Patents Issued in April 19, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070084166
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag comprises a bottom part including a substantially rectangular base section. A projecting section is disposed proximate to at least one side of the base section. The projecting section, when folded up for the storage position, rests on the base section. Sidewall sections extend peripherally in a direction away from the bottom part to form an inside space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Friedrich Wattenberg, Bernd Wehage
  • Publication number: 20070084167
    Abstract: A filtration device adapted for adjustably interlocking with adjacent filtration devices in a filter bank, wherein inversely disposed flaps on opposing sidewalls, such us an upper flap disposed along a first sidewall and a lower flap disposed along an opposing sidewall, overlap to interlock and prevent air flow between adjacent filters. Each flap may comprise a single member, or may include multiple folded sections, and may be color coded or provided with installation instructions, may be manufactured integrally with an air filter frame, or may be formed separately and adhered to the frame prior to filter installation, and a flap may also include an adhesive for adhering interlocking flaps together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Kirk Ticknor
  • Publication number: 20070084168
    Abstract: An air filter element partially-fabricated on site wherein one or more wire frames are fastened to one another to form a structure substantially conforming to the dimensions of the original equipment manufacturer's filter housing. One or more of the wire frames are flexibly attached to each other end-to-end by flexible attachment means, allowing the assembled filter unit to be inserted into the filter housing one frame at a time, with the frame sections yet to be inserted folded or directed off to one side, thus bypassing space restrictions. Flexible attachment means may comprise spring connectors. Also disclosed is an end-cap affixed to or formed at one or both ends of the filter element. The end-caps may also contain printed material, such as text or pictures, which may include instructions for use, identifying labels or symbols, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew Ashwood, David Kent
  • Publication number: 20070084169
    Abstract: An air filter element having an inner metal liner, an outer metal liner, a filter media, an annular end cap, and a composite end cap is provided. The annular end cap is formed over the metal liners such that the metal liners are secured and at least a portion of the filter media is sealed. The composite end cap has an annular plastic insert and a foamed urethane portion. The annular plastic insert is tapered upwardly from an outer insert periphery toward a central aperture. The foamed urethane portion is molded about the annular plastic insert such that the metal liners are secured, at least a portion of the filter media is sealed, and an annular groove is formed on an underside of the composite end cap. The annular groove has a plurality of transverse ribs therein. Urethane flashing occurs proximate the central aperture and/or the outer liner periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ehrenberg
  • Publication number: 20070084170
    Abstract: The air filter element may include an inner metal liner, an outer metal liner, a filter media, an annular end cap, and a composite end cap The annular end cap is formed over the metal liners such that the metal liners are secured and at least a portion of the filter media is sealed. The composite end cap has a foamed urethane portion and a rigid urethane portion. The foamed urethane portion, which has a central aperture and stand-off apertures, is molded about the central aperture and the stand-off apertures such that the metal liners are secured, at least a portion of the filter media is sealed, and urethane flashing occurs proximate one or more of the central aperture and an outer liner periphery. The rigid urethane portion is molded over the foamed urethane portion such that the stand-off apertures are filled, blocked, and/or sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ehrenberg
  • Publication number: 20070084171
    Abstract: A pollution control element-retaining or -mounting member (2) for mounting a pollution control element (1) within a casing and that shows good canning operability, that is not separated from the pollution control element during the canning operation, and that is excellent in one, some or all of heat resistance, an aerial pressure retaining property and erosion resistance. The pollution control element-mounting member (1) comprises a mat (2) containing fiber material, with the mat having a thickness with an external portion (2a) having an external peripheral surface for contacting the casing (4) and an internal portion (2b) having an internal peripheral surface for contacting the pollution control element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Shinichi Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20070084172
    Abstract: A guidance indication system for use during the unloading of a load from a crop harvesting machine that determines a required steering correction as a function of wheel position when the machine is deviating from a desired path during the unloading process, and displays the steering correction to the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin Richman, Hyppolite Kuissi, Frank Dupire, Bruce Hadley
  • Publication number: 20070084173
    Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: David Phillips
  • Publication number: 20070084174
    Abstract: A lawn mower having an internal combustion engine has a container of liquid insectide or other chemical that can be spread on vegetation during a mowing process hung on a crossbar of the mower. The container is fluidically connected to a muffler associated with the mower and chemical from the container is fed into the muffler to be mixed with hot exhaust gases flowing through the muffler from the engine. The chemical is vaporized, mixed with the hot exhaust gases and then dispersed as the gases are exhausted from the muffler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Sandra Weiland
