Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling the intake of an internal-combustion engine comprising at least two groups (12, 14) of at least one cylinder (C1-C4) wherein a feed is admitted for operation of said engine, and an exhaust line (40, 94, 100) comprising at least one exhaust gas depollution means (42, 96, 102). According to the invention, the method consists, while the engine runs at low speeds and/or at low torques, in evaluating the total feed to be admitted into the cylinders to operate the engine, in admitting a greater proportion of the total feed into one (12) of the groups of cylinders (C1, C4) than in the other (14) group of cylinders (C2, C3) so as to achieve an exhaust gas temperature increase allowing to speed up the rise in temperature of depollution means (42, 96, 102).

Abstract: A first, a second, and a third combustion region are defined by the air-fuel ratio of the mixture gas feeding combustion. Upon switching of combustion regions from the first combustion region to the third combustion region and from the third combustion region to the first combustion region, namely, when the second combustion region is passed, the mass of NOx emission downstream of an exhaust purifying device and the torque variation are estimated online. Based on the estimated value of the mass of NOx emission and the estimated value of the torque variation, the mass of intake air introduced into the combustion chamber is adjusted in a manner different from when normal, such as by changing the amount of lift of the intake valve, for example, so as to reduce the mass of NOx emission downstream of the exhaust purifying device and the torque variation below predetermined values upon passing of the second combustion region.

Abstract: An inert gas production and compression system for extracting and compressing an inert gas from an exhaust gas of an engine includes a power and inert gas generator, an inert gas processing system, and an inert gas compressor. The inert gas processing system includes an extraction system to receive exhaust gas from an engine and to remove liquids and particulate from the exhaust gas; a cooling system to receive the exhaust gas from the engine and at each stage of a multi-stage gas compressor; and a separator for separating liquids and particulate from the exhaust gas. The inert gas production and compression system can include one or more controllers and a microprocessor system to monitor the operation of the inert gas processing system and to manage the inert gas processing system based on inputs from the controllers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a burner, particularly an auxiliary burner in a motor vehicle and most especially a burner to rapidly heat up a three way catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with a fuel supply mechanism to deliver fuel to the burner, an air supply mechanism to deliver air to the burner, as well as with an open-loop or closed-loop control mechanism to set a desired fuel-air-ratio in the burner. The invention additionally concerns a procedure to operate such a burner. Provision is made, that the open-loop or closed-loop mechanism adjusts the fuel mass delivered from the fuel supply mechanism to the burner to the air mass delivered from the air supply mechanism to the burner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling exhaust gas emissions including platinum, wherein exhaust gas is brought into contact with an emissions control catalyst and the oxygen content of the exhaust gas is controlled in order to maintain fuel rich stoichiometry close to the stoichiometric value.

Abstract: This catalyst system simultaneously removes ammonia and enhances net NOx, conversion by placing an NH3—SCR catalyst formulation downstream of a lean NOx, trap. By doing so, the NH3—SCR catalyst adsorbs the ammonia from the upstream lean NOx, trap generated during the rich pulses. The stored ammonia then reacts with the NOx, emitted from the upstream lean NOx, trap—enhancing the net NOx, conversion rate significantly, while depleting the stored ammonia. By combining the lean NOx, trap with the NH3—SCR catalyst, the system allows for the reduction or elimination of NH3 and NOx, slip, reduction in NOx. spikes and thus an improved net NOx, conversion during lean and rich operation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an emissions trap and a transfer function device. The transfer function device is configured to determine a transfer function of the emissions trap wherein the transfer function is representative of loading of the emissions trap. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: In an excessive burn detection method for detecting an excessive burn during a regeneration process, in which particulates accumulated in a particulate filter arranged in an exhaust passage of a diesel engine are burned and removed for regenerating the particulate filter, an oxygen concentration in exhaust gas in the exhaust passage downstream of the particulate filter is measured in predetermined time intervals after the regeneration process starts and it is determined whether the excessive burn occurs by determining whether the measured oxygen concentration decreases with a predetermined tendency.

