Patents Issued in August 19, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040159060
    Abstract: A modular forming system (10) configured for forming concrete box culverts is disclosed. The inventive system (10) includes displaceable panels for forming the concrete that are vibrated relative to stationary frames to compact the concrete enabling denser, stronger finished concrete to be formed with lighter weight, lower maintenance, longer lasting frames. The system (10) broadly includes a pallet (12), a core (14), a jacket (16), and a header (18). The jacket (16) encircles the core (14) and is supported on the pallet (12) and is operable to mold the outside circumferential surface of the culvert. The jacket (16) includes a plurality of modular sections (20-32) and each section includes a stationary frame (34), a displaceable vibratory panel (36), a plurality of spring assemblies (38-68) shiftably coupling the panel (36) to the frame (34), and a vibrator (70) coupled to the panel (36) for reciprocating the panel (36) relative to the frame (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: GCI Pipe Products
    Inventors: Kiran P. Giri, Siddanagouda Kandagal
  • Publication number: 20040159061
    Abstract: An insulated concrete form system for receiving poured concrete to form a unitary, insulated concrete wall. A novel tie bracket, spaced on one foot centers, space the two sides of he forms apart from one another. The tie brackets extend fully from top to bottom of the forms, thereby providing increased structural strength to the formed wall and providing “studs” at regular intervals for the fastening of structural elements, such as paneling or sheetrock. A rebar attachment piece may be attached to the a rebar receptacle formed in the tie bracket such that rebar may be offset to either side of the poured wall, as necessary. The forms are in straight, corner and Tee configurations to aid in the quick laying of the forms and to provide increased strength to the formed wall. A combination of tongue and groove joints and interlocking protrusions and notches add further strength and integrity to the formed wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Donald L. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040159062
    Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic panels each having a body portion formed with rows of simulated building elements. The panels are mounted on a support surface with a lower marginal edge region of one panel overlying an upper marginal edge region of a previously mounted panel in a lower course and with a side marginal edge region of one panel overlying the side marginal edge region of a previously mounted adjacent panel in the same course. The marginal edge regions are provided with interlocks which engage and secure both the overlapping upper and lower marginal edge regions and the overlapping side marginal edge regions as an incident to upward movement of the panel relative to the underlying previously mounted panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Nailite International
    Inventors: Terence James Donlin, Francesco Guzzo
  • Publication number: 20040159063
    Abstract: There are several advantages to installing roof insulation in industrial and commercial buildings from above, rather than from below after the roof is sealed. A reinforced facing sheet is used that can be rolled out between the purlins that support the steel roofing. This reinforced facing material is located at the bottom of an insulation system and is used to support the insulation from below. The reinforced facing sheet must be anchored to reduce pillowing of the insulation and provide a neat appearance to the insulation job. The anchoring system for the reinforced facing material is made up of a metal angle that is firmly affixed to the top of a rafter between purlins. The reinforced facing material is, thus, sandwiched between the angle and the rafter top, and securely anchored, there. A channel-shaped lower support member, usually vinyl, is located beneath the reinforced facing material and the angle is pressed, from above, into the open part of the channel shape as it is situated on top if the rafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Fligg
  • Publication number: 20040159064
    Abstract: A first ceiling panel supporting stringer 1 has an insertion hole 10 formed through a main plate portion 4 thereof, and a second ceiling panel supporting stringer has a base plate portion 21 extending from an end thereof and having a forward end engageable with one side of the main plate portion 4 of the first ceiling panel supporting stringer 1, and a connecting projection 22 extending from the forward end of the base plate portion 21. The connecting projection 22 has a U-shaped rise 24, which is provided with a reinforcing rib 31 for improved strength. The first and second ceiling panel supporting stringers can be unseparably connected by pressingly inserting the connecting projection 22 of the second ceiling panel supporting stringer 1 through the insertion hole 10 of the first ceiling panel supporting stringer 1 without special skills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Okumura Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masahiro Okumura
  • Publication number: 20040159065
