Patents Issued in December 22, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110308240
    Abstract: This invention relates to degradation of biomass with a peroxide in the presence of a metal catalyst. The process can result in ethanol production from cellulosic biomass, fuel gases, useful chemicals and biochemicals from decomposition products, heat and/or pressure for direct use, and electricity generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Applied Chemical Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Zendedel Haghighi, Javad J. Sahbari
  • Publication number: 20110308241
    Abstract: An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion. Conventional internal combustion engines may be retrofitted to operate on compressed air. Many of the parts on an internal combustion engine are not needed after retrofitting to be an air engine, including the heads. The heads are replaced by head plates that are coupled to solenoids that provide both intake and exhaust functions to the cylinders, thereby replacing the valves in the heads. A kit provides parts and instructions for retrofitting an existing internal combustion engine to run on compressed air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: HB SPIDER, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Huff, Danny Lee Block
  • Publication number: 20110308242
    Abstract: Fluid from two pumps is allocated to a plurality of hydraulic actuators based on a plurality of flow commands, each specifying a desired amount of flow to be applied to a different hydraulic actuator. For a given hydraulic actuator, the allocation involves (1) determining an apportionment of the desired amount of flow, if no other hydraulic actuator is active, and (2) altering the apportionment in response to all the plurality of flow commands, and (3) using the altered apportionment to determine a first amount of the flow for one pump to provide and a second amount of the flow for the other pump to provide. The process is repeated for all the hydraulic actuators. Supply valves for each hydraulic actuator are controlled by the associated first and second amounts and each pump is controlled in response to either the first or second amounts for all the hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph L. Pfaff, Eric P. Hamkins, Corey K. Quinnell
  • Publication number: 20110308243
    Abstract: Systems for circulation a fluid through a system and substituent component systems of the same. In one example, a pressure input system includes a bladder support, an expelling element, and a roll-up bladder configured to spool about the expelling element. The bladder support can rotate about an axis of rotation between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The bladder support can include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A distance between the first end and a ground surface when the bladder support is in the first configuration can be greater than a distance between the second end and the ground surface and a distance between the first end and the ground surface when the bladder support is in the second configuration can be less than a distance between the second end and the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kapena Whitford
  • Publication number: 20110308244
    Abstract: A wave energy transformation device including an array of members connected together to form a structure having a substantially hexagonal geometry, the array has link members, nodes and absorbers and the relative motion of at least some of the members of the array, as caused by the energy of wave motion in a medium to which the array is coupled is convertible to another form of energy. The device is suitable for generating electrical energy from sea waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Albatern Limited
    Inventor: David John Findlay
  • Publication number: 20110308245
    Abstract: A heat-driven engine includes a thermally conductive path into the engine, from a heat source and a working medium of a thermostrictive material, having a first temperature of transformation, positioned adjacent to the thermally conductive path. Also, a heat pump of phase change material is positioned adjacent to the working medium and an actuator is controlled to apply stimulus to the heat pump, causing a phase change and an associated release of thermal energy, to drive the working medium above its low-to-high temperature of transformation and controlled to alternatingly remove the stimulus from the heat pump, causing the phase change to reverse, and an associated intake of thermal energy, to drive the working medium below its high-to-low temperature of transformation. Also, heat flow through the thermally conductive path maintains the working medium at a temperature range permitting the heat pump to drive the working medium temperature, in the manner noted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Neil Tice
  • Publication number: 20110308246
    Abstract: An assembly includes a fluid reservoir and a master cylinder for a motor vehicle hydraulic brake system, the fluid reservoir being fastened to the master cylinder by a releasable connection and including at least one connection fitting, which is received in a corresponding connection aperture of the master cylinder. The fluid reservoir includes one or more components, which under a defined force applied to the fluid reservoir, allow a movement of at least one part of the fluid reservoir in the direction of the master cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Peter Tandler, Swen Ottmann, David Sibr, Stepan Vit