Abstract: A torque transmission device having a torque converter which is accommodated in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle, for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, has a converter housing that is rotationally mounted about an axis of rotation and is nonrotatably connected to the drive unit. The torsionally fixed connection between the drive unit and the converter housing includes a tubular connecting element that is located coaxially to the axis of rotation of the converter housing.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator, comprising: a housing; a rod secured to a piston, the rod and piston being slidably received within the housing, wherein the rod along with the piston is capable of movement between a first position and a second position; a first chamber positioned on one side of the piston and within the housing; a second chamber positioned on another side of the piston and within the housing; a self contained flexible volume compensator disposed within the housing; a fluid disposed in the first chamber, the second chamber and the self contained flexible volume compensator, wherein the fluid in the self contained flexible volume compensator is pressurized to a predetermined pressure level; a bidirectional pump for moving the fluid between the first chamber, the second chamber and the self contained flexible volume compensator; a valve system disposed in the housing and for providing selective fluid communication between the first chamber, the second chamber and the self contained flexible volume compens

Abstract: In a cup seal of the present invention, an inner lip (27b) is pressed into close contact with a piston (9) and an outer lip (27c) is pressed into close contact with a bottom wall (26a) of a concavity (26) by fluid pressure developed in a fluid pressure chamber (11) when the piston (9) moves forward. Therefore, fluid pressure is sealed. When the piston (9) is retracted, the outer lip (27c) is deflected inwardly and is thus spaced apart from the bottom wall (26a) of the concavity (26). Hydraulic fluid of a reservoir is supplied to the fluid pressure chamber (11) through a first communication path (22), grooves (27e), and the space between the outer lip (27c) and the bottom wall (26a). As mentioned above, the inner lip (27b) has only the sealing function, while the outer lip (27c) has both the sealing function and the pumping function and ensures sufficient fluid supply by the grooves.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a converter for converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The energy conversion takes place by causing magnetic particles that are initially suspended in ferrofluid to circulate in the converter and to induce electric currents when they pass through one or more coils of electric wires that are coiled around parts of the conduits of the converter. The particles are caused to circulate around the main circuit of the converter by controlling the local temperature and pressure at different locations in the main circuit. The invention also is a method of using the converter to produce electricity.

Abstract: In a multimode fuel injector for combustion chambers, in particular a jet engine, a secondary circuit is connected to a distribution chamber perforated by a plurality of fuel ejection orifices and the primary circuit comprises at least one passage section adjacent the distribution chamber, for its cooling.

Abstract: With a lean premix burner (1), a plurality of preferably V-shaped, closely spaced fuel channels (12) is formed into the circumferential fuel-supplied film application surface (8) of the atomizer lip (9) in the direction of flow, in order to achieve a better heat transfer to the fuel due to the uniform fuel distribution and a transverse flux in the plurality of small fuel flows caused by the Marangoni effect, to completely converse the fuel by early vaporization and improved spraying, to reduce nitrogen oxide emission and to suppress combustion-driven pressure oscillations.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing a combustor liner support including a first portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced recessed areas, and a second portion extending from the first portion. The method also includes coupling the combustor liner support within a combustor such that during engine operations cooling air is channeled through the plurality of recessed areas to facilitate cooling the combustor liner support.

Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating oscillations in a gas turbine fuel control system includes utilizing an engine model to regulate a gas supply pressure for a gas turbine, sensing the pressure of gas actually supplied, and applying integral state feedback plus gas supply pressure feedforward combined with integral plus state feedback to the engine model to control and reduce gas fuel supply variations.

Abstract: A method for determining a target exhaust temperature for a gas turbine including: determining a target exhaust temperature based on a compressor pressure condition; determining a temperature adjustment to the target exhaust temperature based on at least one parameter of a group of parameters consisting of specific humidity, compressor inlet pressure loss and turbine exhaust back pressure; and adjusting the target exhaust temperature by applying the temperature adjustment.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine augmentor includes an augmentor outer casing 502 and an annular augmentor liner 504 disposed radially within and radially separated from the augmentor outer casing 502 to form a generally annular augmentor liner cooling flow path 500 between the augmentor casing and the annular augmentor liner, and an augmentor flow splitter duct 506 disposed at the upstream end of the augmentor liner and radially between the augmentor outer casing 502 and the annular augmentor liner 504 and defining a splitter flow path 520 between the annular augmentor liner 504 and the annular augmentor flow splitter duct 506.

Abstract: A turbine disk assembly including a rotatable cylindrical member rotatably coupled to a shaft and a plurality of turbine blades extend circumferentially outward from said cylindrical member. The turbine blades include at least two different geometrical shapes, a first of the geometrical shapes is configured to facilitate extracting power from a first pulsed detonation combustor product stream. A second of said geometrical shapes is configured to facilitate extracting power from a second pulsed detonation combustor product stream that is different from the first pulsed detonation combustor product stream.

