Patents Issued in July 19, 2007
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Publication number: 20070163223Abstract: The V-rake has an elongated tow beam with a front end adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle and a back end fixed to a back section, the back section is supported by a wheel assembly, which may be a set of tandem wheels. The V-rake further includes first and second rake booms each having a front end and a back end pivotally connected to the back section such that the front ends of the booms can be swung between a transport position and an operating position. The front end of each boom has at least one castor wheel for support. The back section is further adapted to controllably change the distance between the back ends of the booms to adjust the width of a resulting windrow. A number of rake wheels are mounted on each of the rake booms on the side of the boom nearest to the tow beam, wherein the rake wheels are adapted to move vertically with respect to the rake boom using a compression spring mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Bridgeview Mfg. Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hruska, Dean Baragar, Raymond Helmeczi
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Publication number: 20070163224Abstract: The V-rake has an elongated tow beam with a front end adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle and a back end fixed to a back section, the back section is supported by a wheel assembly, which may be a set of tandem wheels. The V-rake further includes first and second rake booms each having a front end and a back end pivotally connected to the back section such that the front ends of the booms can be swung between a transport position and an operating position. The front end of each boom has at least one castor wheel for support. The back section is further adapted to controllably change the distance between the back ends of the booms to adjust the width of a resulting windrow. A number of rake wheels are mounted on each of the rake booms on the side of the boom nearest to the tow beam, wherein the rake wheels are adapted to move vertically with respect to the rake boom using a compression spring mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Bridgeview Mfg. Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hruska, Dean Baragar, Raymond Helmeczi
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Publication number: 20070163225Abstract: A holder carried on an agricultural tractor for holding implement coupling balls (1,2). The holder has a rear wall (3), two side walls (4), a base (5) and an open upper end through which the balls may be inserted into the holder. The side walls (4) are shaped (4b) to retain the balls (1,2) within the holder with the inside surfaces of the side walls in contact with portions of the spherical surfaces of the balls which face away from the rear wall (3), and bias means (8) are provided for biasing the balls (1,2) into contact with the inside surfaces of the side walls. An adaptor element (10) may be provided for partially enclosing a ball of a smaller category than the holder was designed to hold, the adaptor element being positioned between the smaller category ball and the side walls (4) so that the smaller ball and adaptor element together occupy a similar volume to the volume occupied by a ball of the category which the holder was designed to hold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: AGCO GmbHInventors: Erich Girstenbrei, Elisabeth Girstenbrei, Johannes Kapfer
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Publication number: 20070163226Abstract: A traversing device for stabilizing the yarn path of a thin and uniform flat fiber bundle without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers, and ensuring a good winding appearance of the winding package of fiber bundle, and a yarn path guide for stabilizing the yarn path without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers. The yarn path guide for guiding a traveling yarn comprises a guide roll and a guide roll supporting member wherein the supporting member has a rotating shaft at a position twisted at a right angle to the rotating shaft of the guide roll. The yarn path guide is arranged such that the guide roll is inclined with respect to the yarn path through rotation of the supporting member about the rotating shaft in response to variation of the yarn path and the fiber bundle is guided automatically in the yarn path direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Kunihiro Mishima, Ken Kugita, Hidetaka Matsumae, Shota Sakimura, Seiji Tsuji
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Publication number: 20070163227Abstract: Thrust variability in a nozzle is achieved by constructing the nozzle in two parts, one of which is rotatable relative to the other. The nozzle includes a convergent section, a throat, and a divergent section, all of which are formed in the annular region between a centerbody and a shell. The rotation produces a variation in the cross-sectional area of the nozzle by bringing apertures in the two parts into and out of alignment and thereby partially or fully opening and closing the flow passage through the convergent section, throat, and divergent section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Aerojet-General CorporationInventors: Stephen Mano, Robert Black
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Publication number: 20070163228Abstract: A rocket engine with an augmentation gas system that improves performance of the hypergolic combustion process. The augmentation gas system includes an acoustic cavity manifold mounted between an outer perimeter of an injector face and the combustion chamber. The augmentation gas system injects an augmentation gas active element such as hydrogen or an inactive element such as helium to provide significantly enhanced boundary layer coolant effect to reduce heat loading on the combustion chamber wall and enhance the specific impulse of the rocket engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: William Brown, Peter Schilhavy
