Patents Issued in December 2, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040237464
    Abstract: A noise attenuating member (12) has a channel (24) for receiving a timber batten (13). A flooring (14) may be affixed to the batten (13). The noise attenuating member acts as a cushion between the batten (13) and a substrate such as a joist (11, 51) or a concrete slab (50). Noise attenuating holes (1201) and retaining flanges (25, 56) may optionally be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Anwa Khan
  • Publication number: 20040237465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plateformed building element (1), intended for the construction of floor structures and/or walls and consists of wood or some other fibrous material with members (2) connecting inner and outer sides (5, 6) positioned at a mutual distance (A). Said connecting members are formed from plateformed lamellae (2), distributed essentially along the whole surface range of the intended building element. They extend incliningly and/or curved in zigzag patterns and are distributed along said building element (1) in pairs (2, 2) forming parallel channels (51) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Benny Refond
  • Publication number: 20040237466
    Abstract: There is now provided a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material in a beverage bottling plant, and a cleaning device with a pair of nozzles transversely disposed with respect to one another for introduction of cleaning medium into a stream of air and for introduction a stream of air into a cleaning medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Grossmann, Thomas Herold
  • Publication number: 20040237467
    Abstract: A packaging machine for wrapping packing pieces with packing film. The packing machine includes a transport device for the packing pieces arranged in a transport channel, at least one pulling device for the packing film and a film cutting and welding device which, when operated, pulls one film section from the pulling device and welds it to another film section for forming a film tube surrounding the packing piece. The packing machine is design to prevent a run-up of the film pulled by the pulling device into the transport channel by the inclusion of a narrow through gap for the packing film. The gap limits the passage of the film when the tension on the film is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ralf Sobel
  • Publication number: 20040237468
    Abstract: A unit (1) for feeding products (3) to a blistering machine (M) includes a delivery group (2,2a,S) for selectively distributing products (3) to a station (SR), where the products (3) are introduced into respective blisters (40) of a blister band (4), moving in a forward direction (W) inside the blistering machine (M). The filling station (SR) is defined by conveying means (10) consisting of a belt (11) provided with seats (110). Each seat (110) receives a relative product (3) distributed by the delivery group (2,2a,S) and releases the products (3) into a respective blister (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ivano Baroncini
  • Publication number: 20040237469
    Abstract: A machine which automatically dispenses protective, separation dividers for groups of bottles and which is intended for bottle packaging lines. The invention comprises a continuously operating machine which is used to automate the formation of the spatial structure of the separation dividers and the distribution of the protective, separation units in the bottle packaging lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Pedro Serras Vila
  • Publication number: 20040237470
    Abstract: Containers (2) having a threaded neck (3) and a mouth (4) are capped by a unit (1) appearing as a carousel (5) equipped with capping heads caused to advance along a circular path (P) and capable of axial movement toward and away from the containers in such a way that each one can be fitted with a relative cap (11); each capping head of the unit (1) incorporates a gripper (31) furnished with two jaws (30) presenting relative conical surfaces (26), and respective cylindrical surfaces (27) designed to locate against the neck (3) of the container. When the cylindrical surfaces (27) register against the outer surface of the neck (3), the conical surfaces (32) are positioned with the lower edges (28) encroaching on the area compassed by the mouth (4) in such a way that the cap (11) can be gathered and aligned with the neck (3) of the container (2) before being tightened, thereby ensuring a precise fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Daniele Guernieri, Stefano Cavallari
  • Publication number: 20040237471
    Abstract: A system for sealing threaded containers. The system includes a clutch-free spindle assembly which is easily disassembled and cleaned. The special interface between the exterior surface of the cap an the gripping jaws of the chuck allow the system to operate without the moving parts and complications that attend the use of clutch. The spindle assembly features an easily adjustable stop arm and a quick release pin for removing and cleaning the chuck. The chuck has several passageways for the rapid infusion of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hidding, Joseph E. Bashour
  • Publication number: 20040237472
    Abstract: An automated container production line for automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality of novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Gilbert L. De Cardenas, Kenneth N. Barker
  • Publication number: 20040237473
