Patents Issued in April 6, 2010
  • Patent number: 7690161
    Abstract: A structural member for a vehicle has a slot extending into one structural wall thereof, for receiving and holding a bolt, wherein said structural member including said slot has been formed by extrusion. The slot extends the length of the structural member for slidably receiving the head of one or more bolts wherein the land area of each bolt head extends beyond the slot opening to overlay the wall area carrying the slot. Each bolt carries at least two flat faces below its head wherein the juxtaposed edges of the slot carrying wall retains, i.e., refrains, the bolt from rotating. The slot includes an interior wall or sidewalls continuous with the slotted structural wall. The structural member may include an I-beam, a rectangular tube, a C-channel and the like. Corners are radiuses and right angles are avoided to reduce or remove stress risers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Load Rite Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. McPherson
  • Patent number: 7690162
    Abstract: The invention provides technology for building houses and many other structures using logs. Log-positioning apparatuses are provided. Also provided are assemblies that include a plurality of logs and a plurality of log-positioning apparatuses. Finally, various log building methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Accelerated Log Building, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 7690163
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door facing formed from a polymeric composite material. The door facing has a first major surface intended to be interiorly disposed and a second major surface intended to be exteriorly disposed. At least a portion of the first major surface is to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses during door assembly. The first major surface has a textured pattern in the portion to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses. The textured pattern includes a plurality of spaced grooves extending into the first major surface and minimizing thermal and mechanical stresses. A door formed with the disclosed polymeric door facing and a method of forming a door facing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: David McMahan, James Pfau, Tamra Williams, Liqun Xu, Thomas Ruffin
  • Patent number: 7690164
    Abstract: A structural lug comprising a metallic base, composite middle layers, and outer layers of metallic material is disclosed. The metallic base of the structure is machined to accommodate the composite plies, which are located on each lateral side of the base and bonded to the base with adhesive. The composite material may comprise an adhesive-based resin with embedded fibers. The metallic base may be formed to minimize peel stresses in the composite layers. The top metallic layers are fitted over and bonded to the composite plies and act as the outermost layers of the lug. The lateral ends of the lug where the top layers come into contact with the machined base may be joined together with friction stir welding or mechanical fasteners to form the completed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jared T. Walker, John E. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7690165
    Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Joe H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7690166
    Abstract: A waterproof structure of a building, includes: at least two face members disposed on an exterior of the building; a sealing member disposed between end edge portions of the face members; a joint covering member disposed between the end edge portions. The end edge portions are folded to protrude exteriorly and have constrained portions for narrowing a gap therebetween. The sealing member is disposed between the end edge portions to close the gap between the end edge portions. The joint covering member covers and presses the sealing member from an exterior side. The joint covering member is attached to the constrained portions acting elastic force between the constrained portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kagiyama, Atsushi Iwase
  • Patent number: 7690167
    Abstract: Novel structural support framing assemblies and component thereof are described herein for use in residential, commercial, and industrial building construction. Preferred embodiments of the inventive framing assembly include the employment of a variety of structural studs and stud mounts, the studs preferably fabricated of a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Antonic
  • Patent number: 7690168
    Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D LaLonde
  • Patent number: 7690169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof cladding element, which roof cladding element has been manufactured of profiled plate material and which roof cladding elements are adjacently and in succession mountable such that the edges of a roof cladding element will be placed a distance overlapping with the edges of adjacent roof cladding elements. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing roof cladding elements in which method a plate material in strip form is formed into profiled roof cladding element strip with a forming device and in which method a finished formed roof cladding element strip is cut with a cutting device at even intervals into roof cladding elements. Characteristic to a roof cladding element in accordance with the invention is the fact that to at least one corner of a roof cladding element a recess reaching at least partly under the lower surface of the part of the roof cladding element surrounding the corner has been formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samesor Oy