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Publication number: 20070163229Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a fan section, a compressor, a combustor and a turbine, includes a nacelle having an inner nacelle surface defining an inlet duct designed to reduce an inlet duct area of the inlet duct to increase acoustic attenuation. The gas turbine engine also includes a spinner, disposed forward of the fan section, that includes features to increase acoustic attenuation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nacelle includes a nacelle contoured surface protruding radially inward from the inner nacelle surface to reduce the inlet duct area. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spinner includes a spinner contoured surface for reducing the inlet duct area. In other embodiments, the nacelle and/or the spinner include an inflatable bladder, a SMA actuator, a fluidic actuator, or a combination thereof, selectively activated to increase acoustic attenuation during certain conditions of an aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Dilip Prasad, Jinzhang Feng, Jayant Sabnis
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Publication number: 20070163230Abstract: The invention relates to a core exhaust mixer, having a variable area, for turbo-fan jet engines of supersonic aircraft, comprising a nozzle (24) intended to be arranged about a gas generator of the jet engine, the nozzle comprising a plurality of external air intake apertures (30) emerging in a convergence zone between cold and hot flows from the gas generator and in which lobes (32), movable between two positions, are mounted; a first position in which they block the apertures (30) of the nozzle (24) and a second position, different from the first, in which they unblock said apertures and extend radially into the nozzle (24) in order to admit external air, the lobes (32) having an azimuthal component in the same direction in order to give a swirling motion to the external air admitted into the convergence zone when the lobes are in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Laurent Dussillols, Alexandre Vuillemin
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Publication number: 20070163231Abstract: A method is described for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle. In the method, a lean air/fuel mixture is burned in a combustion chamber; nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas are stored in an accumulator-type catalytic converter; a storage efficiency, with which the accumulator-type catalytic converter stores the nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas, is ascertained; and the storage efficiency is ascertained as a function of an instantaneous space velocity of the exhaust gases in the accumulator-type catalytic converter. Two efficiencies are ascertained at least as a function of the temperature of the accumulator-type catalytic converter and a space velocity. One of the two efficiencies is ascertained for a great space velocity, and the other efficiency is ascertained for a small space velocity. The storage efficiency is ascertained as a function of the instantaneous space velocity from the two efficiencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Andreas Pfaeffle, Wolfgang Klenk, Stefan Scherer, Simone Neuberth, Albrecht Schwaderer
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Publication number: 20070163232Abstract: Clogging of an injection nozzle which supplies a reducing agent to the exhaust gas on an upstream side of a reduction catalyst in the exhaust gas passage is prevented, and the efficiency of NOx purification processing is improved. A reducing agent supply unit uses a detection signal of the exhaust gas temperature from a temperature detection device to set a supply quantity at or above a lower limit for cooling the interior of an injection nozzle to below the temperature at which urea water crystallizes, for the detected exhaust gas temperature, and supplies urea water to the injection nozzle at the set supply quantity. By such supply of urea water, the interior of the injection nozzle is cooled to below the temperature at which the urea water crystallizes. As a result, the urea water does not crystallize inside the injection nozzle, and clogging of the injection nozzle can be prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Hiroki Ueno
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Publication number: 20070163233Abstract: A particulate sensor for sensing the presence of particulates in a gas flow stream is disclosed. The particulate sensor includes a housing having a flow divider to provide a first flow path and a second flow path. A heater is disposed and configured to provide uniform heating of the two flow paths. A first temperature sensor is disposed in the first flow path downstream of the heater. A second temperature sensor is disposed in the second flow path downstream of the heater. A fine filter is disposed within the second flow path and is configured to trap carbonaceous particulates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Shi-Wai Cheng
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Publication number: 20070163234Abstract: When both catalyst degradation and catalyst odor need to be suppressed when a fuel cut condition is satisfied, a fuel cut control is executed giving priority to control for suppressing catalyst odor, though a required air amount G* for idling is drawn in at that time. Therefore, when shifting the engine into an idle state to suppress catalyst degradation after the catalyst odor has been eliminated, the required air amount G* for idling is already being drawn in so there is no need to adjust the air amount. As a result, there is no time delay for air amount adjustment. Therefore, after the control to suppress catalyst odor has ended, a smooth shift can be made into control to suppress degradation of the exhaust gas control catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ikuo Ando, Kazuki Kunishima