  • Publication number: 20070084175
    Abstract: A rear discharge mower deck has at least two cutting blades mounted on vertical spindles in cutting chambers, a fan in a housing mounted on the deck over the cutting chambers, and an inlet opening between the cutting chambers and the fan housing. The surface area of the inlet opening may be between about 50% and about 80% of the surface area within the fan diameter. A stripper plate may be on one edge of the inlet opening, and each cutting chamber may have an upwardly sloping tunnel to the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Steven Buss, Michael Schemelin
  • Publication number: 20070084176
    Abstract: A convertible mower deck has a plurality of adjoining cuffing chambers under a mower deck, each cutting chamber having a cutting blade mounted to the lower end of a vertical spindle. Angled pivoting baffles are positioned in the openings between adjoining cutting chambers, and a baffle also is mounted in the discharge opening from one of the cutting chambers. The baffles may pivot between an open position for the grass clippings to be discharged or collected, a closed position for the grass clippings to be mulched, and one or more intermediate positions for some of the clippings to be discharged or collected, and the remainder to be mulched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Chenevert, Michael Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070084177
    Abstract: The apparatus is a farm machine that inverts crop windrows using only the raking tines of a conventional rotary rake machine. The tines engage and move an existing windrow, and invert the windrow as the crop is being disengaged from the tines. The inverting machine accomplishes the inverting by imparting motion to the discharging crop that has a vector of motion that is in the same direction as the movement of the inverter machine. This causes the crop to move faster than the machine itself and inverts the windrow by pushing the disengaging crop over the crop that was previously discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Underhill
  • Publication number: 20070084178
    Abstract: A leaf pickup tool. A stationary rake head is fixedly mounted to a rod. A movable rake head is pivotally mounted to the stationary rake head with movement controlled by means of a handle slidably mounted to the rod and connected to the movable rake head by a rigid member. A spring associated with the handle allows for positioning of the movable rake head relative to the stationary rake head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Stevens
  • Publication number: 20070084179
    Abstract: A yarn texturizing system, apparatus, and methods of reducing production loss or increasing production speed in a continuous textured yarn production process are provided. The system includes a yarn supply, a yarn stuffing container to produce textured yarn periodically released therefrom, a yarn draw to draw yarn from the yarn supply to the yarn stuffing container, a yarn conveyor belt positioned downstream from the yarn stuffing container, and a yarn bundler positioned between the yarn stuffing container and the yarn conveyor belt to bundle the textured yarn prior to deposit onto the yarn conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: D. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20070084180
    Abstract: A yarn texturizing system, apparatus, and methods of reducing production loss or increasing production speed in a continuous textured yarn production process are provided. The system includes a yarn supply, a yarn stuffing container to produce textured yarn periodically released therefrom, a yarn draw to draw yarn from the yarn supply to the yarn stuffing container, a yarn conveyor belt positioned downstream from the yarn stuffing container, and a yarn bundler positioned between the yarn stuffing container and the yarn conveyor belt to bundle the textured yarn prior to deposit onto the yarn conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: D. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20070084181
    Abstract: Method of producing spring wires shaped as a cylinder. The wire includes at least one first plurality of layers of wound fibres, the layers being disposed on top of one another and impregnated with a matrix. The first plurality of layers includes at least two stacked layers of fibres which are wound in opposing directions along two coaxial helices around the same axis to the left and right thereof respectively. The tangents to the two helices together with the axis (10) form respectively two angles having values ?x?1 and ?x which are respectively equal to ?+k? and ???k?, ? being a function of the value of the modulus of elasticity for the spring to be produced and k being a factor of between 0 and 1. The method is suitable for the production of helical cylindrical-type spring wires for the suspension systems of motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Max Sardou
  • Publication number: 20070084182
    Abstract: An antimicrobial, cut-resistant composite yarn has a core including at least one cut-resistant strand, and a cover including at least one strand wrapped around and enclosing the core. At least one strand in either the core or the cover is treated with and incorporates an antimicrobial compound. In addition, the yarn can include one or more channel fibers to facilitate movement of moisture within the composite yarn so that the moisture contacts the antimicrobial compound, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the antimicrobial compound. The yarn can be used to fabricate cut-resistant garments, such as gloves, worn by meat cutters and others who work with knives, saws and other sharp implements. The antimicrobial effect reduces bacteria, mold and fungi growth on the garments between washings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: WORLD FIBERS, INC.
