Patents Issued in August 2, 2011
  • Patent number: 7987630
    Abstract: In a system and method for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests, a container having an interior chamber, is located in an area in which pests are to be at least one of monitored and controlled. At least a portion of the container is constructed of an environmentally degradable plastic. At least one of a pest monitoring material and a pest bait material is disposed within the interior chamber of the container for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests. The container is inspected at least once prior to the end of a predetermined time period to determine whether pests are present within the container. The container is replaced, along with the at least one of the monitoring material and the bait material, no later than about six months beyond the predetermined period of time following placement of the container in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Cink
  • Patent number: 7987631
    Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided to reduce pressure in the flow of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel. The flow restrictor takes the form of a capillary that is void of any abrupt flow disruptions. The flow restrictor may be used in place of an orifice and provides the advantage that it has a larger diameter than an orifice of similar function. Precipitation is less likely to form on the restrictor and any precipitation is less likely to have an adverse affect on performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Schinazi, David Zitnick, Hamid Pishdadian, Michael C. Vieira
  • Patent number: 7987632
    Abstract: In a system for optimizing crop growth, vegetation is cultivated in a contained environment, such as a greenhouse, an underground cavern or other enclosed space. Imaging equipment is positioned within or about the contained environment, to acquire spatially distributed crop growth information, and environmental sensors are provided to acquire data regarding multiple environmental conditions that can affect crop development. Illumination within the contained environment, and the addition of essential nutrients and chemicals are in turn controlled in response to data acquired by the imaging apparatus and environmental sensors, by an “expert system” which is trained to analyze and evaluate crop conditions. The expert system controls the spatial and temporal lighting pattern within the contained area, and the timing and allocation of nutrients and chemicals to achieve optimized crop development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The Institute for Technology Development
    Inventors: George A. May, Mark Allen Lanoue, Matthew Bethel, Robert E. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7987633
    Abstract: A construction product such as a window or door includes a multi-functional thermal break. The thermal break serves to contact and support elements of the frame of the construction product. The thermal break also provides one or more additional structural functions for the construction product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Commercial Windows LLC
    Inventors: Ronald M. Lenox, Mahmoud Manteghi, Heath Lewis
  • Patent number: 7987634
    Abstract: A gutter cover inside miter to be used with both open valley and closed valley roof miters, where the gutter cover inside miter is formed by coupling two primary member having a stem, legs, a tapered trough, a diverter and a plurality of draining and guide vents oriented to accommodate a variety of water flows. The gutter cover inside miter is also used with an underlying gutter cover as a system to improve the functionality of the gutter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Lance D. Bailey, Randall R. Bailey, Brian M. Beck, David R. Herdrich
  • Patent number: 7987635
    Abstract: A partition system includes a first pilaster and a door coupled to the first pilaster and rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The door is configurable in a first configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction from the closed position, the second direction opposite the first direction. The door is further configurable in a second configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in the second direction and prevented from rotating in the first direction from the closed position. The door is coupled to the first pilaster to define a seam and prevents a line of sight from being established through the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The Mills Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Thielke, Thomas S. Persick, Midchi K. Odya
  • Patent number: 7987636
    Abstract: A seat and anchor assembly for mounting and securing a wood joist or roof truss to a tie beam of a building including a central web portion and an upwardly extending wall portion disposed along a longitudinal edge thereof wherein a lower portion of the roof truss or joist fits within what may be considered a seat defined by the web and the upstanding wall portion. An elongated anchor strap is adjustably attached to the wall portion and is adapted to be secured by nails or like connectors to the top portion of the roof truss and further wherein the anchor strap includes a lower length disposed and adapted to be embedded in wet concrete initially defining the tie beam of the building on which the seat and truss rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson STrong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Paschal Hunt
  • Patent number: 7987637