Abstract: A fuel preconditioning system for use with a pulse detonation combustor (PDC) makes use of a heat source to pyrolyze fuel prior to injecting it into the PDC for detonation. The fuel is decomposed into a more detonable form by pyrolysis in a conditioner that applies heat to the fuel in the absence of oxidizer. The heat may be provided by a hot section of the engine, including the walls of the PDC itself. The conditioned fuel is fed to the PDC and detonated.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling combustion in a gas turbine combustor (18) includes adjusting an amount of a premix fuel portion (30) of a pilot fuel (28) provided to a premix burner stage (48) of a pilot (46) of the gas turbine combustor. The amount of the premix fuel portion is adjusted from a preset premix fuel portion amount to an adjusted premix fuel portion amount to achieve a desired first operating condition of the combustor. An amount of a diffusion fuel portion (34) of the pilot fuel provided to a diffusion burner stage (50) of the pilot is then adjusted from a preset diffusion fuel portion amount to an adjusted diffusion fuel portion amount to achieve a desired second operating condition of the combustor.

Abstract: A constant volume combustor device includes detonative combustion. In one form the wave rotor of the constant volume combustor is supported by magnetic bearings.

Abstract: A cooling system for a gas turbine engine including a compressor, a combustor and a high-pressure turbine, coupled together in serial flow arrangement. The cooling system includes a storage tank, a working fluid stored within the storage tank, and a manifold coupled to the channel that supplies cooling air to the high pressure turbine. The working fluid is discharged from the manifold into the turbine cooling air supply channel, thereby reducing the temperature of the compressed cooling airflow channeled to the high pressure turbine.

Abstract: A heatsink for cooling a light valve, includes: a heat conduction member having a first section for coupling to the light valve and a second section; a thermoelectric cooler having a cold end connected to the second section of the heat conduction member and a hot end; a first cooling fin unit connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler; and a fan disposed adjacent to the second section of the heat conduction member and the first cooling fin unit for generating an airflow in order to lower temperature within the heatsink.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for controlling the temperature of at least a temperature controlled portion of a microchip is provided. The temperature control apparatus includes a heat sink, a temperature control unit, and a surrounding unit. The temperature control unit is disposed adjacent to the heat sink. The temperature control unit includes at least one Peltier-type temperature control device that is configured to control the temperature of at least a temperature controlled portion of a microchip. The surrounding unit is disposed on the heat sink. The surrounding unit is configured to surround the at least one Peltier-type temperature control device. The surrounding unit is configured to define a closed-space together with the heat sink and the microchip. The closed-space contains the at least one Peltier-type temperature control device.

Abstract: The thermoelectric heat pump comprises one or more thermoelectric modules having a hot side connected to a first heat exchanger and a cold side connected to a second heat exchanger, and is characterised in that it comprises a pair of elongated bar-like elements made of an electrically and thermally insulating material which are arranged at two parallel sides of the heat exchangers, at least partly interposed between facing flanges of said heat exchangers, at least one of said elongated bar-like elements including electric conductors for supplying power to the thermoelectric modules, as well as conductors for supplying control signals therefor, and that said heat exchangers contacting the thermoelectric modules are linked one another via a plurality of fasteners, each fastener being formed of a substantially C-shaped metal clip.

Abstract: Conditioned air discharged from a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is further conditioned by a thermoelectric (TE) air conditioning unit and then directed to air passages in a vehicle seat. Activation of the TE air conditioning unit is based on climate control parameters utilized by the HVAC unit, including a set temperature, radiant heating effects, and cabin air temperature. The climate control parameters are utilized to establish a target seat temperature that optimizes occupant comfort and the transient response of the seat cooling effect.

Abstract: Conditioned air discharged from a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is further conditioned by a thermoelectric (TE) air temperature control module and then directed to air passages in a vehicle seat. Activation of the TE air temperature control module is based on climate control parameters utilized by the HVAC unit, including the set temperature and the cabin air temperature.

Abstract: A pulse tube cryogenic cooler includes a pressure vibration generating device configured to generate pressure vibration in operation gas; a regenerator connected to the pressure vibration generating device; a pulse tube connected to the regenerator; and a phase control mechanism connected to the pulse tube; wherein a heat exchanger is provided at a part where the regenerator and the pulse tube are connected.

Abstract: A LN2 maintenance system is provided. The maintenance system includes an input sensor and a solenoid. The input sensor is adapted to monitor the temperature of the medium in an input tube to a device using the LN2. The solenoid is adapted bleed off the medium based on the monitored temperatures.

Abstract: A control system for an electric water heater having an upper heating element and a lower heating element includes a control module that controls operation of the electric water heater by selectively toggling the upper and lower heating elements between an ON state and an OFF state. The control module maintains a stratification of water within the water heater including a first volume maintained at a set point temperature and a second volume held at a setback temperature, which is less than the set point temperature. The setback temperature is low enough to maintain the stratification yet high enough to allow the upper heating element to heat water from the second volume to the set point temperature prior to exiting the water heater.

