Patents Issued in November 1, 2011
  • Patent number: 8046955
    Abstract: A water deviation unit for external wall features comprises a frame shaped plate adaptable to be attached to a sheathing of a composite external wall and a box like subassembly projecting outwardly from and connecting to the frame shaped plate and provided centrally with a relatively large aperture. The box like subassembly includes: 1) a pair of spaced apart walls extending outwardly and perpendicularly in vertical planes from adjacent sides of said relatively large aperture and continuing above the latter; 2) upper and lower means for inclining used to deflect outwardly the water and connected laterally respectively at a top and a bottom of the pair of spaced apart walls; and 3) means for controlling an entrance and a withdrawal from an interior of the composite external, disposed between and joining the spaced apart walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: James Chun Nam Chan, Jacob Rebel
  • Patent number: 8046956
    Abstract: A masonry flashing for use in a cavity wall is disclosed. The flashing has channels for draining water from the cavity while permitting entry of air into the cavity. The top surface of the flashing is covered by a protective member. The protective member is a scrim or, in the extruded form, an overarching portion of the flashing material. The protective member prevents the clogging of channels from mortar droppings and other construction debris. The flashing is shown with a drip edge is formed by extending the flashing beyond the external surface of the outer wythe and, with the edge being foil lined, manually forming the drip edge. A peel-and-stick embodiment described herein utilizes clear, nondrooling adhesives. Flashing accessories, namely, an end dam, an inside corner and an outside corner are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8046957
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly for panel-based partition systems includes a connector bracket with a first portion shaped for connection with the top of an associated base panel, and a second portion upstanding from the first portion and having a first latch member. The stack-on panel assembly also includes a stacker panel having a bottom portion shaped for abutting support on top of the base panel, and a vertically extending slot disposed along one side to receive and retain therein the second portion of the connector bracket. A second latch member is disposed within the stacker panel at a location adjacent to the slot, and automatically engages and positively locks with the first latch member on the connector bracket when the stacker panel is lowered into place on top of the base panel to positively, yet detachably, connect the stacker panel on the base panel in a vertically stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler
  • Patent number: 8046958
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method of making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. The method may include providing a structure with at least two sides and a roof frame. The method may further include coupling at least two of a plurality of eave blocks with a first trim piece. The method may also include coupling at least two of the plurality of eave blocks with a second trim piece. The method may further include coupling a roof piece with a top of the roof frame and a top of at least two of the plurality of eave blocks. In some embodiments, the eave blocks may include lumber having a grain direction and the method may include coupling the eave blocks with the first trim piece such that the grain direction is substantially parallel to a length of the first trim piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tuff Shed Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Saurey
  • Patent number: 8046959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction apparatus comprising a base carrier, a mast which is arranged on the base carrier in a pivotable manner, a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder for erecting the mast, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner in a connecting section, the first hydraulic cylinder being linked to the base carrier and the second hydraulic cylinder being linked to the mast, and a coupling rocker-arm which is linked on one side to the mast and on another side to the connecting section. According to the invention in the part of the connecting section a spacer is arranged, through which the connecting section is supported on the mast in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Emil Stoetzer, Leonhard Weixler
  • Patent number: 8046960
    Abstract: A window includes first and second panes and a frame coupled to the first and second panes to form an air gap there between. The window further includes an electrical generator disposed in the air gap configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to electricity. The window further includes a venting system configured to vent heat from the air gap away from the first pane or the second pane. The window further includes first and second reflective coatings respectively disposed on first surfaces of the panes. The first surfaces face the air gap, and the reflective coatings are configured to reflect infrared radiation into the air gap. The window further includes first and second antireflective coatings respectively disposed on second surfaces of the panes. The second surfaces face away from the air gap, and the antireflective coatings are configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Narinder Singh Kapany
  • Patent number: 8046961
    Abstract: A tactical portable solar control system which can be modular, extremely resistant to destruction, capable of being assembled by a person without instructions, and which creates a small footprint when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Solarcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Cutting, Kevin Louis Conlin
  • Patent number: 8046962