    Inventors: Pekka Saarenko, Rauno Keinänen
  • Patent number: 7690170
    Abstract: In constructing a home, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped channel members are installed onto a floor structure. Wall sections are then set into the plurality of U-shaped channel members. The result is that the U-channel members locate the wall sections. Each wall section may be pre-fabricated with lines for service (e.g., electrical lines or plumbing conduit) running through it. After the wall sections are set in place, the lines for service may be interconnected. Cut-outs may be provided at the sides of the wall sections to provide access to the lines for service to allow their interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cable Bridge Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Lou G. Biffis, Peter R. Biffis, Dino R. Biffis, Rocco A. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7690171
    Abstract: A machine for filling a sealed soft container (2) with fluid material in an aseptic condition comprises a sealing box (3) comprising two complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) having respective sealing edges (21, 22, 23) that can be brought into mutual contact to isolate their interior from the outside environment when the complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) are clamped together, vertical and horizontal blades located in the sealing box (3) for forming an aperture (5) in a portion of the container (2) inserted in the sealing box (3), filling device (8, 9) for filling the container (2) through the aperture (5), suckers (28a) for widening the aperture (5), and welding device (32) for sealing the aperture (5) on termination of filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: FBR-ELPO-Societa per Azioni
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Merusi
  • Patent number: 7690172
    Abstract: This invention is a device and method to seal covers on containers such as food containers. But it can be used to seal containers for other products also. Its design allows its configuration for use on containers and covers of different sizes and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Basilisio Denis
  • Patent number: 7690173
    Abstract: A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Edge Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Lawrence Luciano
  • Patent number: 7690174
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article through a hot air chamber of a shrink packaging machine comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Each conveyor includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the plurality are interconnected together to form an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for advancing the endless conveyor belt in a first direction, and a track member having a surface disposed in engagement with particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt. Each of the particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt rolls over the surface of the track member when advanced through the shrink packaging machine. The first conveyor is located over the second conveyor in opposing facing relation therewith such that a compressible item to be shrink wrapped may be compressed and conveyed through the shrink packaging machine between and by the first and second conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: KPC-Master's Craft International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Jeff Bockus, Timothy Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7690175
    Abstract: Method for the packaging of articles with a plastic film which is based on the use of a packaging machine equipped with transverse welding devices arranged along a longitudinal direction where the method involves the steps of (a) positioning the articles on a conveyor belt with pushers activated by a motor; (b) distancing the articles from one another to provide a constant space or pitch; (c) feeding the plastic film, in the direction of the conveyor belt; (d) longitudinally welding the film in the direction articles on the conveyor belt; (e) activating the motor group situated downstream with respect to the welding device to weld and separate the film in the space between articles; and (f) activating the motor group of the welding device situated upstream with respect to another welding device to weld and separate the film in the space between the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sitma S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi
  • Patent number: 7690176
    Abstract: A hydraulic cutter device incorporates a rotatable base including a plurality of spaced cutter teeth. A protective shield covers at least a portion of the base. A fluid cooler is located adjacent the protective shield, and defines a window for movement of ambient air from a relatively high-pressure area upstream of the fluid cooler to a relatively low-pressure area downstream of the fluid cooler. A hydraulic motor is adapted for rotating the base, and includes a plurality of hydraulic lines communicating with the fluid cooler. Rotation of the base creates a pressure reduction downstream of the fluid cooler causing ambient air flow into and through the fluid cooler to cool fluid moving into and from the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Rickey D. Shinn
