Patents Issued in December 30, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040261402
    Abstract: Method and system for controlling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle where a catalyst is communicated to engine exhaust gases including predicting occurrence of an impending engine operating event that will change an exhaust constituent in the engine exhaust gases, determining an oxygen content of exhaust gases downstream of the catalyst, and adjusting an air-fuel ratio of the engine based on the determined oxygen content and the predicted engine operating event to precondition the catalyst prior to occurrence of the particular event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Edward Sealy, Donald James Lewis, Kenneth John Behr, Thomas Raymond Culbertson
  • Publication number: 20040261403
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a vaporized reductant to an engine exhaust stream finds particular utility in the regeneration of a nitrous oxide adsorber in a Diesel engine exhaust treatment system. The method and apparatus are based on fueling the Diesel engine with a mixture of Diesel oil and an alcohol, such as methanol. At least a portion of the alcohol vaporizes in the fuel tank, or is forced to vaporize by passing the fuel mixture through a heat exchanger. The vapor is then stored in a canister for subsequent selective injection of the alcohol into the exhaust stream upstream of the adsorber. The alcohol then thermally decomposes to provide sufficient hydrogen and carbon monoxide to regenerate the adsorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas W. Asmus, Fuquan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20040261404
    Abstract: The invention concerns an internal combustion engine exhaust line comprising an active noise reduction system with variable choke device, continuously regulated based on the instantaneous discharge rate pulses of exhaust gases exiting from the internal combustion engine, including an expansion chamber for closing phases of the variable choke device arranged upstream of said active noise reduction system and a cavity dispersing medium and high frequencies arranged downstream of the active noise reduction system. The expansion chamber for the closing phases of the variable choke device is integrated in a first depolluting system arranged upstream of said active noise reduction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicants: RENAULT V.I., RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Philippe Vignassa, Franck Le Brazidec
  • Publication number: 20040261405
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to supply a desired amount of working oil needed by an option apparatus in the case that a combined work is performed by engaging an option apparatus to a work apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20040261406
    Abstract: In the present invention, it is possible to supply hydraulic fluid by the amount needed in an option tool even when a combined work is performed by engaging an option tool having a different operation pressure to a work apparatus. The hydraulic circuit for an option tool of heavy equipment comprises a poppet valve which is openably and closably installed in a flow path of a supply side of the option tool spool, a first spool which is installed in a flow path between the poppet valve and the option tool spool and has an opening portion adapted to maintain a constant pressure difference when the first spool is switched by pilot pressure discharged from the pilot pump, and a second spool which is installed in a down stream side of the poppet valve and is switched when an over load occurs due to an over pressure exceeding the degree set in the option tool for thereby closing the poppet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20040261407
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the motor output speed of a variable displacement hydraulic motor are disclosed. The method may include determining a value indicative of a motor output speed, determining a value indicative of a desired motor output speed, determining a desired position of a control valve using a nonlinear feedback control law, and controlling the motor output speed as a function of the control valve position, wherein the nonlinear feedback control creates a first order system response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hongliu Du
  • Publication number: 20040261408
    Abstract: A bent axis hydrostatic module, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventors: John Fleming, Scott Meyer, Doug Kardell, Christopher P. Masini, Jeffrey C. Marks
  • Publication number: 20040261409
    Abstract: A gas generator comprises an outflow chamber and a freeing element. The outflow chamber contains at least briefly gas under pressure, when the gas generator is activated and at least one outflow opening is arranged in a side wall of the outflow chamber. The freeing element is arranged non-displaceably in the outflow chamber and has a peripheral wall and a base wall. The peripheral wall extends along the side wall and closes at least one outflow opening before an activation of the gas generator. The base wall is connected with the peripheral wall. The freeing element is constructed so that on exceeding a predetermined gas pressure in the outflow chamber, the base wall turns inwards under partial plastic deformation of the peripheral wall and at least one hitherto concealed outflow opening is freed by the plastic deformation of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Fischer, Michael Gabler, Achim Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20040261410
