Patents Issued in August 25, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050183382
    Abstract: Method of forming members from thermally conductive components which have a gap therebetween. The gap is bridged and the conductive components integrated into a composite member by a reinforced polymer. This provides a thermal break which inhibits the flow of heat between the conductive components of the member. This construction also blocks the transfer of sound and other vibrations between the conductive components of the member. The construction also mitigates the formation of condensation on an artifact fixed to one of the components. After the gap is bridged with the reinforced polymer, the member may be punched with holes and roll formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Jensen, Verne Lindberg, Michael Sparling
  • Publication number: 20050183383
    Abstract: A system (200) for securing and positioning structural members (20, 30) to supporting walls (10) of a building includes at least one mounting member (205) secured to a surface portion of a supporting structure (10). The mounting member (205) has a plurality of structural member receiving spaces 218 formed thereon for receiving the structural member (20, 30) therein. The mounting member (205) includes a longitudinally extended base plate (210) having a plurality of spaced through openings (212, 214, 215, 219, 234) formed therein. The base plate (210) has a plurality of folded portions (222) formed therein. Each folded portion (222) defines a double walled protuberance (220) extending from a surface of the base plate (210). At least a portion of the double walled protuberances (220) are arranged in pairs disposed in opposing spaced parallel relationship to define a corresponding number of the receiving spaces (218) between each respective pair of double walled protuberances (220).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Terry Jones, Douglas Mattick
  • Publication number: 20050183384
    Abstract: The panel element (1) comprises a frame made up of a number of frame members (2-5) as well as a panel unit (6) including at least one vacuum multi-layer pane and at least one single-layer sheet element. A spacing element is placed between the vacuum multi-layer pane and the single-layer sheet element. The spacing element is made integrally with the corresponding frame member or as a separate spacing profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Sonderkaer
  • Publication number: 20050183385
    Abstract: A multi-layer wall panel includes a core filler material surrounded by two plastic sheets. Each sheet includes three-dimensional texture formed to resemble masonry or other desired aesthetics. A layer of concrete may be disposed between each sheet and the filler material. The sheet may be removed from the concrete layers to expose the concrete surfaces. Multiple wall panels may be stacked on top of one another and joined side-by-side with posts and connectors to form a wall assembly. A method for manufacturing vertical concrete wall structures is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Viken Ohanesian
  • Publication number: 20050183386
    Abstract: An insulation product is provided comprising an insulation mat having first and second major surfaces and a pair of side portions. A facing layer is bonded to at least one of the major surfaces of the mat. The facing layer has a fiber orientation such that the facing layer has a ratio of machine direction tensile strength to cross machine direction tensile strength which permits the facing layer to be separated by hand along a substantially straight line selected in the machine direction. The facing layer can also have a crease in the machine direction that allows the facing layer to be separated by hand along the machine direction. The insulation mat may also be separable in the machine direction, and the separable portions of the insulation mat may substantially align with the crease in the facing layer to allow the facing and insulation to be separated together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Lembo, Murray Toas
  • Publication number: 20050183387
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a concrete floor slab using sub-grade waterproofing in a manner that favors the use of water-based adhesives for affixing floor covering materials. The method comprises casting a hydratable cementitious composition onto a flooring membrane, the composition having a shrinkage reduction admixture and a water:cementitious binder ratio sufficiently low that substantially all of the water moisture is retained in the hydration reaction, and achieving a fully adhered bond with the flooring membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Timothy Durning, Lawrence Roberts, Neal Berke
  • Publication number: 20050183388
    Abstract: A device for applying a cap on the neck of a bottle or similar container comprises an applying head movable along an axis and provided with an assembly for gripping the cap having a tubular body with an end mouth which is adapted to receive and hold within it the cap. Inside said tubular body is mounted freely slidable an ejector member. Stop means are provided to limit the upwards displacement of the ejector member with respect to a fixed reference when the applying head moves upwards subsequent to an application of a cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Publication number: 20050183389
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph Straeter, Donald Weder
  • Publication number: 20050183390
    Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder may be positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. The packaging material is weakened and then severed between the packaging material holder and the load. The packaging material holder is mounted to permit it to move upstream due to force exerted by the packaging material held in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Patrick Lancaster, Curtis Martin