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Publication number: 20070163235Abstract: When a vehicle speed V is greater than a threshold value Vref when an engine speed difference ?N between an engine speed Ne and a target engine speed Ne* is greater than a threshold value Nref and a catalyst degradation flag Fc is 1, that engine speed Ne is brought to the target engine speed Ne* while the engine is kept firing. However, when the vehicle speed V is less than the threshold value Vref, a fuel cut is executed even if the engine speed difference ?N is greater than the threshold value Nref and the catalyst degradation flag Fc is 1. The threshold value Vref is set based on a catalyst bed temperature CT so control to suppress catalyst degradation can be continued for longer the more the operating state is such that the catalyst bed temperature CT is high and degradation of the catalyst is promoted.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ikuo Ando, Kazuki Kunishima
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Publication number: 20070163236Abstract: Turbo Watt is comprised of a housing produced of metal. A turbine and generator are located within the housing. Often, a water injector is also located on the housing. To use Turbo Watt, a car operator would start the engine and drive the vehicle in an ordinary manner. Exhaust from the vehicle will be directed into the housing as will steam through the water injector. The steam and exhaust within the housing will rotate the turbine. As the turbine rotates, the generator produces electricity that can be harnessed for use with the electrical components of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Clair Ermey
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Publication number: 20070163237Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which can make a determination on fuel property with high accuracy without causing a cost increase. The control apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: an intake air amount control unit for controlling an intake air amount of the engine; an ignition timing control unit for controlling an ignition timing of the engine; a catalyst heat-up control unit for increasing the intake air amount after cold start of the engine and performing control for retarding the ignition timing; an air-fuel ratio detecting unit for detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas in the engine; and a fuel property determining unit for making a determination on fuel property through a comparison between a parameter value calculated from the air-fuel ratio and a preset reference value when the catalyst heat-up control unit performs the control for retarding the ignition timing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Osamu Maeda, Keiichi Enoki
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Publication number: 20070163238Abstract: A method for metering a reagent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine is provided, in which the reagent is guided in at least one component and in which a measure for the temperature of the component is recorded. The measure for the temperature is compared to a predefined temperature threshold value. A counter counts the number of times the threshold is exceeded. If the counter state exceeds a predefined count threshold value, a service signal is emitted. The temperature threshold value is fixed, for example, at the freezing temperature of the reagent. One embodiment provides that the counter counts an exceeding of the temperature threshold value only when the component is filled with the reagent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Michael Gerlach
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Publication number: 20070163239Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an exhaust treatment system for reducing pollutants in the exhaust. The system includes a reservoir containing an active ingredient a delivery device for delivering the active ingredient and an injection device for injecting the active ingredient into the exhaust. According to the present invention, the exhaust treatment system includes a pressure reservoir that is fed by the delivery device; this pressure reservoir is able to store the active ingredient under pressure and is directly connected to the injection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Thomas Hofmann, Ulrich Meingast
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Publication number: 20070163240Abstract: In an SCR apparatus mounted on a vehicle, the concentration of a reducing agent or a precursor thereof contained in an aqueous solution of the reducing agent or the precursor is accurately detected. In sensing the concentration, whether or not the urea water stored in a storage tank is in a stationary state is determined. Only it is in a stationary state, the concentration is detected. The determination of whether or not it is in a stationary state or not is preferably determined by determining whether the vehicle is stopped (S207) and that the period of time TIM that has elapsed after the stoppage has reached a predetermined stationary time TIM1 (S211). The deceleration DCL of the vehicle before stoppage thereof is detected, and the stationary time TIM1 is altered in accordance with the deceleration DCL (S206).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Toshikazu Katou, Hiroyuki Kurita
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Publication number: 20070163241Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for posttreatment of an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, in which a substance to be mixed with the exhaust gas is sprayed in metered quantities into an exhaust gas line through which the exhaust gas flows. The substance is sprayed onto an impact plate disposed inside the exhaust gas line.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Ulrich Meingast, Johannes Dehn, Torsten Eggert
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Publication number: 20070163242Abstract: In an exhaust purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine on a vehicle, heating control is executed for supplying fuel to exhaust purification catalysts, thereby increasing the catalyst bed temperature. The heating control is suspended when the vehicle is determined to be driving downhill. Adverse influences due to deactivation of the exhaust purification catalysts during the heating control are reliably avoided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2005Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Hiroki Matsuoka, Yukihisa Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20070163243Abstract: An exhaust system for use with an engine comprises at least one valve and a camshaft. The at least one valve is configured to control flow in the exhaust system but is discrete from each intake valve of the engine and each exhaust valve of the engine. The camshaft is configured to operate the at least one valve. An associated method is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Adam Coker, John Nohl
