Patents Issued in July 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040123566
    Abstract: A tunnel for shrink wrapping at least one product includes a housing having an interior space with a top, a bottom, an entrance and an exit. A conveyor belt passes through the interior space from the entrance to the exit. The conveyor belt is substantially unobstructed on upper and lower sides and includes an opened configuration allowing substantial air flow therethrough at relatively low velocity. Heaters and air movers are located above and below the conveyor belt to uniformly heat products contained in shrink film and moving along the conveyor belt. The shrink tunnel further includes an adjustable riser member to allow a transverse section of the conveyor belt to be selectively adjusted in height from outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicants: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech Holding Corp
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Publication number: 20040123567
    Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, Chih-Jen Leu, Mark A. Detri
  • Publication number: 20040123568
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning webs of film of a packaging device, according to which goods are introduced into a first web of film in troughs, a second web of film is withdrawn from a supply of web against the resistance of a brake and is placed on the first web of film and interlinked with the same, the advance of the second web downstream of the supply of web being detected by a first optical recognition means. In order to exactly position the two films one on the other, a second recognition means is provided that detects any dimensional errors, thereby changing the position of the first recognition means relative to the direction of conveyance of the second web of film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Dietmar Send
  • Publication number: 20040123569
    Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Sam J. Jacobsen, Rocky M. Van Asten
  • Publication number: 20040123570
    Abstract: A method for defining the operation of a plant for producing, conveying and packaging articles. The articles include rolls, such as rolls of paper material and the like. The plant includes the following operative sections: at least an apparatus for forming articles positioned upstream, at least a machine for packaging the articles in respective packs positioned downstream, and an apparatus for conveying the articles which is able to transfer the articles between the forming apparatus and the packaging apparatus. The method and the plant provide that, through a central control unit of the plant, starting from predefined setting data, operating parameters of the sections of the plant are determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: PULSAR S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Franzaroli
  • Publication number: 20040123571
    Abstract: A vacuum release assist system for a document insertion station is described. The vacuum suction cup system is used for opening an envelope. The vacuum release assist system ensures that the suction cup is timely released during the removal of the envelope from the insertion station. In one configuration, a solenoid actuator is used to push away the envelope from the suction cup. In another configuration, a blow-off valve is used to introduce positive air pressure to timely release the suction cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Boris Rozenfeld
  • Publication number: 20040123572
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoo Y. Chung, John R.B. Hall, Mark A. Gogins, Douglas G. Crofoot, Thomas M. Weik
  • Publication number: 20040123573
    Abstract: A honeycomb structure in which a plurality of through-holes 3 extending in the axial direction are formed by a plurality of partition walls 1 and 2, wherein the plurality of partition walls 1 and 2 are constituted by a plurality of partition walls having different thicknesses and, of the plurality of partition walls having different thicknesses, those partition walls 2 having a thickness larger than the average thickness of all partition walls are provided at a higher proportion in a particular portion of the honeycomb structure whole portion having partition walls than in other portion. This honeycomb structure, and a honeycomb filter and a converter system both using the honeycomb structure satisfy recent years' requirements of improvement in warm-up property connected with purification ability and reduction in harmful substance emitted right after engine start, and yet have a sufficient mechanical strength to external pressure, a high erosion resistance and a high thermal shock resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Yukihito Ichikawa, Yasushi Kato, Masato Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20040123574
    Abstract: A filter material comprising a blend of at least three types of fibers: (a) polypropylene fibers (b) polymethaphenylene isophtalamide fibers and (c) fibers of a third type selected from the group of acrylic and modacrylic. In a preferred embodiment, the blend contains about ten weight percent polymethaphenylene isophtalamide fibers, about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 40 weight percent modacrylic fibers. Performance of the blend is superior to the prior art filtration materials, especially at the preferred compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney R. Wilkins, K. Dale Montgomery, Stephen W. Alexander, James G. Tuttle, Edwin G. Hoel
  • Publication number: 20040123575
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a movable element of a harvesting attachment is provided with an adjusting drive for moving the movable element between a first operating position and a second transport position in which it is raised relative to the first operating position. A spring biases the movable element in the direction of the second transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Clemens Rickert
  • Publication number: 20040123576
    Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-like crops includes a plurality of intake and mowing arrangements which each include a cutting disk and a plurality of conveying disks spaced vertically from each other along an upright axis of rotation. A plurality of strippers are mounted in the vicinity of the intake and mowing arrangements and define slots through which driver elements of the conveying disks pass during operation. Crop pieces accumulate in these slots and provided on the drivers of the disks for sweeping these crop pieces out of the slots are removers. These removers are in the form of elongate bars and are connected to the disks so as to be easily removable so that they may be easily replaced when worn to the extent they are no longer effective in cleaning the crop pieces from the stripper slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation.
