Patents Issued in September 21, 2010
  • Patent number: 7797899
    Abstract: A temporary floor joint filler may include a base member having a cross-sectional profile including a first set of opposing sides and a second set of opposing sides, a cap coupled to the base member, a first fin coupled with a first side of the second set of opposing sides of the base member, and/or a second fin coupled with a second side of the second set of opposing sides of the base member. The base member may be configured for insertion into a floor joint, the first fin and the second fin may be configured for retaining the base member in the floor joint, and the cap may be configured for covering the floor joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Nox-Crete Products Group
    Inventors: Carl Jeffery Linn, Leszek Krochmal
  • Patent number: 7797900
    Abstract: A floor profile arrangement is provided, in particular for bridging a joint between adjacent floor coverings, with a base profile, a covering profile with at least one sideways projecting covering wing, and a web arrangement as a connection between the base profile and the covering profile, and with an articulation arrangement, the articulation arrangement consisting of an articular cavity disposed on the base profile or the covering profile and an articulation element formed on the lower or on the upper edge of the pivoting web arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Herm. Friedr. Künne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Frank Sondermann
  • Patent number: 7797901
    Abstract: A demountable wall system includes similarly configured channel segments having a hat-shaped center, a pair of center flanges, and L-shaped outer ends with fastener portions formed therein. A rigid stud having an I-shaped plan configuration is formed from a pair of the channel segments interconnected in a back-to-back relationship, wherein adjacent end flanges form outer stud faces against which wall panels are supported, and adjacent fastener portions form connector channels in which the wall panels are detachably retained. A header/footer track is formed from a channel segment connected with a flat base strip, and is attached to the opposite ends of the stud by stud extenders to define a frame on which the wall panels are supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Quality Edge, Inc., Wellness Inc.
    Inventor: Shannon D. Near
  • Patent number: 7797902
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backing metal fixture which is excellent in constructability and stability with fixing an external wall, and an external wall constructing structure using the backing metal fixture. A backing metal fixture used for fixing an external wall to a skeleton via a securing metal fitting and a heat insulating material placed on a front surface of the skeleton, comprising: a butting flat plate portion to be butted against a rear surface of the securing metal fitting having an opening in the center area to allow a fixing member to go through, and a first leg unit and a second leg unit erected rearward from the butting flat plate portion, wherein the second leg unit is erected from a position closer to the opening than the first leg unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Hikai, Shin Takami
  • Patent number: 7797903
    Abstract: A roll formed sheet metal grid tee, having a multilayer web, is rigidified by a series of longitudinally spaced tabs lanced through the web. The tabs are cut with a dovetail shape and are foreshortened relative to the holes, made when they are formed, by bending them along a line parallel to a side of the tab that remains uncut. After being foreshortened, the tab is pressed back into its associated hole and tight locking interference is developed between the divergent dovetail sides of the tab and the hole. The tab is incompletely pushed back into the hole so that the layers of the tab are misaligned with corresponding respective layers of the web to assure that the tabs prevent relative shear-like movement and/or spreading of the web layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Lehane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7797904
    Abstract: A two part grille with interlocking connections molded from opaque plastic allows one or more screens or filters supported inside the grille and provides a configuration which allows its parts to be fitted on opposite sides of an opening in a wall or a door locked together by a mortise and tenon joint so that no screws are necessary, and the two part grille further have intermediate spacers used to accommodate differing thickness of a wall or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuei Yung Wang Chen
  • Patent number: 7797905
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a roofing assembly. The roofing assembly can include trusses, purlins, and purlin collars. Purlins can be attached to the trusses, and purlin collars can be attached to the trusses, to the purlins, or both. The purlins and purlin collars can be attached using chemical and/or mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the purlins and purlin collars are attached to the trusses with nails. Another embodiment of the disclosure includes an integrated starter-terminator that includes a hat section, a fascia, and a soffit return. The starter-terminator can be attached to the purlins, the purlin collars, or both, and can be attached to the roofing system using any desired attachment mechanisms, including nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: David L. Smalley