    Abstract: A high speed bagging system and a method for placing a liquid product into a bag and placing at least two of these bags into a pouch is described. The system comprises at least two bag fillers housed in a common filler housing and operating simultaneously to place the liquid product in respective bags on a continuous basis during a working cycle. Filled bags are simultaneously conveyed on a two lane conveyor system. The two-lane conveyor is configured to optimize floor space area. Each conveyor belt has an outlet end associated with a respective bagging machine at a bagging station. The bagging machines are adapted to place at least two of the bags into a pouch on a continuous basis during the working cycle. The bagging machines feed a respective pouch closure device to close a mouth opening of the pouches which are then discharged on a discharge conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Glopak Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Basque
  • Publication number: 20040237474
    Abstract: An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Barry L. Gregerson, James E. Spitzer
  • Publication number: 20040237475
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a wrapping apparatus and associated methods. The wrapping apparatus may include a first holder for holding first items to be wrapped. The wrap is placed on a rotating table when the rotating table is rotated into a first position. One of the first items to be wrapped is moved from the first holder onto the wrap on the rotating table when the rotating table is rotated to a second position. A wrapping mechanism then wraps the first item in the wrap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Howard Rubin
  • Publication number: 20040237476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for manufacturing and shipping goods using a work platform that easily converts into a protective cover for use during shipment of the finished good. The device of the present invention reduces waste generated by the manufacturing and shipping processes through the use of a platform capable of retaining a good during both assembly and shipment. When shipment is complete, the platform is preferably constructed of a material that is recyclable. During assembly, the work platform exists as a single, planar platform comprising a first support surface and a second support surface fixedly joined at an interface. During shipment, the protective cover exists as the first support surface and second support surface fixedly interconnected in a parallel orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick L. Biggins
  • Publication number: 20040237477
    Abstract: Replacement lock levers and related methods are disclosed which accommodate adjustment to acceptable tolerances of the force applied to cans being filled by the platform lift cylinder assemblies of the automatic beverage filling machine, due to an eccentricity of the replacement lock levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Cecil R. McRay, Michael D. Nish, Terry E. Nish
  • Publication number: 20040237478
    Abstract: A filling and sealing device includes an upper part forming a bell and a lower part forming a bowl, receiving a container to be sealed with a film in the chamber defined by the two parts. The upper part has a wall, on the side supplying the sealing film, inserting and filling elements emerging inside the chamber between the sealing film and the lower edge of the wall for inserting products into the chamber and for filling the container therein. Preferably, the upper part also includes above the inserting and filling elements, a slot for passing through the sealing film, closing and locking elements with controlled actuation for closing the slot and lock the film relative to the upper part, and elements for introducing and/or removing fluid (gas).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Rossi, Marie-Jose Rossi
  • Publication number: 20040237479
    Abstract: The invention provides a two-way safety stirrup that will release in the event of the rider being dismounted but which is less prone to unexpected release when pressure is applied in the forward direction. The safety stirrups are of far simpler construction than stirrups of the prior art, yet are not as prone to unexpected release and can be made of non-metal materials, such as plastics and polymers, so that the stirrups are more economically manufactured and are of comparatively light weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hayden Bostock
  • Publication number: 20040237480
    Abstract: This invention provides complete coverage of the underside of a horse's belly, such that insects will not be able to access and irritate any portion of the belly, sheath (on male horses) or teat (on female horses) area, including the area between the front legs and the hind legs. The belly protector consists of two main components: A belly piece and a harness. The belly piece is a generally rectangular shaped mesh that is held closely to the horse's belly with a harness. The harness has cross straps, crupper and neck strap, to provide stability and security of the belly piece while it is on the horse. The belly protector protects the sensitive belly area from biting insects that cause severe irritation in some horses. The belly protector can be used in any situation that requires protection for the belly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Brenda Jean Keiner
  • Publication number: 20040237481
    Abstract: A snow filter for an airplane cabin air supply system is provided with a coned inlet screen which allows some air to pass through and some snow to be retained. The coned configuration diverts much of the air and snow toward a downstream conical retaining and collecting screen positioned toward the outlet of the snow filter. Snow is retained and collected at this point while air is able to pass through the screen. Downstream of the coned inlet screen and upstream of the conical retaining and collecting screen is an open air flow mid-portion that enables tortuous flow of air as the snow is directed toward the conical retaining and collecting screen in an annular collection volume. The outlet of the snow filter is provided with a contact sleeve that allows the snow filter to be fittingly received by a surrounding corresponding air duct. Thus a snow filter is provided that effectively separates snow from a flow of air while maintaining a clog-free path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Edmund P. Taddey, John A. Schwemmer, Mark L. Harris, Robert A. Premont