  • Publication number: 20110308247
    Abstract: A master cylinder includes a cylinder bore, a first piston positioned within the cylinder bore, a second piston positioned within the bore and located forwardly of the first piston, a first pressure chamber within the cylinder bore and defined in part by a rear portion of the second piston and a forward portion of the first piston, a first pressure chamber seal extending radially outwardly from the rear portion of the second piston, a first reservoir inlet configured to provide fluid communication between a reservoir and the cylinder bore at a location forwardly of the first pressure chamber seal, and a first groove extending axially along the cylinder bore and positioned such that (i) when the second piston is in a released position, the first groove is located directly outwardly of the first pressure chamber seal and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the first pressure chamber through the first groove, and (ii) when the second piston is in an activated position, the first pressure chamber seal is
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, ROBERT BOSCH LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Paul Wasson
  • Publication number: 20110308248
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compressor powered by a pressurized gas, whether steam or another working fluid, and a system for extracting work using such as compressor. The pressurized gas may comprise a heated working fluid in a gaseous state, to displace a piston in an input circuit, which in turn displaces a piston in an output circuit, thereby compressing a compressible fluid or displacing an incompressible fluid. A purpose of the compressor is to convert waste heat, heat generated by the combustion of biomass or other fuels, or heat resulting from the concentration of solar energy into useful power, whether configured to produce compressed air or pump water, which can displace the electricity otherwise used for this purpose, or to produce electricity or motive force directly, through a hydraulic circuit. The system for extracting work does so by an output fluid which is compressed or pumped by a pressurized gas powered compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: NOVOPOWER LTD.
    Inventors: Valeri Stroganov, Philip Raphals
  • Publication number: 20110308249
    Abstract: A solar thermal system comprising at least one solar system including a solar system working fluid flowing therethrough, and a solar receiver for heating the solar system working fluid by solar radiation admitted into the solar receiver, and a thermal energy system in fluid communication with the solar system and receiving the heated solar system working fluid so as to produce thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Eli Mandelberg, Oren Michael Gadot, Hagay Cafri, Yotam Zohar
  • Publication number: 20110308250
    Abstract: The working fluid for the heat pump cycle will be different than that for the power cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: George Mahl, III
  • Publication number: 20110308251
    Abstract: A method for heating a turbine shaft is provided. The turbine shaft is heated by spraying warm water from a supply pump or from a pre-heating section. A steam turbine is also provided. The steam turbine includes a housing, wherein injection nozzles for injecting the water are arranged within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Matthias Heue
  • Publication number: 20110308252
    Abstract: A pressure sensor measures an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) working fluid pressure in front of a radial inflow turbine, while a temperature sensor measures an ORC working fluid temperature in front of the radial inflow turbine. A controller responsive to algorithmic software determines a superheated temperature of the working fluid in front of the radial inflow turbine based on the measured working fluid pressure and the measured working fluid temperature. The controller then manipulates the speed of a working fluid pump, the pitch of turbine variable inlet guide vanes when present, and combinations thereof, in response to the determined superheated temperature to maintain the superheated temperature of the ORC working fluid in front of the radial inflow turbine close to a predefined set point. The superheated temperature can thus be maintained in the absence of sensors other than pressure and temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Herbert Kopecek, Gabor Ast, Thomas Johannes Frey, Pierre Sebastien Huck
  • Publication number: 20110308253
    Abstract: A dual cycle waste heat recovery system includes a high-temperature circuit that utilizes a first working fluid. The first working fluid is heated by a first waste heat source and then expanded through a first expander to produce power. The heat recovery system further includes a low-temperature circuit that utilizes a second working fluid. The low-temperature circuit also includes a first heat exchanger for heating the second working fluid with heat from the first working fluid and a second heat exchanger for heating the second working fluid with heat from a second waste heat source. A control valve selectively controls the flow of the second working fluid to each of the first and second heat exchangers according to a predetermined set of parameters. An expander receives the second working fluid from the first and second heat exchangers and expands the second working fluid to produce power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Jason Ritter