    Inventor: Ulrich Bruening
  • Publication number: 20040123577
    Abstract: A stalk roll for a harvesting device for harvesting crop heads of stalk-like plants. The stalk roll is provided with a roll body having projecting drivers distributed around its periphery. The pull-in speed of the stalk rolls in a picking region where the crop heads are removed is less than in a region of the stalk rolls situated farther downstream after the crop head has been removed. The diameter of the roll body in the picking region is greater than in the region situated farther downstream. In addition, it is proposed that upstream of a picking region the stalk roll have an inlet region which cooperates with the parts of the plants beneath the crop heads, where the pull-in speed of the stalk roll is greater than in the picking region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Alfons Resing, Clemens Rickert
  • Publication number: 20040123578
    Abstract: A mower with a blade housing, in which a blade rotates about a vertical rotational axis in a rotational plane, so that for movement of the mower in the mowing direction, the cutting material is cut corresponding to the diameter of the blade. According to the invention, it is proposed that the front region of the blade housing in the mowing direction be at least partially covered by a base plate, which extends between the blade and the ground, and that the rotational plane of the blade in the operating position be inclined at an angle of more than 0° to 15° to the ground. It can also be provided that the front region of the blade housing in the mowing direction be at least partially covered by a base plate, which extends between the blade and the ground, and that the blade have at least two cutting edges or cutting edge regions with different cutting heights in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Richter, Lutz Richter
  • Publication number: 20040123579
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for gathering sticks and other yard refuse from a ground surface. The machine includes a gathering device and a collection basket for collecting and holding yard refuse from a ground surface. The gathering device includes a frame that supports an elongated rotor and a gasoline engine for driving the rotor about its longitudinal axis. The elongated rotor includes a plurality of axially spaced tines mounted thereon that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and operative to gather the yard refuse from the ground surface and deposit it into the collection basket as the gathering device is moved over the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: A. James Schutz
  • Publication number: 20040123580
    Abstract: An article of furniture is made from elongated polymer filaments. The polymer filaments may be monofilaments or plural filaments which are twisted together and heat set to prevent their untwisting during the subsequent weaving process. The heat setting of the polymer filaments is achieved by heating the polymer material either before or after the twisting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sun Isle Casual Furniture, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20040123581
    Abstract: The invention relates to air spinning frames for the production of spun thread (2) from a staple fibre strand (3), comprising a drafting unit (4) followed by a spinning box (5) with a twisting chamber (9) and a spindle (8). The invention was based on the task to provide a design by means of which the distance between the drafting unit (4) and the spindle (8) can be newly adjusted in a fast and simple manner. This task has been solved according to the invention by attaching an adjusting device (10) to adjust the distance (I) between the drafting unit and the spindle (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
    Inventor: Olivier Wuest
  • Publication number: 20040123582
    Abstract: A pulsed combustion device includes a support structure and a combustor carousel supported by the support structure and rotating relative thereto about an axis. The carousel has a number of combustion conduits in a circumferential array. Each conduit cyclically receives a charge and discharges combustion products of the charge. A venturi effect may help control fuel/air charge leakage from a flowpath spanning the carousel and a stationary manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: James W. Norris, Wendell V. Twelves
  • Publication number: 20040123583
    Abstract: Distributed initiation (e.g., multipoint or continuous) is utilized to obtain constant volume-like combustion performance in a pulse combustion device in the absence of detonation. A number of such devices may be utilized as turbine engine combustors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Nordeen, James W. Norris, Wendell V. Twelves
  • Publication number: 20040123584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, especially an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas post-treatment system. On the basis of operating parameters which characterize the state of the internal combustion engine and/or the state of the exhaust gas post-treatment system, a parameter characterizing the intensity of a reaction in the exhaust gas post-treatment system is determined. Measures aimed at reducing the speed of the reaction are implemented if said parameter exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Schaller
