air, an evaporator established on a slant at an inner upper part of the cabinet to cool the indoor air with evaporation heat of a refrigerant, a cross-flow fan installed at an inner lower part of the cabinet to compulsorily inhale to exhale the indoor air toward the evaporator wherein the inhaled and exhaled indoor airs coexist at a same height, and a separator installed between a top of the cross-flow fan and the evaporator to prevent the inhaled and exhaled airs from intervening each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jeong-Hun Kim, Sung-Man Hwang, Yun-Seoh Fom, Jeong-Hwan Joo, Seong-Hwa Lee
  • Publication number: 20040035141
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device wherein the coil tube (12) forming the condenser of a first heat pump assembly and the coil (13) which forms a second assembly are each fixed on vertical grids (28, 29). Said grids are arranged parallel to each other and are embedded in the concrete block (3) which forms one of the energy storage units incorporated in the system. The grids consist of concrete iron bars welded together into a network with square and rectangular meshes. The means fixing the tubes at certain intersetions of the grid are clamps of a particular type. The grids, the tubes and the clamps are embedded in the concrete block (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040035142
    Abstract: A sectional refrigerator which comprises a plurality of cooling cabinets forming storage compartments with openings, and doors covering and uncovering the openings of the cooling cabinets, a cool air generating part generating cool air to refrigerate the storage compartments, and a cool air supplying part supplying the cool air generated in the cool air generating part into the storage compartments, wherein the plurality of cooling cabinets detachably connectable to each other in any orientation, forming a shape corresponding to a seating place of the sectional refrigerator. Thus, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of change in size according to an area of a place for seating the refrigerator, and the present invention facilitates the utilization of the place the sectional refrigerator is seated on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-jae Yoon, Jae-seung Lee, Gun-ho Hong
  • Publication number: 20040035143
    Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Mevin S. Mogil
  • Publication number: 20040035144
    Abstract: A drinking vessel includes an interior portion that holds pellets or chips of dry ice that cool a beverage in the glass while the beverage is being consumed. The interior portion can be a part of the glass or it can be a detached piece usable in different vessels. Either way the interior portion includes holes that allow the beverage to freely flow around the dry ice while the holes are small enough to prevent the dry ice from entering the portion of the vessel where it could be accidentally consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20040035145
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorption refrigeration device comprising an evaporator (2) containing a refrigerant liquid (L) that evaporates under the effect of a depression and an adsorbent (205) capable of fixing the vapors (V) of the refrigerant liquid (L), characterized in that the adsorbent (205) is in contact with a heat exchanger (220) containing a cooling liquid (L′) that evaporates when the adsorbent (205) is heated, said heat exchanger (220) comprising at least one aperture (275) to the outside atmosphere constituted by at least one hole that limits the flow rate (V′) of the vapor of the cooling liquid (L′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre Jeuch
  • Publication number: 20040035146
    Abstract: In an apparatus for making dry ice pellets having plural pressing chambers, each pressing chamber is provided with a movable piston for compressing carbon dioxide into solid state and for pressing the solid carbon dioxide through a perforated plate disposed at the end of the pressing chamber. Through connecting rods, the pistons in the pressing chambers are connected with a common crankshaft driven by a motor. The pressing chambers are provided with an inlet for supplying the carbon dioxide in fluid state and with outlet for carbon dioxide in gaseous state. In this way a very compact construction is achieved which is suited for mobile units, particularly dry ice blasting units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Dannings
  • Publication number: 20040035147
    Abstract: A plant for producing liquefied natural gas comprises a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus for natural gas absorbing and removing carbon dioxide from natural gas, a liquefying apparatus having a steam turbine, for liquefying the natural gas from which carbon dioxide has been removed by the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus, a boiler equipment for supplying steam to the steam turbine of the liquefying apparatus, and a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus for combustion exhaust gas including an absorption tower for absorbing carbon dioxide from combustion exhaust gas exhausted from the boiler equipment by absorbing liquid, and a regeneration tower for separating and recovering carbon dioxide from the absorbing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Kazuto Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Osora, Yoshio Seiki