  • Publication number: 20110308254
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is piloted with a pilot flow of fuel delivered to a combustor as a liquid. A first additional flow of the fuel is also delivered to the combustor as a liquid. A second additional flow of the fuel is vaporized and delivered to the combustor as a vapor. A fuel injector may have passageways associated with each of the three flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Curtis C. Cowan
  • Publication number: 20110308255
    Abstract: A combined cycle power plant with integrated coal gasification is provided. The power plant includes a gas turbine, a fuel system connected upstream of a combustion chamber of the gas turbine, which includes a gasification device for fossil fuel and a gas line branching off from the gasification device and opening out into the combustion chamber of the gas turbine, whereby a saturator for saturating the fuel with steam is connected into the gas line upstream of the combustion chamber, whereby a flushing line is provided which opens into the gas line between the gasification device and saturator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jens Keyser, Oliver Reimuth, Ulrich Schiffers
  • Publication number: 20110308256
    Abstract: Control systems and a method for controlling a load point of a gas turbine engine are provided. A control system includes a controller that receives a temperature signal and a pressure signal associated with exhaust gases from the gas turbine engine. The controller is further configured to generate the fuel control signal. The controller is further configured to generate an actuator control signal such that flow restriction member is moved from the first operational position to the second operational position to restrict the flow path such that the exhaust gases have a temperature level within a desired turndown temperature range, the pressure level in the exhaust gases is less than a threshold pressure level, and the load point of the gas turbine engine is adjusted to toward a target load point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Constantin Dinu
  • Publication number: 20110308257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment structure (1) for attaching a turbojet engine (2) to a fixed structure of an airplane via an attachment pylon, characterized in that it comprises a one-piece box section intended to extend at least partially on each side of a fan casing (3) of the turbojet engine about a substantially longitudinal axis thereof and comprising, on the one hand, means of attachment to the pylon and, on the other hand, means of attachment of the engine (4) which are positioned on the box section on each side of a substantially longitudinal axis of the turbojet engine and are intended to be connected to part of the turbojet engine in such a way as to react the forces applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Andre Baillard, Francois Conte
  • Publication number: 20110308258
    Abstract: A parallel magnetic refrigerator assembly, includes at least: a first magnetocaloric stage having in use a cold side and a hot side; a second magnetocaloric stage having in use a cold side and a hot side, arranged in parallel connection with the first magnetocaloric stage; the first and second magnetocaloric stages each including a hot side heat exchange circuit for carrying a heat exchange fluid to receive heat from the magnetocaloric stages and a cold side heat exchange circuit for carrying a heat exchange fluid to transfer heat to the magnetocaloric stages; wherein the hot side heat exchange circuit is configured such that in use a heat exchange fluid passes in thermal contact with the hot side of both the first and second magnetocaloric stages and the cold side heat exchange circuit is configured such that in use a heat exchange fluid passes in thermal contact with the cold side of both the first and second magnetocaloric stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Technical University of Denmark
    Inventors: Anders Smith, Christian R.H. Bahl, Nini Pryds
  • Publication number: 20110308259
    Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems for controlled removal of thermal energy from a fluid within a thermally conducting metal conduit. The system allows for the in situ formation of a reversible plug that can stop the flow of fluid through the conduit, particularly without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit. The devices and systems include a thermal transfer device that can be adapted to be in thermal communication with a thermal conducting metal conduit containing a fluid, particularly a flowing fluid. The devices and systems allows for controlled re-heating of the conduit without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit to restore fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel X. Wray, Robert J. Wray, Henry Cutbirth