    Abstract: A mortarless concrete block retaining wall is formed from special blocks arranged in set-back tiers and interlocked by a special post groove arrangement. Each block is trapezoidal in plan view with a pair of laterally spaced posts projecting from the top surface of the block. A groove on the bottom surface of the block fits over adjacent posts in the underlying tiers. The vertically adjacent tiers are laterally offset to interlock the tiers via the post/groove arrangement. The post/groove arrangement allows for blocks that are adjustable to interlock the tiers in a straight configuration or in varying degrees of convex and concave curved configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Menard, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Burgess, William Henschler
  • Publication number: 20040159066
    Abstract: Floor covering, of the type consisting of oblong, and more particularly rectangular, strip-shaped hard floor panels (2) with a layered structure, which extend in parallel rows, characterized in that it comprises floor panels (2) of at least two different lengths (L1-L2-L3), whereby these different lengths (L1-L2-L3) are realized at the manufacturer's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Lode Hubert Lieven De Boe, Luc Dirk Daniel Vanhastel
  • Publication number: 20040159067
    Abstract: A fire retardant slotwall panel material having multiple slots forming multiple slats on which brackets and other devices can be mounted. The composition of the material for extruding the slotwall panels comprises CPVC, PVC and a fire retardant so that the resulting product will meet at least one of the ASTM E84-01 and UL 723 fire retardant standards. The composition can comprise 60-100 PHR of CPVC, 40-0 PHR of PVC and 20-50 PHR of fire retardant that can be AL Trihydrate. The composition of the material can include other ingredients such as: 2.7-3.3 PHR Zeolite, 0.36-0.44 PHR Blowing Agent, 9-11 PHR Process Aid, 2.475-2.525 PHR Tin Stabilizer, 0.9-1.1 PHR Exter Wax, 0.9-1.1 PHR OPE Wax, 2.7-3.3 PHR Impact Modifier, and 2.7-3.3 PHR TiO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Travis M. Perkins, Randall Jay Brown
  • Publication number: 20040159068
    Abstract: The invention relates to modular building blocks with the minimal possible number of types which can be used for construction of buildings or other structures. The block has cellular structure defined by through openings made in the block body. The number of cells depends on the number of through holes. Each block has an upper and inner insert made of a heat/cold-insulation material and inserted into through openings of the hollow block. The inserts, in turn, have through holes and recesses arranged so that after the blocks with inserts are assembled into a building or a structure, the openings and the recesses in the inserts form a continuous lattice-like space suitable for pouring concrete or another hardenable material which after curing form a load-carrying lattice-like framework of the building or the structure. Thus, the inserts are used as formwork-elements for pouring the concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Yuriy Prokofyev
  • Publication number: 20040159069
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a concrete lift anchor. The concrete lift anchor of the present invention comprises a metal bar having a top, bottom and first and second sides, at least one attachment aperture, at least one reinforcement bar aperture, at least one passthrough aperture, and a shear plate aperture. The top side of the bar further comprises a first channel, a first upwardly projecting face, a platform face, a second upwardly projecting face, and a second channel. The anchor further comprises a crescent shaped indentation on the first side of the rectangular shaped bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Universal Form Clamp Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Rens Hansort
  • Publication number: 20040159070
    Abstract: A concrete anchor. The concrete anchor can be embedded within a concrete member to enhance lifting of the concrete member. The concrete anchor of the present invention can include a bar having a top, bottom and first and second sides, at least one attachment aperture, at least one reinforcement bar aperture, and at least one passthrough aperture. The concrete anchor can further include a projection positioned adjacent the second side of the bar. The projection can include an upwardly projecting top face, a downwardly projecting bottom face, a forwardly projecting front face and a rearwardly projecting rear face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Universal Form Clamp Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Rens Hansort
  • Publication number: 20040159071
    Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Daniel Puzio, Robert A. Berry, Alfred H. Judge, Robert G. Moores
  • Publication number: 20040159072
    Abstract: A method is provided for enabling an infrastructure, such as pipework or a bundle of electrical cables, to be passed directly through a wooden structural element without significantly weakening the structural element, rather than being routed around the structural element. A throughhole is provided in the structural element which extends between opposed sides. The method includes affixing to the wooden structural element a unitary reinforcement member including two spaced, parallel side plates joined together by a support plate. Each of the side plates has an opening therein as large as or larger than the throughhole. The reinforcement member is affixed to the wooden structural element by securing one of the side plates to each side of the structural element, with the opening of each of the side plates disposed so as to surround the throughhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: William F. Kepler, Erin K. Gleason