  • Patent number: 7797906
    Abstract: An improved anchoring system for fastening an elastomeric membrane to a roof comprises an anchoring plate with a top planar surface, spaced apart, raised sidewalls over which the membrane may be laid and at least one aperture for securing to a roof. Each sidewall has a retaining lip that extends inwardly from the top planar surface for retaining a spacing insert, a top surface of which has raised flanges, each flange having a retaining lip with a plurality of longitudinally extending gripper ridges. Preferably, the retaining lips on the spacing insert extend over the top surface of the anchoring plate and taper toward one another at one or more areas between their end points. The system further includes a wedge for inserting into a cavity defined by the spacing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Single Source Roofing Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Kassem
  • Patent number: 7797907
    Abstract: A lateral force resisting system according to the present disclosure includes a metal lateral force resisting panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The metal lateral force resisting panel may be formed from a single piece of material and may include a plurality of ductility apertures forming lateral force resisting elements to enable the panel to flex without catastrophic failure. In a hybrid configuration, a wooden structural frame may be combined with the metal structural panel. The structural panel may be subdivided into multiple panes using ductility apertures to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin configuration or self-tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy L. Timmerman, Timothy L. Timmerman, II
  • Patent number: 7797908
    Abstract: A metal framing member for use in a wide variety of applications including interior and exterior walls, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as floors, ceilings and roofs of residential and commercial buildings, to name but a few. The metal framing member generally includes first and second metal components, where each of the metal components is a separate piece and includes an elongated support with a series of fingers extending therefrom. The two metal components are attached together near tips of the fingers so that an alternating sequence of fingers and spaces is formed in an intermediate area between the two supports. This sequence can result in weight, material and cost savings, reduced thermal and acoustic conductivity across the metal framing member, and trade-ready holes for passing through items such as wires, pipes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Shiloh Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Keys
  • Patent number: 7797909
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for packaging a non-contact printed edible substrate as well as the resultant packaged product. The packaging apparatus may include a non-contact printer, a carrier, and a package located at a discharge position. The carrier may be constructed and arranged to transport the edible substrate from the print position to the package and orient same in the package so that the printed ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of a panel of the package. At a print position, the non-contact printer is constructed and arranged to apply an edible ink indicia to an edible substrate. The packaging apparatus may form a packaged product having a plurality of compartments where at least one compartment at least partially defined by a panel. The interior of the compartment contains at least one edible substrate comprising a surface and a printed edible ink indicia on the surface so that the ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Enrique Valdez, Mitchell B. Dikselis
  • Patent number: 7797910
    Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading blister cards into sleeves includes a blister card magazine for receiving a stack of blister cards and a sleeve magazine for receiving a stack of sleeves. A loading conveyor moves a lug along a path to load a blister card into a sleeve. A gate releasably retains the sleeve in a loading position as the blister card is loaded into the sleeve. The loading apparatus also includes a hopper that facilitates loading sleeves into the sleeve magazine and sensors that ensure the blister cards are properly loaded into sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: John Cash, III, Rafe Patterson, Michael Flagg
  • Patent number: 7797911
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a method for producing a sterilized and pyrogen-free bag for storing fluids. The method includes providing a bag comprised of polymeric film and heating the bag to at least approximately 253 degrees Celsius for at least approximately 30 minutes for sterilization and pyrogen removal. The polymeric film is a polymer selected from the group of poly(oxy-1,4-phenylene-oxy -1,4-phenylene-carbonyl-1,4-phenylene) (PEEK); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) polymer; poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether) (MFA); polyperfluoro(ethylene-co-propylene)(FEP); poly(ethylene-alt-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE); poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE); poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PDVF); tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (THV); poly(bisphenol A-co-4-nitrophthalic anhydride-co-1,3-phenylenediamine) (PEI); poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP); and suitable mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pascal Zambaux