  • Publication number: 20110308260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage cooler having an in-line operating cooling unit for instant cooling of beverage flowing through the same, comprising a cooling container (5) having an inlet (10) and an outlet (11), for feeding the beverage to and from the cooling container, respectively, and a cooling tube (14) located inside the cooling container. The cooling container (5) is adapted to be located in an ambient temperature which is above the freezing point for the beverage, wherein the cooling tube (14) is adapted to carry a cooling fluid having a temperature below the freezing point of the beverage and is located such that the beverage can pass between the cooling tube and an outer wall of the cooling container (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Johansson, Ilan Cohen, Susanne Hedblom, Urban Wahlby, Richard Furberg
  • Publication number: 20110308261
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a pressure-reducing element or splitting volume flows in a sorption machine, wherein a single volume flow from a recooling device is split into at least two volume flows. A first volume flow flows through at least one tube of a first tube section into a condenser and a second volume flow through at least one tube of a second tube section into an absorber, at least one of the two tube sections leading away from the recooling device or at least one of the two tube sections leading back to the recooling device comprising at least one pressure-reducing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: INVENSOR GMBH
    Inventors: Niels Braunschweig, Soeren Paulussen
  • Publication number: 20110308262
    Abstract: A refrigerant circulation apparatus includes: an evaporator which evaporates a refrigerant; a blowing device which blows air to the evaporator; a condenser configured to condense the refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator; a blower failure detecting device which detects failure of the blowing device; a heat medium flow rate control valve which controls a flow rate of a heat medium supplied to the condenser, the heat medium for cooling the refrigerant; a condenser refrigerant liquid temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the refrigerant which is supplied to the evaporator from the condenser; and condenser side refrigerant temperature control device which lowers a setting temperature of a condenser side externally inputted temperature and controls the heat medium flow rate control valve so that a measured value of the condenser refrigerant liquid temperature sensor becomes equal to the lowered setting temperature, when receiving a failure signal from the blower failure detecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Yasuhiko INADOMI, Yasuhiro KASHIRAJIMA, Junichi ITO, Yasushi NISHIDA, Teruo MIKAMI
  • Publication number: 20110308263
    Abstract: An information transfer system for a refrigeration air-conditioning apparatus in which one or more heat-source units for the refrigerating/air conditioning apparatus, one first relay unit, and one or more second relay units are connected by refrigerant piping, and the second relay units and one or more indoor units are connected by water piping, wherein communications are performed discretely between a pair of the heat-source unit and the first relay unit, a pair of the first relay unit and the second relay units, and a pair of the second relay units and the indoor units through transmission lines respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Matsui, Shigeo Takata
  • Publication number: 20110308264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator which can maintain a stored object in a desired state by controlling the temperature of an upper region and a lower region in the same storing space. The refrigerator includes a non-freezing apparatus having a storage room with a storing space composed of an upper space and a lower space, the air or heat exchange being limited between the upper space and the lower space, and a temperature control unit controlling the temperature of the upper space and the lower space. The non-freezing apparatus is installed in a storing space in which the cooling is performed and controls the temperature control unit to perform at least one of a process of rapid cooling at a temperature over the phase transition temperature, a process of entering a supercooling temperature region, and a process of maintaining the supercooling temperature region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Deok-Hyun Youn, Ju-Hyun Kim, Sang-Ho Oh, Cheol-Hwan Kim, Hoon-Bong Lee
  • Publication number: 20110308265
    Abstract: An integrated ventilation unit configured to provide ventilation and conditioned air to an indoor space may include a heat pump system, an energy recovery device and a control unit. The heat pump system may include a first coil located at a supply air side of the ventilation unit, a second coil located at an exhaust air side of the ventilation unit, and a compressor. The energy recovery device may be configured to transfer heat between a return air stream and a supply air stream and the control unit may be configured to control operation of the heat pump system and the energy recovery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Seng K. Phannavong, Christopher A. Hughes, Thomas W. Clark, John P. McKissack, David G. Street, Timothy J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110308266