  • Publication number: 20040159073
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for forming a concrete floor as a monolithic unit, wherein a wet concrete mix is deposited and worked to achieve a generally uniform flatness of concrete and adding to the top layer thereof a decorative aggregate material. Subsequently, the surface of the concrete is worked, allowed to partially cure and then ground and polished to substantially remove surface irregularities and reveal the decorative aggregate. The floor surface may then be coated with a sealant to achieve a terrazzo-like appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: LPL Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Palermo, Christopher F. Leva, Patrick T. Leva
  • Publication number: 20040159074
    Abstract: A wrapping material brake release assembly, including a wrapping material dispenser roll mount pivotable between a first functional position to dispense material from a dispenser roll and a second access position to provide access to the dispenser roll. A brake assembly having a brake member is arranged to brake the dispenser roll when the mount is in the first functional position. A ramp-shaped lifting member is arranged to lift the brake member from the dispenser roll when the mount is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The roll mount includes a pivot plate arranged to pivot from the first to the second positions, and a shaft attached at one end to the pivot plate. The roll mount has a brake drum, and the brake member has a brake arm and a brake pad attached to the brake arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. McClure, Stephen C. Schlotterbeck
  • Publication number: 20040159075
    Abstract: Various methods for making package strips having a number of individual packages of a consumer product and separable from one another by perforations are disclosed. The individual packages have reclosable plastic zippers, which are applied during the manufacture of the package strips either transversely or lengthwise onto the sheet of polymeric film material from which the packages are fashioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: David J. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20040159076
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a mark to a plurality of individual pieces of food product to be divided from a sheet of food product before the individual pieces of food product are at least partially divided from the sheet of food product. In an aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of providing a sheet of food product, transferring the sheet of food product to an intermittently movable conveyor, marking the sheet of food product, feeding the marked sheet of food product to a cutting plate, and dividing, at least partially, the sheet of food product into individual pieces of food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: James W. Finkowski, Mark E. Arlinghaus
  • Publication number: 20040159077
    Abstract: Process for forming article groups in a packing device from a predetermined number of articles of the tobacco industry. The process includes transporting the articles from a production device to the packing device, and detecting at least one feature for each article. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: TOPACK VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Dombek
  • Publication number: 20040159078
    Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, P. Thomas Shupert, Chih-Jen Leu, Robert Gregory Howell, Michael Joseph Szesko, Andrew P. Booler, Peter Monkhouse, Douglas W. Walton, Michael W.G. Bell, Christopher J. Lasher, Thomas P. Bonkenburg
  • Publication number: 20040159079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for wrapping bundles of printed matter by placing a folded film sheet around such bundles when these are conveyed to and through a wrapping situation. The apparatus includes a lower, through-going belt conveyor with mutually separated conveyor straps and a couple of overhead band conveyors in line with each other creating a transverse gap between them. Below the spaces between the lower conveyor straps and just below the gap a transverse row of compressed air nozzles directed upwards is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Ernst Dahl Kragh
  • Publication number: 20040159080
    Abstract: A reclosable container includes a container having an opening defined by a rim, a reclosable lid having a rim-engaging portion and a recessed portion inwardly of the rim-engaging portion, and a sealing sheet material separate from the lid, the sealing sheet material extending across the opening and being removably secured to the container rim beneath the lid, wherein the recessed portion of the lid projects into the container opening and the sealing sheet material has a recessed portion which accommodates the recessed portion of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Cryovac Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Stewart, Frank Kremar, Lance Bullock
  • Publication number: 20040159081
    Abstract: A flat bottom bag or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Publication number: 20040159082
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a horse with an ultimate strength of at least about 480 pounds; the apparatus contains a line with a proximal end, a distal end, and fastening device. The line contains a portion made of three layers of nylon webbing connected to each other; this portion of the line has a length of at least about 6 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur A. Gray, Robert Siegelman