    Abstract: An adjustable shim includes a first member having a fastener opening for attachment by a screw to a frame, and a protrusion defining a coaxial threaded opening spaced from the fastener opening. A second member has a protrusion telescopically mounted on the first member and has a hollow bolt threadably located in the threaded opening coaxial with the fastener opening. The head of the hollow bolt is accessible through the second member protrusion, so that a screw can pass through the bolt to the fastener opening, and the head of the bolt is restrained from axial movement relative to the second member, so that rotation of the bolt causes the first and second members to move telescopically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7987638
    Abstract: A retrofit assembly for reinforcing a structural member including a plurality of retrofit segments including a first retrofit segment and a last retrofit segment, wherein the first retrofit segment connects to the last segment, and wherein each of the retrofit segments comprises a connecting rod, a brace, and a threaded nut, wherein the connecting rods each include a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends are each fixedly secured to one of the braces, and the second ends are each operatively threaded to engage with one of the nuts, and wherein the braces each include a hole operatively sized to receive the second end of one of the connecting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Lee Fang
  • Patent number: 7987639
    Abstract: A new configuration damper, for interconnecting two elements of a structure that undergo relative movements and deformations, that increase the level of damping when the overall structure is subjected to a loading condition is disclosed. The new configuration damper aides in controlling displacements, velocities and accelerations under dynamic loading in structural systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventors: Constantin Christopoulos, Michael Montgomery, Tibor Kokai, Sean Smith, Agha Hasan, Evan Bentz, Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 7987640
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a foundation for a wind turbine. The foundation includes a section which is partly embedded in a concrete section and a cover which is arranged across an intersection between the embedded section and the concrete section. In that way, intrusion of water between the sections can be prevented effectively, and the lifetime of the foundation can be increased and/or the maintenance costs can be reduced. A method of making a foundation for a wind turbine and a wind turbine with the foundation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Børge Øllgaard, Søren Poul Jensen
  • Patent number: 7987641
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
  • Patent number: 7987642
    Abstract: Window assembly comprises a wedge packing assembly and/or a deformable packing assembly for fitting between a glazing unit and a frame of a window assembly to support the glazing unit within the Frame. The deformable packing assembly comprises a base, and a plurality of elongate deformable fingers which project from the base and upon which the glazing unit is supported. The fingers are arranged in an array on the base and are adapted to, in use, bend. The wedge packing assembly comprises a first wedge element having a base surface and an inclined surface at an angle to the base surface. The first wedge element is adapted to be fitted between the glazing unit and frame along an edge of the glazing unit with the inclined surface inclined at an angle to the normal of the plane of the glazing unit and window assembly. The wedge packing assembly may then further comprise a second wedge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Simon Christopher Braid
  • Patent number: 7987643
    Abstract: A system for fastening an element, particularly made of fragile material such as glass, to a bearing structure or a framework at least at one point. At least at one fastening point, the system includes a mechanical connection device for fixing the element to a framework or bearing structure or connecting to an adjacent similar element. At least one arm at a first end is connected to a fastener mechanically connected to the element, and at a second end is connected to a joining piece. The joining piece includes a tubular envelope that contains a mechanism for adjusting degrees of freedom of the fixing or of the connection. A wall including at least one fixed or opening element can be fixed to a structure or a framework by such a mechanical connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Jean-Clément Nugue, Georges Maublanc
  • Patent number: 7987644
    Abstract: A modular curtainwall system and a method for forming a curtainwall unit are provided. The modular curtainwall system comprises a unit frame and a cassette. The cassette comprises a subframe and an interior portion. The stick unit frame and cassette may be assembled into a curtainwall unit at an offsite facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Enclos Corporation
    Inventors: John Robert Walker, III, David A. Niemoeller, Michel Michno
  • Patent number: 7987645