Abstract: A reversible ice chest is shown having oppositely arranged, hinged lids. The lids allow the ice chest to be open and filled from either of two opposite directions. This allows a user to, for example, place drinks to be cooled on top of ice in a half filled chest. The chest would then be turned upside down, thereby covering the drinks with ice. The drinks could be accessed through the lid which is now facing up toward the user.

Abstract: A control system for an icemaker utilizes a control scheme in which various operating conditions of the icemaker are monitored sand the icemaker is shut down if a fault condition is sensed. In response to detection of the fault condition, steps are taken to actively remove the fault. Restarting of the icemaker is then attempted if sensors indicate that normal continued operation should be possible. The operating conditions sensed include the temperature of refrigerant at an outlet from a condenser, the rate at which a water pan fills with water while water is delivered to it for subsequent delivery to and over an evaporator to freeze the water into ice on the evaporator. and the time required to harvest ice from the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and/or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator further includes a control panel or user interface that enables a consumer to input desired operating parameters. The interface is also provided with a plurality of temperature control elements and at least one auxiliary control element. The temperature control elements enable a consumer to set compartment temperatures in a first or basic mode. The auxiliary control element, in addition to serving a function in the basic mode, provides access to a hidden or advanced features menu. Once the hidden menu is accessed, the temperature control elements enable a consumer to select and adjust advanced operating parameters, such as enabling a Sabbath mode, setting a temperature display, altering an intensity of ambient light required to activate a dispenser light, activating an audible warm alarm and initiating a super cool feature.

Abstract: A door mounted dispenser for a refrigerator includes rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a cavity, a release mechanism for dispensing ice and/or water and a light for illuminating the cavity. The cavity light can be operated in one of three distinct modes, i.e., in a first mode wherein the cavity light is continuously illuminated, in a second mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated only through activation of the release mechanism, and in a third mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated based upon a sensed level of ambient light present at or near the refrigerator. In the third mode, the cavity light is illuminated at a first level based upon ambient light and a second, higher level when the release mechanism is operated. The level of ambient light necessary to activate the cavity light can be set by a consumer through control panel inputs.

Abstract: A tool for the analysis of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, methods for performing various analyses of an HVAC system with the tool, and a computer executable program used by the tool to perform the analyses are disclosed. The tool includes a processing machine, a database, a memory device having a software program executable by the processing machine, and a display device. The database stores information on each of a plurality of HVAC components and the software program is configured to identify and access information pertaining to at least one HVAC unit in an HVAC system from the database and is configured to generate a wiring diagram using the accessed information from the database that is displayed to the display device.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a controller for regulating temperatures established in a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The controller is selectively operable in a temperature guard mode providing a warm temperature alarm setting function and a power interrupt setting function. When the warm temperature alarm is active, the controller monitors temperatures of each of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. If either temperature exceeds a respective predetermined value for a predetermined time, an alarm is activated to indicate a warm temperature condition. When the power interrupt alarm setting is selected, the controller senses an interruption and restoration of power. Once power is restored, if a temperature of either the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment has exceeded a respective predetermined value, an alarm is activated to indicate an over-temperature condition.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser includes an actuation switch, at least one drive unit for releasing either ice or water, a motor activation relay that controls operation of the drive unit, and a power system having multiple power supplies for operating the control system, motor activation relay and drive unit(s). Preferably, the dispenser includes multiple actuation switches, e.g. a water activation switch and a water/ice activation switch, each having an associated activation relay for independently controlling the release of water and/or ice respectively. Current for initiating the drive unit activation relays must pass through a corresponding actuation switch in order to prevent unintended release of water and/or ice. Multiple processor circuits are preferably employed, with one processor circuit relaying to another processor circuit to enable drive unit activation.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, shown in the form of a refrigerator, includes a cabinet within which is defined at least one compartment. A controller is mounted to the appliance for controlling various operating parameters of the appliance. The controller also includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters associated with a plurality of appliance models. The appliance has an identification element affixed thereto and a communication device that is operatively connected to the controller. The communication device receives signals that provide programming instructions to the controller to activate particular ones of the plurality of operating parameters associated with the respective appliance model. In this manner, a universal controller can be employed in any one of a wide range of appliance models.

Abstract: A household appliance comprises at least one sensor for detecting an operating parameter of the household appliance, a memory for periodically recording the value of the operating parameter detected by the sensor, and comprises an interface for reading out the contents of the memory. In the event of a failure, the memory is read out in order to deduce a possible cause of failure from the stored parameter values.

