Patents Issued in March 11, 2004
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Publication number: 20040045271Abstract: A method enables a gas turbine engine positioned within a module to be operated. The engine includes an inlet and an exhaust, and the module includes an inlet area, an exhaust area, and an engine area extending therebetween and housing the engine. The exhaust area includes an exhaust duct and an outlet. The engine is operated such that inlet air is routed through the module inlet and into the engine inlet, wherein exhaust gases are discharged through the module exhaust duct and substantially perpendicularly from the gas turbine engine. The exhaust gases are discharged from the module outlet in a direction that is at least ninety degrees offset from exhaust gases flowing within the exhaust duct. Cooling fluid is discharged from the module engine area through a cooling system exhaust, such that the discharged fluid flows through the cooling system exhaust and around the module exhaust area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Michael W. Horner
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Publication number: 20040045272Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for effectively utilizing thermal energy possessed by a high-temperature combustion gas discharged from a combustor and utilizing high-temperature oxygen contained in the high-temperature combustion gas discharged from the combustor. A fluidized-bed gasification apparatus for gasifying combustibles in a fluidized-bed furnace comprises a gasification furnace (2) for gasifying combustibles therein, and a combustion furnace (1) for combusting combustible components therein. The fluidized medium moves between the gasification furnace (2) and the combustion furnace (1), and exhaust gas discharged from another combustor is utilized as a fluidizing gas in the combustion furnace (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Norihisa Miyoshi, Seiichiro Toyoda, Kei Matsuoka
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Publication number: 20040045273Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) includes a plurality of can combustors (19). Each can combustor includes a first stage of burners (46) located at a first radius about the combustor centerline (42) and a second stage of burners (50) located at a second radius greater than the first radius. The second stage of burners may be clocked to an angular position that is not midway between respective neighboring burners of the first stage. Combustion instabilities may be controlled by exploiting variations in combustion parameters created by differential fueling of the two stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventor: Robert Bland
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Publication number: 20040045274Abstract: A combined cycle gas turbine system is improved to enhance a gas turbine efficiency and a combined efficiency by effecting steam-cooling of a combustor transition piece and a turbine blade. The combined cycle system has a gas turbine (8) having a generator (1), a compressor (2), a combustor (3), a blade cooling air cooler (4) and a turbine (6), a steam turbine (29) having a high pressure turbine (21), an intermediate pressure turbine (22) and a low pressure turbine (23), and a waste heat recovery boiler (9). Saturated water of a high pressure pump (27) is partially led into a demineralizer (118) and a water sprayer (116) for cooling steam to be supplied into a moving blade (52). The steam, after being used for cooling, is recovered into a reheater (20). Outlet steam of the high pressure turbine (21) is led into a stationary blade (53) for cooling thereof and the steam is then recovered into an inlet of the intermediate pressure turbine (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kazuo Uematsu, Yoshinori Hyakutake, Hideaki Sugishita
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Publication number: 20040045275Abstract: A gas compressor control device and a gas turbine plant control mechanism are disclosed. A fuel gas pressurized by a gas compressor is supplied to a gas turbine via fuel gas piping. A gas turbine control device adjusts the flow rate of the fuel gas into the gas turbine by exercising opening and closing control of a pressure control valve and a flow control valve. The gas compressor control device controls a fuel gas pressure at the outlet of the gas compressor by effecting opening and closing control of a recycle valve and an IGV. If load rejection or load loss occurs, the gas compressor control device opens the recycle valve in a preceding manner and closes the IGV in a preceding manner. Thus, elevation of the fuel gas pressure at the gas compressor outlet can be prevented, and elevation of a fuel gas pressure at an inlet of the gas turbine can be suppressed, thereby ensuring stable operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Satoshi Tanaka
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Publication number: 20040045276Abstract: A thruster device and associated methods are provided. The thruster device comprises a frustoconical inner layer and a frustoconical outer layer that surrounds the inner layer such that the inner and outer layers cooperate to define a spiral flow passage therebetween. An outlet, such as a nozzle, is attached to an exit end of the thruster device such that the outlet is in fluid communication with the spiral flow passage. In one embodiment, the thruster device includes an end flow cap that is also attached to the exit end and establishes the fluid communication between the spiral flow passage and the outlet. The end flow cap includes at least one channel for directing the propellant from the spiral flow passage to the outlet. The design of the thruster device allows the frustoconical inner and outer layers to be assembled without galling or damaging the spiral flow passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Patrick E. Frye, Joseph P. Carroll, James M. Shoji