  • Publication number: 20040237482
    Abstract: A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus comprises an upper casing having an air suction port formed thereon, a lower casing connected to the upper casing to form a cyclone chamber, a guide unit disposed between the upper and the lower casing, and having a first channel for swirling a dirt-laden air drawn in through the air suction port, and a second channel for discharging a cleaned air therethrough; and a filter assembly mounted between the guide unit and the lower casing, for removing a dirt and a dust from the air as drawn in. Accordingly, a compact-sized cyclone dust-collecting apparatus is realized and maintenance management of the vacuum cleaner becomes easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-Kook Lim, Keon-Soo Choi
  • Publication number: 20040237483
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in a baghouse having a tubesheet with a plurality of opening. A flexible snapband is biased towards engagement with a surface defining one of the openings in the tubesheet and is adapted to receive a portion of the filter cartridge. The snapband has a first surface and a second surface with a pair of protrusions separated by a groove adapted to receive a peripheral edge of one of the tubesheet openingd. The pair of protrusions sealingly engage surfaces of the tubesheet. The filter cartridge includes filter media. Structure supports the filter media. A rigid non-metallic tubular collar is integrally formed with the filter media and the structure to secure this filter media and the structure to said collar. The collar includes a pair of longitudinally spaced continuous projections extending radially from the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: BHA Group Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Thomas Clements
  • Publication number: 20040237484
    Abstract: Known devices for separating liquids using parallel-connected cyclones, when gas flows are fluctuating, have a poor separating action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Bernd Altvater, Dietmar Uhlenbrock
  • Publication number: 20040237485
    Abstract: A suction-side transmission or engine filter includes a filter bag assembly having an outlet portion and a media bag enclosing an inner support structure, the filter bag assembly is contained at least partially within a housing having an outlet port. The outlet portion and outlet port are aligned and sealed together creating an outside-in fluid flow scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Markus Beer, James Wolford, Ibrahim Khalil, Joe Geisler, Karl Morgan, Alan Peet
  • Publication number: 20040237486
    Abstract: A liquid collection vessel for an air and liquid vacuum system of the type incorporating an air vacuum unit coupled to the vessel for drawing air and liquid therein. The vessel includes a generally cylindrical housing having an upper region. An ingress nozzle is disposed in the upper region of the housing and is adapted for receiving air and liquid there through and into the housing in response to low pressure created by the vacuum unit coupled thereto. The ingress nozzle is further disposed angularly within the housing for discharging air and liquid into the housing in a descending, tangential flow pattern. An air intake manifold is likewise disposed within the housing and coupled to the air vacuum unit for drawing air out of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040237487
    Abstract: Vertical cyclone vessel (1) having a tubular housing (2) comprising of a tubular wall section (3) provided with a tangentially arranged inlet (3) for receiving a suspension of gas and solids and an elevated cover (5) which closes the upper end of the tubular wall section, wherein a gas outlet conduit (6) significantly protrudes from above and along the axis (7) into the tubular housing to at most the horizontal position of the centre of the tangentially arranged inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Ekker, Cornelis Josephus Maria De Kort
  • Publication number: 20040237488
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter head and two filter elements operably connected in parallel to the filter head for filtering fluid such as natural gas and other fuel gases. The filter assembly includes a filtering material for removal of sulfur compounds from the fluid being filtered; a first filtering material can be used for the removal of mercaptans and a second filtering material can be used for the removal of other sulfur compounds. The filter assembly includes various seals to inhibit leaking of liquid, specifically filtered liquid, from the connection of the filter elements to the filter head. The filter assembly is particularly useful for use in fuel cell systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Eivind Stenersen
  • Publication number: 20040237489
    Abstract: An agricultural machine fitted with a chopping device. The chopping device includes a guard, at least three chopping members disposed above the guard and that are linked thereto to pivot around a shaft directed upwards, and transmission elements that rotate the chopping members around the respective shafts. Among the chopping members at least two adjacent chopping members rotate in opposite directions converging towards the front. The distance separating the rotary shafts of two adjacent chopping members rotating in opposite directions converging towards the front is greater than at least a distance separating the rotary shafts of two adjacent chopping members having directions of rotation that do not converge towards the front. The arrangement of the chopping members in this manner can be used advantageously to improve the removal of the chopped product towards the rear of the chopping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Horst Neuerburg
  • Publication number: 20040237490