    Inventors: Dean Andrews, Christopher Andrews, Gregory Andrews, John Simmons
  • Publication number: 20070084183
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a low-pressure turbine to a core turbine engine, coupling a gearbox to the low-pressure turbine, coupling a first fan assembly to the gearbox such that the first fan assembly rotates in a first direction, and coupling a mechanical fuse between the first fan assembly and the low-pressure turbine such that the mechanical fuse fails at a predetermined moment load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Moniz, Robert Orlando
  • Publication number: 20070084184
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a low-pressure turbine to a core turbine engine, coupling a gearbox including an input, a first output, and a second output, to the low-pressure turbine, coupling a first fan assembly to the gearbox first output, and coupling a second fan assembly to the gearbox second output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Orlando, Thomas Moniz
  • Publication number: 20070084185
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine. The method comprises coupling a low-pressure turbine rotatable about a drive shaft to a counter-rotating fan assembly including a first fan assembly and a second fan assembly wherein the first fan assembly rotates in a first direction and the second fan assembly rotates in an opposite second direction. The method also comprises coupling a planetary gearbox substantially circumferentially about the drive shaft such that an input of the gearbox is coupled to the low-pressure turbine and an output of the gearbox is coupled to the counter-rotating fan assembly, and such that the gearbox is positioned within a lubrication fluid sump that substantially circumscribes the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Moniz, Robert Orlando
  • Publication number: 20070084186
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a low-pressure turbine to a core turbine engine, and coupling a counter-rotating fan assembly including a first fan assembly and a second fan assembly to the low-pressure turbine such that the first fan assembly rotates in a first direction and the second fan assembly rotates in an opposite second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Orlando, Thomas Moniz
  • Publication number: 20070084187
    Abstract: A gearbox includes a support structure, at least one sun gear coupled within the support structure, and a plurality of planetary gears coupled within the support structure. The support structure includes a first portion, an axially aft second portion, and a thrust spring coupled between the first and second portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Moniz, Robert Orlando
  • Publication number: 20070084188
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a low-pressure turbine to a core turbine engine, coupling a counter-rotating fan assembly including a forward fan assembly and an axially aft fan assembly to the low-pressure turbine such that the forward fan assembly rotates in a first direction and the aft fan assembly rotates in an opposite second direction, and coupling a booster compressor to the low-pressure turbine such that the booster compressor rotates in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Orlando, Thomas Moniz
  • Publication number: 20070084189
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine including providing a core gas turbine engine at least partially defined by a frame. The gas turbine engine has a drive shaft that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the core gas turbine engine. A counter-rotating fan assembly is coupled to the low-pressure turbine. The counter-rotating fan includes a first fan assembly that rotates in a first direction and a second fan assembly that rotates in an opposite second direction. A booster compressor is coupled to the second fan assembly. A first bearing assembly is mounted between the drive shaft and the frame and operatively coupled to the first fan assembly to transmit thrust force from the first fan assembly to the frame. A second bearing assembly is mounted with respect to the second fan assembly and operatively coupled to the second fan assembly to transfer thrust force from at least one of the second fan assembly and the booster compressor to the second bearing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Moniz, Robert Orlando
  • Publication number: 20070084190
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine including providing a core gas turbine engine at least partially defined by a frame and having a drive shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the core gas turbine engine. A low-pressure turbine is coupled to a core turbine engine. A counter-rotating fan assembly is coupled to the low-pressure turbine. The counter-rotating fan assembly includes a first fan assembly and a second fan assembly. A booster compressor is coupled to the second fan assembly. A gearbox is securely coupled to the frame so that the gearbox is circumferentially positioned about the drive shaft. The first fan assembly is rotatably coupled to an input of the gearbox such that the first fan assembly rotates in a first direction. The second fan assembly is rotatably coupled to an output of the gearbox such that the second fan assembly rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Moniz, Robert Orlando