  • Publication number: 20040123585
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is capable of suppressing a nasty smell due to the hydrogen sulfide generated upon recovery from SOx poisoning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaaki Yamaguchi, Hisashi Ohki, Masaaki Kobayashi, Daisuke Shibata
  • Publication number: 20040123586
    Abstract: A diesel particulate filter (DPF) having an oxidation catalyst is disposed between exhaust pipes of an internal combustion engine. An exhaust gas temperature sensor senses outlet gas temperature of the DPF. An engine control unit (ECU) calculates estimated central temperature of the DPF from an output of the exhaust gas temperature sensor with the use of an inverse transfer function of a change in the outlet gas temperature with respect to a change in temperature of the DPF. Based on the estimated temperature, the ECU performs excessive temperature increase prevention control or regeneration control of the DPF. The transfer function is simply expressed with first-order lag and dead time. A time constant of the first-order lag and the dead time are set in accordance with an exhaust gas flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Kuboshima, Shinichiro Okugawa, Masumi Kinugawa, Kiyonori Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20040123587
    Abstract: When starting an engine, it is judged whether a catalyst is in an inactive condition or not and, if it is judged that the catalyst is in an inactive condition, the motor field current is reduced to control the output characteristic of the starter to a high-speed type, thus enabling the engine to be driven at high speed. As the engine rpm during driving rises compared with the normal case (the case where the catalyst is in an active condition), the amount of fuel remaining in the intake port and the cylinder decreases, and the injected fuel properly contributes to combustion. Accordingly, even when the catalyst is in an inactive condition, emissions (of HC) emitted into the atmosphere can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Kamiya, Akira Kato, Masahiko Osada
  • Publication number: 20040123588
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature and/or space velocity of exhaust gas provides control of the maximum temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent thermal damage to the Diesel engine components and associated aftertreatment devices during regeneration of the aftertreatment devices. The method includes controlling intake and/or exhaust valve opening timing and duration, either singly or in combination with selective individual cylinder cutout, in response to sensed engine operating parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Rudolf H. Stanglmaier, Ryan C. Roecker, Charles E. Roberts,, Lee G. Dodge, Christopher J. Chadwell, Darius Mehta, Daniel W. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20040123589
    Abstract: An engine exhaust cleaning device is configured to prevent the temperature of a particulate matter filter (DPF) from rising sharply due to a reduction in the exhaust gas flow rate when a vehicle decelerates and shifts into idling operation during regeneration of the particulate matter filter. During regeneration of the particulate matter filter, the fuel cut (F/C) recovery engine speed used during deceleration is increased and the engine idling speed is increased for a prescribed amount of time when the engine idles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ohtake, Jun-Ichi Kawashima, Naoya Tsutsumoto, Terunori Kondo, Takao Inoue, Toshimasa Koga
  • Publication number: 20040123590
    Abstract: A NOx catalyst (10) traps nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas of a diesel engine (40), and particulate matter is trapped by a filter (41). The sulfur poisoning of the NOx catalyst (10) is eliminated using exhaust gas corresponding to a rich air-fuel ratio. The exhaust gas composition is changed over to a lean air-fuel ratio according to an increase of a particulate matter collection amount during the elimination of sulfur poisoning so that the particulate matter collection amount in the filter (41) does not increase. As a result, when the particulate matter collection amount decreases due to combustion of collected particulate matter, elimination of sulfur poisoning again proceeds using exhaust gas corresponding to a rich air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Munehiro Tabata, Takao Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040123591
    Abstract: A 4-cycle engine for a motorcycle has a secondary-air supplier for supplying secondary air to exhaust ducts. The engine includes a recess, which is depressed toward the engine, on a cylinder-head cover for holding a control valve of the secondary-air supplier. The recess and the control valve are positioned between two innermost cylinders of the array of the cylinders. Check valves, which are connected to downstream regions of the control valve, are each disposed between two outermost cylinders of the array of the cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yoshida, Kazutatsu Suzuki, Yoshikazu Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040123592