  • Patent number: 7797912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing water-soluble containers using a horizontal intermittent motion thermoforming machine comprising locating a first water-soluble film over a mould containing a plurality of pocket forming cavities in a 2-dimensional array, each cavity being surrounded by a planar surface of the mould on all sides in which the shortest dimension of the planar surface between two adjacent cavities is at least 3 mm and between an edge of the mould and the closest cavity is at least 1.5 mm, thermoforming a first film to produce a plurality of pockets, at least partially filling the pockets with a composition and sealing the plurality of the at least partially filled pockets. The cavities are positioned in the array such that there are a plurality of continuous strips of uninterrupted planar surface of the mould from a leading to a trailing edge of the mould, for receiving support means fitted to the machine for supporting the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Robert Hammond, Richard Rogers
  • Patent number: 7797913
    Abstract: Method for packing groups of products or products of prismatic shape with rectangular or square base, which from a feed or grouping unit are then moved towards a first folding spindle so as to be delivered therefrom wrapped in the shape of a “U” rotated through 90° and open at the back, by a packing sheet which is previously placed in front of the spindle with vertical positioning, characterized in that the product with the packing sheet delivered from the spindle are picked up directly and fed in phase between the parallel and horizontal motorized conveyors of a tilting drum positioned inside which longitudinally, edgewise and parallel with each other, are folding devices which guide the product with the packing laterally and fold on the lateral faces of the product the first flaps with vertical folding, projecting laterally and anterior in the feed direction of the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: KPL Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giordano Gorrieri, Moreno Cremonini, Mirko Cassoli
  • Patent number: 7797914
    Abstract: An inserting system is provided for securing an envelope having a window. The system includes a deck slidably supporting the envelope, where the deck defines an insertion area, and a securing mechanism in the insertion area securing the envelope in an insertion location during insertion of a collation. The securing mechanism includes a first securing element selectively securing a first portion of the envelope between the window and an open edge of the envelope and a second securing element selectively securing a second portion of the envelope between the window and a closed edge of the envelope. The inserting system may also include a deflection element disposed on the deck between the first securing element and the second securing element, wherein the deflection element guides the collation away from an edge of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Marcinik, Richard A. Suleski
  • Patent number: 7797915
    Abstract: A system to clear stuck reels on a grass mowing machine with a reversible electric or hydraulic motor connected to a cutting reel. The reel motor can rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction. A controller provides electric signals to the reel motor, and commands the motor to reverse direction if the reel motor does not rotate in the forward direction at a rotational speed at least as high as a preset minimum speed, or rotate a pre-specified number of revolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jacob C. Kallara, Clement V. Godbold
  • Patent number: 7797916
    Abstract: Systems for harvesting cotton from plants are provided. In this regard, a representative system incorporates an extracting zone and nozzles. The extracting zone is operative to receive therein stalks of plants from which cotton is to be removed. The nozzles are operative to direct vacuum pressure toward the stalks of the plants received within the extracting zone such that cotton is removed from the stalks and drawn into the nozzles. The nozzles also are operative to move relative to the extracting zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Randy Thompson
  • Patent number: 7797917
    Abstract: The mower housing apparatus provides a three-blade design provides with all blades rotating in the same direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise, at the operator's discretion. The housing provides hydraulically operated housing doors, so that grass and debris can exit either side of the housing. Blade directional control and side exit choice allows an operator to travel immediately adjacent to any obstacle in either travel direction and continue to mow successfully. Consequently, an operator need not make loops and extra trips around and across a lawn in order to mow successfully. The housing apparatus also provides a hydraulic motor for quiet, efficient operation, with a minimum of 550 inch pounds of torque. Additionally, the apparatus includes a blade attachment that provides superior lift of grass and debris. A pair of each removable attachment is quickly attached to and detached from each blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Jay Pendleton
