Patents Issued in August 21, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080196385
    Abstract: A gas turbine uses a first fuel at full load and an improved emission behavior is achieved by operating the gas turbine (11) at partial load with a second fuel, which has a richer mix of higher-value hydrocarbons (C2+) with 2 and more carbon atoms per molecule like ethane (C2H6) and propane (C3H8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Dieter Rebhan, Marcel Stalder
  • Publication number: 20080196386
    Abstract: A connecting element between a housing and an exhaust pipe, particularly a cone, is characterized in that the connecting element is provided at its interior with at least one guide surface capable of pulsing the exhaust gas flow into rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Marco Ranalli
  • Publication number: 20080196387
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in arranging a oxygen probe (21) of an exhaust pipe and observing that substantial unique increase of said representative signal towards a threshold value S1 calculated from the start of the bleeding of the nitrogen oxide trap, obtained following a variation subsequent to shift of the engine from lean mixture operating conditions to rich mixture operating conditions, being used as indicator for controlling the end of the bleeding operation. The invention is characterized in that the integration of the signal representing the time between the start of the bleeding and the end of the bleeding, then the comparison of the integration value to a threshold value S2 are used for diagnosing its ageing condition. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S
    Inventors: Bernard Dionnet, Stephane Cochet, Karim Guenounou, Marc Guyon, Laurent Leprieur
  • Publication number: 20080196388
    Abstract: An apparatus, including a diesel particulate filter, at least one sensor for sensing information associated with operation of an engine, an engine brake configured to brake the engine, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and the engine brake, to determine if the engine is operating in a manner that does not generate enough engine heat to activate the diesel particulate filter, and if the engine is so operating, operate the engine brake so as to brake the engine to cause the engine to generate enough engine heat to activate the diesel particulate filter. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Randall J. Johnson, Kendall T. Duffield
  • Publication number: 20080196389
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including maintaining a count based upon an engine operating condition, determining a soot level based upon a characteristic of a diesel particulate filter, and requesting deSoot based upon the count meeting or exceeding a threshold, or the soot level meeting or exceeding a threshold, or both. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Bradlee J. Stroia, Wole Akinyemi
  • Publication number: 20080196390
    Abstract: A main feedback control based on an output of an upstream sensor, and a sub-feedback control based on an output of a downstream sensor are executed. A specified fuel disturbance is inputted and an output of the downstream sensor is measured to derive a characteristic value. Based on the characteristic value, it is determined whether a purifying capacity of the exhaust gas purifying system including the catalyst, the upstream sensor, and the downstream sensor is deteriorated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuri Sakamoto, Masahiko Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080196391
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regenerating exhaust treatment devices. Incomplete combustion products may be selectively provided in at least one cylinder of multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. This may then be followed by directing the products to an engine exhaust treatment device. The temperature of the engine exhaust treatment device may then be increased due to exposure to the products of incomplete combustion. The catalyst in the converter may then be regenerated due to the temperature increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Yiqun Huang
  • Publication number: 20080196392
    Abstract: One embodiment is a system including a controller operable to control fuel injection events. The system is operable in a base mode, and at least one of a deNOx mode, a deSOx mode, and a deSoot mode. The base mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, a post injection pulse, and a second post injection pulse. The deNOx mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, and a post injection pulse. The deSOx mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, a post injection pulse, a second post injection pulse, and a third post injection pulse. The deSoot mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, a post injection pulse, a second post injection pulse, and a third post injection pulse. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Bradlee J. Stroia, Samuel C. Geckler, Michael Cunningham, Wole Akinyemi, Paul R. Miller, Lyle Kocher
  • Publication number: 20080196393
    Abstract: In a device for restraining the deterioration of a catalytic apparatus of an internal combustion engine of the present invention, when the temperature of the catalytic apparatus arranged in the engine exhaust system is higher than a predetermined temperature in a vehicle deceleration, a fuel-cut of the engine is prohibited and a first motor-generator MG2 connected with the vehicle drive shaft 6 is operated as a generator to charge an electrical accumulator 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ichimoto, Kouichi Oosawa