    Abstract: An conditioner system includes a housing having an upper opening and a lower opening, and a sealed refrigeration system supported by the housing for providing cold air in a cooling mode. Additionally, a heater is disposed in the housing for providing warm air in a warming mode. An adaptive airflow control unit is disposed in the housing and is configured to discharge the cold air from the upper opening in order to transmit the cold air upward and high in an environment of the air conditioner system in the cooling mode and to discharge the warm air from the lower opening in order to transmit the warm air downward and low in the environment in the warming mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Lafleur
  • Publication number: 20110308267
    Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus is obtained that can determine excess/shortage of a refrigerant amount in a refrigerating circuit at high precision even if a factor such as a heat exchanger whose refrigerant amount is difficult to calculate exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shogo Tamaki, Kosuke Tanaka, Fumitake Unezaki, Takuya Ito, Kazuhiro Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20110308268
    Abstract: The present invention is a geothermal exchange process to deliver water, in a closed loop ground to water system, at temperatures approaching that of ground water. Such water temperatures were heretofore only achievable with ground water systems. Optimum energy saving and performance of ground coupled heat pumps are directly linked to heat exchange between a circulating water loop and ground temperature. This invention allows for the optimization of energy and performance. The efficiency of heat pumps diminishes with descending outside air temperatures. This invention allows for the manipulation of entry water temperatures to stem the problem of diminishing efficiencies. The water system makes use of a uniquely designed geothermal exchange module with increased conductivity to maximize heat transfer into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Leonard C. KRIMSKY
  • Publication number: 20110308269
    Abstract: An apparatus and refrigerator for creating ice pellets is disclosed. The apparatus and refrigerator include a compartment, an ice storage bin positioned in the compartment and configured to store whole ice cubes therein, and a pellet ice dispenser. The pellet ice dispenser includes a first motor, a first axle drivingly connected to a shaft of the first motor, a first ice cube auger drivingly connected to the first axle, a blade downstream of the first ice cube auger and configured to shave whole ice cubes into ice pieces, and an ice pelleter. The ice pelleter includes an extrusion die disposed downstream of the blade, a shaved ice auger disposed between the blade and the extrusion die and configured to move and compress the ice pieces through the extrusion die to form pellet ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Brent Alden Junge
  • Publication number: 20110308270
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual air conditioner for a vehicle, which includes a rear high-temperature pipe that is connected to a rear expansion valve of a rear air conditioner and installed in such a way as to be directly branched from a dual pipe type internal heat exchanger of a front air conditioner, thereby reducing the number of required components and simplifying the manufacturing process with no need to use a connector for branching the rear high-temperature pipe from the front air conditioner, and enhancing a refrigerant movement and reducing material expenses and working process by simplifying piping work and a piping route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Chanjoo MAENG, Jaewon Jeong, Yongnam Ahn, Jongsu Kim
  • Publication number: 20110308271
    Abstract: A system and method for concurrently and uniformly removing thermal energy from a specimen sample. A thermal insulating device is provided comprising an insulating material, the device having a plurality of chambers for receiving specimen samples, the device further includes a thermal ballast whereby the rate of thermal energy removal is controlled and influenced by the thermal ballast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: BIOCISION, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Schryver
  • Publication number: 20110308272
    Abstract: A refrigerating air-conditioning apparatus, at least provided with no possibility that a foreign material returns to a compressor from an accumulator at a time of the pipeline-cleaning operation firstly, and provided with a possibility to perform a collecting operation for the foreign material in a short time secondary, is provided. The heat-source side unit includes an accumulator provided with a function to separate and collect the foreign material in an existing pipeline, a collecting container for collecting the foreign material separated by the accumulator, and an oil return pipeline for returning refrigerating machine oil to the compressor via a flow amount adjusting device, installed at a lower portion of the accumulator, and at a time of ordinary cooling or heating operation, the refrigerating machine oil is caused to flow into the oil return pipeline, and at a time of pipeline cleaning and foreign material-collecting operations, the flow amount adjusting device is fully closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki TOYOSHIMA, Susumu Yoshimura, Shinichi Wakamoto, Osamu Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20110308273