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Publication number: 20040045277Abstract: An exhaust emission control device of an internal-combustion engine comprises a three-way catalytic converter provided in an exhaust passage of the internal-combustion engine, and an air-fuel ratio varying element for forcedly varying an air-fuel ratio of exhaust flowing into the three-way catalytic converter, between a rich air-fuel ratio and a lean air-fuel ratio. A variation characteristic altering element for altering a characteristic of the air-fuel ratio variation is provided, and the three-way catalytic converter has a HC selective oxidizing component for selectively oxidizing HC rather than CO, and a CO storage component for storing CO in a reducing atmosphere. The variation characteristic altering element alters a characteristic of the air-fuel variation (such as an A/F variation period) depending on an stored CO quantity correlative value (such as a quantity of flowing-in CO) which correlates with a quantity of CO stored by the CO storage component (S12).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Yasuki Tamura
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Publication number: 20040045278Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes the step of measuring emission values of at least two pollutant components of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. A value of at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine is changed in order to decrease an emission value of a first pollutant component if the emission value of the first pollutant component exceeds a given maximum threshold value. An emission value of a second pollutant component is monitored in order to determine whether the emission value of the second pollutant component remains below a maximum value for the second pollutant component and whether an increase in the emission value to the maximum value for the second pollutant component is permitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Ekkehard Pott
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Publication number: 20040045279Abstract: A device and a method for treating the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine are proposed, comprising an ozone reactor for supplying ozone to the exhaust gas at a delivery location (54), an oxidation reactor (20) for the at least partial oxidation of nitrogen oxides and/or hydrocarbons being positioned upstream from the delivery location (54), the oxidation reactor being active independently of the operating state of the internal combustion engine, especially also at the exhaust-gas temperatures prevailing at the start or during the warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Reinhard Pfendtner, Patrik Hartherz, Igor Orlandini
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Publication number: 20040045280Abstract: An exhaust gas deNOx apparatus, which can make an NOx adsorber catalyst compact and does not impair reliability of an engine, is provided. To this end, the apparatus is provided with an NOx adsorber catalyst (9) for adsorbing and releasing NOx, and an exhaust gas recirculating circuit for mixing an exhaust gas into intake air, and exhaust gas recirculating amount control means (20, 20f) for recirculating a predetermined amount of the exhaust gas for reducing NOx when the adsorbed NOx accumulation amount is a predetermined value or less, and recirculating the aforementioned predetermined amount or more of exhaust gas to bring an air fuel ratio into a rich state when the adsorbed NOx accumulation amount exceeds a predetermined value and is to be released.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Toshihiko Nishiyama, Koutaro Wakamoto
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Publication number: 20040045281Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a block having a plurality of cylinders. An intake manifold is fluidly connected to the block for supplying charge air to the cylinders. An exhaust manifold is fluidly connected to the plurality of cylinders for conducting exhaust gas away from the cylinders. A turbocharger including a turbine having an exhaust gas inlet is fluidly connected with the exhaust manifold. The turbocharger also includes a compressor having a compressor air inlet and air outlet. The compressor air outlet is fluidly connected to the intake manifold to pressurize the charge air during high power levels of engine operation. An EGR bypass is fluidly connected between the turbine exhaust gas inlet and the intake manifold to recirculate a portion of the exhaust gases to the cylinders. An intake air bypass is fluidly connected between the compressor air outlet and the compressor air inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: William K. Ahrens, Brian A. Lewallen
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Publication number: 20040045282Abstract: An exhaust gas control apparatus and an exhaust gas purification method are for an internal combustion engine provided with a first catalyst portion disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, and a second catalyst portion disposed in the exhaust passage downstream of the first catalyst portion. A value that changes according to at least an amount of oxygen stored in the first catalyst portion is obtained as an obtained value. An air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine is controlled such that the obtained value matches a target value. A value that changes according to at least an amount of oxygen stored in the second catalyst portion is calculated as a calculated value, based on at least a state of exhaust gas flowing into the second catalyst portion. The target value is changed according to the calculated value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koji Ide, Toshinari Nagai, Yasuhiro Oi, Naoto Kato