    Abstract: Sound and power are an important part of the motorcycling experience. From the early days people have been attempting to get it "right" and have tried numerous ways to achieve the best of both worlds. Generally one had to be sacrificed to some degree to get the other. Tuning the exhaust rather than tuning the carburetor or increasing cubic inches is a less expensive and more efficient way to get both the sound and midrange power that motorcyclists are looking for. With the Exhaust Enhancement exhaust pipes can be tuned for sound and increased midrange power very simply and easily by installing them in the exit end of an aftermarket straight type pipe using various combinations to achieve a desired sound and not sacrifice power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: James Charles Maybeck
  • Publication number: 20040123593
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus includes a tandem brake master cylinder having a rod piston moving in response to a brake pedal, and a floating piston moving in response to the rod piston; a separation valve provided in a hydraulic brake circuit connecting the brake master cylinder and brake wheel cylinders in order to establish and shut off communication between the brake master cylinder and the brake wheel cylinders; a pressure control valve unit for controlling fluid pressure to be supplied from an external fluid-pressure supply source to the brake wheel cylinders while the separation valve is in a shutoff condition; and a stroke simulator mechanism for allowing an idle stroke of the rod piston and an idle stroke of the floating piston while the separation valve is in the shutoff condition. The idle stroke of the floating piston starts during the idle stroke of the rod piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Nakashima, Atsushi Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20040123594
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a fluid motor in communication with a variable displacement fluid pump having a first displacement rate and a second greater displacement rate, a pump block having at least one fluid conduit through which fluid flows from the pump to the motor, an external fluid sump, a cylindrical pintle fixed to the block having a first bleed hole and a second bleed hole in communication with the first bleed hole, and a ring in sliding engagement with the pintle and having a slot in selective communication with the second bleed hole. The conduit and the sump are in communication through the bleed holes and the slot at the first displacement rate, and the fluid conduit and the sump are out of fluid communication at the second displacement rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas G. Williams, C. Paul Cox
  • Publication number: 20040123595
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus in which a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor which constitute a hydrostatic transmission are disposed on a center section. In a horizontal portion of the center section are provided a pair of linear oil passages in parallel to each other. A pair of arcuate ports are provided on a pump mounting surface formed on the horizontal portion of the center section. The pair of arcuate ports are substantially perpendicular with respect to the direction in which the oil passages extend. The axis of slanting movement of a movable swash plate of the hydraulic pump extends laterally of the vehicle body on which the axle driving apparatus is provided. The rotating direction of an arm provided on a control shaft for slantingly operating the movable swash plate is coincident with the operating direction of a control rod connected with a speed changing member. Thus, the link mechanism for connecting the speed changing member and the control arm for the movable swash plate is simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa, Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20040123596
    Abstract: A power unit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine including a cylinder block and a crankshaft. A speed change drive shaft is disposed at a position on the upper side of a static oil hydraulic type non-stage transmission and in parallel to the axis of the transmission. A plane connecting the axis of the speed change drive shaft and the axis of the transmission does not intersect with the axis of the crankshaft, and intersects with the axis of the cylinder center axis of the cylinder block at a position on the lower side of the axis of the crankshaft while making an acute angle with the axis of the cylinder center axis of the cylinder block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ito, Masaaki Negoro, Shinichiro Keyaki
  • Publication number: 20040123597
    Abstract: An improved secondary fuel distribution system having a readily adjustable premix pilot nozzle for use in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The secondary fuel nozzle assembly has a premix fuel nozzle comprising an annular tubular manifold and a premix pilot nozzle. Multiple embodiments of premix pilot nozzles are disclosed that have a fuel flow rate that can be controlled and adjusted as required, including a plate and feed hole combination, a pressfit premix pilot nozzle, and a premix pilot nozzle that is threaded into the secondary fuel nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Kraft, Alfredo Cires
