Patents Issued in February 28, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080047241
    Abstract: A fan blade having a hollow housing allowing air to enter into the front or rear opening of the fan blade and directed to exit out the side opening of the fan blade after having passed through a filter. Use of this fan blade is a method for removing particulates from the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Steven R. Lillquist
  • Publication number: 20080047242
    Abstract: The strainer comprises an unitary body having a main section and a collar section located around the main section. The collar section has a substantially outwardly-projecting portion located around the main section and an upstream projecting portion located around the substantially outwardly-projecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: ERIC DUROCHER, Jason Herborth
  • Publication number: 20080047243
    Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic honeycomb articles, which are composed predominately of a crystalline phase cordierite composition. The ceramic honeycomb articles possess a microstructure characterized by a unique combination of relatively high total porosity of less than 54%, and relatively narrow pore size distribution having a d10 pore diameter of not less than 8 ?m, a d90 pore diameter of not greater than 35 ?m, and a value of df=(d50?d10)/d50 of less than 0.50. The articles exhibit high thermal durability and high filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop across the filter. Such ceramic articles are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the ceramic articles of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas Munroe Beall, Isabelle Marie Melscoet-Chauvel, Gregory Albert Merkel
  • Publication number: 20080047244
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exhaust treatment article including a substrate having a length that extends along a central longitudinal axis from a first end to second end. The substrate has walls defining a honeycomb arrangement of longitudinal passages that extend along the central longitudinal axis between the first and second ends. The substrate also has first, second and third zones that each extend along a portion of the length of the substrate with the second zone being positioned axially between the first and third zones. The exhaust treatment article also includes a washcoat layer coated on the first and third zones but not coated on the second zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Wenzhong Zhang, Zhixin (Jason) Hou
  • Publication number: 20080047245
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driver's console is rotated in the cab with the steering and speed control elements moved with the seat for the driver to face forwards and its position is detected by switches. In the engine forward position for transportation, the control system detects the seat position and operates the controls for higher speed drive and to prevent operation of the header. The engine has a series of ratings which can be selected depending upon whether the header motor is engaged so that a highest engine speed is used only when the header is disengaged and the lower speed is used for higher fuel efficiency when the header is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Don MacGregor, Brent Gabriel, James Thomas Dunn, Leonard Bergman
  • Publication number: 20080047246
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine, such as a lawn mowing machine, including a housing, an engine attached to the housing, a variable speed transmission, and a twist-grip throttle control. The variable speed transmission can propel the mowing machine, and the twist-grip throttle control can be operatively connected to the variable speed transmission for controlling the variable speed transmission Self-propelled speed of the mowing machine can therefore be controlled by operating the twist-grip throttle control. The twist-grip throttle control is designed to integrally retain an operator presence control so that only a single control needs to be used by the operator during use of the mowing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Osborne
  • Publication number: 20080047247
    Abstract: A discharge chute assembly for a turf mower having a resilient deflector and a frame connecting the deflector to a mower deck proximate to a side discharge outlet. The frame includes one or more extension elements which engage the deflector. In one embodiment the extension elements are captured within pockets defined within the deflector. The pivoting frame mass facilitates a quick recovery to a guarded condition after the deflector rises in contact with an obstruction. Additionally, the frame mass allows the deflector to maintain an upright, unguarded orientation without additional biasing forces which is useful, for example, during a machine loading operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Gary L. Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20080047248
    Abstract: An agricultural carrier vehicle has a feeder housing and a front harvesting attachment capable of being swiveled from a working position into a hauling position, for picking up and conveying crop material. The feeder housing and the front harvesting attachment are interconnected via at least one adapting device, which is designed such that, when the front harvesting attachment is swiveled from a working position into a hauling position, the connection between the front harvesting attachment and the feeder housing is maintained, and, during the hauling operation, the carrier vehicle draws the front harvesting attachment using the adapting device in a direction of travel for hauling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Andreas Haffert, Ludger Frerichs, Hubert Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20080047249