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Publication number: 20070163244Abstract: An engine controller determines the cost of operating a combustion engine and the cost of operating an emissions after-treatment device. Accordingly, the engine controller adjusts parameters for operation of the engine and the after-treatment device to ensure cost-effective use of the engine and the after-treatment device while complying with exhaust emissions requirements. In particular, the engine controller receives the price of fuel consumed by the engine and the price of reductant used by the after-treatment device to determine the respective cost of operation. Specifically, the fuel is diesel fuel used in a diesel engine; the reductant is urea use in a urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system; and the regulated exhaust emissions is nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The engine operating parameters may include cooled exhaust gas recirculation airflow, fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure, and air-to-fuel ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Cummins Inc.Inventor: Ken R. Federle
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Publication number: 20070163245Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust manifold, and a selective catalytic reduction exhaust aftertreatment system. The selective catalytic reduction exhaust aftertreatment system includes a reduction catalytic converter in communication with the exhaust manifold; a reagent holding tank in fluid communication with the reduction catalytic converter; and a reagent supply canister selectively and removably couplable with the reagent holding tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Todd Sheridan, Laszlo Tikk, Rod Radovanovic
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Publication number: 20070163246Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for cooling an exhaust system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The arrangement includes a controller for detecting an elevated temperature condition of the exhaust system, such as a so called hot soak condition, as well as detecting a predetermined engine operating status, such as either of an engine shutdown, a stopped or an idling status. A secondary air injection system may then be actuated to inject ambient air into the exhaust system thereby cooling said exhaust system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Robert Wassmur
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Publication number: 20070163247Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for cooling exhaust gases includes an inlet operatively connected to an exhaust port from a diesel engine or the like, and a housing defining a substantially enclosed volume. At least a portion of the volume is larger in cross-section than the inlet in cross-section, such that the exhaust gases expand upon entering the housing from the inlet. At least one outlet larger in collective cross-section than the inlet in cross-section is disposed on the housing and configured to expel the exhaust gases from the housing into the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Michael Ryan, J. Dixon, Patrick Klein
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Publication number: 20070163248Abstract: In a device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, a first auxiliary catalytic apparatus is arranged in one of the two exhaust passages upstream of the exhaust gas merging portion, a second auxiliary catalytic apparatus is arranged in the other of the two exhaust passages, an amount of catalyst carried on the second auxiliary catalytic apparatus is smaller than that on the first auxiliary catalytic apparatus, and only the cylinder-group corresponding to the one of the two exhaust passages is operated at the engine start.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Shigeki Miyashita, Masakazu Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20070163249Abstract: A lobed exhaust diffuser apparatus, system, and method configured to cool exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine comprises a diffuser having a proximal end, configured to receive exhaust gases from the engine, and a distal end, configured to expel the exhaust gases into the atmosphere. A plurality of lobes are disposed on the distal end such that at least a portion of the exhaust gases pass through the lobes, increasing the interaction surface area between the exhaust gases and the atmosphere, allowing for more rapid diffusion and entrainment between exhaust gases and atmospheric gases, resulting in more rapid cooling of the exhaust gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: James Clerc, James Cramer, J. Dixon, Francois Ntone, Patrick Klein
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Publication number: 20070163250Abstract: An exhaust manifold (10, 110) is provided having a ceramic inner layer (22, 32) defining an exhaust gas passageway (20), and a composite insulation zone (24, 26) that is highly thermally insulating. In one embodiment, the composite insulation zone (24) includes a plurality of metallic foils (31, 32) in alternating arrangement with layers having insulating qualities. In the composite insulation zone, the layers having insulating qualities can include ceramic layers (26), evacuated spaces, microsphere layers (37) including substantially evacuated microspheres, or a combination of these. A novel sealing arrangement also is provided for sealing the ceramic inner and metallic outer layers of a metal-encased-ceramic exhaust manifold at a location adjacent the inlet port (14, 15, 16) of a runner of the manifold. A sealing gasket (140) is substantially completely encased within or shielded by the metallic outer layer, so as not to contact the cylinder head (115) when assembled to an internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2005Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Ajit Sane, Bruce Budinger, Scott Churby, Dan Moore, James Eucker