    Abstract: A seal between the head of a Stirling engine (1) and surrounding burner assembly (2). The seal comprises an annular trough (11) attached to one component and filled with a viscous liquid (14), and an annular blade attached to the other component inserted into the viscous liquid. This forms a seal to the gas path between the engine and burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Adam Richard Gregory, Julie Patricia Hyde, David Anthony Clark
  • Publication number: 20040261411
    Abstract: This invention provides stroke-multiplying shape memory alloy actuators and other actuators using electromechanically active materials [collectively referred to in this application as SMA actuators] providing stroke multiplication without significant force reduction, that are readily miniaturizable and fast acting, and their design and use; economical and efficient control and sensing mechanisms for shape memory alloy actuators (including conventional shape memory alloy actuators as well as the stroke-multiplying SMA actuators of this invention) for low power consumption, resistance/obstacle/load sensing, and accurate positional control; and devices containing these actuators and control and sensing mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Roderick MacGregor
  • Publication number: 20040261412
    Abstract: An asymmetric MEMS thermal actuator device includes a base portion, typically a pair of bond pads, and an actuator element connected to the base portion by a flexure portion. The actuator element has a first arm and a second arm alongside the first arm and spaced from the first arm. The second arm is wider than the first arm so that the actuator element deflects about the flexure element due to differential heating in the first and second arms when an electrical current is passed therethrough. A cut-out portion is provided in the second arm adjacent the first arm so as to increase the spacing therefrom over at least a portion of the second arm. Preferably, a heat sink is also provided laterally adjacent the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Bookham Technology PLC
    Inventor: Ryan Murray Hickey
  • Publication number: 20040261413
    Abstract: One of the swing shafts 32 of the nozzle vanes 31 is selected so as to operate as swing drive shaft 33 that projects to the outside. As the swing drive shaft 33 is driven to revolve, all the nozzle vanes 31 are driven to turn by a same angle by way of the driving lever 21 and the coupling ring 18 linked to it. Therefore, it is only the swing drive shaft 33 that projects to the outside, the projecting part can be sealed in a simple and reliable manner to improve the sealing effect and the durability of the variable geometry turbocharger. Additionally, since the rotary motion of the swing drive shaft 33 is directly used to driven the nozzle vanes 31 to swing, the mechanism for transmitting the driving force is simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nishiyama, Hiroshi Sugito, Takahisa Iino
  • Publication number: 20040261414
    Abstract: The Inventor invented a combustion control device which optimizes combustion regardless of the cetane number of a fuel of an internal combustion engine (1) by focusing on the correlation between the cetane number and specific gravity of the fuel, and correcting combustion control based on the specific gravity of the fuel. The combustion control device comprises a sensor (7, 32, 36, 37) which detects the specific gravity of the fuel, a device which adjusts a combustion-related element of the internal combustion engine (1) such as fuel injection, compression end in-cylinder temperature and an intake air swirl (15, 19, 27, 51), and a controller (21) programmed to correct a target value of the element based on the specific gravity of the fuel (S414, S424, S430), and control the adjusting device so that the corrected target value is realized (S415, S425, S430).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO. , LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Araki
  • Publication number: 20040261415
    Abstract: Motor-driven compressor-alternator unit including pistons. Each piston has a large diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion extending from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion slides within a first cylinder and provides a motor function. The smaller diameter portion slides within a second cylinder and provides a compressor function. An arrangement at least one of inactivates the motor function during compressor operation, inactivates the compressor function during motor operation, and activates ambient heat recovery during motor operation. 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: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: MDI-MOTOR DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Negre, Cyril Negre
  • Publication number: 20040261416
    Abstract: An engine which is fuelled solely by super heater water/steam in which the super heated water/steam is used to create power via thermal expansion. The water/steam is then condensed and then recirculated in a closed circuit arrangement so as to arrive at zero consumption and zero emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: William Llewis White