    Abstract: A flow control baffle for a turf mower having a plurality of mower blades carried within a mower deck. The flow control baffle includes a foot wall section which extends from near a side discharge opening into the cutting chamber. The foot wall may be curved and may be movable to define a volute section of variable width. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle includes a panel wall and a foot wall, which are connected together and movable relative to other portions of the mower deck. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle is movable and selectively positioned within the cutting deck in order to optimize mower performance in view of location operating conditions. In one embodiment, the air flow control baffle defines sacrificial wear surfaces within the mower deck at locations of otherwise high wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Davis, Gary L. Nicholson, Judd W. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080047250
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-for-one twisting spindle comprising a pneumatically actuated threading device, a spindle bolt (2) that is rotatable about the vertical rotary shaft (33) thereof, and an injector (12) which extends into a thread guiding channel (14). Said injector (12) can be temporarily connected to a compressed air source (15). The thread (35) is conveyed through the thread guiding channel (14) by means of an air flow during the threading process. The compressed air supply unit is provided with an annular chamber (9) which is mounted upstream of the injector (12) and is formed by a rigid annular flange (8) that extends around the spindle bolt (2) and is joined thereto in a fixed manner. The invention can be used in two-for-one twisters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Fink, Ludwig Appelhans
  • Publication number: 20080047251
    Abstract: A chain puller includes an elongate housing having a C-shaped channel extending between the first end and the second end of the housing. First and second chain engaging members are provided. Each has a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion has a chain engaging face to be inserted between links of a chain. The lower portion of the first chain engaging member is fixedly attached toward the first end of the housing, and the lower portion of the second chain engaging member is slideably engaged within the C-shaped channel toward the second end of the housing. A screw actuator has a nut fixedly attached toward the second end of the housing relative to the second chain engaging member and a screw member engaged within the nut. The first end of the screw member has an engagement face that engages the second chain engaging member. The second end has means for rotating the screw member to cause the engagement face to advance or retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Richard TILLBERG
  • Publication number: 20080047252
    Abstract: A method for detecting a link plate type when assembling a chain having a plurality of chain links having various link plates. A particular link plate form is associated with a specific link plate thickness, and the respective material thicknesses of the link plates is used as the recognition feature for detecting the respective plate types as the link plates are conveyed along a transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Joachim Sporrer
  • Publication number: 20080047253
    Abstract: A method for marking a chain having a plurality of chain links. At least one outer plate of a chain link is marked with at least one marking apparatus after the chain has been closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Joachim Sporrer
  • Publication number: 20080047254
    Abstract: A chain link for a roller chain or a sleeve-type chain that has a plurality of link plates with openings for receiving chain sleeves that can be brought into engagement with a sprocket wheel to transmit force. The chain sleeve has a central region that is engaged with the sprocket wheel and that has a larger outer diameter than its end regions that are held in the link plate openings. A method is disclosed for producing a chain sleeve for a chain link of a chain, which is produced by deep drawing, or by machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Joachim Sporrer
  • Publication number: 20080047255
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for assembling individual chains manufactured from a single strand in a line and having a plurality of chain links. The individual chain lengths are transported open and separate from each other during assembly, so that a first and last link of each of the individual chains are recognized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Joachim Sporrer
  • Publication number: 20080047256
    Abstract: A gas-fed hollow cathode keeper can reduce ion bombardment erosion by expelling gas through the keeper faceplate. The expelled gas effectively creates a high-pressure “shield” around the keeper such that bombarding ions suffer energy-reducing collisions before impacting the keeper. If the bombarding ion energy is reduced enough, the erosion is eliminated since sputtering is a threshold phenomenon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Alec Gallimore, Joshua Rovey
  • Publication number: 20080047257
    Abstract: A particulate filter regeneration method for an internal combustion engine system is provided. The method includes: receiving an outlet temperature signal corresponding to a temperature at an outlet of a particulate filter; receiving an oxygen signal corresponding to an oxygen level in exhaust flowing from said particulate filter; and controlling at least one of airflow and fuel based on said oxygen level such that said outlet temperature is within a desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Ament, David B. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080047258
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes a lean NOx catalyst having an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine flowing therethrough. A NOx absorber catalyst is downstream of the lean NOx catalyst. The NOx absorber is selectively regenerated to increase a NOx reduction efficiency of the exhaust after-treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Rahul Mital