  • Publication number: 20070084191
    Abstract: The invention relates to thrust reversers comprising at least one mobile element (3), at least one locking device (7) comprising a hook (8) cooperating with a hookable part (6) in order to keep the mobile element (3) in the closed position, and a double detection system (10) detecting closure and locking comprising a sensor (15) for indicating, in particular by a signal, if the mobile element (3) is in the closed position and if the device (7) is in a locked position. According to the invention, the double detection system detecting closure and locking of a mobile element of a turbojet thrust reverser comprises a means (16) of detection of the hookable part (6) and of activation of a second means (17) of detection of the crooked end (13) of the hook (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Bruno BEUTIN, Marc TESNIERE
  • Publication number: 20070084192
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus and control method thereof performs air-fuel ratio feedback control based on an estimated value (i.e., an upstream side estimated air-fuel ratio) of an air-fuel ratio of gas discharged from a combustion chamber into an exhaust passage and an output value of an air-fuel ratio sensor downstream of a catalyst. This upstream side estimated air-fuel ratio is accurately estimated based on an operating state of the engine and a combustion state (i.e., the degree of misfire in the combustion chamber) of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiro Wanibe
  • Publication number: 20070084193
    Abstract: Freeze protection of an on-board emissions treatment substance storage and distribution system in a vehicle includes moving the emissions treatment substance away from a primary fuel/vapor area after filling of the emissions treatment system. In one embodiment an on-board emissions treatment system has a fill tube with a portion extending into a primary fuel fill pipe to facilitate co-fueling of the primary fuel and emissions treatment substance. A pressure differential or vacuum is created in the emissions treatment fill tube after filling to move the emissions treatment substance away from a check valve disposed at the terminal end of the fill tube to prevent freezing of the check valve after filling. The emissions treatment substance may be moved out of the co-located portion of the fill tube to an area where passive or active heating of the fill tube may be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBALL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Levin
  • Publication number: 20070084194
    Abstract: A system for venting crankcase emissions from an engine is disclosed generally comprising a crankcase emissions conduit that communicates blow-by gases from the crankcase into the exhaust flow of an exhaust conduit, which includes a venturi, via an inlet located upstream of the minimum inner diameter of the venturi in order to pump the crankcase emissions therethrough. In certain embodiments, the gases are then directed to a filter assembly, which may include a particulate filter and may include a catalyst for facilitating redox of harmful substances to create harmless compounds prior to venting them or recirculating them in the system. In certain advantageous embodiments, an auxiliary oxygen supply is provided to facilitate these burning processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Holm
  • Publication number: 20070084195
    Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine, a catalytic device for treating emissions from the engine, an upstream oxygen sensor positioned upstream of the catalytic device, a downstream oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the catalytic device, and a controller configured to determine a NOx storage capacity of the catalytic device from a difference between a signal received from the upstream oxygen sensor and a signal received from the downstream oxygen sensor, a method of operating the engine is disclosed, the method including operating the engine at a rich air/fuel ratio for a first interval; adjusting a temperature of the catalytic device to a diagnostic temperature for measuring an oxygen uptake by the catalytic device; operating the engine at a lean air/fuel ratio for a second interval; and adjusting the temperature of the catalytic device to an operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Christian Goralski, Joseph Patterson, Joseph Theis, Shane Elwart
  • Publication number: 20070084196
    Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine, a method of operating the engine including operating the engine at a first non-stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio for a first duration; operating the engine at a second non-stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio for a second duration, wherein the second relative air/fuel ratio is on an opposite side of a stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio as the first relative air/fuel ratio, and wherein the second duration is of sufficient length to allow at least one of one of a substantial saturation of oxygen storage sites in the catalytic device and a substantial regeneration of oxygen storage sites in the catalytic device; and operating the engine at a third non-stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio for a third duration, wherein the third relative air/fuel ratio is on a same side of the stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio as the second relative air/fuel ratio and is further from the stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio than the second relative air/fuel
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Christian Goralski, Joseph Patterson, Joseph Theis, Shane Elwart
  • Publication number: 20070084197
    Abstract: When starting an internal combustion engine from cold, after-burning of unburned HC in the exhaust gas within an exhaust passage is promoted by supplying secondary air into the exhaust passage upstream of a catalyst. At this time, the pressure within the exhaust passage is controlled by controlling the opening timing of an exhaust valve. Desirably, when the exhaust temperature has been elevated to a temperature at which it is possible to promote after-burning of the unburned HC in the exhaust gas within the exhaust passage, the opening timing of the exhaust valve is retarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Nao Murase, Hiroki Ichinose, Yuuichi Katou
  • Publication number: 20070084198
    Abstract: A solid-fuel rocket assembly including an elongate fuel container having a long axis, and an inner surface spaced outwardly from, and generally circumsurrounding, that axis, and a continuous, elastomeric, heat-insulative, intumescence-behavior jacket adhered to the container's inner surface and defining a central chamber for receiving an elongate body of solid fuel. This structure implements a method for minimizing, in a solid-fuel rocket, heat damage to the wall of a solid-fuel container during burning of contained solid fuel including the steps of (a) producing dual-interface, continuous-presence, heat-insulative barriering in the zone existing between the container and burning fuel, with such barriering being characterized by (1) interfacially following any heat-produced deformations in the container wall, and (2) interfacially confronting the burning fuel with a tendency for intumescence-driven barrier-thickening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Ohnstad, Michael Dennis, Russell Monk
  • Publication number: 20070084199
    Abstract: A filter includes a cylindrical foramenous core which is removably mounted inside the exit end of an exhaust pipe of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. Engine exhaust gases flow through the core before being exhausted into the atmosphere and are cleaned of undesirable products such as Carbon Monoxide as well as undesirable particulate matter and the like. The core is easily removed from the exhaust pipe for cleaning, replacement or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Corey Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20070084200
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders is disclosed. The exhaust system comprises a plurality of exhaust branch passages, an intermediate exhaust pipe section, a partition plate and a downstream pipe section. Each exhaust branch passage is in communication with a respective cylinder. The intermediate exhaust pipe section forms a passage that is in communication with the exhaust branch passages. The partition plate is provided in the intermediate passage and divides the intermediate passage into first and second flow paths. The partition plate further includes a projection positioned on a first surface thereof that is oriented so as to be generally perpendicular to the direction of exhaust flow. The partition plate is disposed within the intermediate passage so as to position the projection in the first flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Takatoshi Saito
  • Publication number: 20070084201
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the controlling the position of a pneumatic actuator comprising: a pneumatically adjustable actuating element (5); a pneumatic actuating drive (6) for adjusting the actuating element (5); an electro-pneumatic position controller (1) for pneumatically driving the actuating drive (6) as a function of a position controller set point and a controlled variable; and at least one main pneumatic power amplifier (10) with bypass throttle for amplifying the power output of the position controller (1) and for pneumatically driving the actuating drive (6). In addition, a pilot control pneumatic power amplifier (9) with a bypass throttle for preamplifying the pneumatic power output of the position controller (1) is installed between the position controller (1) and the main power amplifier (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Ulrich Schulz, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20070084202
    Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator includes: an actuator body which expands and contracts through supply/discharge of a fluid to generate a driving force; a sensor for detecting a condition of the actuator body; and a control part for controlling a fluid regulator for adjusting a pressure of the fluid supplied to and discharged from the actuator body based on a detection signal from the sensor. The sensor is mounted in the actuator body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hiramatsu, Taisuke Matsushita, Yutaka Sato
  • Publication number: 20070084203
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Robert ABEND, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20070084204
    Abstract: An intensifier is operable to supply force and includes a housing defining a cavity. A ram is slidably positioned within the cavity and partially extends from the housing. The intensifier also includes a force transfer rod and a plurality of power pistons. The ram is moveable between retracted and extended positions along a longitudinal axis. The force transfer rod is selectively moveable between a retracted position where the force transfer rod is not axially aligned with the ram and an advanced position where the force transfer rod is axially aligned with the ram. The plurality of power pistons are axially aligned with each other and the ram. The power pistons are selectively operable to provide an output force to the ram when the force transfer rod is in the advanced position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Edwin Sawdon, Steven Sprotberry, Brian Petit
  • Publication number: 20070084205
    Abstract: A power plant with a CHP system having a distillation apparatus to yield a high thermally efficient electrical power plant for reduced fuel usage and subsequent lower CO2 emission specie. The incorporation of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system with a microturbine, makes use of the low emissions gas turbine exhaust gas waste heat of this electrical power generation plant for distillation processes, replacing the current use of electrical heating elements of the distiller unit. The inventive device includes a distiller apparatus and a microturbine gas turbine electrical power plant, a heat exchanger device where the exhaust gas waste heat energy of a gas turbine power plant passes thru one side of a series of plates/sheets of material and or tubes and heats the process fluids on the opposite side and also a surface area condenser is incorporated to reduce the product vapor state to a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Teets, Jon Teets
  • Publication number: 20070084206
    Abstract: An apparatus for an internal combustion engine (200) includes a base engine (201) having an intake system (217) and an exhaust system (209). A turbine (203) has an inlet in fluid communication with the exhaust system (209), and an outlet. A first exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler (211) fluidly communicates with the intake system (217) and the exhaust system (209) of the engine (200). An EGR valve (213) is in fluid communication with the EGR cooler (211), and a purge valve (205) is in fluid communication with the EGR cooler (211) and the outlet of the turbine (203).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Mae Lew, Wesley Terry
  • Publication number: 20070084207
    Abstract: Designs of cooling systems that operate entirely on solar energy are disclosed. Such cooling systems may be used in refrigeration and air conditioning. According to one aspect of the designs, a solar energy collecting device is disposed outdoor to collect solar energy. A first heat-to-electricity pump operating on heated liquid is provided to produce electricity. A storage tank is used to store heated water. A second heat-to-electricity pump is disposed in the storage and operates on the heated water to generate electricity. A cooling system operates on at least three types of working fluids to achieve low temperature evaporation and high temperature condensation to derive cooling effects. A working unit powered by at least one of the first generator and the second generator is provided to utilize the cooling effects from the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick Zuili, Sean Hackner
  • Publication number: 20070084208
    Abstract: A generating facility is provided for generating electricity from both solar and non-solar energy sources. The solar generating portion of the facility includes capability to directly generate electricity from solar insolation, or to store the solar energy in a tangible medium, including stored heat, or solar generating fuel. The generating facility is configured to generate electricity simultaneously from both solar and non-solar sources, as well a solely from immediate solar insolation and from solar energy stored in a tangible medium. Additionally, the solar generating capacity may be segregated; such that separate spectra of solar insolation are used to capture heat for steam turbine based electrical generation, capture light energy for photovoltaic based electrical generation, and to grow biomass to generate a solar fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Arnold Goldman