    Abstract: An upright space-dividing wall panel is provided having an internal frame and a top cap attached to a top rail of the frame. The top cap includes a lengthwise channel in which threaded fasteners are slidably received for engaging the top cap to the frame rail. The top cap further includes side channels which cooperate with coupling brackets for securing a second panel to the wall panel. Further, a locator clip arrangement is provided between the top cap and a side trim cover on the end of the wall panel for precisely locating the trim cover relative to the top cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristen Glick, Shane Kuipers, David Koning, Jason Deweerd
  • Patent number: 8046963
    Abstract: A drywall corner piece with flange surfaces forming a near right angle forming a cup for fitting over drywall corners where the web sections of the flanges have at least one strain relief channel allowing the piece to flex to different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Douglass Wambaugh, Timothy Smythe
  • Patent number: 8046964
    Abstract: In an anchor for the attachment to construction panels including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for screwing or pounding in a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the panel which extends through the first cover plate and the intermediate support core plate. The expansion body has locking zones and engagement elements which are spreadable by wedge elements. With the anchor installed, a wedging zone spreads out the engagement elements of the expansion body behind the cover plate and the locking zones are interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Günther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8046965
    Abstract: A partition to be supported by one or more support elements. The partition includes two or more panel modules, each panel module having two or more panel elements. The panel elements in each panel module are positioned relative to each other in a predetermined abutting arrangement selected from the group consisting of a vertical arrangement and a horizontal arrangement. The panel elements in each panel module define a joint intersection therebetween. Each panel module includes one or more fastening elements attached to the panel elements on both sides of the joint intersection to maintain the panel elements in the predetermined abutting arrangement. The fastening element is selected from the group consisting of a fastening element with a stud portion and a fastening element with a keyhole slot, the stud portion and said keyhole slot being adapted to cooperate to secure the panel modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yardistry Limited
    Inventors: Frederick Rieber, Ronald Mccarthy
  • Patent number: 8046966
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling assembly preferably formed of wood or wood-like material for aesthetic purposes. A ceiling panel grid is formed of ceiling panel support members that include runners and cross members arranged in intersecting relationship forming cells that support ceiling tiles. A plurality of parallel runners are installed between opposed room walls. Cross members are installed in perpendicular relationship to the runners and are intersected by the runners. The runners extend from wall to wall. The cross members extend between one runner and the next. The support members have a cross-sectional shape of an inverted “T” to provide a seat for a ceiling tile. A unique unibody connector at the intersection of the cross members and runners secures the cross members to the runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Mahlon L. Moore, Gregory T. Moore
  • Patent number: 8046967
    Abstract: A translucent wall in accordance with the present invention is configured to provide aesthetic qualities to existing walls using resin-based panels. In one implementation, one or more resin-based panels are mounted to an existing wall using one or more easily assembled frames and one or more standoffs. The panels, frames, and standoffs are configured to mount the resin-based panels away from the wall by a specific distance, thereby allowing light to be transmitted through the resin-based panels. This light transmittance in turn provides a number of decorative advantages in terms of coloring, texturing, and in terms of exhibiting decorative objects embedded in the resin-based panels. The one or more frames used in accordance with the present invention can be easily adapted to any interior or exterior space or finish, such that the disclosed systems can benefit from mass-production techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruben Suare, R. Talley Goodson
  • Patent number: 8046968
    Abstract: A multi-layer floor panel unit, which can be assembled with a plurality of similar units to form a floor which is capable of repeatedly being disassembled and reassembled at different times and/or in different locations, includes a pressure-resistant and wear-resistant upper layer; a pressure-resistant lower layer, attached to the upper layer, and having grooves at vertical edges of the lower layer; and connecting strips in the grooves, for connecting adjacent multi-layer floor panel units, the connecting strips having horizontal legs with thickened portions thereon, the thickened portions being for clamping the connecting strips in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Kellner
  • Patent number: 8046969
    Abstract: A roofing panel assembly is made of a base and a cap as well as a plurality of I-joists having an upper flange, a lower flange and a web. The base is attached to the lower flanges of one or more of the plurality of I-joists and the cap is attached to the upper flanges of one or more of the plurality of I-joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maine
    Inventors: Habib J. Dagher, William G. Davids
  • Patent number: 8046970