  • Publication number: 20080047259
    Abstract: A system and method for the reduction of NOx emissions from combustion sources are provided. The system includes a fuel tank, fuel converter unit, condensor unit, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit and an engine. The condenser unit includes a generally cylindrical inner wall defining a cavity having a first lower end and a second upper end, the first lower end is configured to include a gas inlet for receiving a gas mixture from the fuel converter and the second upper end is configured to include a gas outlet in fluid communication with the SCR unit. A heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity of the condensor unit to contact the gas mixture and separate heavy hydrocarbons from light hydrocarbons, wherein the light hydrocarbons are fed to the SCR unit and the heavy hydrocarbons are condensed and either send back to the fuel tank or directly to the engine for combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Arnaldo Frydman, Ke Liu, Gregg Anthony Deluga, David Eric Ladd
  • Publication number: 20080047260
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system, including injection of chemical species, includes a mixer provided by a spiral chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: David W. Kapsos, Cary D. Gremigan, Mark P. Adams, Patrick M. Klein
  • Publication number: 20080047261
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three-layered catalyst system in which layers including predetermined precious metal components are sequentially layered on a substrate, and thus the conversion ratio of HC and CO is increased, thereby improving purification efficiency. The three-layered catalyst system includes a substrate, a lower layer containing a precious metal component of only platinum, an intermediate layer containing a precious metal component of only palladium, and an upper layer containing a precious metal component of only platinum, all of which are sequentially layered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Hyun-Sik Han, Tae-Woo Lee, Eun-Seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20080047262
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust system for discharging combusted gases from the cylinder of a vehicle engine, which comprises an exhaust manifold with a plurality of exhaust gas runners, wherein the exhaust gas runners are spaced so as to avoid an exhaust gas interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dong Ho Chu
  • Publication number: 20080047263
    Abstract: An open hydraulic circuit comprising a main pump (P), a hydraulic motor (M), two main ducts (10, 12) constituting a feed main duct and a discharge main duct and connected to the pump or to a reservoir (R) via a feed selector (14). The circuit further comprises a multifunction valve device comprising a multifunction selector (20) for connecting the main duct that is at the higher pressure to a pressure limiter (24) and for connecting the main duct that is at the lower pressure to booster means (16), and for interconnecting the main ducts by connecting them to the pressure limiter when the pressures in the main ducts are substantially mutually equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Gest, Philippe Lucienne, Jean-Philippe Raisin
  • Publication number: 20080047264
    Abstract: A shift controlled bypass orifice for a hydrostatic transmission includes a pump valve body with high pressure ports through which hydraulic fluid flows between a pump and a motor, a bypass orifice extending between the high pressure ports and the outside of the pump valve body, a bleed poppet movable between a closed position blocking the bypass orifice and an open position opening the bypass orifice, and a poppet push pin moving the bleed poppet toward the open position if the hydrostatic transmission is in neutral, and toward the closed position if the hydrostatic transmission is in forward or reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas Dean Korthals
  • Publication number: 20080047265
    Abstract: A linear free piston Sirling machine having an overstroke prevention mechanism for the power piston. A resilient member is fixed to the casing which contacts the power piston 4 when its displacement exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: MICROGEN ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Hill
  • Publication number: 20080047266
    Abstract: A system of an internal combustion engine which is induced by an air flow amplifier via a turbine and centrifugal compressor, one side of which is mechanically and pneumatically connected to the turbine and the other side with an air intake of the internal combustion engine. The operation of the engine induction system can be enhanced by using an intercooler that supplies a cooled primary flow of compressed air to the air amplifier. The use of the engine induction system without a turbocharger and, hence, without hot exhaust gases, makes it possible to utilize light magnesium alloys for parts of the turbine and compressor and thus to reduce the weight of the system as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Elijah Dumas, Elisha Dumas, Howard Dumas
  • Publication number: 20080047267
    Abstract: An arrangement for recirculation of exhaust gases of a supercharged combustion engine. A return line which connects an engine exhaust line to an air inlet line for air supply to the combustion engine, to recirculate exhaust gases via the return line. A first EGR cooler in which the recirculating exhaust gases in the return line are cooled, as a first step, by a first coolant in a first cooling system. A second EGR cooler in which the recirculating exhaust gases in the return line are cooled, as a second step, by a second coolant in a second cooling system, and the second coolant is adapted to be at a temperature substantially corresponding to the temperature of the ambient surroundings when it is led into the second EGR cooler. A charge air cooler for the inlet line, a radiator for the second cooling system to cool the exhaust gases and a radiator element for cooling the second coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Zoltan Kardos, Pehr Soderberg, Erik Soderberg, Hans Wikstrom, Rickard Pettersson, Roland Ivarsson