  • Publication number: 20080196394
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system for assisting regeneration of pollution management means (1) integrated in an exhaust line (3) of a diesel engine (4), wherein the engine (4) is associated with common ramp means (7, 8) injecting fuel into the cylinders thereof, based on at least one post-injection and adapted to implement, in isocouple, through modification of engine operation control parameters, at least two regeneration strategies called level 1 and level 2 strategies and a second regeneration strategy including level 1 strategies and a sequence alternating the level 2 and over-calibrated level 2 strategies, enabling different thermal levels to be achieved in the exhaust line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventor: Christophe Colignon
  • Publication number: 20080196395
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine that performs high pressure PM filter regeneration process by decreasing the degree of opening of an exhaust throttle valve in regenerating the particulate matter trapping capacity of a particulate filter and has as an object to provide a technology that enables to perform the high pressure PM filter regeneration process while suppressing excessive temperature rise of the particulate filter even while the vehicle is moving. According to the invention, a prediction is made, when the high pressure PM filter regeneration process is performed, as to whether there is a possibility that the temperature of the particulate filter will reach a predetermined upper limit temperature, and the pressure inside the particulate filter is controlled in accordance with the prediction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Hashizume
  • Publication number: 20080196396
    Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst for catalytically reducing nitrogen oxides in diesel engine exhaust gas by use of unburnt carbon contained in the diesel engine exhaust gas as a reducing agent, the catalyst comprising: (a) alumina, or (b) alumina supporting an ion and/or an oxide of at least one transition metal selected from the elements of Period 4 of the Periodic Table, or (c) alumina supporting an aluminate of at least one transition metal selected from the elements of Period 4 of the Periodic Table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Nakatsuji, Naoki Oya, Naohiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20080196397
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for ameliorating NOx slip from a lean NOx trap by reducing the amount of hydrocarbons reaching the lean NOx trap during the early stages of, or in a period immediately preceding, a rich regeneration. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon absorber is configured downstream from a fuel reformer, but upstream from the lean NOx trap, in order to reduce the quantity of hydrocarbons that reach the lean NOx trap during lean reformer warm-up and rich regeneration phases. In another embodiment, the fueling rate to a fuel reformer configured in an exhaust line upstream from the lean NOx trap is limited to reduce NOx slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jiyang Yan
  • Publication number: 20080196398
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for ameliorating NOx slip from a lean NOx trap by reducing the amount of hydrocarbons reaching the lean NOx trap during the early stages of, or in a period immediately preceding, a rich regeneration. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon absorber is configured downstream from a fuel reformer, but upstream from the lean NOx trap, in order to reduce the quantity of hydrocarbons that reach the lean NOx trap during lean reformer warm-up and rich regeneration phases. In another embodiment, the fueling rate to a fuel reformer configured in an exhaust line upstream from the lean NOx trap is limited to reduce NOx slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jiyang Yan
  • Publication number: 20080196399
    Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst for catalytically reducing nitrogen oxides in diesel engine exhaust gas by use of unburnt carbon contained in the diesel engine exhaust gas as a reducing agent, the catalyst comprising: (a) an acid zeolite, or (b) an alkali metal- and/or alkaline earth metal-containing zeolite, or (c) a rare earth metal-containing zeolite, or (d) a zeolite containing at least one transition metal selected from Fe, Co, Ni and Cu.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Nakatsuji, Naoki Oya, Naohiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20080196400
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine include at least two exhaust-gas treatment modules. An exhaust gas stream can be at least partly deflected depending on a load state of the internal combustion engine in such a way that at least parts of the exhaust gas flow through one or more modules. This makes it possible to advantageously construct and operate even an exhaust gas system of large-volume internal combustion engines, in which conversion and treatment of the exhaust gas is carried out in individual modules, even in no-load operation, basically at very low exhaust gas mass flow rates. The individual modules can be adapted to various load levels of the internal combustion engine. A rail-borne vehicle and a water-borne vehicle having the apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUR EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventor: Peter Treiber