    Abstract: A telescoping tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tower sections, each tower section having a pressure member that engages with a respective pressure member on a respective tower section when the tower sections are moved from a nesting condition to an extended position, the engagement of the pressure members occurring at the overlap of the tower sections to increase stability of the telescoping tower and reduce unwanted play at the overlap regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Aluma Tower Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Diniz, Craig A. Davis
  • Patent number: 8046971
    Abstract: This invention provides a new wall arrangement in panels composed of glass wool and fire resistant thermal and acoustical insulating material, adequate for any kind of land and weather condition, to create a habitable environment that may be utilized in many applications such as houses, attendance stations, schools, first aid stations, motels and others. The objective of this invention is to present the conception of a modular wall which comprises a structure composed of a sheet of glass wool, with a wooden frame core and the upper part designed to support cabinets, exhaust fans, and other utensils, offering good mechanical resistance, and receiving in the interior of the hollow areas of the wooden frame, a layer of expanded polystyrene, with grooves to receive the ribs of rock wool. To complete its composition, the structure also has rock wool internal panels, wooden frame with the upper area, a new layer of expanded polystyrene, and completing the assembly a plate of glass wool is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: MVC Componentes Plasticos LTDA
    Inventor: Gilmar da Costa Lima
  • Patent number: 8046972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tower Reinforcement, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Kopshever, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8046973
    Abstract: The machine (100) comprises a supply station (S1) destined to receive a mattress (M) to be conveyed to a rolling station (S2) comprising a plurality of rolling rollers (1), partly arranged in a fixed section (21) of the station (S2) and partly arranged in an openable section (22), arranged in respective curved lines to define internally thereof a practically-cylindrical rolling chamber (10) with horizontal axes. Sliding organs (3) are interposed between the fixed section (21) and the openable section (22), for regulating a mutual distance between the fixed section (21) and the openable section (22) in order to vary, within a predetermined range, a base area of the rolling chamber (10) and in order to determine corresponding rolling diameters of the mattress (M) comprised between a minimum value (D1) and a maximum value (D2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Teknomac S.r.l.
    Inventor: Cesare Petrolati
  • Patent number: 8046974
    Abstract: A closure system for a container reduces the needed torque for assembly by minimizing frictional resistance to rotation of the closure into its desired alignment with the container before the closure is driven home onto the container neck. The reduction in the torque resistance during the application of the closure allows the rotary filling machinery to work within its torque limits and minimizes damage to the parts during the filling and sealing operation in a bottle filling line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Guest Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8046975
    Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Darrel Bison
  • Patent number: 8046976
    Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Hubertus U. Schubert, F. Fred Sadeghi, Alain Verbeke
  • Patent number: 8046977
    Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for the production of packages by the packing of material in packages, with a machine having at least one processing station, such as a sealing station, a cutting station or similar station and a weighing station (8) for determination of the weight of the filled and sealed packages (7), is provided which has less space requirements than conventional packaging machines and improved manipulation. According to the invention, the above is achieved, whereby the weighing station (8) and/or the at least one processing station has a controller, in which the working speed of the weighing station (8) is synchronized with the working speed of the previous processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Eugen Ehrmann, Tieme Jan Slomp, Hans-Joachim Boekstegers
  • Patent number: 8046978
    Abstract: A machine for sleeving one or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The machine can provide a blank from a roll of continuous material and fold the blank around packages. The machine includes a sleeve folding station that can orient the blank to be folded around the packages. The sleeve folding station is also configured to permit at least one fold in the blank when the package is moved against the blank and into a pocket. The machine may include a bundling unit adapted to arrange packages into a bundle. The machine can include an adhesive applicator to apply adhesive to the blank so that when folded the blank can be attached to itself to form a sleeved package. Preferably, the machine includes a transfer wheel having a pocket for receiving the blank and bundle together, where upon rotation of the wheel the blank is folded around the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Pipes
  • Patent number: 8046979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing machine 1 for the packing of packed items, in particular encompassing a deep drawing machine 3 with a mold and/or a sealing device with a sealing tool. The packing machine is distinguished in that a cleaning device is provided for the mold and/or the sealing tool. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a deep drawing machine and a sealing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivo Ruzic, Elmar Ehrmann, Tieme Jam Slomp
  • Patent number: 8046980
