Patents Issued in August 10, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060174589
    Abstract: An inflation device for introducing gas into inflatable webs of the type comprising a pair of juxtaposed film plies and a pair of opposing film edges, the inflation device including a body having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a web-contact region in which the inflation device makes contact with opposing surfaces of the juxtaposed film plies as gas is introduced into the inflatable web, the body having at least one increase in peripheral transverse surface distance along the longitudinal dimension of the body, and a passage within the body through which gas may flow, the passage having a termination point within the web-contact region to form an inflation zone therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Robert O'Dowd
  • Publication number: 20060174590
    Abstract: A clip for enclosing bags and tubes, including bags and tubes made of mesh netting, is described. The clip has a top section and two legs extending from opposite ends of the top section. There is an indentation in the top section and a pin projecting from the top section into the space formed by the top section and the legs of the clip. Closing the clip causes the pin to project into the annular space formed by the top section and the collapsed legs. A clipper has a guide rail with a protrusion corresponding to the indentation and a rail with a notch corresponding to the pin, to provide better control movement of the clip within the clipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Pinto, Eggo Haschke
  • Publication number: 20060174591
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping utilizes a floral holding material, a sheet of material and a band. The decorative assembly is formed by a method which includes the steps of forming the sheet of material about at least a portion of the floral holding material with a forming device such that an upper end of the floral holding material remains substantially uncovered, and thereafter securing the sheet of material about the floral holding material with a band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Donald Weder
  • Publication number: 20060174592
    Abstract: A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Chan
  • Publication number: 20060174593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum machine for zipper bag comprising a casing, a motor, vanes, a suction mouth, a suction opening, a vent, a power supply, a switch and so on, wherein the suction opening is disposed corresponding to the vanes; the suction mouth is of tubular shape and is exposed out of the casing, and the rear end of which connects to the suction opening, wherein it also comprises a clamping member that connects with the casing and surrounds a section of the suction mouth; a clamping gap is formed between the clamping member and the suction mouth; the clamping member comprises an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member which are disposed substantially parallel to each other, thereby forming a clamping gap opening, the width of which is between 2 mm and 5 mm. The present invention is of simple structure, small size, convenient for use, highly flexible and suitable for zipper bags of different sizes and types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: Design Manufacture Limited
    Inventor: Tung Yan Lau
  • Publication number: 20060174595
    Abstract: A mechanism configured to interact with air, which has been sucked through a device that imparts turbulence to the air, causes a redistribution of components (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen) in the air so that when the air arrives at a location where the oxygen is to be consumed there is an enriched supply of oxygen available. The effects of a first stage of turbulence of the induced air is reduced, resulting in a higher density supply to the atomization point and to the combustion chamber, in the case of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Mohammad Moktader, Zahir Adil
  • Publication number: 20060174596
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact ventilation system provided with an air purifying function. The present invention includes a case having at least one inlet and outlet communicating with an indoor space, an air supply duct connected to the case to allow the case to communicate with an outdoor environment, a fan provided within the case, the fan sucking air introduced into the case via the air supply duct, the fan blowing out the sucked air to the at least one outlet, an air guide provided within the case to guide the air introduced into the case to the fan and to guide the air blown from the fan to the at least one outlet, and an air purifying member situated next to a lateral side of the fan between the fan and the at least one outlet to purify the air blown from the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Keun Choi, Jeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20060174597
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner including a filter cartridge with a first substantially rigid pleated filter element having a plurality of pleats with pleated edges and a flexible pre-filter element positioned over the pleated edges of the filter cartridge. The pleats may be radial, longitudinal or conical with the pre-filter a disc, cylinder or frusto-conical in shape. In each case the pre-filter is positioned on the pleats so that dirt laden air is drawn through the pre-filter element and then through the pleated filter element before being drawn into a vacuum motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Mason Greene
  • Publication number: 20060174598
    Abstract: A filter element that has at least two, planar, non-curved filtration panels. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has three panels, providing a generally triangular filter element. The outlet aperture, from the filter element, generally follows the configuration of the filter. That is, a filter element having three filtration panels will have a generally three-sided outlet aperture. The outlet aperture preferably is not a true polygon, but rather, includes rounded or curved sides and/or corners. The filter element includes an outlet sealing configuration that may provide both axial and radial sealing to outlet ductwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Jarren Mills, Daniel Adamek, Richard Dejong
  • Publication number: 20060174599
    Abstract: An agricultural machine for cutting standing products comprising a carrier vehicle to which there are connected at least one frontal working unit positioned, during work and when viewed in a direction of forward travel of the carrier vehicle, forward of said carrier vehicle, and at least two lateral working units positioned, during work, on each side of a working area of said frontal working unit(s) and situated behind said frontal working unit(s) and being connected to carrier arms which are articulated to the carrier vehicle and allow said lateral working units to be moved into at least one work position situated level with the front wheels of the carrier vehicle and into a folded transport position, and the carrier vehicle comprising a driver's cab that can be moved toward the front or toward the rear of said carrier vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: KUHN S.A.