  • Publication number: 20050183391
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wrap device and to methods of using a wrap device for facilitating manipulation of a stack of slides or other stackable objects in order to remove the stack from a packaging container and place within a hopper or other dispensing container. When using the device and methods of the present invention, no undue force is exerted on any particular slide within the stack, thus minimizing the risks of breakage, while stabilizing the stack such that “fanning” and slippage within the stack is substantially prevented. Further, the invention may be used to facilitate manipulation of a stack of slides without direct contact between the slides and a user's hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Chouinard, N. Cosby, David Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20050183392
    Abstract: A package of a strip of material is formed by slitting or perforating a web to separate the web into side by side strips and fan folding the web to form a plurality of side by side stacks of the strips. The strip of each stack is spliced to the strip of the next stack to form a continuous strip through the package which can be unfolded for supply continuously to an end use machine. The package while compressed is wrapped by a packaging material which includes a bottom header plate and heat shrink bag wrapped around the package and under a bottom header plate and heat sealed to a bottom surface of the bottom header plate. The spliced connecting portions are held attached to the end plane of the package by a series of spaced tie members formed of spare strip material each of which extends across the end plane and has opposed ends of the tie member tucked between two of the strip portions of respective ones of the outermost stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Steve Lam, Alan Campbell, Randall Flaman
  • Publication number: 20050183393
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Engesser, Andrew Peterson, Steve White
  • Publication number: 20050183394
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method ol manufacturing water-soluble containers using a horizontal intermittent motion thermolorming machine which comprises the steps of: a) locating a first water-soluble film overa mould, said mould containing a plurality of pocket forming cavities, defined by side walls and a base, in a 2-dimensional array, each cavity being surrounded by a planar surface of the mould on all sides in which the shortest dimension of the planar surface between two adjacent cavities is at least 3 mm and between an edge of the mould and the closest cavity is at least 1.5 mm; b) thermoforming the first film to produce a plurality of pockets; c) at least partially filling the pockets with a composition; and d) sealing the plurality ol the at least partially filled pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hammond, Richard Rogers
  • Publication number: 20050183395
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product comprising closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; directing powder into the closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade. Suitable apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Bailey, Jeremy Baker, Roger Self, Raymond Scherzer
  • Publication number: 20050183396
    Abstract: The foot-print of a vacuum packaging appliance may be decreased by decoupling the appliance into a base component and a movable receptacle unit according to certain embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Landen Higer, Alexandre Baptista
  • Publication number: 20050183397
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing pallets of fresh produce inside enclosures and for filling the interiors of the sealed enclosures with a modified gaseous atmosphere moves pallets loaded with fresh produce to a squeeze station where the packages as a unit are gripped between opposing walls on two opposing sides and between additional opposing squeeze members on two other opposing sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Frederick Forgnone, Richard MacLeod
  • Publication number: 20050183398
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming stacks of flat workpieces and for banding or banderoling the stacks includes a stacking station, a banding or banderoling station, and an endless conveyor for cyclically conveying stacking shafts provided to the endless conveyor. A respective first band guide is formed on a respective one of the stacking shafts and a second band guide is disposed in the banding station. The second band guide together with the respective first band guide form an at least approximately intrinsically closed guide path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Markus Belmann, Udo Ganter
  • Publication number: 20050183399
    Abstract: An article-supplying assembly for a vertical pillow type packaging machine has a substantially cylindrical member extending vertically downward, a guiding member for guiding an elongated sheet of bag-making material from a front side to move downward along this cylindrical member, and a funnel for receiving articles from above and allowing the received articles to fall through the cylindrical member downward. The junction line along which the funnel and the cylindrical member are connected is above the ridgeline along which the guiding member and the cylindrical member are connected to each other, and their height difference is greater on the front side than on the back side, increasing gradually from the back side to the front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Masashi Kondo, Makoto Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20050183400