  • Publication number: 20080196401
    Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes an evaporation unit, a condensation unit, an evaporation-side communication part and a condensation-side communication part. The evaporation unit is disposed in an exhaust gas passage through which an exhaust gas flows and performs heat exchange between the exhaust gas and an operation fluid flowing therein, thereby evaporating the operation fluid. The condensation unit is disposed in a coolant passage through which an engine coolant flows and performs heat exchange between the operation fluid and the engine coolant, thereby condensing the operation fluid. The evaporation-side communication part connects the evaporation unit and the condensation unit for introducing evaporated operation fluid to the condensation unit. The condensation-side communication part connects the condensation unit and the evaporation unit for introducing condensed operation fluid to the evaporation unit. The condensation-side communication part is provided with a throttle part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Kenshirou Muramatsu, Masashi Miyagawa, Yasutoshi Yamanaka, Seiji Inoue, Kimio Kohara
  • Publication number: 20080196402
    Abstract: A rear brake control hydraulic master cylinder that dispenses with adjustment work to decrease a clearance between a piston and a push member. A master cylinder 31 includes first and second oil chambers. The piston includes a piston oil passage portion connected to the first and second oil chambers. The push member abuts against and moves the piston to generate a hydraulic pressure in the first oil chamber. A compression spring biases the push member into contact with the piston when the piston is not moved substantially toward the first oil chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi KONDOU
  • Publication number: 20080196403
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for incorporating a master cylinder into a hydraulic brake system. An embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a bore extending through the housing, a cover, and a groove formed in the cover. The housing includes a fluid reservoir formed therein. The bore is capable of supporting a movable piston to actuate the hydraulic braking system. The cover is secured to the housing and the groove in the cover descends away from the center of the cover such that the groove is capable of directing fluid away from the center of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080196404
    Abstract: A method and a device for regulating the boost pressure of an internal combustion engine having a compressor, which set a setpoint boost pressure in a rapid manner and without overshooting. An actuator is provided by which the boost pressure of the compressor is set. An actuating variable for the actuator is determined as a function of a rotational speed of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Uwe Kassner
  • Publication number: 20080196405
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine (1) which comprises a booster system provided with a turbocharger (6, 8), an exhaust gas recirculation system (12) provided with a recirculation valve (13) and an electronic control unit (14) for controlling the geometrical configuration of the turbocharger (6, 8) and the recirculation valve (13) of the recirculation system. The inventive method consists in detecting the variation of the acceleration command of the internal combustion engine (1), when the booster system operates according to a first controlled operating mode (BF, BF?), in switching the booster system to a transitory operating mode (BO2, BO2?) according to the detected variation, wherein the turbocharger (6, 8) is maintained in a given geometrical configuration for a predetermined time, and in switching the booster system to a second controlled operation mode (BO1, BO1?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Renault S.A.S
    Inventors: Emmanuel Buis, Sebastien Rouch
  • Publication number: 20080196406
    Abstract: An EGR passage partially refluxes exhaust gas to a combustion chamber as an EGR gas. A heat exchanger cools the EGR gas. A heating intake passage branches off from a branching portion formed in a portion of an intake passage on an upstream side of a downstream end of the EGR passage, and its downstream end communicates with a portion of the EGR passage on an upstream side of the heat exchanger. A switch valve adjusts respective amounts of intake air passing through the intake passage and through the heating intake passage. When an EGR valve is closed, an ECU switches the switch valve such that the intake air passes through one of the intake passage and the heating intake passage; when the EGR valve is open, the ECU switches the switch valve such that the intake air passes solely through the intake passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kuzuyama