    Abstract: The weed whacker attachment includes a weed whacker that extends via an arm from a mounting means that attaches upon the deck of a lawnmower. A pivoting motor rests atop the mounting means and rotates the arm around the deck of the lawn mower, which moves the weed whacker around to different sides of the lawnmower. An optional switch enables an end user to control both the weed whacker and the pivoting motor from behind the push bar of the lawnmower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Elaine Schroeck
  • Patent number: 8046981
    Abstract: A rotary tool for spreading mulch outwardly from a mound of the same. The tool has an elongated shaft with a rotatable body mounted proximate a first end thereof. The body has a peripheral edge with a plurality of flexible fingers radiating outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The fingers may be individually securable to the body. In a second embodiment, a ring is detachably mounted to the body and the fingers are on the ring. When the tool is activated, the fingers engage the mulch mound and cause pieces of mulch to be flicked outwardly away from the body. The tool may also be used as a shovel-type device when the motor is not activated and the mulch can then be carried on the upper surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Todd E. Pugh
  • Patent number: 8046982
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving soft objects, the apparatus comprising a storage section, a gathering section, a rim and an elongated handle. The storage section is shaped like an open basket on its side and having a top and a bottom. The gathering section extends from the bottom of the storage section, comprises two barrier regions separated by a retaining region, and has a leading edge. The rim is attached at least to the leading edge. The handle projects upward from the top of the storage section at such an angle to permit a raking motion when collecting objects. Also a method for gathering soft objects on the ground including the steps of rotating handle of above apparatus to place its bottom on the ground, pulling the apparatus over fruit-laden ground, and rotating handle so bottom is on top to move the objects elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: David F. Schutz
  • Patent number: 8046983
    Abstract: An ecology valve (EV) fuel return system is provided. In one embodiment, the EV fuel return system includes a housing assembly having a fuel return outlet and a first manifold inlet. The fuel return outlet is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply system, and the first manifold inlet is fluidly coupled to a first manifold of a gas turbine engine (GTE). An ecology valve is disposed in the housing assembly and fluidly coupled to the fuel return outlet and to the first manifold inlet. A fuel routing assembly is fluidly coupled between the first manifold inlet, the fuel return outlet, and the ecology valve. The fuel routing assembly routes fuel: (i) from the first manifold inlet to the ecology valve when the GTE is in a shut-down mode, and (ii) from the ecology valve to the fuel return outlet when the GTE is in an engine start mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence, Paul Futa
  • Patent number: 8046984
    Abstract: A gas-turbine engine receives no air from outside atmosphere. Instead, combustion gas expelled from the engine is cooled and recycled back into the engine. That gas contains no nitrogen and consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Oxygen and fuel are added to the recycled gas, and the resulting mixture is used to perform an internal-combustion process. A small amount of the expelled combustion gas is discharged into outside environment, and the rest is recycled. Since no nitrogen is present, no nitrogen oxides are produced. The amount of other harmful exhaust emissions, including particulate matter, is greatly reduced too, since most of them are recycled back into the engine. The engine is inherently supercharged with controllable combustion-gas pressure and, in some cases, can operate without a compressor. Since the combustion gas is heavier than air, the engine can be substantially smaller than a conventional engine of equal power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Moses Schechter
  • Patent number: 8046986
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided. The method and system may incorporate a device or devices that continuously monitors an exhaust stream for harmful constituents. The method and system may control components of the EGR system based on the concentration of harmful constituents within the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rahul J. Chillar, Robert W. Taylor, Peter Martin Maly, Jason D. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8046987
    Abstract: An air cooled core mounted ignition system for gas turbine engine applications is provided. The ignition system includes an ignition exciter component directly mechanically and electrically connected to an igniter component. The housing member of the exciter component includes an air plenum configured to receive bleed air from the engine fan or compressor sections of the turbine engine, or other source. The bleed air provides a relatively low temperature air source for the purpose of cooling the exciter. As such, the exciter component can be directly secured to the igniter, thereby eliminating the need for an ignition lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Woodard, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Steven Wilmot, Ryan Gilbert Kelbey
  • Patent number: 8046988
    Abstract: A control system for a power system is disclosed. The control system has a first valve mechanism, a second valve mechanism, and a controller in communication with the first and second valve mechanisms. The controller is configured to direct a single electronic control signal to the first and second valve mechanisms. Actuation of the first valve mechanism is initiated in response to the value of the single electronic control signal exceeding a first threshold value, and actuation of the second valve mechanism is initiated in response to the value of the single electronic control signal exceeding a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Heebink, John D. Gierszewski