    Abstract: A waste disposal device comprises a container having a lid. An externally accessible actuation mechanism comprising a rack and a pinion is connected to the lid, and is operatively configured to interface with a foot pedal. When the actuation mechanism is actuated by pressing the foot pedal, the lid opens, while the rack skips over the pinion. When the foot pedal is released, the rack engages the pinion, which in turn closes the lid and spins a cartridge of the device one revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: David Stravitz, Richard Chomik
  • Publication number: 20050183401
    Abstract: An integrated cutting system for a waste disposal device comprising a waste storage receptacle and a film cutting and sealing device. A cartridge containing a continuous length of film is positioned over the receptacle. The integrated cutting system further includes an activation mechanism operatively configured to alternatively engage a cutting device or a film sealing device capable of twistably sealing the film of the cartridge when the film is dispensed from the cartridge. A selection mechanism is arranged to control the activation mechanism to either engage the cutting device while deactivating the film sealing device, or to engage the film sealing device while deactivating the cutting device. The cutting device comprises a blade positioned to sever the film from the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: David Stravitz, Rcihard Chomik, Mark Yoho
  • Publication number: 20050183402
    Abstract: A grocery bagging and transfer apparatus comprises a bag load station and a transfer device. The bag load station includes a primary bag dispenser, and is provided either separate from the transfer device or is provided at a leading end of the transfer device. When provided separate, means are provided for advancing grocery-filled bag on to the leading end of the transfer device. The transfer device provides a drive and transfer system that advances loaded bags from its leading end to a loading end from which bagged groceries are typically placed in a cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: James Ball
  • Publication number: 20050183403
    Abstract: A banding machine and method for banding bundles of material using a thermal and moisture activated adhesive baleband. In one embodiment the banding machine includes a sealing station that guides and tightens the baleband around a bale such that a portion of the baleband is overlapped. The sealing station also connects or seals the overlapped end portions of the band after tightening the band about a bale and cuts the band as overlapped end portions are connected. The overlapped end portions are adhesively connected or sealed using a steam or hot water applicator mechanism and associated actuator controller for applying pressurized steam or hot water to the overlapped end portions of the baleband.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20050183404
    Abstract: An improved filter support structure for supporting filter media. The support structure includes two sections removably coupled together with an improved coupling assembly. The first section has a cross section presenting a first width spaced apart from a second width, the second width being less than the first width. The coupling assembly includes an element carried by the second section, and presents an engagement width that is greater than the second width and less than or equal to the first width such that the element may be shiftably received within the first section at the first width, and can be removably engaged at the second width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Howard Pipkorn, Kal Ugargol
  • Publication number: 20050183405
    Abstract: Filter arrangements include a barrier media in the form of fluted media treated with a deposit of fine fibers. The media is particularly advantageous in high temperature (greater than 140 to 240° F.) systems. Such systems may include engine systems, gas turbine systems, and fuel cell systems. Filter arrangements may take the form of media packs having a circular cross-section or a racetrack shaped cross-section, or media packs formed in a panel configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Gillingham, Mark Gogins, Thomas Weik
  • Publication number: 20050183406
    Abstract: A filter apparatus and a vacuum cleaner incorporating the filter apparatus are disclosed. The filter apparatus comprises a first, fine filter assembly and a second, coarse filter assembly. The fine filter assembly comprises a body defining a central aperture in which a pleated fine filter element is arranged. The periphery of aperture is surrounded by a resilient rubber sealing member. Apertures are arranged around body portion radially outwards of aperture and sealing member for mounting the fine filter assembly to pins on housing of the vacuum cleaner. The body is also provided with radially inwardly facing slots for engaging corresponding projections on coarse filter assembly for removably mounting the coarse filter assembly to the fine filter assembly. The removable coarse filter assembly gives the user a choice between two stage filtration (i.e. using the fine and course filter assemblies) or single stage filtration (i.e. using the fine filter assembly only).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Coburn
  • Publication number: 20050183407
    Abstract: A porous ceramic support for a gas separation membrane formed by sintering a green body containing grains of a refractory ceramic oxide with a high coefficient of thermal expansion and grains of a reactive binder precursor. Upon sintering, the reactive binder precursor reacts with at least one gaseous, liquid or solid reactant to create a reaction bond that binds the refractory ceramic oxide grains. The support configuration can be a tubular, flat plate, hollow fiber, or multiple-passageway monolith structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Hayward, Richard Higgins, Robert Goldsmith, Bruce Bishop
  • Publication number: 20050183408