    Abstract: A noise-reducing substrate for use in a flooring system which ha a subfloor and a floating floor upper layer. The substrate comprises a series of edge butted panels, each having a bottom surface, a top surface and side surfaces. A profile in the bottom surface of the substrate changes the substrate's effective stiffness improving the noise isolation of the substrate compared to the stiffness and noise isolation of the panel without the profile. Additionally, the profile reduces the weight of the panel, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation costs. Material hardness and profile flatness of the upper surface provide the strength and texture required to allow for installation of the floating floor layer without the need for an additional rigid backing material. Such a system greatly improves the impact noise reduction on floor/ceiling systems while keeping the installation cost low and adding little to the total system thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Serious Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Tinianov
  • Patent number: 7987646
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wall and surface veneering products and systems that provide a replica image of a natural surface, such as stone, brick or wood, and is easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and securement design. The present invention further includes systems for attachment of the veneering product to walls or other surfaces and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing arrangements and complete wall coverage. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture, which ensures the natural appearance of stone or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or wood, and preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: New Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Race, Paul J. Forsberg, Edward Alan Knudson, John Fitzgerald Dolan, Daryl Pilarski, Joel Forsberg
  • Patent number: 7987647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof system for installation on an existing roof. The existing roof has a plurality of open web steel joists with an existing metal deck thereon. The roof system includes a plurality of deck straps, a roof deck and roofing and insulation. The plurality of deck straps are attached to the open web steel joist through the existing metal deck. The deck straps have a plurality of alternating lower portions and upper portions. The lower portions are attached to the open web steel joist. The upper portions extend upwardly of the existing metal deck. The roof deck is attached to the upper portions of the continuous deck strap. The roofing and insulation is attached to the roof deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Robert John Rymell, Angelo Parravano
  • Patent number: 7987648
    Abstract: A decorative, modular wall panel system is disclosed that allows easy installation and that is adaptable to a variety of wall lengths by allowing the decorative panels to float on an easily installed frame assembly. A skeletal, hidden frame structure is attached to the preexisting wall over which the modular wall panel system is to be installed, and is configured to hold the decorative panel system in place without penetrating the decorative members with fasteners such as nails or screws, thus eliminating the need for wood fillers, plugs, caulking, paints, or stains and touch-up kits to fix blemishes on the decorative panels that would otherwise be caused by attaching them to a wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ryan
  • Patent number: 7987649
    Abstract: A vent strip has a generally rectangular vent strip body having a width that is greater than an aperture width of an aperture through a soffit board. A plurality of apertures through the vent strip enabling air circulation. A pair of resilient board engaging elements extend upwardly and outwardly from the vent strip body for engaging the aperture. A plurality of board engaging notches or fingers, of each of the resilient board engaging elements, are adapted for engaging the soffit board regardless of the thickness of the soffit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ross Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Ross Polston
  • Patent number: 7987650
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clip and associated method and building structure. The clip is provided for repairing building surfaces. The clip includes a first generally planar elongate portion having an inner face and an outer face, and a second generally planar elongate portion having an inner face and an outer face. The first elongate portion and second elongate portion are joined to define a generally U-shaped member having a generally elongate gap defined by the inner faces of the first and second elongate portions, the gap being adapted and configured to receive a building member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Pollack
  • Patent number: 7987651
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for enclosing bales of materials with at least four substantially rectilinear sides in flexible sheet material tubes having one open end into which the bales are inserted leaving the tube open end projecting loosely beyond the end of the bale utilizing structure temporarily placed inside the tube open end tending to resist inward movement of said tube such that the tube end may be formed into pleats at the four corners of the end of the bale and structure external of the tube cooperating to form and fold the pleats against the bale end surface where they are affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Lummus Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Beeland, Daniel E. Riggs, Donald W. Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 7987652