    Inventor: Jeannot Hironimus
  • Publication number: 20060174600
    Abstract: A metal detection device for a working unit with at least one driven working element for conveying crop material has windings for generating electrical detection signals when metal objects are present in the region of the working unit, and the detection signals generated by the windings are detected in a time window, thereby enabling a more accurate identification of the metal object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Willi Behnke, Markus Brune
  • Publication number: 20060174601
    Abstract: A zero turning radius mower is provided with twin operating levers that are manipulated by the driver to control steering, speed and forward or reverse direction of the mower. When the two drive levers are in the neutral mode, they may be swung outwardly to widespread positions to facilitate operator dismount. If both drive levers are spread apart, a park lever may be operated by the driver to position blocking bars into the path of the levers to prevent their return from the widespread positions. Once the engine is shut off, it can only be restarted when the mower is in its park mode with the park lever engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Piontek
  • Publication number: 20060174602
    Abstract: A reel mower assembly having a frame and a reel rotatably mounted to the frame. The reel includes a plurality of cross members connected with a reel shaft. A drive is operable to rotate the reel about a reel axis. A blade member is removably coupled to one of the plurality of cross members to prevent movement of the blade member with respect to the cross member, yet permit easily replacement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Mahan, Vivek Moinikunta, Lynn Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20060174603
    Abstract: For a row crop header, a row divider having a variable-height ear saver feature. The row divider comprises a point, a cover, and a partition. The point has a trailing edge vertically moveable relative to the cover. The partition fills a resultant gap between the point and the cover, forming a variable-height ear saver feature. A crankshaft functions to articulate the trailing edge relative to the cover, and to move the partition vertically with the trailing edge. A support functions to support the point at a midpoint. A guide constrains the partition within the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Mossman
  • Publication number: 20060174604
    Abstract: An elevator rope comprising an elastomer coated, multistrand steel wire cable is claimed. In such a cable strands have a lay-length of at least 6.5 times the diameter of the bare cable diameter D. The cable is further coated with an elastomeric jacket, which adheres to the strands with a pull-out force not less than 15×D+15 newton per mm. The advantages of such an elevator rope are amongst others its limited elongation, its reduced diameter and its improved fatigue life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: N.V. BEKAERT S.A.