  • Publication number: 20080196407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in connection with a piston engine provided with a turbocompressor. In the method, combustion air from the engine is pressurized by the compressor of the turbocompressor, pressurized combustion air is humidified, fuel is combusted in the cylinder of the engine by means of combustion air and the exhaust gases generated during the combustion are conveyed by means of combustion air to the turbine of the turbocompressor. A partial flow is separated from the pressurized combustion air flow, conveyed past the engine and combined with the exhaust gas flow going to the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: WARTSILA FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Bjorn Hallback, Piia Takala
  • Publication number: 20080196408
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust cooler mounted to a tailpipe for receiving exhaust gas. The exhaust cooler includes a jet pump connectable to the tailpipe and a nozzle connectable to the tailpipe. The nozzle defines a nozzle opening between the tailpipe and the jet pump for communicating the exhaust gas from the tailpipe to the jet pump. A first member is included that is moveable between a closed position and an open position, the open position defining a first opening between the tailpipe and the jet pump for communicating the exhaust gas from the tailpipe to the jet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianwen Li, Rahul Mital
  • Publication number: 20080196409
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine having a first set and a second set of cylinders and an emission control device comprising of a first turbocharger coupled to the first set of cylinder(s); a second turbocharger coupled to the second set of cylinder(s); a crossover pipe coupled between and upstream of the first and second turbochargers; a mechanism for adjusting exhaust flow through the crossover pipe; a lower heat loss path coupled between the first turbocharger and the emission control device; and a higher heat loss path coupled between the second turbocharger and the emission control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Goebelbecker, Kevin Murphy
  • Publication number: 20080196410
    Abstract: A power-generating system is provided for operating adiabatically and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The system may include gas reactors and/or combustors that burn a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas under substantially adiabatic conditions such that high-pressure combustion products and low pressure combustor housing cooling air are combined to produce a medium pressure working fluid. Higher thermal efficiencies reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Products of combustion can be processed to further reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from portable and stationary exhaust-producing devices using different fuels. The system may also include solar collectors that pick up a spectrum of solar energy by means of cells containing fluids, aligned to concentrate the solar rays. The collectors may pick up direct and/or diffused solar radiation and can be used to power self-propelled vehicles or function as a roof of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Indru J. Primlani
  • Publication number: 20080196411
    Abstract: The group of inventions relates to nuclear techniques and to power industry. The nuclear power plant contains a nuclear reactor (1) cooled by liquid metal, for example lead. Heated-up liquid metal is cooling in heat exchanger <<liquid metal-gas>> (3). This heat exchanger is embodied as not-mixing heat exchanger. The pump (2) moves cooled liquid metal through the filters into the reactor (1). The compressor (4) moves gas through heat exchanger <<liquid metal-gas>> (3) into gas turbines (8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24). After gas turbines this gas vaporizes and overheats the water in heat exchangers <<gas-water>> (5, 6, 7) and moves back to compressor (3). Produced steam moves the steam turbines (12, 13), condenses into the water by means of condenser (15) and circulation pump (16) and then is moved by the pumps (17, 20) back to heat exchangers <<gas-water>> (5, 6, 7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Mikhail Yurievich Kudryavtsev
  • Publication number: 20080196412
    Abstract: An engine is provided that utilizes an active heat exchanger such as a heat pump to transfer heat into and remove heat from a low boiling point liquid that is disposed in a pair of diametrically opposed containers. The addition of heat into the low-boiling point liquid causes the liquid to move vertically from a bottom container to a top container, transforming the transferred heat energy into potential energy. The top container is allowed to fall under the weight of the transferred liquid, transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy which is used to perform the desired work. The expanding low-boiling point liquid can also be used to advance a magnetic back and forth through a wire coiling to produce an electric current, converting the transferred heat energy into electrical energy. The use of an active heat exchanger such as a heat pump permits the use of one unit of electrical energy to transfer 3 to 5 units of heat energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Miller
  • Publication number: 20080196413
    Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a first power plant connected to an AC power feed line between a power network and an electrical load and a first internal combustion engine for driving the first power plant such that exhaust heat of the first engine is supplied to a thermal load, power supply from the first power plant to the power network is interrupted by turning off a switch installed in the feed line, when outage of the power network is detected and a second power plant is operated, such that outputs of the first and second power plants are supplied to the electrical load. With this, it becomes possible to respond to a commercial power network outage for preventing reverse flow of the power output by the cogeneration system into the power network and supplying as much electric power as possible to the electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Wakitani, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Hiroyuki Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20080196414
    Abstract: A ramjet engine has an inlet, an outlet, and a gas flowpath from the inlet to the outlet. A pilot recess is along the flowpath. A plurality of struts extend within the flowpath. Each strut has first and second side surfaces extending between leading and trailing ends the trailing end sweeping away from the recess in a downstream direction across from the pilot recess. Each strut has first and second distributed fuel outlets positioned to discharge fuel from the first and second side surfaces respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Dean E. Andreadis, James D. Blevins, Stephen A. Beckel
  • Publication number: 20080196415
    Abstract: A sip cooling system for a personal drinking vessel or container including a block of thermally conductive material with a cooling chamber through which drinking liquid flows when the user draws liquid from a flexible tube connected to the chamber outlet. A flexible supply tube connected to the chamber inlet has the remote end immersed in the liquid in the drinking container. A solid state thermo electric cooling device is attached to the block for, upon energization from a battery, cools only the liquid passing through the chamber. In one embodiment, the cooling unit and battery are contained in a cap fitting over an opening in a personal drinking container. In another embodiment, the system is connected in line in a flexible drinking tube connected to a personally carried supply of drinking liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Bradley T. Lodge
  • Publication number: 20080196416
    Abstract: A liquid cryogen based blending system and method is provided. The disclosed embodiment of the system includes a liquid cryogen flow circuit, a heated fluid circuit, and a plurality of injectors or nozzles disposed adapted for injection of a liquid cryogen into or near a product to be cooled. The disclosed system and method also includes a controller adapted to operatively control the injection of liquid cryogen and concurrently control the flow warm fluid, such as nitrogen vapor, to and thru the plurality of injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: John Martin Girard, David Joseph King, Theodore Hall Gasteyer, Yeu-Chuan Simon Ho
  • Publication number: 20080196417
    Abstract: Systems and methods compress, freeze and store forms at sufficiently low temperatures. A system provides a storage tank of liquefied gas, a gas-liquid separation tank, and a compression chamber. The compression chamber provides compression plates chilled by flow of liquefied gas through conduits traversing an interior volume of the plates. The method comprises recirculating liquefied gas to improve cooling efficiency while lowering operation costs. The system and method further provide for integrated measurement and control of the flow of liquefied gas through the primary components of the system. In one embodiment, the forms are rubber cylinders utilized in the production of torsion axels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. L.P.
    Inventor: David C. Braithwaite
  • Publication number: 20080196418
    Abstract: A heat pump is provided with an improvement while switching from heating/cooling mode to a defrost mode. Prior to initiation of a defrost mode, an electronic expansion device is moved to an open position such that refrigerant can migrate between the indoor-outdoor heat exchangers. When the operation of the defrost cycle is initiated, there is a lower likelihood and severity of flooded starts, as the refrigerant, under existing pressure differential at system shutdown, will move to the heat exchanger that will be downstream of the compressor in the defrost mode. Thus, no flooded start will occur on the subsequent compressor start-up. After completion of the defrost cycle, the electronic expansion device is again opened prior to return to operation in the conventional heating/cooling mode. In case subsequent starts are in an identical mode of operation, the electronic expansion valve is kept closed during shutdown to minimize cyclic performance losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20080196419
    Abstract: A build-up monitoring system in combination with a refrigerated enclosure comprises a refrigerated enclosure having a drain, a drain basin and a refrigeration unit adapted to maintain refrigerating conditions in the refrigerated enclosure. A build-up detector is positioned with respect to the refrigerated enclosure so as to monitor a level of build-up in the drain/drain basin. A condition analyzer receives detection data from the build-up detector, the condition analyzer identifying from the detection data a build-up in the drain/drain basin requiring an intervention. An interface indicates the requirement for the intervention. A method is provided to identify a build-up requiring an intervention in a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Serge DUBE