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Publication number: 20040045283Abstract: A valve train system for operating an intake valve of an internal combustion engine, in which an operation amount of the intake valve is controlled. When it is determined that there is a need of improving a fuel efficiency by increasing the compression ratio within the combustion chamber on the basis of an engine operating state, an exhaust valve is opened and subsequently closed after an intake stroke until the pressure within the exhaust chamber becomes equal to the pressure within the exhaust passage so as to increase the compression ratio within the exhaust valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiaki Asada
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Publication number: 20040045284Abstract: Apparatus for storing and metering of reducing agents that may be used within the framework of a catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment, having a device (10) for storing the reducing agent to be metered and a metering device (20) for applying the reducing agent to the exhaust gas to be treated, the device (10) for storing the reducing agent having an outer container (11) and a cartridge (12), containing the reducing agent, that is able to be exchangeably positioned in it.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Wolfgang Ripper, Johannes Schaller, Markus Buerglin, Thorsten Mayer, Stefan Fischer
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Publication number: 20040045285Abstract: A high-surface-area (greater than 600 m2/g), large-pore (pore size greater than 6.5 angstroms), basic zeolite having a structure such as an alkali metal cation-exchanged Y-zeolite is employed to convert NOx contained in an oxygen-rich exhaust to N2 and ON2. Preferably, the invention relates to a two-stage method and apparatus for NOx reduction in an oxygen-rich engine exhaust that includes a plasma oxidative stage and a selective reduction stage. The first stage employs a non-thermal plasma treatment of NOx gases in an oxygen-rich exhaust and is intended to convert NO to NO2 in the presence of O2 and added hydrocarbons. The second stage employs a lean-NOx catalyst including the basic zeolite at relatively low temperatures to convert such NO2 to environmentally benign gases that include N2, CO2, and H2O.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Bernardino M. Penetrante, Raymond M. Brusasco, Bernard T. Merritt, George E. Vogtlin
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Publication number: 20040045286Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an air pump that supplies secondary air to an upstream side of an exhaust gas control catalyst in an exhaust pipe via a secondary air supply passage; an adjusting device that adjusts an intake air amount delivered into a combustion chamber from an intake pipe; and a controller that performs control for increase correction of the intake air amount adjusted by the adjusting device when the air pump performs an operation of supplying the secondary air. Thus, it is possible to prevent a problem caused by a reduction in an engine speed due to the secondary air supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigemasa Hirooka
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Publication number: 20040045287Abstract: A dual displacement engine is provided with first and second crankshaft portions which are fluidly coupled to one another, for example, by a torque converter in order to provide an engine that can be utilized with alternative configurations of engine cylinders. Specifically, a first crankshaft portion can be provided with, for example, four pistons as a primary crankshaft portion for driving the vehicle, while a second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged via a fluid coupling to supplement the power provided by the primary crankshaft portion. Thus, the vehicle can be operated using the primary crankshaft portion for fuel efficient operation while the second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged for meeting higher torque demand requirements as necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: James P. Wylin
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Publication number: 20040045288Abstract: An axle driving apparatus comprising a common housing in which a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected with each other and an axle driven by the hydraulic motor are disposed, At least one of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor is variable in displacement and has a capacity changing device for changing its capacity. A hydraulic actuator is provided in the housing for controlling the capacity changing device. A control valve for hydraulically controlling the hydraulic actuator is provided in the housing. A center section for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor with each other is fixedly disposed in the housing and a driving part of the hydraulic actuator and the control valve are incorporated in the center section. A rotary member operatively connected to a human-operated traveling control member provided on a vehicle is rotatably supported by the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Ryoto Ohashi
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Publication number: 20040045289Abstract: A swing control apparatus for a swing type hydraulic shovel capable of reducing impact at a stroke end of swing at a low cost. For this purpose, the swing control apparatus includes a swing angle detector for detecting that a swing angle of a working machine, which is swingingly driven by swing drive means, is within a predetermined angle range short of a stroke end, and a controller for outputting a speed reduction command to reduce a swing speed gradually from a position at a predetermined angle short of the stroke end of a swing toward the stroke end, based on a swing angle signal inputted from the swing angle detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Muneyoshi Ikeda, Norihiro Aoshiba