  • Publication number: 20040123598
    Abstract: A high temperature gas turbine component for use in the gas flow path that also is a specular optical reflector. A thin layer of a high temperature reflector is applied to the flow path surface of the component, that is, the surface of the component that forms a boundary for hot combustion gases. The component typically includes a thermal barrier coating overlying the high temperature metallic component that permits the component to operate at elevated temperatures. The thermal barrier coating must be polished in order to provide a surface that can suitably reflect the radiation into the gas flow path. A thin layer of the high temperature reflector then is applied over the polished thermal barrier coating by a process that can adequately adhere the reflector to the polished surface without increasing the roughness of the surface. The high temperature reflector can be applied to any surface aft of the compressor, such as on a combustor wall. The surface reflects radiation back into the hot gas flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John F. Ackermann, Paul V. Arszman, Bangalore A. Nagaraj, Craig D. Young, Nicole Justis
  • Publication number: 20040123599
    Abstract: A high temperature gas turbine component for use in the gas flow path that also is a specular optical reflector. A thin layer of a high temperature reflector is applied to the gas flow path of the component, that is, the surface of the component that forms a boundary for hot combustion gases. The component typically includes a thermal barrier coating overlying the high temperature metallic component that permits the component to operate at elevated temperatures. The thermal barrier coating must be polished in order to provide a surface that can suitably reflect the radiation into the gas flow path. A thin layer of the high temperature reflector the is applied over the polished thermal barrier coating by a process that can adequately adhere the reflector to the polished surface without increasing the roughness of the surface. The high temperature reflector can be applied to any surface aft of the compressor, such as on a centerbody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: John F. Ackermann, Paul V. Arszman, Bangalore A. Nagaraj, Craig Young, Nicole Justis
  • Publication number: 20040123600
    Abstract: Adaptive model-based control systems and methods are described so that performance and/or operability of a gas turbine in an aircraft engine, power plant, marine propulsion, or industrial application can be optimized under normal, deteriorated, faulted, failed and/or damaged operation. First, a model of each relevant system or component is created, and the model is adapted to the engine. Then, if/when deterioration, a fault, a failure or some kind of damage to an engine component or system is detected, that information is input to the model-based control as changes to the model, constraints, objective function, or other control parameters. With all the information about the engine condition, and state and directives on the control goals in terms of an objective function and constraints, the control then solves an optimization so the optimal control action can be determined and taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Brent Jerome Brunell, Harry Kirk Mathews, Aditya Kumar
  • Publication number: 20040123601
    Abstract: A power generating system having a hybrid gasification cycle, in which CO2 is recycled to a gasifier to be used as a gasification reactant and working fluid. The power generating system includes a source of fresh, pure oxygen, a gasifier, a particle separator arranged in flow connection with the gasifier, a syngas combustor, a gas turbine arranged in flow connection with the syngas combustor, a steam generator arranged in flow connection with the outlet of the gas turbine, and a gas compressor system which discharges a stream of compressed exhaust gas. A first portion of the stream of compressed exhaust gas is conducted to the gasifier to control the temperature in the gasifier, to provide CO2 and steam for gasification, and to decrease the demand for fresh, pure oxygen therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: FOSTER WHEELER ENERGIA OY
    Inventor: Zhen Fan
  • Publication number: 20040123602
    Abstract: A device and method for recuperating a gas turbine engine comprises a compressor being configured to receive a coolant fluid stream, to compress the coolant fluid stream and to discharge the compressed coolant fluid stream to a turbine in fluid communication with the compressor. The compressed coolant fluid stream undergoing thermal exchange within the turbine, exit the turbine thereafter. A source of a working fluid stream is in fluid communication with the turbine. The working fluid stream is fluidly isolated from a portion of the coolant fluid stream and undergoing thermodynamic expansion through the turbine to extract energy therefrom. Where desired, the entire coolant fluid stream is fluidly isolated from the working fluid stream. At least a portion of the coolant fluid stream is channeled downstream of the turbine to supply a preheated process fluid stream to an adjacent system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Bunker, Chellappa Balan