    Inventors: Bert Vanderbeken, Daniel Mauer, Rene Debue, Rita Hostens, Javier Del Rio Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060174605
    Abstract: The Berry Zero Hydrocarbons Engine is a new and useful type of engine which does not require the internal combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. This engine will offer the opportunity for reduced environmental impacts. This invention ushers in a new type of transportation motive power unit class of invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Benny Berry, Benjamin Berry, Perry Rucker
  • Publication number: 20060174606
    Abstract: A self-starting, self-aspirating valveless pulse-jet engine maximized to capture air during static operation. This invention is an improved adaptation of my U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,446, and continues to utilize a combustor tube, a forward-facing intake duct, a flame holder, a fuel supply means, and a spark plug to ignite the fuel-air mixture. To improve static air capture, the intake tubes of the intake duct, forward of the primary intake tube, that is joined to the combustion chamber, feature aggressively enlarged forward inlet mouths. By adjusting the relative diameters of the intake tubes that are inserted into each other, to achieve a greater difference of diameters, this adjustment, combined with aggressively enlarged intake tube mouths dramatically increases the ability of the intake duct to capture a maximum of air during static operation. Tests have shown the enlarged mouths are equally effective either as enlarged cupped mouths or as enlarged cones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Stram
  • Publication number: 20060174607
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes a catalytic device within an exhaust path of the engine, wherein the catalytic device includes a housing with a catalyst carrier. A length of the catalyst carrier along a longitudinal axis, measured along a downstream flow direction of exhaust gas within the exhaust path, is substantially the same or a shorter than the upstream distance traveled by a reverse flow of exhaust gas during an exhaust gas pulsation within the housing. With this type of configuration, due to reciprocating movements of the exhaust gas caused by the pulsations, the same exhaust gas passes through the catalyst carrier multiple times. Thus, an increased number of heat exchanges take place within the catalyst carrier, which rapidly increases the catalyst temperature after a cold engine start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Mori, Takao Inoue, Sunki I, Shunichi Mitsuishi
  • Publication number: 20060174608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power generation system with a continuously operating fuel reformer. Preferably, the fuel reformer is either off, warming up, or operating with an essentially constant fueling rate. Some of the reformed fuel is intermittently used to regenerate a NOx trap that treats the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. Any reformed fuel not used for other purposes is supplied to a fuel cell. The fuel reformer does not shut down between NOx trap regeneration cycles except when the engine is also shut down. The invention substantially eliminates issues of reformer response time as they relate to NOx trap regeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Haoran Hu, Subbaraya Radhamohan, Karen Bevan, James McCarthy, Johannes Reuter, Vishal Singh, Jiyang Yan
  • Publication number: 20060174609
    Abstract: Diesel engine particulate trap regeneration is obtained by concurrently supplying two exhaust gas streams to a particulate trap requiring regeneration. One stream is produced in a reactor/diesel engine operating an efficient stoichiometric ratio. The second stream is produced in a second reactor/diesel engine burning fuel at a low air/fuel ratio to produce an exhaust gas stream carrying a substantial load of unburned hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The two streams together carry sufficient thermal energy to ignite the unburned hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide using oxygen from the first exhaust gas stream as oxidizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen Heath
  • Publication number: 20060174610
    Abstract: A method of using a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst to control vehicle engine emissions. While catalyst temperature is within a low range, the catalyst is allowed to store NOx until the catalyst is saturated. The saturated catalyst is heated to a temperature exceeding the low range. The heated catalyst is regenerated. This method can improve LNT catalyst performance at low temperatures while promoting fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: David Brown, Michael Paratore
  • Publication number: 20060174611
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cooler comprising an inlet chamber shaped to restrict exhaust gas flow to certain exhaust gas passages provided therein is disclosed. The inlet chamber may comprise a flow deflector which deflects a proportion of exhaust gas into, for example, the upper exhaust gas cooling passages thus restricting flow to lower exhaust gas cooling passages. In one embodiment the flow deflector is rotatably mounted and can also function as a bypass valve. Alternatively apertures provided within plates which can collectively define the inlet chamber may be of a differing size to restrict exhaust gas flow to certain exhaust gas cooling passages. A more balanced flow through the various exhaust gas cooling passages results increasing heat-exchange efficiency of the exhaust gas cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Roland Dilley, Richard Beldam, Keith Agee, Wagner Magalhaes