  • Publication number: 20040261417
    Abstract: A steam turbine and steam turbine plant that can utilize a relatively higher reheated steam, such as about 1300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, is provided. A steam turbine plant includes a steam generator generating high pressure steam and reheated steam, a high pressure turbine driven by the high pressure steam generated by the steam generator, and an intermediate pressure turbine driven by the reheated steam. A steam bleed line coupled with the high pressure turbine bleeds steam from the high pressure turbine as cooling steam. The intermediate pressure turbine includes a heated steam inlet for receiving the reheated steam, and a cooling steam inlet for receiving the cooling steam. The cooling steam cools components of the intermediate pressure turbine that receive the reheated steam. A low pressure turbine is driven by steam discharged from the intermediate pressure turbine, and a condenser condenses steam discharged from the low pressure turbine into water as a condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Katsuya Yamashita, Kohei Nagane, Yukio Shinozaki
  • Publication number: 20040261418
    Abstract: Arrangement at a gas turbine installation for the generating of electricity, where inlet air filter housing (4), bleed air outlet (9) and inlet (5) for the vent air to the turbine housing (2) are integrated into two units, an upper filter housing (4) and a lower intermediate housing (3) connected to the turbine housing (2). The lower intermediate housing (3) includes a silencer (14) for the inlet air that at the same time connects the filter housing with the turbine inlet (11). The compressor bleed air system is divided into two parts, one (18) in the intermediate housing (3) and one extending through the filter housing. The vent air for the turbine housing is drawn in through an end wall of the filter housing and down into the turbine housing through separate spaces (20, 17) surrounding the compressor bleed ducting (9, 18) in the filter and intermediate housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Sandberg, Tord Ekberg, Peter Johansson
  • Publication number: 20040261419
    Abstract: A combustor includes an outer wall and an inner liner joined to an inner shell in turn mounted to an inner casing. The casing includes a first rabbet at an end flange in which is mounted a corresponding flange of the inner shell. The inner shell also includes a second rabbet which receives an end flange of the inner liner. The inner shell is trapped in the first rabbet by an inner retainer. And, the inner liner is trapped in the surrounding second rabbet for aft-mounting the liner and shell to the inner casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy Patrick McCaffrey, Barry Francis Barnes, Stephen John Howell, John Carl Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040261420
    Abstract: A magnetocaloric effect heterostructure having a core layer of a giant magnetocaloric material and an elastically stiff material layer coated on at least one surface of the magnetocaloric material layer. The elastically stiff material layer restricts volume changes of the core layer during application of a magnetic field to the heterostructure. A magnetocaloric effect composite powder including a plurality of core particles of a giant magnetocaloric material. Each of the core particles is encapsulated within a coating of elastically stiff material that restricts volume changes of the core particles during application of a magnetic field thereto. A method for enhancing the magnetocaloric effect within a giant magnetocaloric material including the step of coating a surface of the magnetocaloric material with an elastically stiff material. The elastically stiff material restricts volume changes of the magnetocaloric material during application of a magnetic field thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Laura J. Henderson Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040261421
    Abstract: A tablet air cooling dock. In one embodiment, the dock includes a cooling unit a tablet cradle to receive and support a tablet computer. The cradle includes a passageway to receive air from the cooling unit and to provide the air to a vent of the tablet computer. In one embodiment, the tablet cradle is pivotally mounted to provide multiple viewing positions of the tablet computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Shawn S. McEuen, Brian Wilk, Himanshu Pokharna
  • Publication number: 20040261422
    Abstract: A tablet air cooling dock. In one embodiment, the dock includes a cooling unit a tablet cradle to receive and support a tablet computer. The cradle includes a passageway to receive air from the cooling unit and to provide the air to a vent of the tablet computer. In one embodiment, the tablet cradle is provitally mounted to provide multiple viewing positions of the tablet computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Shawn S. McEuen, Brian Wilk, Himanshu Pokhama
  • Publication number: 20040261423
    Abstract: An integrated cryopump and 2 stage pulse tube refrigeration system (100) comprising a cryopump, a compressor for a pulse tube refrigerator, a pulse tube refrigerator located within the vacuum chamber of the cryopump where the hot ends of the pulse tubes (165,175) are connected to each other through a buffer volume (180), are integral to the cryopump vacuum chamber hosing, and a buffer volume (180) is connected to the hot ends (117,119) of the pulse tubes (165,175) through flow restrictors (145,150).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph C Longsworth