  • Patent number: 7797918
    Abstract: A riding mower has a frame supported by a plurality of wheels including a pair of front drive wheels covered by front fenders. A plurality of cutting units are arranged in advance of the frame. The operator sits on a seat atop the frame at the front of the frame. The operator mounts and dismounts the seat from behind the front fenders and the front wheel and not from the front, access to the seat from the front being prevented by the placement of the cutting units. A pivotal armrest along one side of the seat normally blocks access to the seat from that side. However, the armrest can be pivoted to a raised position in which it clears the seat to allow the operator to reach the seat from that side of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Drake, Gordon R. Schmidt, Malachy P. Fay
  • Patent number: 7797919
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rope or a rope element which comprises, in a manner known per se, a reinforcement made of a fiber material varying from the fiber material of the rope or the rope element, respectively. The rope or the rope element, respectively, according to the invention wherein at least one multifilament yarn and/or staple fiber yarn and/or at least one monofilament is/are at least partially provided as the fiber material of the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Teufelberger Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Rudolf Kirth, Klaus Kronlachner, Susanna Schiemer, Georg Sonnleitner
  • Patent number: 7797920
    Abstract: A drive chain includes two end chain components and a connecting plate. Each of the end chain components has a pin hole and a connecting pin. The connecting pin includes a main segment inserted into the pin hole and having a diameter, an anchoring end segment axially spaced apart from the main segment and having a diameter, and a constricted neck extending between the main segment and the anchoring end segment. The connecting plate has two spaced anchoring holes each having a diameter that is originally smaller than the diameter of the main segment and larger than the diameter of the anchoring end segment. The main segment of the connecting pin is force-fitted in a corresponding one of the anchoring holes so that the end chain components are joined to each other. A tool device to assemble or disassemble the drive chain is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: AMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzu-Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 7797921
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an extracted air booster system of an integrated gasification combined cycle power plant can additionally serve a sufficient pressure control function and a sufficient antisurge control function. For example, when an inlet guide vane is fully closed or has a small opening degree equal to or smaller than a predetermined opening degree, a second control section of the control apparatus performs pressure control based on a pressure deviation, instead of or as well as antisurge control. In the pressure control, the degree of opening of an antisurge valve is controlled so that a booster outlet pressure detection value can become equal to a set pressure value. In a case where a pressure ratio is larger than a set pressure ratio value, it is also effective that the second control section performs the antisurge control even when the inlet guide vane is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sonoda, Masaaki Yamasaki, Satoko Fujii, Kiyoshi Tarumizu
  • Patent number: 7797922
    Abstract: A casing for an aircraft turbine bypass engine comprises a splitter having slots to receive and be welded to a plurality of struts extending between an outer ring and an inner hub of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Andreas Eleftheriou, David Denis, Denis Leclair, Yves Roussel
  • Patent number: 7797923
    Abstract: A method for controlling regeneration of a lean NOx trap includes estimating an accumulated NOx in the lean NOx trap; determining whether the estimated NOx exceeds a first threshold value or a second threshold value; estimating the temperature of the lean NOx trap; determining whether the estimated temperature exceeds a threshold temperature; determining a desired air-fuel ratio for initiating a regeneration event, the desired air-fuel ratio being determined based upon the estimated NOx and the estimated temperature of the lean NOx trap; hastening the occurrence of a regeneration event when the estimated NOx exceeds the first threshold value through active control of engine operating regimes; and initiating a regeneration event when the estimated NOx exceeds the second threshold value or when the estimated temperature exceeds the threshold temperature by forcing homogenous operation of the engine at the desired air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev M. Naik, David J. Cleary
  • Patent number: 7797924