    Abstract: A refrigerating air-conditioning apparatus, at least provided with no possibility that a foreign material returns to a compressor from an accumulator at a time of the pipeline-cleaning operation firstly, and provided with a possibility to perform a collecting operation for the foreign material in a short time secondary, is provided. The heat-source side unit includes an accumulator provided with a function to separate and collect the foreign material in an existing pipeline, a collecting container for collecting the foreign material separated by the accumulator, and an oil return pipeline for returning refrigerating machine oil to the compressor via a flow amount adjusting device, installed at a lower portion of the accumulator, and at a time of ordinary cooling or heating operation, the refrigerating machine oil is caused to flow into the oil return pipeline, and at a time of pipeline cleaning and foreign material-collecting operations, the flow amount adjusting device is fully closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki TOYOSHIMA, Susumu Yoshimura, Shinichi Wakamoto, Osamu Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20110308274
    Abstract: An expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening and at least two outlet openings (5) is disclosed. The inlet opening is adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state, and the outlet openings (5) are adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state. The expansion valve (1) further comprises a diaphragm (6), and at least two valve seats (4), each valve seat (4) being fluidly connected to one of the outlet openings (5). Each of the valve seats (4) forms a valve in combination with the diaphragm (6), the position of the diaphragm (6) thereby simultaneously defining an opening degree of each of the valves. A well defined distribution of fluid flow towards each of the outlet openings (5) is easily defined by movements of the diaphragm (6). The distribution takes place before or during expansion of the fluid medium. The expansion valve (1) may be arranged in an refrigerant path of a refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Jens Pawlik, Ejner Kobberoe, Torben Funder-Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20110308275
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system. The method and system involve compressing an atmospheric gas stream to form a supercritical atmospheric gas stream, forming at least a first stream from the supercritical atmospheric gas stream, directing the first stream to a regenerator for cooling to form a first cooled stream, directing the first cooled stream from the regenerator, expanding the first cooled stream to form a liquefied atmospheric gas stream, storing at least a portion of the liquefied atmospheric gas stream, pressurizing at least a portion of the stored portion of the liquefied atmospheric gas stream, and heating at least a portion of a pressurized liquefied atmospheric gas stream in the regenerator. In the method and system, refrigeration below the critical temperature of the atmospheric gas is directly or indirectly provided to at least one portion of the system from a non-combustible source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jianguo XU, Robert VERO, Donn Michael HERRON, Paul Joseph PERSICO, Ronald Martin PEARLSTEIN, John Frederick CIRUCCI, Paul HIGGINBOTHAM
  • Publication number: 20110308276
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system involving pressurizing an atmospheric gas stream to form at least a compressed atmospheric gas stream, directing the compressed atmospheric gas stream to a first regenerator for cooling, pressurizing to above a second predetermined pressure to form at least a supercritical atmospheric gas stream, directing the supercritical atmospheric gas stream to a second regenerator for cooling, reducing pressure to form at least a liquefied atmospheric gas stream, selectively storing the liquefied atmospheric gas stream, pressurizing the liquefied atmospheric gas stream to form at least a pressurized liquefied atmospheric gas stream, heating the pressurized liquefied atmospheric gas stream in the second regenerator to form at least a heated stream, expanding the heated stream to form at least a medium pressure atmospheric gas stream, directing the medium pressure atmospheric gas stream to the first regenerator, and heating the medium pressure atmospheric gas stream in the first regenerat
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jianguo XU, Robert VERO, Fabrice Amy, Paul HIGGINBOTHAM
  • Publication number: 20110308277
    Abstract: An improved prong for use in a retaining device such as a jewelry setting is disclosed. The prong includes a riser section, an engagement section and a lever section. The riser section may include one or more indents and a longitudinal groove to aid in engagement of an object such as a gemstone. The engagement section may include diverging tines configured to match the contour of a gemstone. The present invention also provides a jewelry setting which includes the prongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Leverset, Corp.