  • Patent number: 7690177
    Abstract: A string trimmer mechanism intended for mounting on the front end of a mowing tractor. The mechanism includes a mounting bracket for attachment to the front end of the tractor; an extension power cylinder pivotally mounted on the bracket and extending laterally of the tractor; a string trimmer carried on the free end of the power cylinder and including a hydraulic motor driving a trimmer dish; and a lift power cylinder pivotally mounted on the bracket and driving a lever pivotally mounted on the bracket and carrying a roller positioned under the extension power cylinder. The string trimmer is moved selectively laterally inwardly and outwardly utilizing the extension power cylinder and is moved selectively upwardly and downwardly utilizing the lift power cylinder. The extension power cylinder, lift power cylinder, and hydraulic trimmer motor are selectively supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid source onboard the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Larry W. Spitzley
  • Patent number: 7690178
    Abstract: The lawn mower includes a vehicle body supporting front and rear wheels and a mower unit suspended from the vehicle body between the front and rear wheels by front and rear links. The links are movable to raise and lower the mower unit. A grass striping mechanism is associated with the vehicle body. The mechanism includes a stay arm connected to the mower unit and a roller support member movably connected to the stay arm so that the member is capable of movement in a vertical direction. A grass striping roller is rotationally supported by the roller support arm. A lift link is pivotally connected to the vehicle body and is associated with the roller support member. The lift link interfaces with the rear link such that upward movement of the rear link imparts movement to the lift link and roller support arm to lift the roller from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Tractor Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle Hagen, Shane Simon
  • Patent number: 7690179
    Abstract: A method of maintaining the location of a fiber doff inner-diameter-tow at a point of payout within a constant inertial reference frame includes providing a flat fiber tow payout system with a center-pull doff of flat fiber tow that pays out at a point of payout along an inner diameter of the center-pull doff with rotation of the center-pull doff about a vertically oriented axis of rotation, the flat fiber tow payout system including a constant inertial reference frame for payout of the flat fiber tow along the inner diameter of the center-pull doff without twisting the flat fiber tow; and accelerating and stopping rotation of the center-pull doff with the flat fiber tow payout system so as to maintain payout of the flat fiber tow along the inner diameter of the center-pull doff in the constant inertial reference frame, preventing twisting of the flat fiber tow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ebert Composites Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Johnson, Scott A. Garrett, Stephen G. Moyers
  • Patent number: 7690180
    Abstract: A sewing thread comprising a first yarn that is a filament yarn made or a fire resistant polymer and a second yarn that is a synthetic and/or natural yarn. The sewing thread may also contain a third yarn that is a synthetic and/or natural yarn. The first, second, and third yarns each have a first twist in the same direction. The first, second, and third yarns are then combined to form the sewing thread using a second twist which is in the opposite direction of the first twist. No bonding agent is used in the sewable, fire resistant thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Liberty Properties Management, LLC
    Inventor: Robert S. Hegan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7690181
    Abstract: A method for operating a spinning machine with plural spinning stations (1), each case having a take-off roller device (6, 10, 14) for drawing a yarn (9) from a spinning device (2) and a sensor mechanism (26) for checking piecings. When starting a piecing, the theoretical conveying length of the yarn is determined based on the surface speed of the rollers (10, 14), until the piecing reaches the sensor mechanism (26). The deviation of the theoretical conveying length from a desired yarn length, corresponding to the spacing between the spinning device (2) and the sensor mechanism (26), is detected. The deviation is compared with a preadjustable limit value of the permissible deviation. If the limit value is passed, this indicates intolerable wear of the pressure roller (14) and produces a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Lassmann
  • Patent number: 7690182
    Abstract: A straight-type finish, which has improved storage characteristics and is capable of preventing synthetic fibers from becoming electrically charged and uneven dyeing from being generated, contains a lubricant and a functional improvement agent at specified ratios. A metal organic sulfonate of a specified type is contained at least as a part of the functional improvement agent at a specified mass % of the total.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Takemoto Yushi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Aratani, Atsushi Toda, Makoto Hattori