  • Publication number: 20060174612
    Abstract: An waterwheel (6) using a spiral pump (1) which is attached to a scoop assembly (3) which runs the air and fluid to a separator tank (9), which then allows the air to an air turbine (15) and the fluid to a hydro turbine (16) will produce pressure which will turn the turbines listed which in turn will rotate an electrical generator producing electricity. This system changes the flow of the river in to rotation movement, which produces pressure, which produces mechanical rotational movement to turn a generator, which generates electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Dennis Buller
  • Publication number: 20060174613
    Abstract: A steam engine with improved intake and exhaust flow provided by separate pairs of intake and exhaust ports located at both ends of a steam drive cylinder. A slide valve located adjacent to the drive cylinder provides for timed sealing of intake and exhaust ports during operation. Exhaust is facilitated by the provision of two paths of exhaust from the cylinder and the exhaust ports may be adjusted for a flow volume to meter exhaust steam flow to significantly reduce back pressure only at low speeds of said engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20060174614
    Abstract: Improvements in trunnion shaft-controlled swashplate axial hydraulic piston pumps as well as hydraulic systems used in hydrostatic transmissions utilized. e.g., in zero-turn-radius (ZTR) wheeled vehicles, such as grass mowers, with one embodiment thereof pertaining to, in combination, the noted pump, devoid of any internal servo control, and a reversible power actuator, for controlling the angle of the swashplate, externally affixed to the housing containing the pump and operatively interconnected with an end of the trunnion shaft extending from the pump housing, with the power actuator being one of a rotary actuator, a fluid power axial cylinder and a rotary electronic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Xingen Dong, William Power
  • Publication number: 20060174615
    Abstract: An integrated hydraulic transaxle (IHT) comprises a hydrostatic transmission (HST), an axle driven by the HST, and a housing incorporating the HST and the axle. The HST includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump has a trunnion type movable swash plate. The internal displacement of the hydraulic motor is larger than the internal displacement of the hydraulic pump so as to increase the hydraulic deceleration activity of the HST. In the IHT, a mechanical deceleration drive train is interposed between the hydraulic motor and the axle. The mechanical deceleration activity of the mechanical deceleration drive train is reduced so far as the increase of the hydraulic deceleration activity of the HST.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Koji Irikura, Ryota Ohashi, Hiroshi Tottori
  • Publication number: 20060174616
    Abstract: To provide a short connection hydraulic path structure with a sufficiently large diameter to adequately lower the pressure in a high-pressure hydraulic path while the clutch is off, in a static hydraulic continuously variable transmission for sliding a clutch valve installed within the transmission shaft, to change the power being transmitted and shorten the high-pressure hydraulic path and low-pressure hydraulic path. A high-pressure fluid path is provided for sending hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump side to the hydraulic motor side with a low-pressure fluid path for sending hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic motor side to the hydraulic pump side. A hydraulic circuit includes a switching valve for switching the plungers to the high-pressure path or the low-pressure path as a dual structure within a valve body between the hydraulic pump made from multiple plungers, and a hydraulic motor made from multiple motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yoshida, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Hideo Okuzaki
  • Publication number: 20060174617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulic equipment comprising input shaft (2) and output shaft; first and second plungers (8, 10) and first and second spool valves (9, 11) which are moved reciprocally axially; a cylinder block (7) which houses the plungers and spool valves and is rotated integrally with the input shaft; an input side swash plate (6) which touches the first plungers; and an output side swash plate (12) which touches the second plungers and is rotated integrally with the output shaft. The purpose of the present invention is to reduce number of parts concerning to the accuracy of the reciprocal movement of the first and second spool valves. Spool valve guides (37 and 47) on which guide grooves (37b and 47b) slanted against axis of the rotary shaft are formed, and the first or second spool valve is engaged with a holding member (38 or 48) attached to the guide groove or the guide groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Takeshi Ouchida, Shuji Shiozaki, Hidekazu Niu, Hiroshi Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20060174618