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus is used for a secondary air supply system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an air pump for supplying secondary air into an upstream of a catalyst in an exhaust gas passage of the internal combustion engine. A secondary air detecting means detects secondary air information. An abnormality diagnosis means performs an abnormality diagnosis of the secondary air supply system in accordance with the secondary air information detected using the secondary air detecting means. A temperature information determining means performs at least one of detection and estimation of air pump temperature information. A condition setting means performs at least one of setting and compensating a condition for evaluating normality and abnormality of the secondary air supply system in accordance with the air pump temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Wakahara, Masahiko Yamaguchi, Satoshi Kodo
  • Patent number: 7797925
    Abstract: An NOx catalytic converter, which includes an NOx storage and reduction catalyst, absorbs NOx contained in exhaust gas of an engine. The absorbed NOx is deoxidized and eliminated when an NOx deoxidizing agent is supplied to the catalytic converter. An ECU determines a purifying performance of the catalytic converter based on one of an amount of supplied NOx deoxidizing agent, which is required to deoxidize and remove absorbed NOx at the NOx catalytic converter, and a parameter that correlates with the amount of the supplied NOx deoxidizing agent. The ECU prohibits the determining of the purifying performance of the catalytic converter when it is determined that supplied unburnt fuel, which is supplied to the catalytic converter, is in an excessive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Kawamura, Masakuni Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7797926
    Abstract: A particulate filter is provided in an exhaust system of the engine. Parameter values correlated with a flow amount of exhaust gas of the engine are determined, and differential pressure between upstream and downstream sides of the particulate filter is determined. The ratio of a variation rate of the parameter values correlated with the exhaust flow amount to a variation rate of the differential pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold value during transitional operation of the engine to determine the state of the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nishino, Kiyoshi Saito, Eisaku Gosyo
  • Patent number: 7797927
    Abstract: The degree of a deterioration in catalyst is determined when the following requirements are satisfied: the operating state of an internal combustion engine (E) is in a predetermined operating state; and the temperature (T1m) of an exhaust gas, which flows into a catalyst (12), is in a second temperature range (?T80) in which the upper limit of the second temperature range (?T80) is 10% below the upper limit of a first temperature range (?T100) between the activation start temperature (Ta) and the activation end temperature (Tb) of the catalyst (12) before a deterioration and the lower limit of the second temperature range (?T80) is 10% above the lower limit of the first temperature range (?T100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Daiji Nagaoka, Masashi Gabe, Takehito Imai, Shinji Hara
  • Patent number: 7797928
    Abstract: In a method for purifying exhaust gases in particular from lean-burn internal combustion engines having an exhaust-gas converter with a heat exchanger and catalysts arranged in inflow and/or outflow passages, the heat exchanger exhaust gas which flows in is heated by heat exchange with exhaust gas which flows. The incoming exhaust gas enters the inflow passages without encountering any obstacle susceptible to blockages, and flows through the inflow passages to a diversion region. Heat is fed to the exhaust gas by means of a burner. The burner is operated with fuel, air and engine exhaust gas in such a way that it supplies either an oxidizing or a reducing exhaust gas. Burner exhaust gas is admixed to the gas which emerges from the inflow passages and, together with this gas, enters the outflow passages, where nitrogen oxides are removed from it by a deNOxing catalyst present in the outflow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Univeritaet Stuttgart
    Inventors: Gerhard Friedrich, Grigorios Kolios, Volker Schmeisser, Ute Tuttlies, Frank Opferkuch, Gerhart Eigenberger
  • Patent number: 7797929
    Abstract: A method of controlling an engine having a lean NOx trap in the exhaust is described. The method comprises during a first mode, at a first temperature, storing NOx at a lean condition and then purging stored NOx from the NOx trap at a rich condition without concurrently supplying oxygen to the trap during the purging and during a second mode, at a second, lower temperature, storing NOx at a lean condition and then purging stored NOx from the NOx, where an exothermic reaction is generated to temporarily raise the temperature of the trap by supplying oxygen and reductants with an overall rich mixture to the trap during the purging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Jason Aaron Lupescu, Joseph Robert Theis, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 7797930