    Abstract: A device for cleaning vehicle exhaust gas, especially a filter for diesel exhaust particulates or a catalytic converter, comprises a filter body including a plurality of individual cuboid bodies through which gas flows. The filter body has, at least in sections, an angular outer contour, as seen in a main direction of flow. The filter body also has an unmachined outer surface at the angular outer contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Christoph Noller, Peter Kroner, Otto Steinhauser
  • Publication number: 20050183409
    Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the movement of a zero turning radius power mower includes a single control arm movable in a forward direction and a rearward direction, and pivotable in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction. The control arm is connected via a pair of control linkages to a right hydraulic pump and to a left hydraulic pump such that when the control arm is moved in a forward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels forward, and when the control arm is moved in a rearward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a clockwise direction the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel forward and the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel forward and the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel rearward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Barrier
  • Publication number: 20050183410
    Abstract: A rotary lawn mower having a frame supported by a plurality of wheels for movement over the ground and a rotary cutting deck assembly. A support bracket assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame for movement about a generally vertical axis. A telescoping arm is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the rotary cutting deck assembly and is adjustable into at least two lengths. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the telescoping arm and is operable to move the rotary cutting deck assembly between a non-cutting position and a cutting position and further capable of retracting the telescoping arm between the at least two lengths to permit the rotary cutting deck assembly to be swung to a side of the frame for easy inspection, maintenance, and adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hensley, Miguel Espina
  • Publication number: 20050183411
    Abstract: A mower, edging, and trimmer cutting device or blade designed for improved durability, performance, and safety. The blade is molded of flexible material composed of synthetic engineered urethane polymer, a polyamide or other resilient mesh bonded to or embedded in the blade for a cutting material to provide a cutting edge, and a metal or other high-durometer support member embedded in the blade. The size of the mesh may be coextensive with that of the blade and the fabric is positioned to intersect the cutting edges of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Stanley
  • Publication number: 20050183412
    Abstract: The bracelet (1) is formed of several juxtaposed links (2) made of rigid material and a flexible core (3) onto which the links are threaded. The flexible core (3) is formed over a part of its length of flexible elements (4) removably assembled one after the other. Each flexible element comprises on two opposite sides a first assembling portion (7) and a second assembling portion (6) complementary to the first assembling portion. The elements can be assembled one after the other by fitting the first and second assembling portions together to form a flexible strip. The links (2) are positioned on the flexible core to hold the flexible elements in their assembled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Verdon, Michael Bach
  • Publication number: 20050183413
    Abstract: Pressure and density of a gaseous mixture are increased in the process of introducing the gaseous mixture into the combustor of an air-breathing pulse detonation engine employing atmospheric oxygen as an oxidizer. The exit valve 20 able to be opened and closed is provided at the outlet of the combustor 15, an air cooler 12 is provided in the exit of the intake, and density is increased by exchange of heat of the air received at the intake with a coolant in the air cooler 12. Furthermore, by closing the exit valve 20 provided in the outlet of the combustor during the process of loading the gaseous mixture, transition to the detonation process is possible without expansion of the high-pressure high density air obtained by ram-compression at the intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY
    Inventors: Takayuki Kojima, Tetsuya Sato, Hiroaki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20050183414
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold for connecting an exhaust pipe with at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and a shell manifold as at least one component of the exhaust manifold. The at least one shell manifold (3, 9, 17, 31, 38) is comprised of at least two shape shells (4, 14, 10, 20, 18, 28, 32, 34, 39). The shape shells are joined to each other by mechanical interlocking. The shell manifold exhibits at least one inlet (5, 11, 19, 35, 46). The shell manifold (3, 9, 17, 31, 38) is so designed, that the at least one inlet (5, 11, 19, 35, 46) communicates with the at least one cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Wilfried Bien, Pierre Bonny, Markus Brown, Thomas Hulsberg, Uwe Klussmann, Norbert Kreutzig, Holger Nuhn, Ralf Punjer, Olav Reinhardt, Thorsten Sternai
  • Publication number: 20050183415
    Abstract: In stopping apparatus and method for an oil pump, which are applied to a hydraulic actuator that works based on a hydraulic pressure derived from the oil pump driven by a motor, a backward rotation of the oil pump is prevented by resisting a remaining pressure that is acting on the oil pump from the hydraulic actuator after the hydraulic actuator is deactivated. A one-way clutch disposed on an oil pump drive train between the motor and the oil pump mechanically prevents the backward rotation of the oil pump. Moreover, in order to prevent the backward rotation, a controller of the stopping apparatus gradually decreases the rotation of the motor after the hydraulic actuator is deactivated, and eliminates the remaining pressure within the hydraulic actuator while decreasing the rotation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Masaki Shimakura