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission has a hydraulic circuit including a high pressure oil path for feeding working oil from a hydraulic pump to a hydraulic motor and a low pressure oil path for feeding working oil from the hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump. The clutch mechanism is located between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A clutch valve is arranged on the transmission shaft and is slid by a centrifugal governor to cause the oil paths to be shortened. A cam plate member is arranged on the transmission shaft. A roller is engaged with the cam plate member and is moved outwardly in a diametrical direction by a centrifugal force. A roller bearing member receives a roller pressing force through outward motion of the roller. A pressure plate and shaft of the roller bearing member are separately formed and thereafter integrally formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Toshimasa Mitsubori, Yoshihiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20060174619
    Abstract: A large-diameter bore portion is formed in a portion defining a pressure chamber in a cylinder body on a side opposite to a circumferential groove relative to a slidable inner-diameter portion. A communication groove capable of allowing communication between the circumferential groove and the large-diameter bore portion is formed in an upper portion of the slidable inner-diameter portion. A point of maximum depth of the communication groove is located radially outward of a bottom of the circumferential groove. The master cylinder of the present invention is capable of preventing the supply of a brake fluid from being restricted in an evacuation process, and enables a reduction in length to be machined of the communication groove, thus reducing the time for machining and suppressing an increase in cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Tomonori Mouri, Yasuhiko Amari, Naganori Koshimizu
  • Publication number: 20060174620
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine comprising an engine braking arrangement including a constant throttle valve, an exhaust gas turbocharger with a variable turbine guide vane structure and a power turbine connected to an exhaust tract and a compressor connected to an intake tract of the internal combustion engine, the power turbine is disposed in the exhaust duct downstream of the exhaust gas turbine and is driven by the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine and a bypass device is provided in a bypass pipe which extends around the power turbine and via which the exhaust pipe can be completely closed and the bypass pipe can be completely or partially closed so as to selectively partially or completely block the exhaust gas flow and the bypass flow to an exhaust gas discharge pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Rainer Albat
  • Publication number: 20060174621
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having (200) a first turbocharger (209) in fluid communication with a first exhaust manifold (207) and fluidly communicating with an intake manifold (205), a first exhaust gas control valve (223) in fluid communication with a second exhaust manifold (207), a second turbocharger (215) in fluid communication with the first gas control valve (223) and the intake manifold (205), a crossover passage (222) in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold (207) and the second exhaust manifold (207), and a first air control valve (225), in fluid communication with the second turbocharger (215) and fluidly connected with the intake manifold (205).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Kai Chen, Adam Lack
  • Publication number: 20060174622
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity using both solar energy and a gas turbine includes (a) a gas turbine electric generator; (b) a solar energy collector array; (c) a vaporizer for vaporizing a working fluid liquid, such as water, using thermal energy derived from the solar energy collector array; (d) one or more superheaters for superheating working fluid vapor produced in the vaporizer; and (e) a working fluid vapor turbine electric generator, such as a steam turbine electric generator, the working fluid vapor turbine electric generator being driven by the superheated working fluid vapor. The apparatus is configured such that all of the working fluid vapor exiting the one or more superheaters is that which is produced in the vaporizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Skowronski
  • Publication number: 20060174623
    Abstract: A vehicular Rankine cycle system includes: an evaporator for heating a liquid-phase working medium with thermal energy of exhaust gas of an engine so as to generate a gas-phase working medium; a displacement type expander for converting thermal energy of the gas-phase working medium generated by the evaporator into mechanical energy; gas-phase working medium controller for controlling the temperature and/or pressure of the gas-phase working medium supplied to the expander at a target temperature and/or a target pressure by changing the amount of liquid-phase working medium supplied to the evaporator; and throttle opening degree controller for controlling a throttle opening degree of the engine by correcting an accelerator opening degree directed by a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihisa Sato, Tadashi Kurotani
  • Publication number: 20060174624
    Abstract: A hydrogen-powered hybrid powertrain system includes a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine operating at a lean air/fuel mixture, and a supercharger for boosting a primary drive torque produced by the engine primarily over a high operating speed range. An electric motor/generator generates a secondary drive torque for the vehicle, such that the secondary drive torque complements the boosted primary drive torque over at least a low operating speed range of the powertrain. A disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator engages and disengages the engine from the motor/generator, and serves to transfer the boosted primary driver torque through the motor/generator and to a power transmission system. The input at the power transmission is thus a combination of the boosted primary drive torque and the secondary drive torque having an enhanced torque characteristic over at least the low operating speed range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Tony Grabowski, Arun Jaura, Walt Ortmann, Robert Natkin, Steve Szwabowski, Edward Jih, Bret Oltmans, Adam Denlinger, Jas Dhillon, Yin Chen, Brad Boyer