    Abstract: A power-dividing device for a working vehicle includes a case member, an input shaft supported by the case member so that a first end portion of the input shaft can be operatively connected to a driving source, a PTO unit having a PTO shaft supported by the case member so as to be offset with respect to the input shaft, a power transmission mechanism accommodated in the case member to transmit power from the input shaft to the PTO shaft, and a first pump unit having a first pump shaft operatively connected to the input shaft and being fluid-connected to an actuator disposed outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Toshifumi Yasuda, Shigenori Sakikawa, Hiroshi Kitagawara, Koji Kiyooka
  • Publication number: 20040237491
    Abstract: A portable powered trimmer and mounting assembly for mounting on a mower deck or shroud of a lawn mower and including an arm assembly which mounts a powered trimmer head thereon. The arm assembly permits the trimmer head to be positioned in a plurality of cutting positions relative to the mower deck, and resiliently mounts the trimmer head for vertical and horizontal floating movement to allow the trimmer head to track both the ground and the contour of obstacles being trimmed around. The resilient mounting of the trimmer head also prevents damage to the trimmer head due to impact with obstacles encountered in the cutting path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Brent Heighton, Kenneth Abbott
  • Publication number: 20040237492
    Abstract: A mulching mower unit comprising a mower deck having a top plate, and a plurality of rotary blades arranged side by side inside the mower deck. A mulching baffle for providing at least part of boundary walls of a plurality of mulching chambers is detachably attached to the interior of the mower deck. A vertical guide wall constituting the mulching baffle has an inclined surface. A terminal end guide surface is formed in a terminal end portion of the vertical guide wall with respect to a direction of rotation of the rotary blade in a region around an opening for allowing the adjacent mulching chambers to communicate with each other, whereby grass clippings are deflected inwardly of the mulching chamber with which the terminal end guide surface is associated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Samejima, Masatoshi Yamaguchi, Junichi Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20040237493
    Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a mower deck having a discharge outlet for discharging grass clippings. The mower deck includes an aperture and slot defined by the mower deck adjacent opposite sides of the discharge outlet. A chute is pivotally connected to the mower deck above the discharge outlet and may pivot between a stowed condition and an operable condition. An extension portion is removably connectable to the mower deck adjacent the discharge outlet. The extension portion includes a fixed pin engageable with the aperture and a latch engageable with the slot. The latch is movable between an engaged position, in which the latch engages the slot, and a disengaged position, in which the latch is removed from the slot. The extension portion extends beyond the chute while the chute is in the stowed condition. A grass catcher is connectable to extension portion opposite the mower deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Schroeder, Kari Ann Kalista
  • Publication number: 20040237494
    Abstract: An electrically conductive elastic composite yarn comprises an elastic member that is surrounded by at least one conductive covering filament(s). The elastic member has a predetermined relaxed unit length L and a predetermined drafted length of (N×L), where N is a number preferably in the range from about 1.0 to about 8.0. The conductive covering filament has a length that is greater than the drafted length of the elastic member such that substantially all of an elongating stress imposed on the composite yarn is carried by the elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Eleni Karayianni, Omero Consoli, George W. Coulston, Klaus J. Regenstein
  • Publication number: 20040237495
    Abstract: A yarn false twist texturing apparatus which includes a yarn heater, a yarn cooling device, and a yarn twisting unit serially arranged along a yarn path of travel. The cooling device is composed of a cooling tube, and yarn guides are arranged so that the yarn advances spirally on the surface of the outside periphery of the tube. A yarn lifter is positioned so as to lift the advancing yarn from contact with the outside periphery of the cooling tube over a partial length of the cooling tube, so that the cooling effect can be influenced without significantly changing the spiral looping on the cooling tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang-Peter Fink
  • Publication number: 20040237496
    Abstract: Device for closing a chain, particularly a bicycle chain, comprising a first and a second pair of end outer plates connected by at least one pair of inner plates, a pair of rivets so engaging a pair of end holes of the first and the second pair of outer plates and the corresponding holes of a pair of, inner plates arranged at the ends of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20040237497
    Abstract: A method of punching chain links for a power transmission chain from metal sheet material to ensure precise location of the apertures relative to the outer link contour of the link being created comprising the steps of piercing the metal sheet material to form the apertures and the back contour of the link at a first station. Piercing the metal sheet material to form link flanks at a second station. Shaving the apertures, the link flanks, and the back contour sequentially at a third same station as the metal sheet material is held stationary. Blanking the outer link contour to separate the link from the metal sheet material at fourth station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Anderson, Jim Benjamin, Takaharu Yoshimori
  • Publication number: 20040237498