  • Publication number: 20040159083
    Abstract: A protective mask to protect horses from insects is disclosed, where the invention is attached to the horse's bridle. The invention is comprised of a cover member, such as flexible plastic screen material, extending between the brow band, the nose band and the cheek pieces of the bridle. The invention is removably attached to the bridle by attachment devices, preferably by loop and hook fastener. When attached to the bridle, the edges of the mask can be positioned either above or underneath the corresponding part of the bridle. Preferably there is a snug fit between the mask and the corresponding part of the bridle such that insects are unable to get under the mask. Two darts space the mask away from horse's eyes. Elastic portions of the mask allow a snug fit between the mask and bridle while the invention is being worn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Patricia Andrews
  • Publication number: 20040159084
    Abstract: A spur which enables a rider to effectively grip the horse with the spur so that the rider can better retain balance on the horse without any possibility of injuring the horse. The spur adapted to slip on over a boot comprises: a U shaped boot contacting member sized to fit closely around the boot, said U shaped member having a rear and horse side portion; and, a C shaped horse contacting member having opposite ends attached to the C shaped member; and, a central portion substantially spaced and extending outwardly from the rear and horse side portion of the U shaped member; so that the rounded body of a horse may be concurrently engaged by the spur and the knee of a rider. In a preferred aspect of the invention the C shaped member has a rear and horse side portion having upright slots there around to grip a horse. These upright slots have a width which is sufficient to grip hair on a horse, but which is insufficient to grab and tear skin on a horse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Reid Albert Franklin, Merton Charles Franklin
  • Publication number: 20040159085
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for cleaning of a gas from solid and/or liquid particles suspended therein, includes a stationary housing and a rotor arranged therein. The rotor at its one axial end has a central inlet for gas to be cleaned and delimits a central space communicating with the inlet. Around the central space a stack of conical separation discs is arranged in the rotor. These discs form between themselves several through flow passages which at their one ends communicate with the central space in the rotor and at their other ends communicate directly with a receiving chamber surrounding the rotor in the stationary housing. The rotor supports several turbine blades, which are arranged in a ring around the central inlet of the rotor, and at least one nozzle is adapted to direct a gaseous driving fluid towards the turbine blades for the rotor rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Claes-Goran Carlsson, Thomas Eliasson, Peter Franzen, Ingvar Hallgren, Torgny Lagerstedt
  • Publication number: 20040159086
    Abstract: Mowing machine chute cleaner apparatuses and methods are disclosed including a housing and at least one rotatable blade positioned at least partially within the housing for cutting grass. The mowing machine includes a discharge chute for discharge of cut grass, wherein the discharge chute defining an exit opening, and the mowing machine includes a cover flap attached to the grass mowing machine and being movable from a closed position covering the discharge chute exit opening to an open position wherein the discharge chute exit opening is uncovered by the cover flap. The mowing machine also includes a movable clearing flap attached to the grass mowing machine which can be moved in a clearing motion through at least a portion of the discharge chute by movement of the cover flap to at least partially clear cut grass from the discharge chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Christopher M. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20040159087
    Abstract: A reverser which, in a preferred embodiment, has a hydraulic cylinder supported by a chopper baler frame. The opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the reverser driver. When activated by hydraulics on a tractor, the hydraulics will extend the cylinder, causing the sprockets to be disengaged. Further extension of the cylinder will cause the reverser driver to engage the reverser sprocket and turn the rotor backwards slightly. After full extension, the cylinder will then be retracted. This process can be repeated a couple of times in order to remove the blockage. The reverser enables the operator to restore the baler to its working condition from the tractor seat. Being able to disengage the rotor from the rest of the machine enables the bale to be wrapped if a major blockage occurs. Also a controlled reversing motion is beneficial, so over-reversing does not occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Bradley D. Nelson, William A. Hood, Ryan G. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040159088