  • Publication number: 20080196420
    Abstract: Refrigeration circuit (2) for circulating a refrigerant in a predetermined flow direction, comprising in flow direction a heat rejecting heat exchanger (4), an intermediate throttle valve (6), a receiver (8), an evaporator throttle valve (10), an evaporator (14) a compressor (20), and a flash gas tapping line (26) connected to the receiver (8), wherein the flash gas tapping line (26) being further connected to the compressor (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Andreas Gernemann
  • Publication number: 20080196421
    Abstract: A method of providing a field test protocol for determining evaporator airflow verification for existing vapor compression cycle equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Todd M. Rossi, Keith A. Temple, Changlin Sun
  • Publication number: 20080196422
    Abstract: Disclosed are a refrigerator for discharging water contained in a water tank when a predetermined time has passed to supply fresh water to a user and a method of controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a main body, a door pivotally mounted to the main body, a dispenser provided in the door to dispense water to the exterior, a water tank connected to the dispenser to accommodate the water, a water supply valve connected to the water tank to control a flow of the water to be supplied to the water tank, and a controller connected to the water supply valve and the dispenser to control the same and to discharge the water to the exterior when the water is accommodated in the water tank for a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Lee, Doo Lee Kim
  • Publication number: 20080196423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer, comprising a liquefier, an evaporator and a compressor, wherein the refrigerator and/or freezer includes means by which a pressure compensation between liquefier and evaporator is prevented or slowed down during the standstill of the compressor, and that the refrigerator and/or freezer includes a means for effecting the compressor start-up, wherein the means for effecting the compressor start-up comprise means for increasing the starting torque of the compressor and/or means for increasing the starting current of the compressor motor and/or means which ensure that the crank shaft of the compressor stops in a preferred position after shutting off the compressor motor, and/or means for the at least partial pressure compensation between the pressure side and the suction side of the compressor and/or means for reducing the initially required starting torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Matthias Wiest, Thomas Ertel, Klaus Weckemann, Christian Schropp
  • Publication number: 20080196424
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for preventing evaporator core freezing in an air conditioning system, comprising determining the occurrence of an evaporator core freezing condition for a first one of a plurality of evaporators. Determining the occurrence of an evaporator core freezing condition may be done without measuring the air out temperature first evaporator. The method also comprises adjusting an operating parameter of the air conditioning system to eliminate the core freezing condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Rajat SHAH, Richard Obradovich
  • Publication number: 20080196425
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for field testing refrigeration cycle equipment to evaluate condenser and evaporator performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Keith A. Temple, Todd M. Rossi, Changlin Sun
  • Publication number: 20080196426
    Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with a reheat circuit. A pulse width modulation control is provided to achieve variable reheat capacity and thus to satisfy a wide spectrum of temperature and humidity levels in an environment conditioned by a refrigerant system. The pulse width modulation signal provided for the reheat flow control device achieves incremental amounts of reheat while avoiding temperature and humidity variations in the conditioned space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Publication number: 20080196427
    Abstract: A method for controlling the humidity inside a refrigerator, having at least a cavity and a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator and a compressor, comprising the step of measuring the relative humidity level inside the cavity, measuring the temperature of the evaporator and feeding the above measured values to a control algorithm capable of driving the refrigeration circuit in order to maintain substantially constant the average level of relative humidity and corresponding to a set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LORENZO BIANCHI, ALESSANDRO BOER, ENRICA MONTICELLI, RAFFAELE PAGANINI
  • Publication number: 20080196428
    Abstract: A refrigerator-freezer of the combined type comprises a first and a second refrigerating units and a single cooling circuit for both units, which are fluid-dynamically and reciprocally connected by an air passage conduit; the temperature inside the first unit is controlled by a device comprising motorised interception means of the passage conduit; electronic control means of the motorised interception means, directly carried aboard a supporting body adapted in use to be arranged along the passage conduit; an electronic temperature sensor operatively and directly connected to the electronic control means, carried aboard the supporting body; and ventilator means, carried aboard the supporting body, operated by the electronic control means of the motorised interception means for selectively ensuring circulation of air by forced convection between the first and second refrigerating units along the passage conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ITW INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS S.R.L. CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Roberto Malpetti