  • Publication number: 20070084209
    Abstract: The combustor (5) of a gas turbine (7) is supplied with coal bed methane (51), oxygen (53) and a part of the flue gas (55), predominantly CO2, produced from the gas turbine (7) and sent through a heat recovery steam generator (27), all under pressure. The heat recovery steam generator (27) receives the hot flue gas and generates steam (57) for driving a steam turbine (29). The other part of the flue gas stream that passes through the heat recovery steam generator (27) is supplied to a suitable underground storage region (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Nello Nigro
  • Publication number: 20070084210
    Abstract: A method for performing maintenance on a gas turbine engine assembly includes unplugging a first connector from a first socket, the first connector electrically coupled to the engine control unit, the first socket electrically coupled to the hydromechanical unit, plugging a second connector into the first socket, the second connector electrically coupled to a driver simulator, cranking the engine core to a low speed value, and operating the driver simulator to reposition at least one of the variable stator vane assembly and the variable bypass valve from a first operational position to a second operational position that is different than the first operational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Pasquinelli, Kenneth Cook
  • Publication number: 20070084211
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present application is a gas turbine engine with a compressor that includes a variable geometry mechanism to vary working fluid flow area. A desired state of this mechanism is selected different than a current state to change the amount of flow area. The mechanism has a hysteresis band corresponding to a difference between increasing the flow area to reach the desired state and decreasing the flow area to reach the desired state. To control operation of the mechanism within this hysteresis band, a determination is made whether the desired state corresponds to a greater flow area or a lesser flow area relative to the current state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Ray Bowman, Joseph Jaeger, Phillip Steffen, Robert Kiser
  • Publication number: 20070084212
    Abstract: In a method of operating a compressor of a gas turbine, where compressor air sucked in from the environment is cooled down by evaporation cooling before entering the compressor, before starting operation of the compressor, maximum possible temperature drops which could be achieved by evaporation cooling are determined dependent on different ambient conditions and/or are provided as a data set. These temperature drops are correlated with a compressor map containing maximum temperature distortions at different ambient conditions and different rotation frequencies of the compressor which have to be met in order to avoid pumping. The evaporation cooling is then only operated when current ambient condition result in a maximum possible temperature drop from which a predetermined fraction of between 50% and 100% does not exceed the maximum distortion which can be taken from the compressor map for these ambient conditions and the current rotation frequency of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Giovanni Cataldi, Christian Faehndrich, Charles Matz
  • Publication number: 20070084213
    Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a convergent segment followed by a divergent segment to advantageously improve combustion. The combustor assembly includes a first segment beginning at a forward end that transitions to a second segment past a transition segment in a direction along a combustor axis toward an aft end. The reduction in cross-sectional area within the first segment provides desirable fuel and air mixing properties. The convergent first segment in combination with the divergent second segment decreases residence time of fuel-air mixture within the combustor chamber that decreases production of undesirable emissions from the combustor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Steven Burd, William Sowa, Albert Cheung, Stephen Kramer, Reid Smith, James Hoke
  • Publication number: 20070084214
    Abstract: A start system for a gas turbine engine delivers starter current according to a schedule selected according to measured rotational speed and oil temperature of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Dennis Schmidt, David Ripley, Lawrence Cogsdill
  • Publication number: 20070084215
    Abstract: A system of attaching an injection system to a turbojet combustion chamber base. It comprises a deflector welded onto the chamber base. The deflector comprises an annular portion having an edge forming a retaining shoulder directed toward the front of the turbojet and the injection system comprises a collar on which is formed a retaining shoulder directed toward the rear of the turbojet and pressing against the retaining shoulder of the deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Didier HERNANDEZ, Romain LUNEL, Christophe PIEUSSERGUES, David PINCHON, Guillaume SEVI