    Abstract: A method of forming jewelry articles comprises the step of fabricating sheets of jewelry article halves, bringing such sheets together, fastening the articles halves together and separating the individual jewelry articles from the sheets by die punching or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Avraham Moshe Rosenwasser
  • Publication number: 20040159089
    Abstract: The engine has an input system formed with a fluid displacement pump that enables substantially continuous pumping from a low-pressure side to a high-pressure side substantially without any backflow or backpressure pulsations. The output system has a first output device which provides for the mechanical work output of the engine and a second output device which feeds back to drive the input system. Any increase in the load to be driven by the first output device translates into a proportional increase in the drive energy fed back to the input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur Vanmoor
  • Publication number: 20040159090
    Abstract: A Hydromagnetic inertial thruster (10) comprising a centrifugal force generator (18), a plurality of electromagnets (22), a hydromagnetic fluid (36), and a stator housing (12) to support the operation of the centrifugal generator (18). The plurality of electromagnets (22) generates a magnetic field (Ho) to attract and hold a mass of a magnetically susceptible fluid (36).The centrifugal rotor (18) and the electromagnets (22) while generating the magnetic field (Ho) rotate together with the mass of fluid (36) for about one half of a cycle of revolution to generate an unbalanced centrifugal force (Fc) with the fluid (36). The vector sums of all the centrifugal force (Fc) vectors become a directional propulsion force (Fp).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Harold A. Tavarez
  • Publication number: 20040159091
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a jet engine of a mobile platform. The thrust reverser includes a hinge beam defining a first track and a latch beam defining a second track. The thrust reverser also includes at least one cascade support ring having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. A first fitting is disposed at the upper end portion of the cascade support ring. The first fitting includes an engagement portion slidably positioned within the first track. A second fitting is disposed at the lower end portion of the cascade support ring. The second fitting includes an engagement portion slidably positioned within the second track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Joe Sternberger, Michael K. Lallement
  • Publication number: 20040159092
    Abstract: A second stage external jet nozzle mixer (20) includes identically formed lobes which equal in number the lobes of the first stage internal mixer. The external mixer works with the internal mixer, and furthers the mixing of the jet engine internal bypass flow with the internal jet engine core flow. This mixing levels the disparate flow velocities attendant with the jet engine exhaust, reduces the peak velocities from the jet engine core and increases the lower bypass velocities of the jet engine internal bypass flow. The lobes include complex curvatures that greatly enhance mixing of the gases and ambient cooling air, and thereby reduce noise. At the lobe terminus, the lobe dimensional characteristics may be adjusted to thereby adjust the total terminus area to achieve a match to a jet engine to cause that jet engine to run at a determined RPM and noise level. Noise attenuation may also be adjusted by changing lobe dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jack H. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040159093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for at least temporarily increasing an exhaust gas temperature of a spark-ignition, direction injection internal combustion engine (10) involving at least one measure, which is executed by the engine, whereby this at least one measure consists of a spark retarding and of a multiple injection (ME). During the multiple injection (ME), at least two fuel injections into the cylinder (12) are carried out within an induction cycle and compression cycle of a cylinder (12) of the internal combustion engine (10), and the latest of these injections ensues during a compression cycle of the cylinder (12). The invention also relates to the utilization of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Ekkehard Pott, Eric Bree, Kai Philipp, Michael Zillmer
  • Publication number: 20040159094
    Abstract: An engine exhaust system includes a catalytic converter. An inlet sensor senses a first oxygen level of exhaust gases entering the catalytic converter. An outlet sensor senses a second oxygen level of exhaust gases exiting the catalytic converter. A controller communicates with a fuel system of an engine, the inlet sensor, and the outlet sensor. The controller initiates a rich condition after a fuel cut-off period and calculates a mass of oxygen released by the catalytic converter based on a mass air flow into the engine. The controller calculates a target oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of the catalytic converter over a target time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Yurgil, John M. Gunselman