    Abstract: A capping head comprising a support adapted to be associated with means arranged within a capper comprising at least two identical working units, which are associated with the support and are motorized in the same direction, each working unit comprising a shaft provided with motor drive means, which is connected, with the interposition of a torque-limited coupling, to a transverse arm adapted to support a rotating roller, both rollers are designed to come into contact with a cap to be screwed onto a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Weightpack S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Corniani
  • Patent number: 7987653
    Abstract: An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Adaptsys Limited
    Inventors: Barry L. Gregerson, James E. Spitzer
  • Patent number: 7987654
    Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging sporting goods are provided. Embodiments advantageously preserve sporting goods, such as kayaks, against damage during transportation, ease handling of the sporting goods while being transported, and enable easy conversion from a shipping mode to a display mode. Further, embodiments conserve floor space during storage, shipping, and display while preventing sporting goods from collapsing or falling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Eckert
  • Patent number: 7987655
    Abstract: A tubular bagging machine includes an innovative indentation-forming device and a modified cross-sealing device. The innovative indentation-forming device includes two punches that form two indentations in the foil web. The machine then forms the foil web into a foil tube with the indentations aligned directly opposite each other and bowed outward. The cross-sealing device includes two opposing sealing jaws each having a blank formed in it. The jaws are closed together to form transverse seal zones in the foil tube. The blanks are aligned with each other and receive the aligned indentations so that they are not sealed together, resulting in the formation of an air bubble in one of the seal zones. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the bags, bags produced by the disclosed machines and methods, and retrofit kits for upgrading existing tubular bagging machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rovema Packaging Machines, LP
    Inventor: Erich Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 7987656
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling height of a header of a work machine such as an agricultural windrowing machine or a harvesting machine, which includes height control cylinders jointly or individually operable for raising or lowering the opposite ends of a header to achieve a desired overall height or angle of tilt in relation to the surface of a field or pasture to be cut, and which allow the header to be raised, and lowered to the previously selected cut height, without changing the lengths of the cylinders, so as to be usable in combination with an optional header lift and/or float system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Douglas R. Otto
  • Patent number: 7987657
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower having covers for covering the side part of a cutter deck and the side part of a transmission section. The covers have a plurality of small holes formed in a portion facing the side part of the cutter deck. The accumulation of grass clippings on the upper surface of the cutter deck and the transmission section is reduced, and the state of accumulation of grass clippings is confirmed via the small holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Yoshihara, Takahiro Yamamoto, Tomomi Nakaya, Makoto Warashina, Katsuhisa Ichikawa, Kazuki Shimozono
  • Patent number: 7987658
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool includes, in one embodiment, an elongated pole and a head that are pivotally joined by a coupling mechanism. The head is a unitary member that includes a semi-circular edger plate and a comb-like rake. The coupling mechanism includes a pivot screw pivotally connecting the pole to the gardening head, a lock rod extending longitudinally through the elongated pole, and a pull cam mounted within one end of the hollow pole, the pull cam being threadingly coupled to one end of the lock rod. By disposing the gardening head in a variety of fixed positions relative to the pole, a plurality of distinct gardening instruments can be created. Locking the position of the gardening head relative to the elongated pole is achieved through rotation of a handle that is mounted onto the free end of the pole, the handle being connected to the free end the lock rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Fragale
  • Patent number: 7987659
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric heating cable which is used in an electric heating apparatus and minimizes an electromagnetic field effect. The electric heating cable is manufactured by twisting first and second electric heating strands in three axial directions. Each electric heating strand includes a core wire comprising a stranded wire of a resistor, and an insulating sheath made of fluorine resin. According to the invention, the electric heating cable is resistive to untwisting in a free state even if no adhering means is used, and is compactly twisted, so that the electric heating cable maintains a secured state and has superior flexibility, while reducing leakage flux, and the electric heating cable has a reduced outer diameter and is light, so that it is useful for a thin electric heating apparatus, and incurs a low manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Jong Seok Song
  • Patent number: 7987660