  • Publication number: 20040261424
    Abstract: An electronic controller is integral with a cryopump and provides an offline solution for purging a cryopump and an exhaust line during unsafe conditions. The electronic controller is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of purge, exhaust purge and gate valves coupled to the cryopump. The electronic controller can preempt any attempts from other systems to control these valves during unsafe conditions. An unsafe condition can be a power failure in the cryopump, a dangerous temperature in the cryopump or a temperature sensing diode that is not operating properly. When an unsafe condition is determined, the exhaust purge valve is opened and the gate valve closed, while the opening of a purge valve may be delayed for a safe period of time. If the unsafe condition still exists when the safe period of time elapses, the purge valve is allowed to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Amundsen, Maureen Buonpane, Doug Andrews
  • Publication number: 20040261425
    Abstract: An electronic controller is integral with a cryopump and provides an offline solution for purging a cryopump and an exhaust line during unsafe conditions. The electronic controller is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of purge, exhaust purge and gate valves coupled to the cryopump. The electronic controller can preempt any attempts from other systems to control these valves during unsafe conditions. An unsafe condition can be a power failure in the cryopump, a dangerous temperature in the cryopump or a temperature sensing diode that is not operating properly. When an unsafe condition is determined, the exhaust purge valve is opened and the gate valve closed, while the opening of a purge valve may be delayed for a safe period of time. If the unsafe condition still exists when the safe period of time elapses, the purge valve is allowed to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Amundsen, Maureen Buonpane, Doug Andrews, Jordan Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20040261426
    Abstract: An electronic controller is integral with a cryopump and provides an offline solution for purging a cryopump and an exhaust line during unsafe conditions. The electronic controller is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of purge, exhaust purge and gate valves coupled to the cryopump. The electronic controller can preempt any attempts from other systems to control these valves during unsafe conditions. An unsafe condition can be a power failure in the cryopump, a dangerous temperature in the cryopump or a temperature sensing diode that is not operating properly. When an unsafe condition is determined, the exhaust purge valve is opened and the gate valve closed, while the opening of a purge valve may be delayed for a safe period of time. If the unsafe condition still exists when the safe period of time elapses, the purge valve is allowed to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Amundsen, Maureen Buonpane, Doug Andrews, Jordan Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20040261427
    Abstract: A method of operating an auger ice-making machine having a refrigeration casing, an auger screw rotatably disposed inside the casing and feeding, while scraping, the ice frozen on an inner wall surface of the casing, a stocker for storing/retaining the ice fed, the stocker being formed with an ice discharge port of the stocker in order to discharge the ice to an exterior of the machine by being opened, and a stored-ice detector for detecting a high level, and a low level, of a quantity of ice stored within the stocker, wherein: when the stored-ice detector detects the high level, a controller is activated to stop ice-making operation, and when the quantity of ice stored decreases below the low level by a required quantity, the controller restarts the ice-making operation; and when the controller judges, during a stopped state of the ice-making operation, that a block of ice has occurred in the stocker, the controller restarts the ice-making operation, provided that the stored-ice detector has detected the low
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Tsuchikawa, Takashi Hibino, Hideyuki Ikari
  • Publication number: 20040261428
    Abstract: A closed loop cooling system and method for an oil-free electric motor of an aircraft cabin air compressor. A closed-loop fan, which may be coupled to a motor rotor opposite a compressor impeller, circulates the required cooling air in a closed loop through a motor stator and bearings, a motor cooler, and a ducting used to complete the flow circuit via a ram air cooled heat exchanger. The cooling air may be pressurized to cabin pressure. The system and method of the present invention eliminates the possibility of contaminating trace amounts of oil in cabin supply air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Roger P. Murry, Chris Speights
  • Publication number: 20040261429