  • Publication number: 20080047268
    Abstract: A controller controls an electrically assisted turbocharger including a turbocharger body and an assist electric motor for assisting the turbocharger body in driving. The controller controls the operation of the assist electric motor. The controller compares a target power value of the assist electric motor with an actual power value actually supplied to the assist electric motor, and computes the differential between them. The controller compensates a torque error of the assist electric motor due to the differential (updating a correction coefficient) based on the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobumasa Isogai, Yuuji Ishiwatari, Hisaharu Morita
  • Publication number: 20080047269
    Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of pyrotechnic actuators including a piston and having the essential function of exerting thrust to move an object by causing the piston to emerge. The invention relates more particularly to a pyrotechnic gas generator (2), a combustion chamber (3), a piston (10) capable of moving in a slide chamber (4) under the effect of said gas, the two chambers (3, 4) being in communication with each other. The main characteristic of this actuator is that it comprises a shutter device (5) implemented after said actuator (1) has been triggered to interrupt the communication between said chambers (3, 4), said shutter device (5) being included in the slide chamber (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SNPE MATERIAUX ENERGETIQUES
    Inventors: Evrard Borg, Eric Laspesa, Jean-Paul Nadeau
  • Publication number: 20080047270
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly combination wind turbine and solar energy collector is provided. Solar panels are mounted on the surfaces of a wind turbine such that the combined energy from the wind turbine and the solar panels are provided as an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: MICAH GILBERT
  • Publication number: 20080047271
    Abstract: A wind turbine system for producing compressed air from wind energy. The wind turbine harvests energy from wind to produce mechanical energy. A compressor receives mechanical energy from the wind turbine to compress air to an elevated pressure. Thermal energy may be removed from the air, and the air is stored in a storage device, such that the air may be released from the storage device on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Ingersoll
  • Publication number: 20080047272
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight steam turbine is connected to a central shaft that drives a high pressure pump, a high efficiency generator and a blower. An igniter burns fuel exiting a fuel injector to generate heat in a cyclone combustion chamber. Water pumped through coils is heated in the combustion chamber to produce steam energy to drive the turbine. Exhaust steam is directed through a centrifugal condenser having an arrangement of flat plates to condense the steam to a liquid state. The turbine drives the generator at a high rpm, through the connected shaft, to generate electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Harry Schoell
  • Publication number: 20080047273
    Abstract: The pattern relates to a cover for a turbomachine nozzle, the cover having a plurality of patterns each with an outline of triangular shape having a base and two vertices that are spaced downstream and interconnected by a side. For each pattern, the vertices present respective curved outlines and they are interconnected by a curved portion presenting a radius of curvature greater than the radii of curvature of the outlines of said vertices, each side being connected to the trailing edge of the cover via a curved outline presenting a radius of curvature greater than the radii of curvature of the outlines of the vertices and greater than the radius of curvature of the outline of the curved portion, and the vertices and the curved portion are inclined radially towards the inside of the cover, with the curved portion being radially offset outwards relative to the vertices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Dax AU, Pascal Bigot, Pierre Briend, Pierre Loheac
  • Publication number: 20080047274
    Abstract: A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises an annular fuel manifold having at least one fuel conveying passage and defining at least one slow fuel flowing location. A heat shield at least partly encloses the fuel manifold and a plurality of intermittent joints attach the heat shield to the fuel manifold. The joints are circumferentially distributed about the fuel manifold as far away from the slow flowing location as possible while maintaining the fuel manifold dynamically balanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Fish, Bhawan B. Patel
  • Publication number: 20080047275
    Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine is provided, wherein the gas turbine engine is coupled to an electrical grid operating at a standardized grid frequency value, and the gas turbine includes a combustor coupled in flow communication with a plurality of independent fuel circuits and a compressor. The method includes determining a deviation of a grid frequency from the standardized grid frequency value and adjusting fuel flow from a portion of the plurality of fuel circuits while maintaining a substantially constant air flow from the compressor to facilitate controlling a fuel to compressor discharge pressure ratio such that a combustor state does not lag changes in airflow when the combustor responds to the grid frequency deviation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Willy Steve Ziminsky, Arthur James Fossum