  • Patent number: 8046989
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling exhaust gases includes a section of pipe adapted to receive exhaust gases having a first temperature. The cooling system further includes an air amplifier with a passage extending therethrough. The air amplifier receives a flow of compressed air and directs the flow of the compressed air through the passageway. The compressed air entrains ambient air into one end of the passageway so that discharge air, which includes compressed air and ambient air, is discharged from the other end of the passageway. A conduit is connected to the air amplifier and extends through a wall of the section of pipe. Discharge air from the air amplifier passes through the conduit into the interior portion of the pipe and mixes with the exhaust gases. The mixture of discharge air and exhaust gases has a second temperature that is less than the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Ben VanderGriend, Adam Laird Tubbs
  • Patent number: 8046990
    Abstract: The invention relates to power generation and energy storage and recovery. In particular, the invention relates to compressed gas energy storage and recovery systems using staged pneumatic conversion systems for providing narrow pressure ranges to a hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Bollinger, Troy O. McBride
  • Patent number: 8046991
    Abstract: A torque converter coupled to a transmission has a torque converter operating mode and a lockup operating mode. A first pump may be configured to supply transmission fluid to a plurality of electro-hydraulic transmission components. A second pump may be configured to supply transmission fluid to a lubrication system of the transmission. A valve may be configured to route transmission fluid supplied by the second pump through the torque converter during the torque converter operating mode. Means may also be provided for selectively routing at least some of the transmission fluid supplied by the first pump through the torque converter. Illustratively, transmission fluid supplied by the first pump may, but need not, be routed to the torque converter only during the torque converter operating mode or only during the torque converter operating mode if the temperature of transmission fluid exiting the torque converter exceeds a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Long
  • Patent number: 8046992
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8046993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro generator system which uses temperature difference (about 5˜10° C.) between skin and outside environment to allow an engine to drive microfluid flow as well as pass nanomagnetic particles within microfluid through coli to produce an inducing electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: National Yang-Ming University
    Inventor: Fu-Jen Kao
  • Patent number: 8046994
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus to control the shaping change of Shape-Memory-Alloy (SMA). The piece-wised current drain control device is designed to independently deliver current to stimulate sectional SMA but not the entire one. The invention is also successfully implemented on an automatic light sensitive aperture control device to simulate the light response of a pupil. The control technique can extend the application potential of SMA toward precise actuation, aeronautical applications, surgical tools, or biomedical applications such as artificial organ or muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Chang Gung University
    Inventors: Hao-Li Liu, Wen-Shiang Chen, Chen-Kai Jan
  • Patent number: 8046996
    Abstract: A master cylinder assembly for a hydraulic actuation system for a handlebar-steered vehicle including a fluid cavity having an adjustable length. The master cylinder assembly generally includes a housing, a piston assembly, an actuator and an adjuster. The housing is mountable to a frame member and includes a chamber having a fluid cavity with first and second regions. The first region is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuation system. The piston assembly includes a piston slidably disposed within the fluid cavity. The actuator is operatively connected to the housing and operatively connected to the piston to slidably displace the piston between an open fluid circuit position permitting fluid flow between the first and second regions and a closed fluid circuit position blocking fluid flow between the first and second regions. The adjuster is operatively connected to the housing to adjust a length of the fluid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Emmett Dunlap, III
  • Patent number: 8046997
    Abstract: A screw compressor type supercharger includes an improved supercharger bypass valve including a spring biasing the bypass valve towards an open position. The spring may be a compression spring integrated into a bypass valve diaphragm, an extension spring extending parallel to a diaphragm arm, or a torsion spring on a bypass valve butterfly shaft. The spring is selected and installed to hold the bypass valve open at all vacuum levels and at up to one PSI of boost, and then to allow the bypass to close between one PSI and six PSI boost, and to be closed at above six PSI boost. The resulting control of the bypass valve prevents damage to the supercharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: James E. Bell, Jodi L. Bell
  • Patent number: 8046998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste heat auxiliary power unit. In one embodiment, the present invention is a heat exchange unit for an automobile including a core unit configured to be connected to a catalytic converter of the automobile, the core unit generating vapor, and a first energy generation module connected to the core unit, the first energy generation module receiving the vapor from the core unit and generating energy from the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Woodson Wayne Samuel