  • Publication number: 20060174625
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor (10) comprises a main swirler assembly (400) comprising an annulus casting (410) itself comprising a modified downstream end (418) fitted into an reversed-edge base plate (450) that comprises an opening (453) defined by a lip (452) oriented upstream. The lip (452) comprises an upstream surface (457), an outboard surface (458) and an inboard surface (459). In certain embodiments the modified downstream end (418) has a shape to fit against the upstream surface (457) and the outboard surface (458) so as to increase the natural frequency of the main swirler assembly (400) to above the natural frequency of the combustion in the gas turbine combustor (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Rajeev Ohri
  • Publication number: 20060174626
    Abstract: A shroud for a combustion chamber bottom designed to cover fuel injectors is provided with drillings (21) on at least one of its sides to open up the cavity within the shroud and reduce noise that it produces and combustion instabilities. The drillings also have the effect of reducing instabilities and non-uniformity of the airflow around the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Michel Desaulty, Michel Cazalens, Olivier Kreder, Alain Cayre
  • Publication number: 20060174627
    Abstract: A gas turbine cycle that utilizes the vaporization of liquefied natural gas as an intercooler in an open loop gas turbine system. The system provides an increase in gas turbine cycle efficiencies while providing a convenient system for vaporizing liquefied natural gas. The systems and methods of the present invention permit the vaporization of liquefied natural gas using air that has been compressed in a first compressor, with the resulting cooled air being easier to compress and/or having fewer contaminants therein for compression in a second compressor. As the air is easier to compress, less energy is needed to operate the second compressor, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. Additionally, unlike prior art systems that use water as an intercooler, no additional equipment is needed to cool the vaporized natural gas, such as cooling towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Gerard McQuiggan
  • Publication number: 20060174628
    Abstract: A bleed air balancing system includes a plurality of bleed air flow paths (12) each carrying bleed air from one of a plurality of gas turbine engines (10), each bleed air flow path (12) including a flow rate sensor (19), and a circuit (52, 200) outputting at least one flow rate setpoint based on flow rates measured by each of the flow rate sensors (19), wherein each of the plurality of bleed air flow paths (12) includes: a pressure regulating valve (16), a pressure sensor (18), and a controller (20) for controlling the position of the pressure regulating valve (16), the controller (20) including an output (26) connected to the pressure regulating valve (16), a pressure control loop (60) generating a pressure correction signal, and a flow control loop (62) generating a flow correction signal, wherein the controller (20) outputs a control signal (28) on the output (26) based on the pressure correction signal and the flow correction signal. A method of operating the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Sami Mikhail
  • Publication number: 20060174629
    Abstract: A method for coordinating engine operation with electrical power extraction in a more electric vehicle provided. The method includes: receiving, by an engine control (120), a command for power output reduction of an engine (140); waiting until a predetermined event occurs to request, by the engine control (120), the power output reduction of the engine (140); reducing or completely switching off, by an electrical energy management system (110), at least one load (180) applied to a high-speed spool generator (146) connected to a high-speed spool (142) of the engine (140); reducing the power output reduction of the engine (140); and shifting power extraction from the high-speed spool generator (146) to a low-speed spool generator (148) connected to a low-speed spool (144) of the engine (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventor: Rodney Michalko
  • Publication number: 20060174630
    Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine (2), in particular in a power plant, includes operating the gas turbine (2) with natural gas. In order to adapt the gas turbine operation to different natural gas qualities, a concentration of C2+ is measured in the natural gas during gas turbine (2) operation. The gas turbine (2) then is operated based on the current concentration of C2+.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Jaan Hellat, Oliver Riccius, Richard Smith, Detlef Viereck
  • Publication number: 20060174631
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for attaching a fuel swirler in a turbine engine combustor. According to embodiments of the invention, at least the axial upstream end of the fuel swirler can be attached to a combustor support frame using one or more fasteners, such as bolts. A radial bracket provided on the swirler to facilitate attachment. The axial downstream end of the swirler can be positioned within an opening defined in a swirler base plate or within an opening in a support plate. Aspects of the invention can reduce the time and cost associated with installation and replacement of fuel swirlers in a combustor while avoiding concerns associated with known welded pin attachment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: David Parker