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Publication number: 20070163251Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a reservoir for a hydraulic fluid, a pump, a high-pressure line network, a low-pressure line network and operating cylinders each of which can be connected to the high-pressure line network or to the low-pressure line network via control units, each operating cylinder is associated with a local compensation volume element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbHInventor: Wolfram Grieser
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Publication number: 20070163252Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed that provides a wide variety of flow options. A hydraulic system includes a first pump, a second pump, an auxiliary passage, and a supplemental apparatus. The first pump is in fluid communication with a first valve, and the second pump is in fluid communication with a second valve. The auxiliary passage is in fluid communication with the first valve and the second valve. The supplemental apparatus is in fluid communication, by way of a supplemental passage, with the second valve and the auxiliary passage. The supplementary apparatus can take a wide variety of forms, variously including a dump valve, an additional pump, a relief valve, and other components, and thereby reconfigure the hydraulic circuit to provide a greater and more flexible variety of flow rates and pressures that can be applied to the auxiliary passage. The auxiliary passage may be in fluid communication with a third valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Clark Equipment CompanyInventor: Daniel Krieger
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Publication number: 20070163253Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle is provided for a vehicle having a first axle and a second axle. The hydrostatic transaxle comprises: a hydraulic pump; a first hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the first axle; a closed circuit fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump to the first hydraulic motor; and a fluid-supply switching device shifted between a supply position for supplying fluid from the closed fluid circuit to a second hydraulic motor, which is disposed on the outside of the hydraulic transaxle and is drivingly connected to the second axle, and a supply-stop position for stopping the supply of fluid from the closed fluid circuit to the second hydraulic motor. The first hydraulic motor is variable in displacement, and the hydrostatic transaxle further comprises a linkage system for associating the switching of the fluid-supply switching device between the supply position and the supply-stop position with operation for changing the displacement of the first hydraulic motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Shinya Sakakura, Takeshi Okazaki, Hideki Kanenobu
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Publication number: 20070163254Abstract: 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) leaving 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Robert ABEND, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Publication number: 20070163255Abstract: A MEMS hysteretic thermal device may have two passive beam segments driven by a current-carrying loop coupled to the surface of a substrate. The first beam segment is configured to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the substrate surface, whereas the second beam segment is configured to move in a direction having a component parallel to the substrate surface. By providing this two-dimensional motion, a single MEMS hysteretic thermal device may by used to close a switch having at least one stationary contact affixed to the substrate surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Innovative Micro TechnologyInventor: Paul Rubel
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Publication number: 20070163256Abstract: Apparatus, methods and an installation are provided for reducing pressure in a carrier line, such as a natural gas pipeline, and capturing the resultant waste energy. The apparatus is comprised of a flow converter for gaseous communication with a carrier line and an electricity generator mechanically linked to the flow converter for transforming the excess energy resulting from the pressure drop into electrical energy, such that in use, the energy released from the pressure drop can be captured and utilized for the production of gases such as hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Duncan McDonald, Richard Bailey
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Publication number: 20070163257Abstract: This invention provides an improved “blow off valve” for use on turbocharged engines. The valve is of a new style having a main body which is comprised of a tube which can be incorporated into the charge air plumbing of a turbocharged engine. The tube is perforated around its circumference creating ports through which the pressurized air from a turbocharger can escape. The ports are covered during normal running conditions by an annular sleeve which fits over the main tube body. The sleeve is able to slide back and forth along the main body tube and in doing so it can alternately cover or uncover the ports in the main body. The sleeve is constructed in such a way that it acts as a pneumatic piston and is moved back and forth by alternate conditions of vacuum or positive pressure that are applied to it.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Leen Steed