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Publication number: 20040045290Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism operating according to the principle which states that each point in a circle, running in the circle, describes a rectilinear hypocycloid. Said mechanism which is perfectly dynamically balanced reduces frictions to a minimum, and advantageously replaces conventional crank-rods, whereof the vibrations and frictions of the pistons pressing on the cylinders constitute major drawbacks. It can be used to produce rotary motors, capable of using any heat source, or any fuel, including hydrogen. It can also be used to produce refrigerating machines or heat pumps, using air as refrigerant, or machines for extracting water from air, using solar energy. Finally, it can be used for producing compressors, compressed air engines, hydraulic pups or engines, as well as vacuum cleaners, fans and nautical propellers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Jacques Busseuil
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Publication number: 20040045291Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a flow laminarizing device including first walls defining a plurality of mutually parallel passageways, each passageway including open opposite ends. The device further includes second walls defining a plurality of channels, which are substantially parallel with each other and the plurality of passageways. Each channel includes at least one open side and open opposite ends. The passageways and channels are configured to permit fluid flow there through. The flow laminarizing device further includes a retainer configured to support the device in a substantially fixed position with respect to a location of use, and wherein the retainer optionally includes a ring. The invention further provides a method for using a diesel engine including a turbocharger. The method includes receiving a flow of combustion gasses from the diesel engine, and a flow of ambient air, at the turbocharger.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: David Meheen
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Publication number: 20040045292Abstract: In a vehicle designed so that a driven wheel is driven by uniting an output from an engine and an output from a Rankine cycle system to each other, an accelerator pedal and a throttle valve are connected electrically to each other by a DBW control unit. When an accelerator opening degree (&thgr;ap) commanded by a driver is increased, a throttle opening degree (&thgr;th) is increased by a correcting amount (&Dgr;&thgr;th) more than a value proportional to the accelerator opening degree (&thgr;ap), thereby compensating for an output shortage due to a response delay of the output from the Rankine cycle system. When the accelerator opening degree (&thgr;ap) commanded by the driver is decreased, the throttle opening degree (&thgr;th) is decreased by the correcting amount (&Dgr;&thgr;th) more than the value proportional to the accelerator opening degree (&thgr;ap), thereby compensating for an output excessiveness due to the response delay of the output from the Rankine cycle system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Ken Ogawa, Yasushi Okada, Tsuyoshi Baba, Shigeru Ibaraki
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Publication number: 20040045293Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the operation of a steam thermal engine, whereby the hot steam from a working medium is converted into kinetic energy, by means of a pressure-releasing device (1). The working medium is heated in a boiler (6) to a low temperature, preferably boiling point at a low pressure, steam is taken from the boiler (6) to a pressure chamber (7, 8), in which the steam is heated to a higher temperature. Liquid working medium (or condensate) is injected from the boiler (6) into the pressure chamber (7, 8) whereupon the working medium is instantaneously evaporated, such that the pressure in the pressure chamber (7, 8) rises markedly and the steam is fed from the pressure chamber (7, 8) to the pressure-releasing device (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Raymond Freymann
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Publication number: 20040045294Abstract: A gas turbine plant comprises an air compressor, gas turbine including at least one high temperature section, a driven equipment, which are operatively connected in series, a gas turbine combustor arranged between the air compressor and the gas turbine, a fuel system disposed for supplying a fuel to the gas turbine combustor, and a heat exchange section for heating the fuel from the fuel by means of a high pressure air as a heating medium fed from the air compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Tadashi Kobayashi, Takanari Okamura, Shokou Ito, Takashi Sasaki, Akinori Koga
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Publication number: 20040045295Abstract: A flame-holding nozzle for a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The nozzle includes several elongated sleeves in a substantially-concentric arrangement. The sleeves cooperatively provide distinct passageways for fluids to move through the nozzle. The nozzle includes conduits that advantageously direct fluids to designated regions of the nozzle, allowing fuel and cooling fluid to move within the nozzle without becoming commingled. Portions of the nozzle sleeves are also strategically arranged to transmit fluids in a manner that provides substantially-uniform thermal expansion, thereby eliminating the need for sliding joints or bellows arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: David James Wiebe, Michael Herbert Koenig, Robert Bland
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Publication number: 20040045296Abstract: A flame-holding nozzle for a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The nozzle includes several elongated sleeves in a substantially concentric arrangement. The sleeves cooperatively provide distinct passageways for fluids to move through the nozzle. The nozzle includes conduits that advantageously direct fluids to designated regions of the nozzle, allowing fuel and cooling fluid to move within the nozzle without becoming commingled. Portions of the nozzle sleeves are also strategically arranged to transmit fluids in a manner that provides substantially-uniform thermal expansion, thereby reducing the need for sliding joints or bellows arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: David James Wiebe, David D. North, William Richard Ryan