  • Publication number: 20060174632
    Abstract: Several embodiments of devices for intaking gases from the boundary layer through ducts (3, 4) hollowed out in blades (7) are disclosed. These embodiments are characteristic in that they are suitable for variable setting blades, installed on the stator (1) using pivots (8). The seal is maintained despite the variation in the relative position between the moving pivots (8) through which ducts pass, and the fixed intake header pipe (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stephan Aubin, Thomas Earith, Didier Escure, Thierry Obrecht, Stephane Rousselin
  • Publication number: 20060174633
    Abstract: A thermoelectric pump assembly (10) includes at least one thermoelectric device (12) that changes a temperature of a vehicular structure (16) when electric current is directed through the thermoelectric device (12). Ambient air is drawn across the vehicular structure (16) into a central air duct cavity (26) of a heating and cooling system (20) for heating or cooling of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Beckley
  • Publication number: 20060174634
    Abstract: An electrical fan includes a fan unit comprising a base from which a stand extends to support a motor-driven blade assembly, whereby an air current is induced to move from a back side of the blade assembly toward a front side by the rotation of the blade assembly. A thermally conductive plate is arranged on the back side of the blade assembly and defines a plurality of air passages through which the air current passes. A thermoelectric module is mounted to the thermal conductive plate used to control the temperature of the thermally conductive plate, which in turn controls the temperature of the air current passing through the air passages of the thermally conductive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Chao-Chih Hsu
  • Publication number: 20060174635
    Abstract: Convection losses associated with different temperature profiles in the pulse tubes and regenerators of multi-stage pulse tubes mounted in helium gas in the neck tube of a MRI cryostat are reduced by providing one or more of thermal bridges, and/or insulating sleeves between one or more pulse tubes and regenerators, and/or spacers, and spacer tubes, in one or more pulse tubes and regenerators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Mingyao Xu, Jin Gao
  • Publication number: 20060174636
    Abstract: A heat dissipation system, including an air compressor mechanism disposed in a body shell, which has an inlet and enlarged outlet. An air is directed to the air compressor mechanism, and compressed. Upon exhaling the body shell, a compressed air will rapidly expand and a heat generated from electrical appliances installed thereunder will be reduced to a functional level. The system is applicable for the heat dissipating to computer devices, electronic appliances, or heat producing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Wan-Tien Chen
  • Publication number: 20060174637
    Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic timing device for measuring a single interval of time. The electronic timing device comprising an activating mechanism, a timing element that measures a single interval of time upon activation by the activating mechanism, and a visual indicator that is activated by the timing element upon the elapse of the single interval of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: The Coppola Companies
    Inventor: Francis Coppola
  • Publication number: 20060174638
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided to protect an electrical switch from the deleterious effects of ice formation that inhibits switch operation. In a preferred arrangement, an ice shield is provided that protects the current-carrying contact structures and other operative elements of the switch from ice buildups. In one specific arrangement, as the switch is moved from the open position to the closed position, the ice shield moves away from the contact structure of a moving contact of the switch to permit unfettered engagement with a stationary contact structure of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: William Riopka, Terrence Kerr
  • Publication number: 20060174639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flash tank of a two-stage compression heat pump system that can perform cooling and heating with a separate type intercooler and a high-stage compressor protecting device. The system comprises a fluid-level detecting sensor for detecting the fluid-level of the refrigerant, an alarm sensor for notifying the saturated state of the refrigerant filled in the flash tank, an evaporator pressure sensor for measuring and notifying the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator, a condenser pressure sensor for measuring and notifying the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser, a flash tank fluid-level controller for receiving signals from the above sensors and controlling intermediate pressure and the fluid-level of the flash tank, and a bypass valve controller for controlling a bypass valve that receives signals from the alarm sensor and allowing a refrigerant to directly flow from the low-stage compressor to the high-stage compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Young Lee, Wook Lee, Jong Kim, Ki Jang, Seong Park, Yong Baik, Ho Ra