    Abstract: A vapor compression system for allowing humidity control includes a plurality of vapor compression circuits including at least one cooling circuit and at least one heat pump operable circuit; the plurality of circuits being adapted to act upon a stream of air whereby a first portion is cooled by the at least one cooling circuit and a second portion is heated by the heat pump operable circuit whereby the stream of air can be dehumidified while maintaining a desired air stream temperature. As a result, such a system can have three modes of operation; cooling, heating and dehumidification with low sensible capacity as well as multiple steps of unloading. Furthermore, system reliability and complexity are improved and operation and control functions are enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dobmeier, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20040261430
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance with an inner chamber enclosed by a heat-insulating housing and a plurality of electrical or electromechanical components. The components including a cooling circuit for cooling the inner chamber and at least one temperature sensor. A control unit for controlling the cooperation of the components, which control unit has a test operating mode for checking the operative ness of at least some of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Stempfle, Christian Mayershofer, Rainer Brachert, Andreas Reiter, Rudolf Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040261431
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a remote refrigeration system includes a plurality of sensors that monitor parameters of components of the refrigeration system and a communication network that transfers signals generated by each of the plurality of sensors. A management center receives the signals from the communication network and processes the signals to determine an operating condition of at least one of the components. The management center generates an alarm based on the operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Abtar Singh, Thomas J. Mathews, Stephen T. Woodworth
  • Publication number: 20040261432
    Abstract: A control system for an air conditioner is configured that can wirelessly transmit control signals, and allow the output power settings of transceiver units arranged in the outdoor unit and indoor units to be reduced. The air conditioner control system includes an outdoor unit transceiver unit indoor unit transceiver units, and a center. The outdoor unit transceiver unit is arranged in an outdoor unit, and transmits and receives control signals. The indoor unit transceiver units are respectively arranged in the indoor units, and transmit and receive control signals. The center wirelessly relays control signals between the outdoor unit transceiver unit and the indoor unit transceiver units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Yamamoto, Nobuhiro Imada
  • Publication number: 20040261433
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment separated from the fresh food compartment by a mullion, a water dispenser coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, a user interface coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, and a controller operationally coupled to the water dispenser. The controller is configured to receive a signal representative of a user desired amount of water, and dispense an amount of water equal to the desired amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Errin W. Gnadinger
  • Publication number: 20040261434
    Abstract: A method includes using a turbine ratemeter in an appliance to meter delivery of a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Mitchell Zentner, James Alan Cosgrove, Ronald Scott Tarr, Errin Whitney Gnadinger
  • Publication number: 20040261435
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Refrigerant is circulated though the closed circuit system. Preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. As carbon dioxide has a low critical point, systems utilizing carbon dioxide as a refrigerant usually require the refrigeration system to run transcritical. When the system is operating inefficiently, the system is modified so the system operates efficiently. First, a parameter of the system is monitored by a sensor and the then compared to a stored value to determine if the system is operating inefficiently. If the system is operating inefficiently, the system is modified to an efficient system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Yu Chen, Lili Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040261436
    Abstract: A method for operating a vapor compression system includes the steps of providing a vapor compression system having a compressor circuit including a compressor having an inlet port and an outlet port, a circuit incorporating the compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device for sequentially generating a cooling refrigerant for cooling a stream of air so as to provide a dehumidified cooled stream of air, and a reheat refrigerant for heating the dehumidified cooled stream of air to provide a reheated dehumidified stream of air; controlling discharge pressure from the compressor outlet so as to increase discharge pressure from the compressor outlet. Furthermore, system dehumidification performance is improved in terms of latent capacity boost, undesired sensible capacity reduction, latent efficiency enhancement, and recovery of supply air temperature to a desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier, Ruddy C. Bussjager
  • Publication number: 20040261437