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Publication number: 20070163258Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes parallel first and second intake passages, and the intake passages respectively include first and second superchargers. A first airflow meter measures the intake air amount in the first intake passage. A second airflow meter measures the intake air amount in the second intake passage. An ECU obtains an air amount difference between the intake air amount measured by the first airflow meter and the intake air amount measured by the second airflow meter to compare the obtained air amount difference with a predetermined abnormality determination value. The ECU determines that an abnormality has occurred in one of the superchargers when the air amount difference exceeds the abnormality determination value. The abnormality determination of the superchargers is based on the air amount difference between the intake passages. This accurately determines the occurrence of an abnormality in the superchargers regardless of structure of the intake passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2005Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Yuji Narita, Yoshiyuki Takahashi, Takeshi Imai, Hisanobu Suzuki
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Publication number: 20070163259Abstract: A fluid linkage allows for coordinated movement of mechanical components separated by a distance. In applications where accurate coordination is required, a mechanism called a limit-switch valve (180) is activated at specific actuator positions. The limit-switch valves are able to detect fluid loss in the fluid linkage between the actuators and compensate for this fluid loss. A volume displacement servomechanism is created by connecting pressure actuators (360, 361) of a fluid control valve (120) to a control actuator (133). A basic position feedback servomechanism is created by connecting pressure actuators (362, 363) of a fluid control valve (150) to a control actuator (135) and a feedback actuator (145). The fluid control valve (150) controls the servomotor actuator (146) to which the feedback actuator (145) is attached. A position tactile feedback servomechanism allows an operator to perceive the load on the servomotor actuator (146) by its reflection on the control actuator (135).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2005Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Timothy Webster
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Publication number: 20070163260Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting thermal energy into mechanical work with the following steps: supply of a hot heat transfer medium to a first working chamber of a first heat exchanger (1a); isochoric heating of a first quantity of a working medium in a second working chamber of the first heat exchanger by the heat transfer medium; repeated performance of the following sub-steps: allowing the transfer flow of at least a partial quantity of the first quantity of the working medium from the second working chamber (3a; 3b) of the first heat exchanger or the preceding heat exchanger to a second working chamber (3b; 3c) of a further subsequent heat exchanger (1b; 1c); isochoric heating of the transferred partial quantity of the first quantity of a working medium in the second working chamber (3b; 3c) of the further subsequent heat exchanger (1b; 1c) by a heat transfer medium present in a first working chamber (2b; 2c) of the further subsequent heat exchanger (1b; 1c); connecting theType: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Steve Hargreaves, Franz-Peter Jegel, Bernd Pfeifer
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Publication number: 20070163261Abstract: Systems and methods for converting thermal energy, such as solar energy, from a localized thermal energy source to another form of energy or work comprise dual thermodynamic cycle systems that utilize the liquid-to-gas phase transitions of a cryogenic fluid such as liquid nitrogen and a working fluid such as sulfur hexafluoride to drive prime movers. Heat transfer between the fluids as they undergo the phase transitions is used to increase the energy in the system and its work output, and improve system efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Michael Strathman
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Publication number: 20070163262Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of a working medium through an expansion device in a closed heating system which also includes a condenser, a pump and a boiler. The expansion device is a helical screw rotor expander that has an inlet port with an inlet line connected thereto, and an outlet port. The expansion device drives an energy producing device, such as a generator. The helical screw rotor expander has an intermediate pressure port between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a branch line is connected between the intermediate pressure port and a branching point in the inlet line. A valve is in the branch line. The flow of working medium through the valve to the intermediate pressure port is controlled as a function of a state parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2005Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Henrik Ohman
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Publication number: 20070163263Abstract: A staged fuel injector is disclosed that includes a main fuel circuit for delivering fuel to a main fuel atomizer and a pilot fuel circuit for delivering fuel to a pilot fuel atomizer located radially inward of the main fuel atomizer. The pilot fuel circuit is in close proximity to the main fuel circuit enroute to the pilot fuel atomizer so that the pilot fuel flow cools stagnant fuel located within the main fuel circuit during low engine power operation to prevent coking.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Neal Thomson
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Publication number: 20070163264Abstract: A gas turbine group comprises a device, arranged in a suction-intake duct, for cooling a suction-intake airflow. The device is, for example, a device for injecting a liquid mass flow. The cooling device is activated automatically when a first limit temperature of the ambient air is overshot and is deactivated automatically when a second limit temperature is undershot. Stability of the automatic algorithm can be improved in that the second limit temperature can lie by a specific amount below the first limit temperature. In one embodiment, the limit temperatures are predetermined as a function of the position of an adjustable initial guide blade cascade.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Carlos Diaz, Jurgen Hoffmann, Andreas Ullrich