  • Patent number: 7690183
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chain lock for round steel chains, comprising two lock halves, each of which is provided with a rear section (4, 5) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the chain lock (1) as well as coupling sections (6 to 9) that adjoin the ends of the rear section (4, 5). One respective coupling section (6, 8) is fitted with a locking pin (16) which extends perpendicular to a parting plane (TE) of the chain lock (1) and encompasses a web-like projection (22) at the free end (18) thereof, on the side facing the other coupling section (7, 9). The projection (22) borders a pocket that extends from one side surface (20) to another side surface (21) of the lock half (2, 3) and accommodates a forked leg (26) of the other lock half (2, 3), which conforms to the contour of the pocket (23). The pocket (23) has external, essentially rectilinear flanks (27, 28) which face the side surfaces (20, 21), the angle (W1) enclosed by the flanks (27, 28) ranging from 120° to 150°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Thiele GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Mülle
  • Patent number: 7690184
    Abstract: A method for treating an airflow, laden with oil, flowing in a tube communicating with a rolling bearing enclosure of a gas turbine engine, wherein the airflow is made to travel into a coking box associated with a heating mechanism, in which the air is heated to a sufficient temperature to coke the oil particles contained in the airflow. Preferably, the solid residues produced by the coking are collected in the coking box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Gerard Philippe Gauthier, Jean-Pierre Mourlan
  • Patent number: 7690185
    Abstract: A system for driving first and second accessory machines of a double-bodied turbine engine with an LP shaft and an HP shaft is disclosed. The system includes a first power train disposed between the shaft of the HP rotor and the first machines, which mechanically drives the first machines, and a first coupling means and a second power train between the shaft of the LP rotor and the second machines arranged so as to drive the said second machines. The system also includes a second coupling means between the first power train and the second power train allowing the second accessory machines to be driven by the shaft of the HP rotor, particularly when the engine operates at high speeds. The system may include a gearbox with at least two speed ratios and the first coupling means may be arranged to selectively couple one or other of the two ratios or else to decouple the mechanical transmission from the shaft of the LP rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Hugues Henri Raymond Linet, Cyril Franck Mouchnino, Serge Dominique Pettinotti
  • Patent number: 7690186
    Abstract: The gas turbine engine comprises at least one electrical generator and an electrical heater associated with a gas path of the engine. The heater is powered by the generator to selectively add heat to the gas turbine cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allen Dooley
  • Patent number: 7690187
    Abstract: A modular propulsion system includes an array of micromachined field effect electrostatic propulsion devices, each of which is an assembled micromachined device including an array of field effect electrostatic propulsion thrusters, a fuel container of propellant using passive plumbing, electronic power and command controls, with the array of devices disposed about and on a surface of a spacecraft for providing diverse propulsion needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Ivan Bekey
  • Patent number: 7690188
    Abstract: An engine combination for generating forces with a gas turbine engine generating force, and an internal combustion engine provided in the combination as an intermittent combustion engine generating force having an air intake, there being an air transfer duct connected from a compressor in the gas turbine engine to the air intake to transfer compressed air thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Brian M. Fentress, Andrew P. Berryann, Charles E. Lents, Jorn A. Glahn
  • Patent number: 7690189
    Abstract: A power generation system for propelling, and generating electrical power in, an aircraft, having a gas turbine engine in an engine compartment in the aircraft with an air inlet in the aircraft that is curved along its extent in leading to an air compressor in the gas turbine engine having a compressor air transfer duct extending therefrom to an internal combustion engine provided as an intermittent combustion engine at an air intake thereof. An inlet duct manifold is positioned against the duct wall of the inlet duct to cover a perforated portion thereof on the air compressor side of a curve therein with the inlet duct manifold having an inlet air transfer duct extending therefrom that is coupled to the intermittent combustion engine air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Brian M. Fentress, Andrew P. Berryann, Jorn A. Glahn, Charles E. Lents
  • Patent number: 7690190