    Abstract: An ECU performs exhaust temperature control based on output values of multiple exhaust temperature sensors provided upstream and downstream of a particulate filter provided in an exhaust passage of an engine. The ECU calculates a change speed deviation value by subtracting change speed of outlet side exhaust temperature, which is sensed by one of the exhaust temperature sensors, from change speed of inlet side exhaust temperature, which is sensed by the other one of the exhaust temperature sensors, in an operation state in which temperature of exhaust gas flowing through the particulate filter changes rapidly. The ECU determines that the exhaust temperature sensors are mounted erroneously if the change speed deviation value deviates from a predetermined normal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Kusatsugu
  • Patent number: 7797931
    Abstract: A catalyst composition is provided for use on a diesel particulate filter which facilitates the oxidation of soot from diesel engine exhaust and which generates low NO2 emissions during regeneration of the filter. The catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal comprising a platinum group metal selected from Pt, Pd, Pt—Pd, or combinations thereof, an active metal oxide component containing Cu and La; and an oxide component selected from oxides of Co, Fe, or combinations thereof. The catalyst composition includes a support selected from alumina, silica, zirconia, or combinations thereof. The catalyst composition may be provided on a diesel particulate filter by impregnating the filter with an alumina, silica or zirconia sol solution modified with glycerol and/or saccharose, impregnating the filter with a stabilizing solution, and impregnating the filter with a solution containing the catalyst metal precursor(s), the active metal oxide precursor(s) and the Co or Fe oxide(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexei A Dubkov, Albert N Chigapov, Brendan Patrick Carberry
  • Patent number: 7797932
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for enhancing aftertreatment regeneration. The system includes an internal combustion engine and an exhaust manifold directing the engine exhaust to an aftertreatment system. The system may further include an exhaust gas recycle system and a turbocharger. The system further includes a fuel injector mounted on the exhaust manifold that provides fuel to assist in regenerating an aftertreatment component. The fuel injector is mounted in an apparatus also including a flow dampener, an extender, and a residence chamber. The apparatus allows the fuel to be injected in a high temperature location where it will experience residence time at temperature, and experience shear forces passing through the turbocharger. The extender allows the fuel to be injected at a place in the exhaust manifold where recycling of injected fuel into the engine is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc
    Inventors: Brett Herrick, Stephen L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7797933
    Abstract: A servo system includes pressurized fluid, and one or more fluid control devices (FCD) such as a valve or actuator, with at least one FCD having an element with a variable property that varies in response to a stimulus. The FCD controls a flow rate or pressure transmission of the fluid within the servo system. The element may include an active return spring having a variable stiffness. The servo system may operate as an interlock system for a transmission. A method for moving an output load using a servo system includes providing a first FCD with an active element, connecting an output load to a second FCD, activating the active element with a stimulus to vary a property of the active element, transmitting a force from the pressurized fluid to the second FCD, and moving the output load from a first position to a second position in response to the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Norman K. Bucknor, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Nancy L. Johnson, Stephen W. Powell, Patrick B. Usoro, Xiujie Gao
  • Patent number: 7797934
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a source driven by an engine to pressurize fluid, and a tool actuator movable by pressurized fluid. The hydraulic control system may further have a first valve element movable to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to the tool actuator, and an interface device movable by an operator to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to move the first valve element. The hydraulic control system may also have a second valve element movable to limit an amount of pressurized fluid available to move the first valve element, and a controller in communication with the second valve element. The controller may be configured to move the second valve element to reduce pressurized fluid directed to the first valve element in an amount related to a load on the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Andrew J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7797935
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is provided with a generator 8 for outputting electricity corresponding to a rotation speed of an engine 7, an electric motor 11 drivable responsive to the electricity from the generator 8, hydraulic pumps 12a, 12b drivable by the electric motor 11, truck-body elevating cylinders 6 for pivoting a truck body 5 in an up-and-down direction, and a stroke detector 14 for detecting a stroke of the control apparatus of the truck-body elevating cylinders 6, and is also provided with a controller 19 for performing control of engine rotation speed. The controller 19 includes a motor electric-power computing means 19a for determining electric power for the electric motor 11, which corresponds to the stroke detected by the stroke detector 14, and a discrimination means 19b for discriminating whether or not the electricity from the generator 8 has become greater than the thus-determined electric power for the electric motor 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Yasuda, Takashi Yagyu, Yasuo Tanaka, Michio Fushiki, Satoru Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7797936