  • Publication number: 20050183416
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a hydrostatic steering system is disclosed which is capable of performing optimum control of the absorption torque of a hydraulic pump according to running load; capable of preferentially ensuring turning performance and implement speed when running load is relatively low; and capable of ensuring desired turning performance even when running load is relatively high. To this end, a bulldozer with a hydrostatic steering system, wherein the power of a hydraulic motor driven by pressure oil fed from a hydraulic pump operated by an engine is transmitted to right and left crawler tracks through a differential steering means composed of planetary gear trains etc., is designed to control the absorption torque of the hydraulic pump according to the speed ratio of a torque converter calculated by a speed ratio operation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Hayashi, Mitsuaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20050183417
    Abstract: A cooling system for use in a work machine is provided, in which an increase in the load imposed on a fan driving circuit and occurrence of abnormal noise can be prevented without fail by means of an inexpensive arrangement at the time of switching the rotating direction of a cooling fan. To this end, the cooling system comprises: (1) a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by the engine; (2) a forwardly and reversely rotatable hydraulic motor operated by hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; (3) a cooling fan driven by the hydraulic motor; (4) an electromagnetic selector valve for switching the rotating direction of the hydraulic motor between a forward direction and a reverse direction; (5) controlling means for controlling switching of the electromagnetic selector valve and controlling the hydraulic pump so as to minimize the discharge oil rate of the hydraulic pump during switching of the electromagnetic selector valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakagawa, Shigeru Yamamoto, Mitsuhiko Kamado
  • Publication number: 20050183418
    Abstract: A new thermodynamic cycle is disclosed for converting energy from a low temperature stream, external source into useable energy using a working fluid comprising of a mixture of a low boiling component and a higher boiling component and including a higher pressure circuit and a lower pressure circuit. The cycle is designed to improve the efficiency of the energy extraction process by recirculating a portion of a liquid stream prior to further cooling. The new thermodynamic processes and systems for accomplishing these improved efficiencies are especially well-suited for streams from low-temperature geothermal sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Alexander Kalina
  • Publication number: 20050183419
    Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Ryan LaRocque, Christopher Langenfeld, Michael Norris, Stanley Smith, Jonathan Strimling
  • Publication number: 20050183420
    Abstract: A tool for bleeding a master cylinder when the master cylinder is unattached to a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment a bleeding tool includes a shaft attached by means of clamp rods to a master cylinder flange, a clamp handle rotatable with respect to the shaft, and a push rod coupled to the clamp handle through a movable rotatable joint. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum motion of the push rod during a bleeding cycle is defined by a set of two pins disposed on a ring concentric with the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Ilidio Dasilva
  • Publication number: 20050183421
    Abstract: Recovery of electric power from low-grade waste heat/solar energy, comprising a closed-cycle charged refrigerant loop. Pressurized refrigerant fluid is pumped at ambient temperature through a heat exchanger connected to a waste heat/solar source to extract heat energy during conversion to a high pressure gas. Heated/pressurized refrigerant gas is inlet into an expander to power an output shaft during the expansion of the fluid to a cooled gas at approximately 0 psig. Cooled gaseous refrigerant is condensed to a liquid at low pressure and ambient temperature, and recycled under pressure to the heat exchanger. The expander is a reverse-plumbed gas compressor; the pressurized, hot refrigerant gas is inlet at what is ordinarily its outlet, and the normal inlet becomes the expander end. The refrigerant gas mass flow pressure/temperature drop spins the expander shaft for direct mechanical power take-off, or coupling to a synchronous or inductive generator to produce electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Mikhail Vaynberg, Hans Horn, Ralf Horn, Alfons Weiland, Richard Azevedo
  • Publication number: 20050183422
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a single shaft combined cycle power plant which can quickly switch from single operation of a gas turbine to combined operation of the gas turbine and a steam turbine, and can quickly increase output power, from low power to high power. The single shaft combined cycle power plant includes a means for maintaining the rotation speed of the steam turbine at a speed slower than but near a rated rotation speed when the steam turbine is separated from a coupled unit of a generator and the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Hidekazu Takai, Ryouichi Ohkura
  • Publication number: 20050183423
    Abstract: A mechanical drive system for an accessory gearbox of a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a high-pressure drive shaft and a low-pressure drive shaft. The mechanical drive system includes a tower shaft and a lay shaft. The tower shaft is connected by a first gear arrangement to the low-pressure drive shaft of the gas turbine engine. The lay shaft is connected by a second gear arrangement to the first tower shaft, and connected to the accessory gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Guy Miller