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine capable of reducing energy consumption while suppressing a so-called cat back phenomenon. The gas turbine includes a combustor-accommodating chamber casing for accommodating therein a combustor which burns fuel and air compressed by a compressor to generate combustion gas and which injects the combustion gas to a turbine. The gas turbine also includes a first air supply passage and a second air supply passage on an upper portion of the combustor-accommodating chamber casing in the vertical direction. The first air supply passage discharges air toward the compressor in the combustor-accommodating chamber casing. The second air supply passage discharges air in a direction different from that of the first air supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Iwasaki, Yoshifumi Iwasaki, Shinichi Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 7987661
    Abstract: A method for determining malfunction of a nitrogen oxide sensor compares a nitrogen oxide amount detected by the sensor with a predetermined value of nitrogen oxide. If the difference between the predetermined value and the amount detected by the sensor is within a predetermined range, the method determines whether an engine is in a steady state. If the engine is in a steady state, the method changes one or more engine control parameters, thereby varying an actual nitrogen oxide amount. After changing the parameters, the method determines whether the amount detected by the sensor changes. The method determines that the sensor is malfunctioning if the amount detected by the sensor does not change. A selective catalytic reduction system includes a first nitrogen oxide sensor, a selective catalytic reduction apparatus, and a second nitrogen oxide sensor, all disposed in an exhaust pipe. A control portion performs the above-described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Yoon Jung
  • Patent number: 7987662
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system is disclosed. The method includes an approach for reducing thermal damage to aftertreatment devices in an exhaust system by reducing excessive exhaust gas temperatures created during particulate filter regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Charles Ruona
  • Patent number: 7987663
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a diesel engine with reduced emissions. The method comprises combusting a first biodiesel blend fuel in a diesel engine resulting in the production of diesel exhaust gases containing NOx. The diesel exhaust gases are admixed with a second biodiesel blend fuel, and the second biodiesel blend fuel is hydrolyzed to form reducing agents. The diesel exhaust gases containing NOx are passed through an NOx-reducing catalyst to reduce the NOx through a selective catalytic reduction reaction with the reducing agents. The invention further provides a method for operating a diesel engine with reduced emissions, comprising combusting a first biodiesel blend fuel in a diesel engine resulting in the production of diesel exhaust gases containing NOx. A second biodiesel blend fuel is converted in a fuel processor thereby forming reducing agents, and the diesel exhaust gases are admixed with the reducing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dan Hancu, Benjamin Hale Winkler, Gregg Anthony Deluga, Daniel George Norton, Frederic Vitse
  • Patent number: 7987664
    Abstract: A secondary air supply system includes a CPU, a ROM, an air supply pipe, and an air amount adjusting valve. One end of the air supply pipe is connected to an air cleaner box and the other end is connected to an exhaust port. Secondary air in the air cleaner box is supplied to the exhaust port through the air supply pipe. An amount of the secondary air to be supplied from the air supply pipe to the exhaust port is adjusted by the air amount adjusting valve. A target air-fuel ratio depending on a state of the engine is stored in the ROM. The CPU controls the air amount adjusting valve based on the state of the engine so that an air-fuel ratio in the exhaust port is the target air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuuji Araki, Ryusuke Kato, Masaki Torigoshi, Hiroki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7987665
    Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating exhaust from an exhaust pipe of a vehicle having an external turbine and an internal turbine connected to the external turbine such that when the external turbine rotates the internal turbine rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Jafar Salamat
  • Patent number: 7987666
    Abstract: Temperature control devices have become common to cool the exhaust stream from a diesel particulate filter before release into the environment. To further cool the filtered exhaust stream and to protect the temperature control device, a duct can be used to surround the inlets of the temperature control device. The duct has a head section surrounding the inlets at one end and a base section extending from the head section with a vent at the other end. Ambient air is drawn through the vent into the duct and into the inlets of the temperature control device to further cool the filtered exhaust stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Isaac D. Branning, Brad D. Singer, Donald J. Kortenber
  • Patent number: 7987667