    Inventor: Joel Schecter
  • Publication number: 20110308278
    Abstract: A process for melting at least one mineral material in powder form includes using at least one laser beam (12) for supplying the energy necessary to the melting, and gradually supplying mineral powder to a zone (10) that is impacted by the laser beam(s) so as to obtain the largest surface possible for interaction between the material and the laser beam(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CERLASE
    Inventor: Arnaud Hory
  • Publication number: 20110308279
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units including infrared meltable glass frits, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to increasing the amount of ferrous oxide in glass frits (e.g., lead-free glass frits) used to form edge seals such that the glass frits absorb an increased amount of IR energy. The techniques of certain example embodiments make it possible to expose some or all of the VIG intermediate assembly to infrared source(s), since the glass frit will heat up faster than the substrates thereby reducing the likelihood of the first and/or second substrate melting and losing heat treatment strength. In certain example embodiments, the fries glass redox (FeO/Fe2O3) preferably is at least about 0.02 higher than either (or the higher) of the substrates' glass redox (FeO/Fe2O3), more preferably at least about 0.04 higher, and most preferably at least about 0.06 higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang
  • Publication number: 20110308280
    Abstract: A melter apparatus includes a floor, a ceiling, and a substantially vertical wall connecting the floor and ceiling at a perimeter of the floor and ceiling, a melting zone being defined by the floor, ceiling and wall, the melting zone having a feed inlet and a molten glass outlet positioned at opposing ends of the melting zone. The melting zone includes an expanding zone beginning at the inlet and extending to an intermediate location relative to the opposing ends, and a narrowing zone extending from the intermediate location to the outlet. One or more burners, at least some of which are positioned to direct combustion products into the melting zone under a level of molten glass in the zone, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Aaron Morgan Huber
  • Publication number: 20110308281
    Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a casing, an outer tub, and a suspension. The suspension may include a support rod, a cap, a first elastic member, and a friction damper. The support rod may be connected to the casing at one end thereof. The support rod may penetrate the cap, and the cap may move upward and downward along the support rod according to an amount of vibration of the outer tub. The support rod may penetrate the first elastic member, which may elastically support the cap. The friction damper may be movably provided along the support rod and generate a certain frictional force with the support rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Insik YU, Youngjong Kim
  • Publication number: 20110308282
    Abstract: A foldable lock includes a first body, a second body, and a rod set including a plurality of pivotally connected locking rods. The first body and the second body are separately pin-connected to a locking rod. The first body, the second body, and the plurality of the locking rods can have rotational movement in two-dimensional space with the pin joint as a rotation axis, which affects relative position of the first body and the second body. The first body has a first mating face, and the second body has a second mating face. The mating faces can separate from or mate with each other. The bodies and the rod set constitutes a closed ring by means of matching of the mating faces; at this time, a locking operation will let the mating faces be unable to separate from each other, namely the bodies will not move relatively. At the same time, if the closed ring does not circle any object, the rod set can further be rotated to a stacking state for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SINOXLOCK (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mao-Yi CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110308283
    Abstract: Security device (10) comprising a clasping member (100) for enclosing an object to be secured, the clasping member comprising a conducting member, a locking member (200) connected to the clasping member, such that the locking member (100) and the clasping member (200) form a loop, the locking member in turn comprising, a gear member (290) comprising a protruding profile (292), the gear member (290) extending in a first plane with a protruding profile (292) raised from the first plane, a manoeuvring member (220) extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the manoeuvring member (220) being rotatable relative the gear member (290) and comprising a latch member (231, 232) biased towards the first plane arranged to engage the gear member (290), such that rotation of the manoeuvring member (220) in one direction causes a narrowing of the loop whereas rotation in the opposite direction causing a widening of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20110308284