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Publication number: 20040045297Abstract: A gas turbine combustor has a combustion chamber into which fuel and air are supplied, wherein the fuel and the air are supplied into said combustion chamber as a plurality of coaxial jets.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Inoue, Tomomi Koganezawa, Nariyoshi Kobayashi, Isao Takehara
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Publication number: 20040045298Abstract: A wall element for use as part of an inner wall of a gas turbine engine combustor wall structure is of cast construction and includes a plurality of cooling apertures provided therethrough and formed during the casting process. The cooling apertures may be located in positions where they could not be conventionally formed by laser drilling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Anthony Pidcock, Desmond Close, Michael P. Spooner
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Publication number: 20040045299Abstract: When loading a power station in a grid without any energy, this power station must be able to cover all the short-term power requirements, and at the same time to keep the grid frequency within a permissible tolerance band. The invention specifies a method of providing this capability by means of an efficient combination system. According to the invention, the gas turbine (1) is loaded in a lower power range such that it is controlled in accordance with a predetermined load program, without having to react to load transients in the grid (50). Before the power station is connected to the grid, the heat recovery steam generator (5) is heated up as an energy store, and a steam turbine (2) is raised at least to its rated rotation speed, with the steam control valves (9, 15) being highly restricted. The steam turbine reacts in the event of short-term load requirements from the grid, which cannot be covered by the gas turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Richard Blatter, Peter Mueller, Stephan Hepner
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Publication number: 20040045300Abstract: A combined cycle power plant (10) utilizing an air injection apparatus (60) for lowering the temperature and raising the mass of the exhaust gas provided to the heat recovery steam generator (22) from the gas turbine portion (12) of the plant. The air injection apparatus is utilized during startup of the plant to permit the gas turbine portion to be operated at a power level sufficiently high to ensure compliance with emissions regulations while at the same time not exceeding an upper exhaust temperature limit for warming the steam generator. The augmented exhaust stream (76) allows the steam generator to more quickly generate enough steam to roll the steam turbine (30), thereby shortening the overall startup sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventor: Francisco Dovali-Solis
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Publication number: 20040045301Abstract: A fabricated cowl for a double annular combustor of a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion, and a middle annular portion. A plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slots are formed in at least one of the annular portions. The outer annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of outer radial members connecting the outer annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein. Similarly, the inner annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of inner radial members connecting the inner annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Steven Clayton Vise, Walter Byron Houchens, Craig Douglas Young
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Publication number: 20040045302Abstract: An integrated gas turbine compressor and rotary fuel injector is provided which includes a rotary cup combustor having an atomizing element for dispersal and distribution of fuel throughout the combustor. The combustor is positioned in close proximity to the compressor impeller of a gas turbine engine having a centrifugal compressor. The rear face of the impeller, or the rear face of an attachment to the impeller, is contoured to receive the fuel supply. The contour terminates at a lip disposed at a larger radius from the centerline shaft than conventional shaft-mounted slingers. The larger radius of fuel release provides better fuel atomization due to larger rim speeds, thereby improving combustor performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Wesley Brown
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Publication number: 20040045303Abstract: A Stirling cycle refrigerating system has a pair of reversed Stirling cycle engines 3a and 3b, each comprising a warm head 8a and 8b of which the temperature rises as the reversed Stirling cycle engine is driven, a cold head 7a and 7b of which the temperature falls as the reversed Stirling cycle engine is driven, and a piston and a displacer that vibrate inside a cylinder along the axis thereof with an identical period and with a predetermined phase difference maintained. Inside a machine chamber 15, the pair of reversed Stirling cycle engines 3a and 3b is arranged coaxially with the axes thereof aligned with each other and with the cold heads 7a and 7b thereof facing away from each other, and the pistons or displacers of the pair of reversed Stirling cycle engines 3a and 3b are driven to vibrate in phase with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Wei Chen, Masaaki Masuda
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Publication number: 20040045304Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling-heating combination air conditioner being provided with an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger in a single case. The present invention has advantages of freely adjusting a ventilation rate from 0% to 100% with its simple structure without equipping a separate ventilator, and improving efficiency in cooling and heating effectively by recovering an air discharged during a ventilation process and a waste energy of condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger and by maximizing a path along which a coolant is circulated according to cooling-heating mode conversion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Choon-Kyoung Park