    Abstract: Aircraft systems including cascade thrust reversers are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a cascade thrust reverser having a fixed reverser ramp and a nozzle outer wall section at least partially aft of the fixed reverser ramp. The nozzle outer wall section is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The nozzle outer wall section includes a forward portion with a leading edge section. The fixed reverser ramp has a portion forward of and adjacent to the nozzle outer wall section when the nozzle outer wall section is in the stowed position. The portion of the fixed reverser ramp has a first slope. The forward portion of the nozzle outer wall section that is aft of the leading edge section has a second slope different than the first slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russel L. Thornock, Michael L. Sangwin, Entsung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7690191
    Abstract: A fuel preconditioning system for use with a pulse detonation combustor (PDC) makes use of a heat source to pyrolyze fuel prior to injecting it into the PDC for detonation. The fuel is decomposed into a more detonable form by pyrolysis in a conditioner that applies heat to the fuel in the absence of oxidizer. The heat may be provided by a hot section of the engine, including the walls of the PDC itself. The conditioned fuel is fed to the PDC and detonated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony John Dean, Ivett Alejandra Leyva, Chukwueloka Obiora Umeh
  • Patent number: 7690192
    Abstract: A rocket engine includes a combustor assembly for carrying out a combustion process of fuel and oxidizer rocket propellants to produce thrust. A swirl generator is positioned within the combustor assembly to produce a turbulent flowfield of the fuel and oxidizer rocket propellants within the combustor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Pederson, Stephen N. Schmotolocha
  • Patent number: 7690193
    Abstract: A method of controlling a reducing agent generation system of an internal combustion engine includes generating a reagent substance in a form of pulses and delivered to an exhaust gas duct of the internal combustion engine upstream of an SCR-catalytic converter for the selective catalytic reduction of the nitrogen oxides contained in an exhaust gas. A catalytic converter model is used to model a reagent substance fill level of the SCR-catalytic converter and a closed-loop feedback control system compares the modeled reagent substance fill level with a storage set point. A reagent substance demand signal is generated that at least releases a reagent substance pulse when a difference between the storage set point and the reagent substance fill level exceeds a specified threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Wickert, Joerg Mosthaf, Christian Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7690194
    Abstract: A low emissions 2-stroke natural gas fueled engine includes at least one cylinder with an exhaust port in communication with a silencer/catalytic converter unit. The unit has first and second volumes in communication with each other. The first volume dampens spurious exhaust pressure excursions and removes particulates in the exhaust. The second volume houses an oxidation catalyst for treating exhaust to reduce exhaust emissions. The engine oil has at most 10 ppm zinc content to reduce metal poisons contained in the exhaust prior to contact with the oxidation catalyst. The engine oil preferably has a very low ash content to minimize sulfur combustion components in the exhaust to reduce masking of the oxidation catalyst. The first volume preferably has a pressure relief valve set to relieve at a pressure greater than the maximum normal operating pressure of the engine to avoid excessive pressure excursions of the engine exhaust from damaging the oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce M. Chrisman, Thomas J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7690195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dilution and dispersion device for the exhaust and/or cooling gases of a vehicle's engine, that incorporates blades and a hub. The hub of said device incorporates means intended to reduce the loss in the gaseous flow rate generated by said gases. The flow rate loss reduction means are constituted by one or several openings in said hub or by a profiled element allowing said gases to be defected towards said blades. The blades are fastened to a ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Michel Brun, Sylvain Carlier, Benoit Pizon
  • Patent number: 7690196
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a hydraulic servomotor 4 is disclosed. The hydraulic servomotor 4 has a first chamber 5 and a second chamber 6 associated therewith. The hydraulic actuator is connected to a fluid source 2 and a fluid drain 3, and it comprises a valve assembly arranged between the fluid source 2 and the fluid drain 3 to control fluid pressures in the chambers 5, 6. At least one auxiliary valve 11 is fluidly connected between the valve assembly and the fluid drain 3, said auxiliary valve(s) 11 being of a kind which is normally closed in a de-energized state. In the case of a power cut off the auxiliary valve(s) 11 will close, thereby preventing fluid flow from the valve assembly towards the fluid drain 3. This causes a servomotor piston member 12 to be hydraulically locked in its instantaneous position, thereby locking the hydraulic servomotor 4. The valve assembly may be designed without taking the locking function into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss ApS