  • Publication number: 20080047276
    Abstract: A combustion turbine is disclosed having a single shaft compressor that includes a low pressure side and a high pressure side. The compressor operation is optimized by inter-cooling within the compressor. In particular, a compressed fluid is extracted from a selected stage and the extracted fluid is cooled and returned to a selected stage within the compressor. The compressor inter-cooling improves engine performance and cycle performance, as measured by an increase in power or a decrease in heat rate for the same power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Joan M. Baer, Nathan R. Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20080047277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling at least two functions selected from the group consisting of ventilation, air cleaning, seat temperature and inside temperature of a vehicle when the vehicle engine is turned off, the system comprising: (a) a solar cell module providing driving power from solar heat; and (b) a controller operating the solar cell module by stepwise magnitudes of a current input from the solar cell module. A method for controlling the system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20080047278
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) in an optical transceiver. A TEC system includes a processor that interacts with a power supply and a TEC controller to prevent inrush current. The power supply is switched by the processor and turned on only at a particular time. The power supply has a relatively large time constant such that it ramps slowly to its full value. In the meantime, the processor and TEC controller cause the temperature to ramp to a target value by repeatedly incrementing or decrementing a target value over time and by controlling when the maximum available voltage can be applied to the TEC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo Saad, Jiashu Chen, Saied Ansari
  • Publication number: 20080047279
    Abstract: A self-cooling package comprises a first cavity (10) containing a product to be cooled, a second cavity (20) forming a heat exchanger and containing a coolant liquid suitable for evaporating under the effect of a depression and a third cavity (30) containing an adsorbent (31) suitable for trapping the coolant liquid vapours. The package also comprises a container (40) suitable for receiving at least the third cavity (30), at least a part of the walls (41) of the container (40) having a thickness of less than 0.15 mm. The package uses a container having a thin wall thickness to receive the adsorbent, which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The manufacture of the package is thus simplified and reduced. The container wall thinness also ensures limited heat leakage towards to cooled product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: THERMAGEN SA
    Inventors: Pierre Jeuch, Lionel Frantz, Fadi Khairallah
  • Publication number: 20080047280
    Abstract: A heat recovery system comprising: an LNG warmer; at least one item of equipment requiring cooling and thereby generating waste heat; a heat exchanger arranged to provide heat exchange between the LNG warmer and the waste heat, whereby said waste heat can be used to provide warming for the LNG; wherein said heat exchanger is a closed loop heat exchange means, whereby the heat exchange fluids in said heat exchanger are substantially retained within the heat exchanger during operation of the system. This enables the system to be operated offshore without needing to use the surrounding seawater to provide cooling for the waste heat from the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Alfred Timothy Dubar
  • Publication number: 20080047281
    Abstract: An in-ceiling embedded type air conditioner including an indoor unit having an air blower and an indoor heat exchanger accommodated in a housing a substantially box-shape, and a filtering unit including a gas-liquid contact member that is disposed at the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger on an air blowing passage through which air sucked by the air blower flows in the indoor unit and in filtrated with electrolytic water generated by electrolyzing water, the air and the electrolytic water being brought into contact with each other in the gas-liquid contact member, whereby the air cooled or heated in the indoor heat exchanger is filtered, that is, virus, etc. contained in the air is inactivated, sterilized or the like and then blown out to a room to be air-conditioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Fukushima, Toru Arakawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Takuro Nishihara, Hiroaki Usui, Yoichi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20080047282
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for identifying an optimal placement of an item within a storage unit. The process identifies an item for placement in the storage unit. The process determines a preferred storage temperature range for the identified item. The process then selects an optimal placement location within the storage unit for the identified item based on the preferred storage temperature range and a set of temperature readings for the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: William Kress Bodin, Michael Lee Masterson, Stephen James Watt
  • Publication number: 20080047283
    Abstract: A heat pump operable in a heating mode and in a cooling mode includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A compressor is in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and includes a vapor injection port. A third heat exchanger is in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and the compressor and includes a liquid side having an inlet and an outlet and a vapor side having an inlet and an outlet. A vapor injection line fluidly couples the vapor injection port and the outlet of the vapor side. An expansion device is in fluid communication with the inlet of the vapor side to control a volume of liquid entering the vapor side and to expand the liquid prior to entering the vapor side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung Pham, Jean-Luc Caillat, Ronald Van Hoose