    Abstract: A system for removing particulates from the exhaust gas of a vehicle internal combustion engine, particularly during those times that the emission of such particulates into the atmosphere would be of greatest danger to persons in the vicinity of the vehicle, includes a valve connected to the vehicle exhaust manifold for normally directing exhaust to the atmosphere, when in the non-activated condition. The valve directs exhaust to a particulate filter, when in the activated condition. Starting of the engine activates the valve for a predetermined period of time. The valve optionally is GPS-controlled and can be disabled manually or automatically by a switch, which detects the backpressure in the exhaust system. An exhaust pressure sensor monitors the exhaust backpressure, and a circuit device responsive to the exhaust pressure maintains the valve continuously in the non-activated condition, when the exhaust backpressure reaches a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Meier Diesel Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John Meier, Cris Pasto
  • Patent number: 7987668
    Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator includes an output cylinder, a fluid pressure pump, an electric motor, a first output cylinder passage, a second output cylinder passage, a return passage and a swash plate control cylinder. The output cylinder includes a first output cylinder chamber, a second output cylinder chamber and an output piston arranged between the first output cylinder chamber and the second output cylinder chamber. The fluid pressure pump includes a first supply and discharge port, a second supply and discharge port and a swash plate for changing displacement of the fluid pressure pump. The electric motor drives the fluid pressure pump. The first output cylinder passage connects the first output cylinder chamber and the first supply and discharge port. The second output cylinder passage connects the second output cylinder chamber and the second supply and discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kakino, Hiroshi Saito, Kenta Kawasaki, Takashi Oka
  • Patent number: 7987669
    Abstract: A fluid passage member includes a pump mounting surface onto which a hydraulic pump having a rotary axis is mounted; first and second kidney ports opened at the pump mounting surface; a first fluid extraction port outwardly opened and connected to the first kidney port; a motor mounting surface onto which a hydraulic motor having a rotary axis is mounted so that the rotary axis of the hydraulic motor is parallel to the rotary axis of the hydraulic pump; third and fourth kidney ports opened at the motor mounting surface; and a second fluid extraction port outwardly opened and connected to the third kidney port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Koji Irikura, Norihiro Ishii, Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Patent number: 7987670
    Abstract: In a steam engine having multiple main containers, first and second communication pipes are arranged in parallel to each other for respectively communication an auxiliary container with the main containers. Restricted portions and a first switching device are formed in the first communication pipe. The first communication pipe is closed during a start-up step of a starting operation of the engine, in order to prevent that an excess amount of working fluid may flow back from the auxiliary container to the main containers. As a result, a start-up time can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shuzo Oda, Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Yasunori Niiyama, Takashi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7987671
    Abstract: Brake master cylinder (10) for a motor vehicle, of the type which comprises a substantially axial body (12) inside a bore (14) of which is slideably mounted at least one axial piston, of the type in which the bore (14) comprises two seals, front and rear, interposed between the piston and the bore (14), characterized in that it comprises at least one wide groove (66, 68) which is formed in the bore (14) in front of a groove (70, 72) for retaining the front seal, which extends at least in part around the piston, and which communicates with said retaining groove (70, 72) and the hole in the piston, in order to allow resupplies to occur with a high flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Francois Gaffe, Antony Auguste, Laurent Lhuillier, Andrew Wasson
  • Patent number: 7987672
    Abstract: A turbocharger protection system for an engine system that includes a particulate filter and a turbocharger comprises a delta pressure estimator that estimates a pressure difference in a particulate filter. A pressure factor estimator module estimates a pressure factor based on the difference and barometric pressure. A fuel limit estimator module protects the turbocharger by selectively limiting fuel injection to the engine based on the pressure factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Ravishankar Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 7987673
    Abstract: The invention concerns a turbo compound system, including a crankshaft driven by an internal combustion engine; a blowdown turbine arranged in the exhaust line of the internal combustion engine; a hydrodynamic clutch, including a driving torus and a driven torus, which form with each other a working chamber that is fillable or filled with working fluid; where the driven torus of the hydrodynamic clutch is arranged on a shaft on the crankshaft side, which is in drive connection with the crankshaft and is geared up relative to the crankshaft; and where the driving torus of the hydrodynamic clutch is arranged on a shaft on the blowdown turbine side, which is in drive connection with the blowdown turbine, and where a rotary pump is arranged on the shaft on the crankshaft side or on the shaft on the blowdown turbine side, whose impeller is driven by this shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Kley, Kai Kamossa