    Inventor: Brian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7690197
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus comprises a main pump for pumping hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic load, a charge pump for continuously pumping pressurized hydraulic fluid to the main pump, and a hydraulic fluid cooler. At least a portion to the hydraulic fluid pumped through the hydraulic load is returned under pressure to the charge pump and the charge pump pumps the pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid cooler to the main pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Titan Research and Innovations Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Norman John Smith
  • Patent number: 7690198
    Abstract: A drivetrain for use in a mobile vehicle is disclosed. The drivetrain may have a housing, a first hydraulic pump connected to the housing, and a second hydraulic pump connected to the housing. The second hydraulic pump may be in axial alignment with the first hydraulic pump. The drivetrain may also have a first motor fluidly connected to the first hydraulic pump, and a second motor fluidly connected to the second hydraulic pump. The first and second motors may have an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the axial alignment of the first and second hydraulic pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Paul Alan Rousseau, Justin Douglas Speichinger
  • Patent number: 7690199
    Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Altor Limited LC
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Wood
  • Patent number: 7690200
    Abstract: A device for imparting a whirling motion on the flow of air for supplying a turbo-supercharged internal-combustion engine is designed to be interposed in the duct for supplying the air upstream of the supercharger for supercharging the engine. The device comprises an elbow-shaped portion of duct and partializing means, which are able to limit the section of passage in the upstream branch the aforesaid elbow portion to an area which constitutes a fraction of the total section of the duct and which is adjacent to a wall of the duct. In this way, the downstream branch of the elbow portion is reached by a tangential flow that gives rise to a helical flow of the air in said downstream branch. The device enables creation upstream of the supercharger of a negative pressure sufficient for enabling a recirculation of exhaust gases, upstream of the supercharger, and at the same time imparts on the air flow a whirling movement that enables the supercharger to be exploited in the most efficient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Tonetti, Giovanni Cornetti
  • Patent number: 7690201
    Abstract: A method for improvement of a fossil fuel energy conversion into electrical energy for the simple sub- and supercritical steam cycle is proposed through introduction of additional regenerative cycle duties to improve the evaporation rate per unit of fuel burned, thus minimizing condenser heat loss of the working media. The additional duties provide a supplemental energy credit in the form of heat input to a steam generator where a modified combustion process is realized to convert fossil fuel into carbon monoxide and hydrogen at atmospheric pressure and thus achieving an essential reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) formation. The additional duties also involve a direct contact heat transfer to recover latent and thermal energy, contained in the discharged combustion products to provide yet another energy credit that satisfies both conventional and/or added regenerative cycle duties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Veritask Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksandr Kravets
  • Patent number: 7690202
    Abstract: A method for supplying power to a remote load includes coupling a gas turbine engine to a vessel that is not used to provide propulsion for the vessel, coupling a generator to the gas turbine engine, coupling an intercooler system downstream from a first compressor such that compressed air discharged from the first compressor is channeled therethrough, the intercooler system includes an intercooler and a first heat exchanger, channeling a first working fluid through the intercooler to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of air discharged from the intercooler to a second compressor, channeling a second working fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger to extract energy from the first working fluid to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of the first working fluid, and operating the gas turbine engine and generator to supply power to a load that is located remotely from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Henry Badeer, Narendra Digamber Joshi
  • Patent number: 7690203
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel nozzle assemblage (10) comprises a nozzle outer body (25) comprising a premixing section (23) and an interiorly disposed first fuel passageway (22) to supply fuel to the premixing section (23), and more interiorly a central channel (33) comprising an inlet (30) from an air supply, an aperture (19) at an upstream end to receive a lance (18), and a downstream-disposed annular bearing surface (21) adapted to slidingly engage the lance, the fuel nozzle assemblage adapted so that the lance may be alternatably selected as any interchangeable one of a gas lance, an oil lance, and a non-fueling dummy lance. Between the lance and the central channel (33) is formed a cooling fluid passageway (24) that is in fluid communication with the inlet (30) and one or more cooling fluid passageway exits (60). The interchangeability of the lances (18) is effective to provide a desired flexible functionality to said fuel nozzle assemblage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Bland