  • Publication number: 20080047284
    Abstract: A heat pump system of the type which re-circulates refrigerant through a fluid circuit between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger includes a compressor coupled to the fluid circuit and a vapor injection system including a vessel fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers and to a vapor injection port of the compressor. The vessel is operable as a receiver in a cooling mode of the heat pump system and is operable as a flash tank in a heating mode of the heat pump system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung Pham, Jean-Luc Caillat, Ronald Van Hoose
  • Publication number: 20080047285
    Abstract: A solar powered air conditioning system includes an energy generating loop and a cooling loop. The energy loop includes a tank containing liquid refrigerant, a pump, a heat supply container including a coil, a magnifier lens and a turbine generator. The lens intensifies energy from the sun and directs it to the coil. When the pump is engaged, the refrigerant travels to the heat supply container where the sun heats and changes it from a liquid to a gas. The gas is conducted to the generator producing electricity. The cooling loop includes a shutoff valve, a fan disposed in an environment of interest, a separator, a condenser and an evaporator. In a cooling cycle, the gaseous refrigerant moves from the generator to the separator. The refrigerant is passed to the condenser. The fan directs air to the condenser where the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool the environment of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: James Boule
  • Publication number: 20080047286
    Abstract: The temperature of an accommodating room is adjusted without causing drop of melting water from an upper evaporator onto the accommodated food materials. A cold storage showcase includes a cooling circuit 50 in which an upper evaporator 40 provided on an upper side of an accommodating room 14 and a lower evaporator 42 provided on a lower side of the accommodating room 14 are connected to a cooling apparatus. The upper evaporator 40 and the lower evaporator 42 are connected in parallel with the cooling apparatus. An electromagnetic valve SV for supplying or interrupting circulation of a cooling medium in the lower evaporator 42 is provided halfway a second route R2 on an upstream side of the lower evaporator 42. During a cooling operation, the accommodating room 14 is cooled at all times by the upper evaporator 40. When temperature detecting means Th detects a drop in temperature of the accommodating room 14, the electromagnetic valve SV is closed to stop the cooling by the lower evaporator 42.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuhide Koike, Tatsuo Saeki, Masaki Okada, Takatoshi Torihata
  • Publication number: 20080047287
    Abstract: A combination apparatus includes a food storing and preserving machine and an electronic information center. An insulated cabinet provides a door enabling access to a refrigerated interior space within the cabinet. The door incorporates an electronic circuit including a computing unit with a digital data processor, data storage module, and a touch-sense display panel. A plurality of LCD panels are each enabled for displaying photos and other indicia composed from indicia data within the data storage module. A data port is configured for receiving information transmitted by wireless means. A software program in conjunction with the computing unit receives information at the data port and stores the information in the data storage module. Operational options may be displayed on the touch-sense display unit for manually directing the computing unit for displaying the indicia on the LCD panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Paul Ruppert
  • Publication number: 20080047288
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a casing body and a front panel. The casing body includes a blowout opening through which air blown out into a room passes and a first suction opening through which air taken in from the room passes. The front panel opens and closes at least one of the blowout opening and the first suction opening. A middle portion of the front panel changes between two or more stationary states, and the degree of curvature of the cross-sectionally seen shape of the middle portion in a first state is different from the degree of curvature of the cross-sectionally seen shape of the middle portion in a second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Junji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080047289
    Abstract: A mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit including a bottom portion having a perimeter and a first flow surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first portal arranged in the sidewall. The air conditioning unit is secured to the bottom portion and the first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the air conditioning unit to the first portal via gravity. The bottom portion may further include a first substantially horizontal mounting surface having a first means for securing the air conditioner unit thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Michael G. Patrick, James H. Kyle
  • Publication number: 20080047290
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are intended to stop and overcome the known shortage of the fresh water, for people and their properties, through its obtaining by freezing-out from the atmospheric air, even in the most arid, but sunny, areas of the Earth, as well as to substitute the organic and nuclear fuels by the hydrogen-fuel obtained, by decomposition of the fresh water, as the materialized energy of the concentrated and accumulated Sun-heat and of the accumulated night cosmic cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Harry Y. Zagalsky