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Publication number: 20040045305Abstract: An air conditioner has a refrigerant circuit, a control valve, a detector, a calculator, a suction pressure sensor and a compressor controller. The refrigerant circuit includes a variable displacement compressor. First and second pressure monitoring points are located in the refrigerant circuit. The control valve includes an actuator and a pressure sensing mechanism that has a pressure sensing member and a valve body. The detector detects cooling load information in the refrigerant circuit. The calculator calculates a target pressure in a relatively low pressure region in the refrigerant circuit in response to the detected cooling load information. The suction pressure sensor detects actual pressure in the reiatively low pressure region in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor controller controls the actuator to eliminate a differential between the calculated target pressure and the detected actual pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Masakazu Murase, Hiroaki Kayukawa, Hideki Mizutani, Sokichi Hibino
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Publication number: 20040045306Abstract: An air-conditioning system with a refrigerant medium circulating in a refrigerant loop has a variable-stroke compressor with a high-pressure outlet chamber, a drive chamber and an intake suction chamber. A first valve regulates a first flow of refrigerant medium from the high-pressure outlet chamber to the drive chamber, and a second valve regulates a second flow of refrigerant medium from the drive chamber to the intake suction chamber. The first and second valves operate independently of each other under the control of a control unit, and the variable stroke of the compressor is controlled by the first and/or second flow of refrigerant medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Frank Obrist, Tilo Schafer, Georg Weber
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Publication number: 20040045307Abstract: A hybrid compressor system in a vehicle air conditioner includes a variable displacement hybrid compressor, a detector for detecting information for air conditioning, a thermal load calculator and a controller. The compressor is selectively driven by an engine and an electric motor. The calculator calculates a thermal load based on the detected information. The controller compares the thermal load with a predetermined value. The controller changes displacement of the compressor to a first predetermined displacement value and selects the engine as a drive source of the compressor when the thermal load is larger than the predetermined value. The controller changes the displacement of the compressor to a second predetermined displacement value that is smaller than the first predetermined displacement value and selects the electric motor as the drive source of the compressor when the thermal load is equal to, or smaller than the predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kitaru Iwata, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Yasuharu Odachi, Hirohito Hayashi, Masanori Sonobe, Jiro Iwasa, Masao Iguchi, Akihito Yamanouchi
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Publication number: 20040045308Abstract: A portable cooling system includes an air cooling unit, a housing enclosing the air cooling unit, an output port, and flexible tubing. The air cooling unit includes an air intake, an air cooler, an air output, and a blower. The blower is configured to drive air from the outside through the air cooling unit. The air cooler is configured to cool air received through the air intake. The cooled air is then discharged through the air output by the blower. The output port is connected to the air output for receiving the cooled air. The flexible tubing includes a first end that is coupled to the output port and can be used to deliver the cooled air to a portable personal shelter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Ella S. Field, Bruce F. Field, Spencer E. Adler
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Publication number: 20040045309Abstract: In a left and right temperature independent control-type air conditioning unit for a vehicle, a case is constructed of a first case and a second case. An air passage in the case is divided into a first air passage through which air flows toward a right region of a compartment and a second air passage through which air flows toward a left region of the compartment by a partition wall. The first and second cases are connected by engaging a first case end surfaces with a second case end surface. Pin contact portions are formed on the first and second cases adjacent to the case end surface. The pin contact portions are disposed to oppose each other between the first case and the second case. The partition wall is fixed by interposing its periphery between the pin contact portions of the first and the second cases.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Masakazu Nagaya, Kazuo Kito
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Publication number: 20040045310Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator system with a secondary evaporator. The evaporator system includes a cooling chamber having an ice cream input and an ice cream output. A valve can be placed at the ice cream input to achieve dry freeze operation. The valve can prevent the cooling chamber from being completely filled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Harold F. RossInventors: Harold F. Ross, Daniel L. Dorn