  • Patent number: 7987674
    Abstract: An energy producing device, for example a submersible vehicle for descending or ascending to different depths within water or ocean, is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a temperature-responsive material to which a hydraulic fluid is associated. A pressurized storage compartment stores the fluid as soon as the temperature-responsive material changes density. The storage compartment is connected with a hydraulic motor, and a valve allows fluid passage from the storage compartment to the hydraulic motor. An energy storage component, e.g. a battery, is connected with the hydraulic motor and is charged by the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic fluid passes through the hydraulic motor. Upon passage in the hydraulic motor, the fluid is stored in a further storage compartment and is then sent back to the area of the temperature-responsive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Patent number: 7987675
    Abstract: A steam power plant, in which steam from a steam generator is received by a steam turbine, is provided and includes a conduit, a main steam control valve (MSCV) disposed along the conduit to admit the steam to the steam turbine when a characteristic thereof satisfies a threshold, a bypass line, coupled to the conduit between a super-heater and a valve, including a bypass line valve which is opened until the threshold is satisfied such that the bypass line removes a portion of the steam, an evacuator line, coupled to the conduit between the MSCV and the steam turbine, including an evacuator valve which is opened to regulate a thermal environment within the steam turbine during a start up thereof, and a warming line originating between the valve and the MSCV on the conduit and terminating downstream of the evacuator valve disposed along the evacuator line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thileepan Panchatsaram, Aslam Basha
  • Patent number: 7987676
    Abstract: A closed loop expansion system for energy recovery includes a heat exchanger for using heat from a heat source to heat a working fluid of the closed loop expansion system to a temperature below the vaporization point of the working fluid; a radial inflow expander for receiving the working fluid from the heat exchanger and for expanding and partially vaporizing the working fluid; a screw expander for receiving the working fluid from the radial inflow turbine and for further expanding and vaporizing the working fluid; and a condenser for receiving the working fluid from the screw expander and for liquefying the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gabor Ast, Thomas Johannes Frey, Herbert Kopecek, Michael Adam Bartlett, Pierre Sebastien Huck
  • Patent number: 7987677
    Abstract: Turbine exhaust steam, axially fed between counter-rotating radial flow disk turbines, separates into: (1) a radially inward flow of low enthalpy dry steam, and (2) a radially outward flow of high enthalpy steam, noncondensibles, and condensate. The radially inward flow goes to a conventional condenser. The radially outward flow loses enthalpy turning the disk turbines as it passes in the boundary layers against the disks, thus becoming low enthalpy dry steam, and the counter-rotation of the disks by impinging mass flow of condensate, high enthalpy steam, and noncondensibles sustains a cascade of dynamic vortex tubes in the shear layer between the boundary layers. The low enthalpy dry steam resulting from work being done flows into the condenser through the vortex cores of fractal turbulence. Condensate exits the periphery of the workspace, ready to be pumped back into the Rankine cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 7987678
    Abstract: A hot gas duct, such as a combustion casing in a gas turbine engine, includes a duct splitter held within the hot gas duct in at least three, preferably four, locations spaced around a peripheral edge of the duct splitter. At least one, preferably two, of the holding locations each comprise a generally cylindrical mounting that projects through a wall of the hot gas duct to engage an edge portion of the duct splitter by means of a slot formed in a circular face of the mounting. Mutually contacting surfaces of the slot and the duct splitter comprise hard face coatings to combat wear due to vibration and differential thermal expansion and contraction. The mountings have cooling holes that penetrate the mounting, so that coolant can flow through the mountings and into the interior of the hot gas duct to cool the mountings and the hard face coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Orestes J. Maurell, Russell Bond Jones, Marion Duggans, Sejko Kolev
  • Patent number: 7987679
    Abstract: By studying or storing refrigerating cycle characteristics of an air conditioning apparatus at the normal time and comparing them with refrigerating cycle characteristics acquired from the air conditioning apparatus at the time of operation, it becomes possible to exactly and accurately diagnose normality or abnormality of the air conditioning apparatus under any installation conditions and environmental conditions, which eliminates operations of inputting a difference between apparatus model names, a piping length, a height difference, etc at the time of apparatus installation. Accordingly, it aims at shortening the time of judging normality or abnormality, and improving the operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kousuke Tanaka, Kouji Yamashita, Yasunori Shida, Masahumi Tomita