    Abstract: A valve plug is threadedly engaged with a valve stem so as to be inserted from an open end of a passage for charging with and/or releasing from a compressed fluid, toward an inner part of the passage, thereby closing an inner smaller diameter portion. The valve plug includes a threadedly engaging member threadedly engaging a portion of the passage located nearer to the open end side than the smaller diameter portion, and a turn head turnably connected to an end of the threadedly engaging member and having a distal end inserted into the smaller diameter portion so as to adhere closely to an open edge of the smaller diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuji Ohno
  • Publication number: 20040261438
    Abstract: Method for making snow wherein snow is made within a closed environment by discharging water droplets into a body of air maintained by air conditioning means at a temperature and humidity such as to turn the water droplets into snow, falling on to a surface including coolant pipes which are covered with a layer of snow, the coolant being at a lower temperature than the air temperature such that there is a temperature gradient in the snow layer of the order of 0.1 degrees centigrade per centimetre depth, whereby during the initial part of the process a small quantity of small droplets is discharged to provide nucleating particles, and thereafter a larger quantity of droplets is discharged and whereby incoming air to be discharged into the body of air is drawn over cold surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Malcolm George Clulow, David Winnett
  • Publication number: 20040261439
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electronic device under test includes a thermal head. The thermal head defines a flow channel for passage of a refrigerant fluid so as to cause transfer of thermal energy between the electronic device and the thermal head. A refrigeration system is connected in fluid communication with the flow channel of the thermal head to supply refrigerant fluid thereto. An inlet valve and outlet valve are provided to facilitate disconnection of the thermal head from the refrigeration system. The valves are sequentially closed with the refrigeration system continuing to operate during the interim period so as to reclaim the refrigerant fluid. Accordingly, thermal head may be disconnected from refrigeration system and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Lewis S. Wayburn, Ian G. Spearing, Derek E. Gage
  • Publication number: 20040261440
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system for conditioning air by removing heat and moisture from the air and transferring it to the environment, comprising: a dehumidifier (14) that produces dehumidified air and utilizes a liquid desiccant for drying; at least one non-desiccant fluid at a temperature lower than the temperature of the liquid desiccant; and at least one heat exchanger (20) in which the liquid desiccant is cooled by the at least one fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Mordechai Forkosh, Dan Forkosh, Tomy Forkosh
  • Publication number: 20040261441
    Abstract: A heat pump having an indoor coil that operates as a condenser when the system is in a heating mode and an outdoor coil that operates as an evaporator when the system is in the heating mode. A variable speed indoor fan is used to move supply air over the indoor coil and a temperature sensor is arranged to provide ambient outdoor temperature data to a programmable computer. The computer contains a schedule for continuously adjusting the speed of the indoor fan in response to changes in the ambient temperature so as to maintain the temperature of the supply air at a constant level. In doing so, the compressor discharge pressure is also maintained within allowable limits and is held substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn A. Turner, Rajendra K. Shah, Eugene L. Mills
  • Publication number: 20040261442
    Abstract: An ice bank of an ice-making device for a refrigerator is disclosed, for smooth crush and discharge of ice, which includes a housing for storing ice made in an icemaker, and provided rotatably to apply the power to the stored ice at a rotation direction; an ice discharger having at least one hole through which the ice is discharge to the external; a crusher provided in the inside of the housing, the crusher guiding the stored ice to the hole of the ice discharge and crushing the ice as a predetermined size before discharging the ice to the hole according to a user's select; and rotating means for rotating the housing. Also, the crusher includes fixed crushing means fixed to the inside of the housing, and rotation crushing means rotated for being synchronized with the housing so as to crush the ice before discharging the ice to the external according to a user's select.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Eui Yeop Chung, Wook Yong Lee, Seung Hwan Oh, Myung Ryul Lee
  • Publication number: 20040261443
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, Todd Erik Duff
  • Publication number: 20040261444
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment, a freezer compartment, and a third compartment controllable in both a refrigeration mode and a freezer mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Lester Chastine
  • Publication number: 20040261445