    Abstract: An exhaust turbo supercharger is provided that is able to effectively prevent exhaust gas that has flowed into between a turbine housing and a bearing housing from leaking to outside of the device, while allowing an excellent level of workability in assembly and disassembly. Included is a turbine housing, into which exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is introduced; a turbine wheel which is provided within the turbine housing and which is rotation-driven by the exhaust gas; a turbine shaft, one end of which is inserted into the turbine housing, and to which the turbine wheel is attached; a bearing which supports the turbine shaft; and a bearing housing which is connected to the turbine housing and inside of which the bearing is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Hayashi, Yasuaki Jinnai, Seiichi Ibaraki, Fumiharu Takahashi, Yoh Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7797937
    Abstract: A condensation dispersion device for use with a power source having an exhaust recirculation system is disclosed. The condensation dispersion device may have a housing with an inlet configured to receive exhaust, and an outlet configured to discharge exhaust. The condensation dispersion device may also have a first static mixing device disposed within the housing and being configured to redirect condensate from an internal wall of the housing into the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Dennis Lee Endicott, David Richard Wisley, James Richard Weber, Ben Evans, Stephan D. Roozenboom, Michael Patrick Harmon, Isaac Ethan Fox, James Dean Dunbar
  • Patent number: 7797938
    Abstract: An energy recovery system is provided having a fluid configured to absorb and convey thermal energy. The system also has an exhaust treatment device cooling system configured to transmit thermal energy from an exhaust treatment device to the fluid. In addition, the system has a turbine that is driven by the fluid configured to convert at least a portion of the thermal energy to mechanical energy. The system further has a generator that is powered by the turbine configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy to electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Victoriano Ruiz
  • Patent number: 7797939
    Abstract: A concentrating solar receiver that maximizes the amount of solar energy available for conversion to electricity that utilizes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a fresnel lens to both reflect and refract solar rays to a thermal cycle engine receiver which converts solar energy to mechanical energy which is in turn converted into electrical energy using an electric generator. The configuration creates focal points that protect the thermal cycle engine receiver from high temperatures and provides uniform density of solar energy within the thermal cycle engine receiver. The solar receiver is moved in response to a sun tracking sensor using a vertical and a horizontal drive motor. The thermal cycle engine and the electric generator, representing the majority of mass, are centered on the vertical support and are low to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Timmy Green
  • Patent number: 7797940
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power plant system for producing power using a source of steam, comprising: a vaporizer into which steam from a source of steam is supplied, for vaporizing organic working fluid flowing through the vaporizer; at least one turbine wherein one of the turbines is an organic vapor turbine to which the vaporized working fluid is supplied and which is suitable for generating electricity and producing expanded organic vapor; a recuperator for heating organic vapor condensate flowing towards the vaporizer the expanded organic vapor exhausted from the organic vapor turbine; and two or more stages of preheating means for additionally heating organic working fluid exiting the recuperator and flowing towards the vaporizer, wherein fluid extracted from one of the turbines is delivered to one of the stages of preheating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ormat Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Uri Kaplan
  • Patent number: 7797941
    Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving hydrostatic face seals are provided. In this regard, representative compressor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a compressor having a hydrostatic seal formed by a seal face and a seal runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Munsell, Jorn A. Glahn
  • Patent number: 7797942