  • Patent number: 7690204
    Abstract: A method of reducing a modified Wobbe index of a fuel stream fed to diffusion combustors of a gas turbine that is used in connection with an IGCC installation in which a nitrogen stream is fed into the head ends of the combustor of NOx control and the modified Wobbe index of the fuel stream has been increased in an amount that is greater than at least about 10 percent of a design Wobbe index for the fuel to be fed to the gas turbine. The reason for the increase is the conversion of the carbon monoxide within the fuel stream to hydrogen and carbon dioxide by a water gas shift reaction and subsequent removal of the carbon dioxide. The nitrogen stream is maintained at the same level both with and without conversion and subsequent removal of carbon atoms. The nitrogen stream is divided to subsidiary streams that are respectively fed into the head end of the combustors and that are mixed with a fuel to lower the modified Wobbe index to acceptable levels for the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Francis Drnevich, Troy Michael Raybold
  • Patent number: 7690205
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to start gas turbine engines at cold start. A gearbox is not mechanically coupled to any accessory or to the starter-generator. Rather, a controller is used to route power to a starter-generator to rotate the turbine mainshaft to start the gas turbine engine. The controller prevents power to an accessory drive motor, until the starter-generator creates a positive torque. When a positive torque is reached, excess power is routed to the accessory drive motor, typically a brushless direct current motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jim E. Delaloye, Joe Keck, Barry J. Kingery
  • Patent number: 7690206
    Abstract: A system for fastening the end of a gas turbine engine shaft engaged inside a sleeve supported by a bearing is disclosed. The system includes a nut that is screwed at one end inside the sleeve, and is connected by a split annular ring with the shaft at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Regis Eugene Henri Servant
  • Patent number: 7690207
    Abstract: A crack-resistant floating collar mounting arrangement is provided comprising a collar mounted between spaced-apart mounting flanges, the flange being fixed to a dome from an outer surface unexposed to the hot combustor temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Lorin Markarian, Bhawan B. Patel
  • Patent number: 7690208
    Abstract: A liquid hydrogen storage tank is provided with a boil-off release pressure above the critical pressure. The super critical pressure hydrogen storage tank has less hydrogen losses than a conventional tank even when used in vehicular applications and can be operated so as to provide zero hydrogen loss with reduced mandatory driving distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 7690209
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging method in an air conditioner using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant includes a first refrigerant charging step and a second refrigerant charging step. The first refrigerant charging step is a step of charging a refrigerant charging target portion including refrigerant communication pipes with refrigerant in a gas state until the pressure of the refrigerant charging target portion rises to a predetermined pressure after the start of charging. The second refrigerant charging step is a step of charging the refrigerant charging target portion with refrigerant in a liquid state until the amount of refrigerant charging the refrigerant charging target portion becomes a predetermined amount. The second refrigerant charging step occurring after the first refrigerant charging step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Toshiyuki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7690210
    Abstract: In an air-conditioner control unit, when pollen mode control is set by a vehicle occupant to perform the pollen mode control that can provide a defogging effect while maintaining the pollen removal effect, the opening of an air inlet door is forcibly set to an inside-air introduction mode (S330) when the following two conditions hold: ambient temperature Tam is higher than a threshold (5 to 6° C.) set in a low-temperature region (S320), and a compressor system is able to operate normally without causing an abnormal pressure (S330). If even one of these conditions does not hold, the opening of the air inlet door is not forcibly set to the inside-air introduction mode, and the air inlet door is operated as in normal control. In this way, in the pollen mode control, since the pollen removal effect in the inside-air introduction mode is enabled only when the ambient air is relatively high, the occurrence of windshield fogging can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Yamaguchi, Kenichi Kato, Katsuhiko Samukawa