  • Publication number: 20040123603
    Abstract: An electrical machine, such as a generator or motor, is incorporated in a gas turbine engine. The engine has compressor blades which are shrouded at. Beyond the shroud, an electrical machine is provided by rotor projections which run in a channel in flux cores, with which excitor coils are associated. The result is an electrical machine which is external to the combustion gas paths of the engine, for ready access, and can have optimised magnetic flux paths for efficiency. High relative speeds within the electrical machine provide further advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Ian C.D. Care, Arnold C. Newton
  • Publication number: 20040123604
    Abstract: A docking station is provided with a thermoelectric module to generate cool air of a first temperature to be fed into a docked computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Himanshu Pokharna, Eric DiStefano
  • Publication number: 20040123605
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system includes an expansion nozzle having a high-pressure nozzle inlet and a low-pressure nozzle outlet, and a compressor having a compression device, such as a pair of opposing pistons, operable to compress gas within a compression volume. The compression volume has an inlet port and an outlet port. A flapper inlet valve has an inlet valve inlet, and an inlet valve outlet in gaseous communication with the inlet port of the compression volume. The inlet valve opens when a gaseous pressure at the inlet valve inlet is sufficiently greater than a gaseous pressure in the compression volume to overcome a spring force of the flapper inlet valve. A flapper outlet valve has an outlet valve inlet in gaseous communication with the outlet port of the compression volume, and an outlet valve outlet in gaseous communication with the nozzle inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald R. Pruitt, Kenneth D. Price, Carl S. Kirkconnell
  • Publication number: 20040123606
    Abstract: This invention relates to the storage under pressure in a container and subsequent transport of the filled pressurized container of particular natural gas or natural gas-like mixtures that contain methane or natural gas plus an additive, and which mixtures have been refrigerated to less than ambient temperature. (This invention also relates to a similar mixture which has been created by the removal of methane or a lean gas from a richer natural gas mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Glen F. Perry
  • Publication number: 20040123607
    Abstract: A system for extracting including a cooled condenser apparatus in contact with the volume of pressurized air being dehumidified, the condensed water being transferred into collection areas by means of capillary attraction; an evaporation chamber in thermal contact with the condenser apparatus having an inlet connected to the collection areas by means of a first valve device and an outlet connected by means of a second valve device to a space wherein the pressure is lower than that of the volume of pressurized air; and a control device for controlling the valve devices in order to carry out a control cycle with a first phase for placing the evaporation chamber under negative pressure in relation to the volume of pressurized air, and a second phase for suctioning the condensed water in the collection areas towards the decompression chamber, until the pressure in the decompression chamber reaches a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Laine, Primo Tamburini
  • Publication number: 20040123608
    Abstract: A safe having a good coefficient of performance is provided, and a refrigerating cycle and a refrigerating device in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture is circulated are also provided. The non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture comprises a carbon dioxide and at least one kind of combustible refrigerants, and has a temperature glide. The refrigerating cycle, in which a compressor, a heat radiator, an expansion mechanism and an evaporator are connected by a refrigerant path, is characterized in that the above non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture is circuited in the refrigerating cycle. In addition, a refrigerating device comprises the above refrigerating cycle and a plurality of the evaporators, wherein an evaporator for use in a low temperature and an evaporator for use in a high temperature higher than the low temperature are arranged in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ichiro Kamimura, Noriyuki Tsuda, Kenzo Matsumoto, Toru Kawabata, Masato Watanabe, Takashi Yoshizawa, Hiroshi Mukaiyama, Ryoko Kubo
  • Publication number: 20040123609