  • Patent number: 8046999
    Abstract: In a dual-source organic Rankine cycle (DORC), the condensed and slightly sub-cooled working fluid at near ambient temperature (˜300 K) and at low-side pressure (0.1 to 0.7 MPa) is (1) pumped to high-side pressure (0.5-5 MPa), (2) pre-heated in a low-temperature (LT) recuperator, (3) boiled using a low-grade heat source, (4) super-heated in a high-temperature (HT) recuperator to a temperature close to the expander turbine exhaust temperature using this exhaust vapor enthalpy, (5) further super-heated to the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) using a mid-grade heat source, (6) expanded through a turbine expander to the low-side pressure, (7) cooled through the HT recuperator, (8) cooled through the LT recuperator, (9) mostly liquefied and slightly subcooled in a condenser, and (10) the condensed portion is returned to the pump to repeat this cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Doty Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: F David Doty
  • Patent number: 8047000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas turbine combustion chamber with a combustion chamber wall 1, with at least part of the combustion chamber wall 1 being provided with a liquid-cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Ralf Sebastian von der Bank
  • Patent number: 8047001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blade for a turbine comprising a blade wall, a first channel for guiding a first medium and a second channel for guiding a second medium that can be supplied to the turbine blade separately from the first medium. In order to combine both media, which are supplied separately, into one mixture, a turbine blade has least one chamber which is arranged in the interior or in the blade wall and said chamber is connected to said channels via a respective connection line. In order to provide a particularly simple component that is economical to produce, the chamber and/or the outlet conduit are a least partially delimited and/or formed by an insert accommodated in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alexander R. Beeck, Stefan Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8047002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine comprising a casing with at least one air tapping outlet situated at the chamber inlet, a fuel supply device with a plurality of fuel injectors in the chamber distributed annularly of which at least one is situated close to said tapping outlet. The chamber is characterized in that the fuel supply device comprises a means for reducing the fuel flow rate in said injector situated close to the tapping outlet relative to the other fuel injectors. Thanks to the invention, the hot spots downstream of the combustion chamber caused by the tappings are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Christophe Pieussergues, Denis Jean Maurice Sandelis
  • Patent number: 8047003
    Abstract: A combustor comprises a liquid fuel nozzle for injecting liquid fuel to a combustion chamber, and an air supply nozzle disposed around the liquid fuel nozzle and injecting air. The air supply nozzle is disposed such that air is injected from the air supply nozzle in a direction toward an axis of the liquid fuel nozzle. A space is formed around an outlet of the liquid fuel nozzle, through which the liquid fuel is injected from the liquid fuel nozzle to the combustion chamber, upstream of a distal end of the outlet in a direction in which the liquid fuel is injected. Carbonaceous deposits on surrounding surfaces of the outlet of the liquid fuel nozzle can be suppressed regardless of the operating conditions of a combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouhei Yoshida, Yoshitaka Hirata, Hiroshi Inoue, Tomoya Murota, Toshifumi Sasao, Akinori Hayashi, Isao Takehara
  • Patent number: 8047004
    Abstract: An engine exhaust nozzle comprises a plurality of CMC staves attached to one or more support rings arranged axially. The support rings provide a circumferential load path between the staves and for attaching the exhaust nozzle to the metallic engine components. The staves are fixed to the support rings with a spacing intended to accommodate for relative movement due to the difference in CTE for the CMC and metallic components and due to thermal gradients through the wall thickness. The resulting apparatus is lightweight, relieves the nozzle of thermal stresses, and is easier to manufacture and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Joseph Brown, William Preston Keith
  • Patent number: 8047005
    Abstract: A water injection system positioned about a combustor of a gas turbine engine. The water injection system may include a water manifold and a pressure relief system in communication with the water manifold. The pressure relief system may include a relief vent positioned on a pressure relief line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Alexander, Kelvin R. Estrada, Rohan Sharad Pimplikar, Robert J. Iasillo
  • Patent number: 8047006
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon fuel is sent to a reformer, which produces carbon and hydrogen. The hydrogen is sent to a fuel cell which uses it to generate electricity, and the electricity is used to actuate an electric motor that is coupled to an output shaft of a turbine to impart torque to the shaft. Additionally, hydrocarbon fuel can be provided to the turbine intake directly and/or carbon from the reformer can be mixed with steam from the fuel cell and sent to the turbine intake, in either case to impinge on the turbine blades and impart further torque to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Energyield LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hotto