    Abstract: In a combustor of a gas turbine which has a pilot nozzle being installed to the center of the axis of a combustor basket and a plurality of main nozzles being installed to the vicinity of the pilot nozzle and provided with a premixing tool on the outer circumference thereof, wherein, fuel being injected as air-fuel pre-mixture from the main nozzle into the interior of a transition piece forming a combustion chamber downstream of the combustor basket is ignited by diffusion flame being generated by the pilot nozzle in the transition piece so as to generate a premixed flame in the transition piece, wherein combustion is performed by a part of the plurality of main nozzles from start-up until a predetermined load rate and then performed by adding the remaining portion of the plurality of main nozzles when the predetermined load rate is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Saitoh, Masataka Ohta, Shinji Akamatsu, Masakazu Nose
  • Patent number: 7797943
    Abstract: A pilot for a scramjet provides a flame front whose arrival at the wall of the scramjet combustor is delayed thereby reducing combustor heat load. By combining in-stream injection of fuel with an interior pilot and a lean (fuel-poor) outer annulus, the bulk of combustion is confined to the scramjet combustor center. This concept, referred to as “core-burning,” further reduces combustor heat load. One such pilot is for a two dimensional scramjet effective to propel a vehicle. This pilot includes a plurality of spaced apart struts separated by ducts and a strut pilot contained within each strut. A second such pilot is for an axisymmetric scramjet engine has, in sequence and in fluid communication, an air intake, an open bore scramjet isolator and a scramjet combustor. This centerbody pilot pod includes a pilot isolator disposed between the air intake and a pilot diffuser, the pilot diffuser disposed between the pilot isolator and a pilot with the pilot disposed between the pilot diffuser and a pilot combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • Patent number: 7797944
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a nacelle, a variable area fan nozzle, a sensor that detects a windmilling condition and a controller that communicates with the sensor. The variable area fan nozzle is moveable between a first position having a first discharge airflow area and a second position having a second discharge airflow area greater than the first discharge airflow area in response to detecting the windmilling condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Morford, Michael J. Larkin
  • Patent number: 7797945
    Abstract: A bleed valve assembly for discharging bleed air into a gas turbine engine bypass plenum includes a bleed flow duct, a bleed valve, and a flow deflector. The bleed flow duct is contoured such that it delivers uniformly flowing bleed air to the flow deflector when the bleed valve is in the open position. The flow deflector has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each opening fluidly communicates the bleed air flow passage with the bypass plenum. A portion of the openings are oriented at a discharge angle such that bleed air is discharged from each opening in a direction that does not have a vector component in the direction in which air is flowing in the bypass plenum, and another portion of the openings are oriented to provide stress relief to the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Appleby, Charles E. Kesner, Todd C. Garrod, Joel E. LaBenz
  • Patent number: 7797946
    Abstract: A mid-turbine frame is connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine for transferring a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a first load structure, a second load structure, and a plurality of struts. The first load structure combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The second load structure transfers the combined load to the mount. The struts are connected between the first load structure and the second load structure and transfers the combined load from the first load structure to the second load structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keshava B. Kumar, Nagendra Somanath, William A. Sowa
  • Patent number: 7797947
    Abstract: An engine assembly including an engine mount, the engine mount including a rigid structure including a box and a mounting system positioned between the engine and the rigid structure. This mounting system includes an aft attachment. The assembly further includes a thermal protection system for the box, including a preferably ventilated duct forming a heat barrier and extending between the box and the engine. The duct extends rearward beyond the aft engine attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: AIRBUS France
    Inventors: Laurent Lafont, Frederic Journade
  • Patent number: 7797948
    Abstract: A transition-to-turbine seal (320) including an upstream portion (322) adapted to engage a flange (416) of a transition (400). The upstream portion (322) may be U-shaped in cross-sectional profile and include a primary wall (324) that includes a proximal section (325) and a distal section (326) relative to a hot gas path (170). The proximal section (325) includes a plurality of recesses (327) which are spaced apart and separated by intervening wall (328). In each recess (327) is provided one or more outlets (329) of cooling fluid holes (339). The outlets (329) communicate via the cooling fluid holes (339) with a supply of compressed cooling fluid, such as compressed air that is provided from the compressor. During operation the outlets (329) release this fluid into the respective recesses (327). The flow of cooling fluid provides for a more uniform cooling effect that includes impingement and convective cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Weaver, Raymond S. Nordlund