    Abstract: A vapor compression type heat transfer system wherein plural condensing conduits are individually and sequentially charged with compressed refrigerant from a compressor. The condensing conduits discharge expanded refrigerant into a common expansion chamber or evaporator. Charging of the condensing conduits is controlled so that a first condensing conduit becomes fully charged, and gradually discharges its refrigerant into the expansion chamber. Upon sensing that the first condensing conduit is fully charged, connection from the compressor to the first condensing conduit is closed by a valve, and connection of the compressor to a second condensing conduit is opened. With the compressor operating constantly, all condensing conduits are sequentially charged, all condensing conduits simultaneously discharging refrigerant to the expansion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Steven D. Gottlieb
  • Publication number: 20040123610
    Abstract: An airflow control device has a fixed damper element and a movable damper element. Shape memory wires are connected to the fixed damper element and the movable damper element. The shape memory wires are alternately electrified to cause the contraction thereof to move the movable damper element in opposite directions. A heater can be provided along with the damper elements to overcome frost buildup in cold environments, such as refrigeration systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Nowak, Robert Dam, Anthony Caringella
  • Publication number: 20040123611
    Abstract: When a compressor apparatus is operated at a maximum displacement for 60 minutes or longer, an ECU controls a pressure control valve to gradually change the refrigerant pressure in a swash plate chamber in a manner that gradually reduces the displacement of the compressor apparatus. In this way, it is possible to create a state, in which a relatively large pressure difference is created between a refrigerant inlet side and the swash plate chamber. Thus, refrigerant oil accumulated in the swash plate chamber can be returned to the refrigerant inlet side of the compressor apparatus at the time of gradually reducing the displacement of the compressor apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Satohisa Yoshida, Koji Yamashita, Shigeki Ohya, Makoto Umebayashi
  • Publication number: 20040123612
    Abstract: A control system for a cooling system includes a first sensor for sensing a property indicative of demand for cooling and a controller coupled to the sensor. The controller produces the variable duty cycle control signal in response to the property and causes the compressor and valve to vary a cooling capacity of the cooling system in response to the variable duty cycle control signal. The sensor may sense the pressure, temperature, or both. The valve may be a suction-side pressure regulator or a liquid-side expansion valve of the solenoid or stepper type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hung M. Pham, Abtar Singh, Jean-Luc Caillat, Mark Bass
  • Publication number: 20040123613
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (100) includes an upright, open-front, insulated cabinet (110) defining a product display area (125) connected in airflow communication with a compartment (120) via an air circulation circuit (122, 114, 116). A high pressure drop evaporator (40) and a plurality of closely spaced fans (70) are disposed within compartment (120). The evaporator (40) is provided with a relatively high fin density heat exchanger coil providing a relatively high air side pressure drop through the evaporator. The increased flow resistance through the evaporator coupled with the plurality of closely spaced fans results in a substantially uniform evaporator outlet temperature profile across the length of the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Hong Leung Chiang, Eugene Duane Daddis, Kwok Kwong Fung, Sue-Li Kingsley Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040123614
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a compact, seal-less, centrifugal liquid pump with a perimeter magnetic drive that is substantially smaller than a conventional centrifugal liquid pump having magnets attached directly to the impeller shaft. Because rotational force is applied at the perimeter of the impeller, rather than at the shaft, embodiments of the invention have lower torque requirements and rotational speed, increasing the life of the pump bearings. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may suspend the pump bearings by using a redirected flow of liquid coolant, further increasing the bearing life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Intel Corporation (a Delaware corporation)
    Inventor: Glenn E. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20040123615
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning apparatus with two adsorption elements (81, 82). The air conditioning apparatus repeatedly alternately performs a first operation in which air is dehumidified by the first adsorption element (81) simultaneously with regeneration of the second adsorption element (82) and a second operation in which air is dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82) simultaneously with regeneration of the first adsorption element (81). At the time of switching between these operations, only the flow path of air is changed, with the adsorption elements (81, 82) remaining stationary. The air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit performs a refrigeration cycle in which a regenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser and either one of first and second cooling heat exchangers (93, 94) operates as an evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yabu