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Publication number: 20040045311Abstract: Device to produce ice-cream wherein there is an outer container (11), a cover (26), an inner container (14), a mixing blade (20), and an evaporator coil (21) located in cooperation with the bottom (17) of the inner container (14), through at least a contact surface (27). The inner container (14) is axially mobile to assume at least an axial working position correlated to the position of the cover (26) when it is installed on the outer container (11), and is pressed elastically against the evaporator coil (21) by spring means (22) located under the evaporator coil (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: DE' LONGHI SpAInventors: Alessandro Bonato, Giuseppe Fin, Sergio Zanolin
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Publication number: 20040045312Abstract: Device to produce ice-cream wherein there is an outer container (11), a cover (26), an inner container (14), a mixing blade (20) including a scraper fin (120), and an evaporator coil (21) located in cooperation with the bottom (17) of the inner container (14) through at least a contact surface (27). The mixing blade (20) is subjected to an axial thrust which keeps the scraper fin (120) pressed elastically at least on part of the bottom (17) of the inner container (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: DE' LONGHI SpAInventors: Alessandro Bonato, Giuseppe Fin, Sergio Zanolin
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Publication number: 20040045313Abstract: A cooling method for controlled high speed chilling or freezing is disclosed. Cooling fluid is circulated by a submersed circulator, such as a motor, at a substantially constant velocity past a substance to be cooled . The velocity of fluid flow is maintained despite changes in the viscosity of the cooling fluid, by either increasing or decreasing the amount of torque supplied by the motor. The cooling fluid is cooled to a desired temperature by circulating the fluid past a multi-path heat exchanging coil connected to a refrigeration system. An optimal cooling fluid temperature for a variety of applications is in the range of about −24° C. to −26° C., resulting in significant efficiency gains over conventional cooling processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Brian Wood, Allan J Cassell
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Publication number: 20040045314Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Henry Roth, Donna Roth
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Publication number: 20040045315Abstract: A oxygen-production device includes a pulse-tube cryocooler for cooling air to liquefy oxygen, and a main container for obtaining and retaining liquefied oxygen. The main container has a heat regenerator, a cold head, and a pulse tube of the pulse-tube cryocooler therein. A temperature sensor measures a temperature of the liquefied oxygen, and a control device controls an output of the pulse-tube cryocooler according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Tomoyoshi Kamoshita, Mikihiko Matsuda, Keishi Ohshima
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Publication number: 20040045316Abstract: An article of jewelry configured as a container for enclosing memorabilia. The article of jewelry includes a containment body having at least one opening configured for accommodating insertion of memorabilia into an interior compartment thereof. A releasable closure member is provided for configuring the article of jewelry between an open configuration in which the memorabilia is insertible into and removable from the interior compartment and a closed configuration in which the memorabilia is retained within the interior compartment. An adaptor is utilized that has one portion configured for engagement with the containment body and another portion configured for engagement with the closure member for accommodating coupling of the closure member to the containment body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Amos Naor
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Publication number: 20040045317Abstract: An ornamental manufactured product of the “graduated or scalar wound” type comprises a filament of precious material spirally wound on a woven strip of precious or non-precious material. The manufactured product is constituted by portions which have different width, that is with the two borders which are not completely rectilinear but are formed by sections which have a converging and/or diverging course with respect to the longitudinal axis of the manufactured product.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Roana Antonio E. Figli S.N.C.Inventor: Roana Antonio
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Publication number: 20040045318Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing titania-containing fused silica bodies and optical elements are described. The titania-containing fused silica bodies can be subsequently processed to make extreme ultraviolet optical elements. The methods and apparatus involve providing a sol including a titania-containing silica powder, forming the sol into a shaped gel and drying and heating the gel to a glass body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kenneth E. Hrdina, Robert Sabia
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Publication number: 20040045319Abstract: A method for opening or sealing glass ampoules (38) by melting the glass with the help of a jet (36) of a hot medium, characterized in that the medium is an atmospheric plasma, produced by an electric discharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Joachim Schussler, Peter Fornsel, Christian Buske
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Publication number: 20040045320Abstract: In a method for transporting fixed glazing to be equipped with a coating, particularly curved glazing, through a coating plant, the glazing is transported by means of a transport device through the plant in such a way that one of its main sides is covered with protection against the coating substance that is to be deposited.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Dirk Koopmann, Richard Crumbach, Franz Kraemling, Michael Houlena