  • Publication number: 20050183424
    Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus and a cryosorptive storage apparatus. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient filling of the cryosorptive apparatus from the hydrogen source apparatus are described. The cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus is filled with cold, pressurized hydrogen. During the course of filling, heat is generated in the cryosorptive storage device by the process of hydrogen adsorption on to the host medium. Methods and devices are provided for the removal the generated heat and the warm hydrogen. Further provided are devices and methods for the capture and recycle of escaped hydrogen within the hydrogen source apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Bradley, Jeff Wyatt, Seung-Hoon Jhi, Young-Kyun Kwon, Jean-Christophe Gabriel, George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20050183425
    Abstract: The present invention teaches methods of operating a pressurized cryogenic liquid gas storage tank that has a vent cooling shield around which fuel vented from a storage tank flows to cool the storage tank by reducing the influence of heat influx into the storage tank. The method of the present invention provides for reduction in the quantity of fuel loss during the venting operation and allows a greater volume of liquid fuel to be stored in the storage tank. The method includes allowing fuel in a storage tank to transition between a two-phase state of liquid and gas into a single-phase state of liquid and back into a two-phase state of liquid and gas. Additionally, the present invention allows filling a storage tank to a liquid level greater than about 95% of the capacity of the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Rainer Immel
  • Publication number: 20050183426
    Abstract: A dessert machine is provided that produces a frozen dessert product. Frozen fruit and water are ground and spun with air introduced to create a frozen creamy smooth dessert. The frozen dessert machine has a distally tapered auger, having a spiral thread, that mixes the dessert ingredients into the desired consistency. The invention involves an electronic control system that ensures quality reproduction with every dessert produced. Additionally, the dessert machine provides safety interlocks for enhanced operator safety during production of the dessert product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas Learned
  • Publication number: 20050183427
    Abstract: The accumulation period between defrost cycles of a refrigeration apparatus having a electrical defrost heater is calculated on the basis of energy expended to remove the ice from the coil during the previous defrost cycle. In this way, variations in the voltage level being delivered to the heater coil are taken into account and the degree of ice build-up on the coil between defrost cycles can be more accurately controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Eliot Dudley, David Smith
  • Publication number: 20050183428
    Abstract: The chilled water storage for milk cooling process encompasses methods for chilling liquids during off peak hours for later consumption, including a method for cooling the interior of a building while conserving energy during peak demand hours, in which water is chilled in a water chiller during the off-peak electrical demand hours, then stored in an insulated tank until peak electrical demand hours. The stored cold water is then pumped through a heat exchanger connected to the ventilation system in the building to cool the air in the building. The water then passes into a second storage tank, where it is held until off-peak hours. A plurality of multi-directional valves automatically control the water flow through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Duane Gruber, Mitchael Gruber
  • Publication number: 20050183429
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment having an upper region and a lower region, a first evaporator positioned in the upper region, a second evaporator, positioned in the lower region, and a fan disposed between the first and second evaporators. The fan is configured, such that air flows past first and second evaporators and is discharged into said upper and lower regions when said fan is energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Anil Tummala, Ziquang Hu, John Steimel
  • Publication number: 20050183430
    Abstract: An air cooling apparatus comprised of an injector cabinet fitted with a plurality electric solenoid operated injector valves, or standard nozzles which are controlled by an advanced computerized system which regulates the amount of moisture added to the air stream by activating the injectors based on direct measurement of indoor and outdoor dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures, mass flow through the apparatus and the thermostat setting. This water injection module may be located either upstream or downstream of any air-moving device. The device is also adaptable for use with existing coolers as a retrofit kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Robert McMillan, Jess Marquez
  • Publication number: 20050183431
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a live well includes a cooling chamber, and a pump connected in fluid communication between the cooling chamber and the live well for circulating water between the live well and the cooling chamber. At least one thermoelectric cooler is positioned in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling chamber for removing heat from the cooling chamber and from water circulating in the cooling chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: R & R Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford Rabal