  • Publication number: 20040159095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for controlling an internal combustion engine (9) in a motor vehicle having a brake booster (1), a low pressure chamber (2) of the brake booster being connected to the intake manifold (8) of the internal combustion engine (9). To ensure that the brake booster (1) functions during a forced warm up of a catalytic converter, the pressure in the brake booster (1) is monitored by pressure sensors (7a, 7b). If too high a pressure is detected, the internal combustion engine (9) is actuated by an engine control system (10) to decrease intake manifold (8) pressure, for example, by increasing the engine speed after startup. Spark retard, a measure for warming up a catalytic converter, is temporarily reduced or eliminated, if increasing engine speed is insufficient to reduce pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Klemens Grieser, Steve Brett, Brian Eves, Dirk Borrmann
  • Publication number: 20040159096
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine, and an engine control unit are provided for appropriately determining the amount of reducing agent supplied to a NOx selective reduction catalyst to ensure good exhaust gas characteristics. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprises an ECU; a NOx selective reduction catalyst for purifying NOx in exhaust gases in an exhaust pipe; a NOx sensor disposed in the exhaust pipe at a location downstream of the NOx selective reduction catalyst for detecting a NOx concentration in exhaust gases; and an injector for supplying the NOx selective reduction catalyst with ammonia produced in an ammonia production unit. The ECU determines the amount of ammonia injected to the NOx selective reduction catalyst by the injector such that an estimate of the NOx concentration detected by the NOx sensor reaches a minimum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Jun Iwamoto, Hidemi Ogihara
  • Publication number: 20040159097
    Abstract: This is a method for regenerating the NOx catalyst in a NOx purifying system provided in the exhaust passage with a direct reduction type NOx catalyst which directly decomposes the NOx during lean-condition operation and is regenerated at rich-condition operation, and the method prohibiting the rich-condition control when the temperature detected by a catalyst temperature detecting means is within the predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Isuzu Motors Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Uematsu, Jin Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20040159098
    Abstract: An exhaust system (16) of a diesel engine (10) has a diesel particulate filter (18) for treating exhaust gas. When trapped soot has accumulated to an extent that may affect performance of the filter, an engine control system (12) forces combustion of trapped soot by increasing exhaust back-pressure using a control device (20) such as a back-pressure control valve or vanes of a variable geometry turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Xinqun Gui, Guoqing Zhang, Xinlei Wang
  • Publication number: 20040159099
    Abstract: An engine exhaust emission control device determines a differential pressure across a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to enable regeneration of the DPF at optimal timing. An ECU estimates the temperature of a differential pressure sensor provided for the DPF from the output of an intake air temperature sensor when the engine is not running, and determines an offset correction factor for correcting the sensor's offset error. The factor is set using the sensor output at this time as sensor's offset error, and stored in a memory. When detecting the differential pressure across the DPF, the temperature of the sensor at this time is estimated, and an offset correction factor that corresponds to this estimated temperature is selected. The sensor outputs are adjusted with this offset correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Kuboshima, Shinichiro Okugawa, Hironobu Baba
  • Publication number: 20040159100
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises first (3) and second (5) force-activated actuators, each having a fluid displacer (7, 9) and force control lever (19, 21) coupled to the fluid displacer, a conduit (15) for transporting fluid between the fluid displacers to couple motion of the fluid displacers, and a force controller (17) responsive to the pressure of the fluid for controlling a force opposing displacement of a fluid displacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Guy Bernard
  • Publication number: 20040159101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile handling arrangement with hydraulic circuit, forming part of which hydraulic part of which hydraulic circuit (L) is a lifting cylinder (1) arranged in a lifting arrangement (100) made for handling a variable load together with an accumulator arrangement (6) for recovering and reusing the lowered load energy, the hydraulic circuit also comprising a variable hydraulic machine (3) having two ports (10, 11), the said hydraulic machine being capable, by way of a drive unit (D), of delivering full system pressure in two directions of flow to the said ports, one port (11) being connected to the said accumulator arrangement (6) and the other port being connected to the said lifting cylinder (1), characterised in that the hydraulic circuit (L) comprises a temperature sensor (95) in connection with a gaseous phase part (68B) of the said accumulator arrangement (6) and a control and feedback unit (94) in communication with the said temperature sensor (95), by means of which the
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Lars Bruun
  • Publication number: 20040159102