    Abstract: A cooler for chilling food is particularly suited for outdoor buffet service and has an ice tray and a base that raises the ice tray off the ground. The ice tray is formed from insulated walls defining an interior compartment and includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending around the outer periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upper surface that slopes away from the side wall to a drain that extends through the bottom wall. The cooler can be drained without tilting the cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Anna Kunkel, Branden L. Kunkel
  • Publication number: 20040261446
    Abstract: An absorption cooling machine of the type which uses a refrigerant and an absorbent and which includes a high stage generator, absorber, condenser, heat exchangers, and an evaporator and means for connecting the components to one another to form a closed absorption cooling system. The solution side of the high stage generator is fluidically divided into two sections with a partition plate whereby gas exiting one section at relatively high temperature is further cooled in a second section called a flue gas recuperator (FGR) to improve overall burner efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Publication number: 20040261447
    Abstract: A refrigeration equipment includes a vapor compression type of refrigerant circuit that prevents a decline in refrigeration ability in user side heat exchangers when the refrigerant condensed by a heat source side heat exchanger is reduced in pressure and sent to the user side heat exchangers. An air conditioner includes a refrigerant liquid junction line and a refrigeration gas junction line, a heat source side expansion valve, a cooler, and a first pressure detection mechanism. The heat source side expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger and sent to the user side heat exchangers. The cooler cools the refrigerant that is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger and sent to the user side heat exchangers. The first pressure detection mechanism detects the pressure of the refrigerant after the pressure thereof has been reduced by the heat source side expansion valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Kazuhide Mizutani
  • Publication number: 20040261448
    Abstract: In an ejector cycle with an ejector including a nozzle for decompressing refrigerant, a control unit controls an air blowing amount of an evaporator fan so that a flow speed of refrigerant flowing in an evaporator becomes in a predetermined flow speed range. Therefore, it can prevent a large amount of lubrication oil from staying in the evaporator, and thereby the lubrication oil can sufficiently returns to a compressor. For example, the control unit includes a determining means for determining the predetermined flow speed range based on at least one of an atmosphere temperature of a condenser, a temperature of air supplied to the evaporator and a flow amount of refrigerant discharged from the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nishijima, Hisatsugu Matsunaga, Tooru Ikemoto, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20040261449
    Abstract: The efficiency of refrigeration systems operating on the vapor compression cycle and employing suction line heat exchangers is increased by introducing refrigerant into the lower pressure side of the suction line heat exchanger at a quality less than 1 and introducing refrigerant that has passed through the low pressure side of the suction line heat exchanger into the compressor inlet at a quality that is equal to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen B. Memory, Jianmin Yin, Samuel J. Collier
  • Publication number: 20040261450
    Abstract: A refrigerant pipe connected to the suction side of the compressor 1 and a refrigerant pipe connected to the discharge side of the compressor 1 are integrated into one body, a refrigerant pipe connected to the inlet side of the condenser 2 and a refrigerant pipe connected to the outlet side of the condenser 2 are integrated into one body, and a refrigerant pipe connected to the inlet side of the decompressor 3 and a refrigerant pipe connected to the outlet side of the temperature detecting portion are integrated into one body. In this piping structure, a double pipe structure and double pipe joint structure are adopted in which an inner pipe for circulating fluid of high pressure and an outer pipe for circulating fluid of low pressure are formed differently from each other and the respective end portions of the pipes are joined to a joint member by a plastically deforming means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Makoto Yoshino, Fumiaki Nakamura, Satoru Yamanashi, Shun Kurata, Takahisa Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040261451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for purifying exhaust gas, especially a solvent-containing exhaust gas from refrigerator recycling, wherein the dried, pressurized exhaust gas is cryogenically condensed, the condensed components are seperated from the remaining exhaust gas, the cold and purified pressurized exhaust gas is passed through an adsorber to adsorbe the remaining condensed components, the adsorber is purged with a warmed gas stream, namely either a warmed inert gas stream or the purified exhaust gas respectively at reduced pressure, and the desorbed gas is recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Hans Erler, Peter Zollner, Klaus Hermanns, Norbert Hagenbruck