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Publication number: 20070163265Abstract: An inlet tube supplies fuel to a manifold of a combustor in a gas turbine engine, the manifold defining a manifold plane. The inlet tube comprises a tube body having a channel providing fluid flow communication between first and second ends of the tube body. At least a portion of the channel defines a tube body plane which is spaced apart from the manifold plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Jason FISH, Bhawan Patel
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Publication number: 20070163266Abstract: In a gas turbine engine, a fuel inlet tube comprising a body, a channel defined in the body and in fluid communication with a manifold, and a side inlet in fluid communication with the channel, the side inlet being sealingly isolated by at least two annular sealing members concentric with each other and disposed about the tube body at longitudinally spaced part points thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Jason Fish
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Publication number: 20070163267Abstract: In a combustor (1) for a gas turbine, the combustor (1) includes a burner system (2) and a fuel supply system (3). The burner system (2) includes at least two burner groups (A, B) each with at least one burner (5). The fuel supply system (3) includes a main line (7), which is connected to a fuel source (8), and also an auxiliary line (9) for each burner group (A, B). Each auxiliary line (9) is connected to each burner (5) of the associated burner group (A, B) and is connected to the main line (7) by a controllable distribution valve (10). A sensing system (11) measures pressure pulsation values and/or emission values for each burner group (A, B). A control system (12), in dependence upon the pulsation values and/or the emission values, controls the distribution valves (10) so that in each burner group (A, B) the pulsation values and/or the emission values assume and/or fall below predetermined threshold values.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Peter Flohr, Bruno Schuermans, Majed Toqan
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Publication number: 20070163268Abstract: A device for moulding foodstuff masses comprises: one or more moulds (14) provided with sockets (16) which define pouring cavities; inserts (22) made of thermally conductive material associated, in a relationship of heat exchange, with the pouring cavities (16); and thermal-conditioning units (24), such as Peltier cells, associated to the inserts made of thermally conductive material (2). There is present a control unit (34) for generating signals for control of the thermal-conditioning units (24) so as to provide cycles of thermal treatment of the material undergoing selectively pre-determined pouring. A preferential application is in the sector of the confectionery industry.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2005Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: SOREMARTEC S.A.Inventor: Sergio Mansuino
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Publication number: 20070163269Abstract: A heat dissipation module suitable for performing heat dissipation on a heat source is provided. The heat dissipation module includes a first base, a first radiator, a thermoelectric cooler and a second radiator. The first base has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface contacts the heat source. Both the first radiator and the thermoelectric cooler contact the second surface, while the second radiator is disposed on the thermoelectric cooler.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Chao-Tsai Chung, Kuo-Hua Chang
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Publication number: 20070163270Abstract: A liquid cooling system has a thermoelectric cooling module, a heat dissipating assembly, a water block and multiple flexible guide tubes with liquid flows inside. The thermoelectric cooling module has a cold surface and a hot surface. The water block has a contacting surface attached to a processor of a computer. The guide tubes are mounted between the thermoelectric cooling module, the heat dissipating assembly and the water block. With the thermoelectric cooling module, the liquid cooling system can cool a processor of computer hardware with high efficiency, and is able to dissipate extraordinary heat generated by the processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: COOLER MASTER CO., LTDInventors: Yi-Shen CHIEN, I-Ta HSU
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Publication number: 20070163271Abstract: A system including: (i) a semiconductor device; (ii) a thermoelectric controller for controlling the temperature of the semiconductor device; (iii) an electrical power supply for powering the thermoelectric controller; (iv) a first device capable of determining both a direction and a magnitude of current through the thermoelectric controller; (v) a second device also capable of determining a magnitude of current through the thermoelectric controller; and (vi) a controller for controlling the first and second devices on the basis of an electrical indicator of the temperature of the semiconductor device so as to achieve a desired direction and magnitude of current through the thermoelectric controller at a level of power consumption lower than could be achieved using the first device alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Qi Pan, Joseph Barnard
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Publication number: 20070163272Abstract: A range of buffer volume/pulse tube volume ratios for two-stage hybrid GM type pulse tube cold-heads that are designed to produce refrigeration at 4 K are provided. The ranges of volume ratios for the first and second stages provides a good balance between the inefficiencies but compact size of a four-valve phase shifting mechanism and the better efficiency but larger size of a double-orifice phase shifting mechanism. The buffer volumes are small enough to be conveniently machined into the warm end housing, or as an option, one can be part of a valve disc housing. The drive motor for the valve disc is in an attached housing to make the valve disc readily accessible for service.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Mingyao Xu