    Abstract: A cable or the like protection and guide device, which can prevent rubbing damage or the production of wear powders in a cable or the like is disclosed. Link bodies (11) are articulably connected to each other in the longitudinal direction with a cable or the like (12) inserted. Each link body (11) comprises a pair of link plates (13) spaced on both sides of the cable or the like (12), connecting plates (14, 15), which are bridged on the articulation outer circumferential side and the articulation inner circumferential side of the link plate, and a partitioning plate (31) supported on at least articulation inner circumferential side connecting plate, which faces the link plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Shoichiro Komiya
  • Publication number: 20040237499
    Abstract: The present invention suggests a safe process and system for generating energy, which may be used for transportation applications such as car propulsion. More particularly, the process of the invention is for producing mechanical work from heat generated by at least one exothermic chemical reaction. In each step of the process, at least part of the heat is generated by a process comprising introducing into a reaction chamber a metal from a metal reservoir and an oxidizer from an oxidizer reservoir. The metal and the oxidizer used in this process are of kinds that react exothermally with each other, and the oxidizer is oxygen of ambient air or is of a condensed phase origin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Amnon Yogev, Eliyahu Gamzon
  • Publication number: 20040237500
    Abstract: This invention relates to a combustion chamber arrangement for a gas turbine, with a number of individual combustion chambers which open into an annular gap, leading to a turbine chamber, whereby burners are arranged before the individual combustion chambers, connected to the individual combustion chambers through a turbine housing. According to the invention, said combustion chamber arrangement may be further developed, such that the cooling efficiency of the individual combustion chambers may be significantly improved, with an embodiment of simple construction, whereby at least one collar, arranged on one side of the turbine housing, facing the turbine chamber, running radially in the direction of the turbine chamber, at least partly surrounds a section of at least one individual combustion chamber whilst leaving a gap space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Publication number: 20040237501
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing gas turbine engine noise, such as noise generated by an aircraft gas turbine engine, comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of gas injectors for injecting gas such as high pressure engine bleed air, diverted core air, air obtained from a pressurized storage container or air obtained from a synthetic jet actuator into the area proximate to one or more engine nozzle portions, thereby disrupting the noise-generating gas streams generated by the engine exhaust and the travel of the airplane through the air. The apparatus is particularly useful for reducing engine noise during the takeoff period of aircraft flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: David C Brice, Brian E Barton, Julia K Whitmire
  • Publication number: 20040237502
    Abstract: An assembly useful in reducing aircraft engine noise such as turbofan engine noise comprises: (a) a core portion comprising at least one entrance end and at least one exit end for the passage of acoustic energy therethrough; (b) a first member having an exterior face and an interior face, wherein the first member is adjacent to at least a part of the core portion, and the first member has a plurality of openings therein to permit the passage of acoustic energy therethrough; and (c) a second member having an exterior face and an interior face, wherein the interior face of the second member is adjacent to the core portion. The core portion may be a honeycomb acoustic structure, and the first member may be perforated to permit the passage of acoustic energy into and out of the conduit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Moe, Stuart J. Byrne, Norman J. James, Ricardo A. Burdisso
  • Publication number: 20040237503
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing rotor inlet temperature in a turbine comprising the steps of determining a burner fuel flow (WFGG), a burner inlet pressure (PS32), and a compressor discharge temperature (T3) of a turbine, calculating a ratio unit parameter from the burner fuel flow, the burner inlet pressure, and the compressor discharge temperature, and calculating a synthesized rotor inlet temperature from the ratio unit parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Craig W. Irwin, Richard W. McBride, Kenneth D. Olson, Carl F. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040237504
    Abstract: An engine includes at least one pulse detonation chamber configured to receive and detonate a fuel and an oxidizer. The pulse detonation chamber has an outlet end and includes a porous liner adapted to fit within an inner surface of the pulse detonation chamber within a vicinity of the outlet end. The engine also includes a casing housing the pulse detonation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pierre Francois Pinard, Anthony John Dean, Adam Rasheed
  • Publication number: 20040237505
    Abstract: Process for determining properties of liquid particles of engine exhaust gas, wherein the process includes detecting Raman scattering produced in a test area by excitation with one of a laser, a laser diode, and a diode laser and determining at least one of a type and composition of individual constituents of the liquid particles of the engine exhaust gas and concentrations of individual constituents of the liquid particles of the engine exhaust gas. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Leipertz
  • Publication number: 20040237506