    Abstract: A security device having magnetically actuable locking mechanism for security an optical disc is disclosed. The device includes a detectable security tag secured in a housing having an optical disc receptacle formed as a basin. The housing includes one or more arcuate grooves adjacent to the circular basin. A top cover is sized to fit into the circular basin and is configured to be rotatably mateable with the housing. The top includes arcuate lips extending outwardly therefrom adapted for sliding rotatable engagement with the one or more the arcuate grooves in the housing. Locking the device prevents the top cover from being rotated to a position where the arcuate grooves are fully disengaged with the arcuate lips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Pedro Lopez, Dennis L. Hogan, Paul Griffiths, Franklin H. Valade, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110308285
    Abstract: An electromechanical cylinder lock includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel located therein which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar or fence selectively blocks and permits rotation of the barrel with respect to the shell in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. A slider bar is movable between a blocking position in which the side bar is prevented from permitting rotation of the barrel, and an unblocking position in which the side bar permits rotation of the barrel. Alternately, a blocking mechanism is provided to block motion of tumbler pins in the cylinder lock. A shape memory alloy actuator, such as a wire made of nitinol, disposed in the barrel is activated by an electric current in response to determination by an electronic control device whether an attempt to open the lock is authorized. Thermal interlock protection from external heating of the lock is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Medeco Security Lock, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Field, Duncan Kerr
  • Publication number: 20110308286
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination of a compost receptacle and removable newspaper liner. The compost receptacle defines an opening therein. Preferably the opening comprises two side walls that join together at two wall angles on opposite ends to form a flattened cone shape, the side walls tapering into a point. The newspaper liner is arranged into a shape that is complementary to the shape of the opening. Preferably the liner has side surfaces that meet at opposite angle portions and that taper into a closed point so that when the opening receives the newspaper liner, the two wall angles and the point self-align the newspaper liner therein during use to form a disposable compost collector out of the newspaper liner. In this way, in a related disclosed method, the compost collector can collect and retain household food waste for composting and then be removed when full.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ross Lyell Cowie
  • Publication number: 20110308287
    Abstract: The invention relates to material processing, in particular to a method and a device for processing agricultural waste. The inventive method involves supplying original raw material, inert filler parts and a gas agent to a sectional drum-type apparatus provided with passage openings in the partitions between sections thereof. The apparatus is put in action and the gas agent through flow is formed through the apparatus. Each section of the drum is loaded with the inert filler parts to a level which is not lower than the edges of the passage openings in the partitions at any operating position of the drum. An active area, in which the original raw material is poured or falls at a desired rate and/or time in such a way that it moves between of the filler parts and/or the surfaces thereof, is formed on the path of the gas agent flow. Moreover, the time and/or the intensity of interaction between the original raw material and the gas agent is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Sergei Yur'evich Vil'Chek
  • Publication number: 20110308288
    Abstract: For controlling the flatness of the strip during the rolling of aluminium strip or foil, the system consists of a full width bank of cryogenic roll cooling devices acting on the roll(s) and a full width bank of roll heating devices also acting the roll(s). Both or either of the cooling and heating banks are divided into individually controllable zones. A process automation system controls the action of the cooling and heating banks via feedback from a strip shape meter and/or a predictive process model, in order, by thermal growth/contraction, to create the best roll profile for rolling flat strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Douglas McRae, Paul Ronald Osborne, Peter Derrick Smith
  • Publication number: 20110308289
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing steel strips with solution of continuity. The steps of the process include a continuous casting step for thin slabs with a high “mass flow,” a shearing step and subsequent heating in furnace, followed by a multiple stand rolling step with the average temperature of the product at the inlet of the rolling mill being higher than the surface temperature, which is equal to at least 1100° C., lower than that measured in the inner central area by about 100° C. A plant is also described for the accomplishment of such process where at the inlet of a furnace, possibly of the induction type, combined with a temperature maintaining tunnel a shear is provided for cutting into pieces a slab coming from continuous casting with the distance between the outlet of the continuous casting and the inlet into the finishing rolling mill is not greater than 100 m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Giovanni ARVEDI