  • Publication number: 20080196429
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse electrothermal and heat-storage ice detachment. A pulse electrothermal ice detachment apparatus includes one or more coolant tubes, and optionally, fins in thermal contact with the coolant tubes. The tubes and/or fins form a resistive heater. Apparatus applies electrical power to the resistive heater, generating heat to detach ice from the tubes and/or the fins. A freezer unit forms a heat-storage icemaking system having a compressor and a condenser for dissipating waste heat, and coolant that circulates through the compressor, the condenser and a coolant tube. The coolant tube is in thermal contact with an evaporator plate. A tank, after the compressor and before the condenser, transfers heat from the coolant to a heating liquid. The heating liquid periodically flows through a heating tube in thermal contact with the evaporator plate, detaching ice from the evaporator plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
    Inventors: Victor Petrenko, Charles R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20080196430
    Abstract: A variable restrictor including a tube with first and second ends of a first cross-sectional area and a region between the ends of reduced cross-sectional area. The region comprises a flattened portion of the tube where the tube has been permanently deformed such that opposed wall portions of the tube are much closed together than in the remainder of the tube. An actuator is arranged to selectively alter the separation of the opposed wall portions of the flattened section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: IAN CAMPBELL McGILL, LING JIANG WANG, WEI GAO
  • Publication number: 20080196431
    Abstract: A heating installation is provided with a first circuit (K1) containing a first medium, a second circuit (K2) containing a second medium, a first heat pump (2) arranged in the first circuit (K1) for heating the first medium, a third circuit (K3) containing a third medium, a heat exchanger (40) arranged in the third circuit (K3) and connected between the condenser (2d) and expansion valve (2f) of the first heat pump to transfer heat from the working medium of the first heat pump to the third medium in the third circuit (K3), and a second heat pump (3) arranged for heating the second medium in the second circuit (K2) by absorbing heat energy from the third medium in the third circuit (K3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Hans-Goran Goransson
  • Publication number: 20080196432
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus has plural indoor units having: plural heat exchangers; and flow controllers respectively corresponding to the heat exchangers. In each of the indoor units, one heat exchanger is used as a condenser, and another heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, thereby causing the indoor unit to perform a temperature and humidity controlling operation. An indoor unit(s) which is not set to perform the temperature and humidity controlling operation may be caused to perform a heating operation or a cooling operation. Capacity controls on the condensers and the evaporators are performed by corresponding flow controllers. Gas refrigerants ejected from plural heat exchangers serving as evaporators are joined together, and then distributed to plural heat exchangers serving as condensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke SHIMAMOTO, Munehiro Yamanaka, Hidekazu Tani, Tomohiko Kasai, Masahiro Tsuda, Shuji Oura, Makoto Saitou
  • Publication number: 20080196433
    Abstract: A supply air terminal unit (10) has a body (11) with side walls, top and bottom walls and an opening cover, which is opened to allow access for service work inside the structure. A wall structure (12) formed by needle-fin tubes (100) is fitted around a central fine filter (13), whereby the needle-fin tubes (100) are placed on top of each other in order to form a filter wall (12). A needle-fin tube (120) has needle-like fins whereby in its tube a heat carrier is made to flow in order to transfer heat into the air made to flow through the structure or in the opposite direction. The fine filter (13) covers an air outlet port (A2) located in the bottom (11a5) of the supply air terminal unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: RETERMIA OY
    Inventors: Markus Castren, Risto Castren
  • Publication number: 20080196434
    Abstract: A device for cooling beverages comprises a body and a clip connected to the body via an articulated arm. In use, the clip is engaged with the rim of a drinking vessel such that the arm extends into the drinking vessel and holds the body near the bottom of the vessel. The body contains a material which absorbs heat and thereby cools the beverage. The arm and clip help to keep the body immersed and prevent it from floating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: David Derek Grant Spratley