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine utilizing an exhaust gas recirculation, an exhaust gas recirculation rate is set to a minimum or zero at a small engine load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Osamu Yamada, Tohru Nakazono, Syougo Matsubayashi
  • Publication number: 20040237507
    Abstract: The invention proposes an exhaust-gas purification unit for purifying the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine which is preferably operated in lean-burn mode, in particular a diesel engine used in motor vehicles, in which a particulate filter and a SCR catalytic converter are arranged in the exhaust pipe in succession in the direction of flow, and having a reducing-agent supply, it being possible for ammonia to be added to the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine on the entry side of the SCR catalytic converter by the reducing-agent supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Duvinage, Christian Goerigk, Arno Nolte, Markus Paule, Henning Sander
  • Publication number: 20040237508
    Abstract: A characteristic change of a humidity sensor 19 is detected based on the transitional characteristics of output data of the humidity sensor 19 with respect to integrated moisture quantity data representative of an integrated amount of moisture that is supplied to an HC adsorbent 7 by an exhaust gas after an engine 1 has started to operate. Data of characteristics of an individual unit of the humidity sensor 19 is held by the resistance of a resistive element 21 connected to a connector or the like of the humidity sensor 19. A parameter for grasping a state of the HC adsorbent 7 is corrected depending on the detected characteristic change of the humidity sensor 19 and the characteristics of the individual unit of the humidity sensor 19, and the state of the HC adsorbent 7 is grasped based on the corrected parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Hideharu Yamazaki, Masahiro Sato, Kei Machida, Tetsuo Endo, Masaki Ueno
  • Publication number: 20040237509
    Abstract: A system for supplying clean pressurized air to a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) includes a diesel engine, a turbocharger, and a DOC. The diesel engine having an outlet that presents an exhaust gas. The turbocharger receives at least a first portion of the exhaust gas and clean air, and presents uncooled pressurized clean air. The DOC receives a combination of the at least first portion of the exhaust gas and at least a second portion of the uncooled pressurized clean air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Sameer Bhargava, Kevin Dean Sisken
  • Publication number: 20040237510
    Abstract: During the catalyst warm-up period, when control enabling reduction in hydrocarbons is not executed in gasoline engine 100, the opening of the throttle valve 101 is made smaller in order to reduce the hydrocarbon discharge. During the catalyst warm-up period, when control enabling reduction in the quantity of hydrocarbons is executed in gasoline engine 100, the opening of the throttle valve 101 is made larger in order to accelerate warm-up of the catalyst, thereby shortening the catalyst warm-up period. A shorter catalyst warm-up period enables reduction in the total quantity of hydrocarbons from engine startup to the end of the catalyst warm-up period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Kusada, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi, Toshio Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040237511
    Abstract: A mixing device for mixing the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine flowing in an exhaust pipe with a reducing agent as well as an exhaust gas purification system having such a mixing device are described. A mixing body that is positionable in the exhaust pipe and having a gas impact surface and a spray impact surface is provided so that exhaust gas flowing from the internal combustion engine is able to strike the gas impact surface and reducing agent, which is suppliable transversely to the exhaust gas flow, is able strike the spray impact surface, the spray impact surface and the gas impact surface forming disjointed sub-areas of the surface of the mixing body. The mixing device distributes the reducing agent uniformly over the cross section of the exhaust pipe and mixes it uniformly with the exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ripper, Bernd Mahr, Johannes Schaller, Cord Scharsack, Thomas Prasser
  • Publication number: 20040237512
    Abstract: A hydrogen fueled reciprocating spark ignition engine includes a fuel system for providing gaseous hydrogen to the cylinders of the engine and a lean NOx trap coupled to the engine for treating the engine's exhaust. An EGR system provides recirculated exhaust gas to the engine, and a controller operates the fuel system and EGR system during periodic purging of the lean NOx trap such that the engine is operated fuel rich, with the mass of EGR approximating 40%-80% of the mass of air and fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: XIAOGUO TANG, JOSEPH ROBERT THEIS, ROBERT JAY NATKIN, SIAMAK HASHEMI, WILLIAM F. STOCKHAUSEN
  • Publication number: 20040237513
    Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a particulate filter coupled to an exhaust outlet of an internal combustion engine includes a controller responsive to volumetric flow and temperature of exhaust gas to determine a filter regeneration parameter. In a hybrid electric-engine vehicle application, various control strategies are implemented as a function of the regeneration parameter to control exhaust gas temperature suitably for proper regeneration of the particulate filter. Such strategies include shifting the duty cycle of the engine toward lower engine speed operation along lines of constant power output, modifying the ratio of electrical power and engine power and controlling recharging of the battery supplying electrical energy to the vehicle's electric drive motor under vehicle deceleration conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce G. Bunting, Paul R. Miller, Bradlee J. Stoia, S. Arvind Suresh, Rod Radovanovic