Abstract: Disclosed are an air conditioner integrated management system and an operational method of the same according to the present invention. The present invention can promptly detect and repair the device, where an error really occurred, by determining the error as an upper unit's in the case that the error occurred at the whole devices belonging to a lower unit managed by the upper unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment and a refrigeration system. A duct, exposed to the freezer compartment, leads into the fresh food compartment. A damper is arranged within the duct to selectively allow the passage of cooling air into the fresh food compartment. The refrigerator also includes an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, a freezer mounted ice maker, a user interface having a plurality of control elements and a controller operatively associated with the user interface. The controller includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters for controlling various aspects or features of the refrigerator, including a temperature control mode, a super cool mode, a food saver mode and a quick ice mode, which can be synergistically combined to efficiently operate the refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed wherein an ion generator is arranged in a cold air duct which supplies cold air to a storage compartment, and a desired portion of the cold air duct is treated for anti-static. The ions from the ion generator are used for the purpose of sterilization and deodorization and are effectively discharged into the storage compartment. The anti-static-treatment of the cold air duct prevents the ions generated from the ion generator from being lost due to static in the cold air duct. The anti-static treatment is carried out by coating polyethylene on a portion of the cold air duct. The cold air duct includes a plurality of uniformly spaced cold air outlets, whereby the ions generated from the ion generator are uniformly distributed into the overall portion of the storage compartment through the cold air outlets.

Abstract: In a cooling system, particularly a cooling system for motor vehicles, including a cooling circuit and a refrigerating circuit which are coupled to one another via a refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger and a third medium/coolant heat exchanger arranged in the cooling circuit, a heat source to be cooled is arranged in the cooling circuit and means are provided for controlling the quantity of coolant flowing through the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a control valve for a variable displacement compressor, for controlling the discharge flow rate of refrigerant to be constant, to dispense with a check valve in a refrigerant outlet port of the compressor. The control valve includes a first control valve that controls the passage cross-sectional area of a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant passes from a discharge chamber of the compressor to a refrigerant outlet port thereof, and a second control valve that controls the flow rate of refrigerant allowed to flow from the discharge chamber to a crankcase such that a differential pressure (Pdh?Pdl) across the first control valve generated by the refrigerant passing therethrough becomes constant. The control valve is configured such that when a solenoid section is not energized, a first valve element is engaged with a piston to forcibly fully open the second control valve.

Abstract: A method and a control unit for starting a compressor (3) in a refrigeration system (1) further comprising a condenser (2) and an evaporator (4). If an attempt to start-up the compressor (3) is unsuccessful a condenser cooling means, e.g. a fan, is started in order to provide cooling for the condenser (2). Thereby, if the temperature of the condenser is sufficiently high to cause an increased pressure on the condenser side of the compressor (3), cooling is provided for the condenser (2) in order to ensure a reliable start-up of the compressor (3). On the other hand, if the temperature of the condenser (2) is sufficiently low to ensure a reliable start-up of the compressor (3), cooling is not provided, thereby saving power while ensuring reliable start-up of the compressor (3).

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a controller (90) for controlling operation restart after a breaker trips owing to failure in electric systems for refrigeration system components. The controller (90) includes a sequential startup section (91) for, upon the operation restart, sequentially starting up target compressors (2A, 2B, 2C) and outdoor fans (F1, F2) previously selected from among the refrigeration system components, and failure processing section (92) for, if the breaker trips again during the sequential startup of the target compressors and outdoor fans, excluding the compressor or outdoor fan (2A, . . . ) supplied with electric power just before the breaker's trip from the target refrigeration system components to be started up by the sequential startup section (91). Thus, a failed component is identified by the failure processing section (92) and only the normal components, leaving out the failed component, are then started up, thereby resuming the operation.

Abstract: An air conditioning garment for air conditioning an individual wearing the garment includes an inner layer of a three-dimensional netting structure enclosed between two layers of substantially air-impermeable fabric. The layer facing the wearer's body has a plurality of openings directed toward predetermined locations on the wearer's body. The garment has an inlet opening with means for connecting the inner layer to a source of air at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An ice-making unit is so configured as to facilitate cleaning of the backsides of ice-making plates. An evaporator of the ice-making unit is disposed between the backsides of a pair of ice-making plates and has straight portions extending laterally and curved portions sticking out sideward of the ice-making plates, the straight portions and the curved portions being repetitively zigzagged. The curved portion is bent frontward or rearward of the ice-making plates more than a clearance between the ice-making plates. Accordingly, the curved portion is retracted from a side opening defined between the ice-making plates and facing inside the ice-making unit, and does not interfere with cleaning of the backsides of the ice-making plates.