    Abstract: A photovoltaic power generating apparatus is provided which comprises a single solar cell element formed on a substrate and a plurality of power conversion devices individually connected to the solar cell element for converting an output of the solar cell element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumitaka Toyomura, Toshihiko Mimura
  • Publication number: 20040159103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting aerodynamic instabilities in a jet turbine engine having a pressure transducer mounted in the engine. The pressure transducer, welded to a circuit in signal communication with a controller, is adapted to send measured pressure readings from air in a combustion chamber to the controller. The controller, located in spaced apart relation from the engine, is adapted by software to detect pressure patterns from the pressure signals generated by the transducer that are indicative of a stall or surge. A series of fuel and air valves located with compression and combustion chambers of the engine are in signal communication with the controller. The controller in response to detecting pressure signals indicating a stall or surge is operative to signals in the valves to change the air flow, air angle, fuel flow or speed to reduce the possibility of a stall or surge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, John Chivers, Alan Epstein
  • Publication number: 20040159104
    Abstract: A rotor overspeed protection system for a gas turbine engine controls engine fuel flow to prevent an engine rotor from over-speeding. The engine fuel metering system includes a fuel metering valve in flow communication with a fuel shutoff valve and a fuel bypass valve. The rotor protection system includes an overboost servovalve and a soleniod valve coupled to the fuel metering system and to an independent speed sensing system. In operation, servovalve can control the metered fuel flow to engine independently of the fuel metering valve to facilitate reducing rotor overspeeds and overboosts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas George Busch
  • Publication number: 20040159105
    Abstract: In a fuel control method for a combined plant, when the combined plant is just started or during a rated operation, a clutch is completely disengaged or engaged, and therefore, fuel is controlled in the same manner as in the prior art. In the meantime, before and after the clutch is engaged or disengaged, a target load set value is switched to an actual load in response to a signal from a clutch engagement or disengagement period detection unit as a trigger. In this manner, a sudden change in load that may occur when the clutch is engaged or disengaged never influences on a control system disposed downstream thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tanaka, Kimiya Kagotani
  • Publication number: 20040159106
    Abstract: A method of making a gas turbine engine combustor using the steps of: providing a combustor; providing a circumferentially extending louver member for ducting a flow of compressed air through at least one inlet opening in a combustor wall from a source of compressed air outside the combustor; and mounting the louver member in a non-destructive manner for releasable connection and disconnection to an interior surface of the combustor wall and at least partially covering the at least one inlet opening, the louver having a number of outlet openings in flow communication with an inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Bhawan Bhal Patel, Parthasarathy Sampath, Jason Araan Fish
  • Publication number: 20040159107
    Abstract: An attachment and sealing system for securing a combustor cap assembly to a combustion chamber, while providing effective cooling to the combustor cap assembly aft end, is disclosed. The combustor cap assembly is secured within a combustion chamber by a plurality of pins such that the aft end region of the combustor cap assembly is cooled by a fluid medium that is injected through a plurality of first holes in the combustion chamber wall. A generally annular seal, which encompasses the combustor cap assembly, has a plurality of raised ridges, which are in sealing contact with the combustion chamber wall. Multiple embodiments are disclosed regarding the length of the generally annular seal and position and orientation of the plurality of first cooling holes in the combustion chamber wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel J. Sullivan, Shawn Miller, Miguel A. Garrido, Vincent C. Martling
  • Publication number: 20040159108
    Abstract: A jet engine using exhaust gas to get the propulsive force by rotating a fan within the exhaust gas burned in and emitted from the engine includes a body, a burner installed to the body to inject and burn the fuel in compressed air, a high-pressure turbine for giving rotational force by high-pressure exhaust gas from the burner, a low-pressure turbine for giving rotational force by low-pressure exhaust from the high-pressure turbine, a rotary shaft combined to a rotational center of the high-pressure and low-pressure turbines, and a propulsive force providing unit which is rotating together with the rotary shaft to change component of lateral velocity of the exhaust gas emitted through the turbines from the burner to be directed rearward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jae-Chang Lee
  • Publication number: 20040159109
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when worn and operated by a user. This combination personal cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal cooling and heating system invention is lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Mark R. Harvie