Patents Issued in January 12, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120005995
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to mechanical devices, and more specifically, to hoof protection devices. In one embodiment, a hoof protection device includes a base; and a cuff comprising one or more panels, wherein the hoof protection device is configured for securing with a hoof. In another embodiment, the hoof protection device includes one or more girdles configured to wrap around at least a portion of the cuff. In another embodiment, the hoof protection device includes one or more girdles configured to securably link the cuff with one or more anchor points of one or more anchor plates. In another embodiment, the hoof protection device includes an adjustable width base comprising an open and/or at least partially closed sole. In another embodiment, the hoof protection device includes a collar configured for securing with above a hoof. In another embodiment, the hoof protection device includes a grip sock interfaceable with the cuff and a hoof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Leslie Emery
  • Publication number: 20120005996
    Abstract: A “bolt on” static separator is disclosed for use in conjunction with a rotating separator to handle higher liquid volumes that are not able to be effectively separated by the rotating separator alone. The static separator may be positioned upstream of the rotating separator, generally right in front of the rotating separator, i.e., immediately ahead of the inlet to the rotating separator and generally attached directly to the front end of the rotary separator. The static separator may include a significant change in flow path direction that is sufficient to cause coarse fluid separation. The output of the static separator is in communication with the input of the rotating separator. Additionally, the drain of the static separator is in communication with the drain of the rotating separator and is at the same pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Pascal Lardy, H. Allan Kidd, William C. Maier
  • Publication number: 20120005997
    Abstract: A filter bag assembly and an associated method. The assembly has a filter bag that includes at least two sidewalls of filter material spaced from each other at an open end and connected to provide a closed end of the filter bag assembly. At least one of the sidewalls includes at least one folded pleat. In one specific example, the folded pleat extends perpendicular relative to a direction extending from the open end to the closed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Carl Davies
  • Publication number: 20120005998
    Abstract: In an elevator wire rope 1 structured by twisting a plurality of schenkels 3, each schenkel 3 being formed by twisting a plurality of strands 2, each strand 2 being formed by twisting a plurality of fine steel wires 2a to 2g, the interior of the wire rope being filled with a resin 4, and the surface of the wire rope being covered with a resin 5, wherein the direction in which the fine steel wires 2a to 2g and the strands 2 are twisted and the direction in which the schenkels 3 are twisted are mutually opposite, and the diameter d4 of the inscribed circle of the plurality of twisted schenkels 3 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the schenkel 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: TOKYO ROPE MFG. CO., LTD., Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoaki NOGUCHI, Tomio HAYANO, Taichi MAEDA, Takashi TERAMOTO, Toshiyuki MORIYA, Ippei FURUKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120005999
    Abstract: An example nozzle for use in a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle door having a first end, a second end opposed from the first end, and a first pivot on the door between the first and second ends. A linkage connects to the nozzle door and to an actuator. The actuator is selectively operative to move the linkage about a second pivot to in turn move the nozzle door about the first pivot between a plurality of positions, such as stowed, intermediate, and thrust reverse positions to influence bypass airflow through a fan bypass passage. The fan bypass passage has a radially outward side defined by a nacelle in at least one position. At least a portion of the nozzle door is radially outward of the nacelle and includes a lip extending from the nozzle door between the first pivot and one of the first end and second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Edward B. Pero, Leonard D. Aceto
  • Publication number: 20120006000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bent connecting rod (31) for linking a first assembly to a second assembly which are movable relative to each other and through which a flow in the space defined thereby passes. The rod has at least one first and one second pivot point (35, 38) that are designed so as to enable the pivotal movement of the connecting rod (31) relative to said first and second assemblies, respectively, the bent connecting rod (31) being suitably positionable such that the bend (40) is located upstream from said flow relative to said second pivot point (38), said second pivot point (38) being suitably built into the second movable assembly, characterized in that the bent connecting rod (31) includes at least two portions (33, 37) linked together by at least one self-aligning means (39a, 39b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Peter Segat, Andre Baillard, Georges Alain Bouret
  • Publication number: 20120006001
    Abstract: Embodiments of a solid propellant rocket motor are provided. In one embodiment, the solid propellant rocket motor includes a pressure vessel having a cavity therein, a solid propellant disposed within the cavity, a nozzle fluidly coupled to the cavity, and a tungsten alloy burst disc positioned proximate the nozzle. The tungsten alloy burst disc is configured to block gas flow through the nozzle when the tungsten alloy burst disc is intact and to fragment at a predetermined burst pressure. Embodiments of a method are further provided for manufacturing a burst disc. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of forming a burst disc from a tungsten alloy. Embodiments of a burst disc are still further provided. In one embodiment, the burst disc includes an outer annular portion, and a central portion comprising a tungsten alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: James H. Dupont, Sean J. Whitmarsh
  • Publication number: 20120006002
    Abstract: The degree of deterioration of a catalyst is obtained accurately in cases where a plurality of catalysts is disposed at an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. Under the assumption that the degree of deterioration of a catalyst which is disposed at a location upstream of an NOx selective reduction catalyst and has an oxidizing ability is at a predetermined value, the ratio of NO2 in the NOx which inflows into the NOx selective reduction catalyst is estimated; the NOx removal rate of the NOx selective reduction catalyst is calculated a plurality of times at least until a local maximum value is obtained; and the degree of deterioration of the catalyst having an oxidizing ability is determined by comparison between the ratio of NO2 observed when the NOx removal rate of the NOx selective reduction catalyst reaches the local maximum value and a reference value of the ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taiga Hagimoto, Daisuke Shibata
  • Publication number: 20120006003
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes determining if a diesel emission fluid is at least partially frozen, and determining if the vehicle is currently operating in a low diesel emission fluid inducement protocol. If the vehicle is not currently operating in the low diesel emission fluid inducement protocol, and the diesel emission fluid is at least partially frozen, then a temporary minimum diesel emission fluid mass may be defined to prevent entry of the vehicle into the low diesel emission fluid inducement protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Darr, Paul Jasinkiewicz, Kyle E. Crawford, Jason Daniel Mullins, Matthew King
  • Publication number: 20120006004
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling reductant levels in an SCR catalyst are provided. In one aspect, reductant levels are adjusted in response to a ratio of change of NOx conversion efficiency to a change of reductant level. In another aspect, reductant injection levels are periodically adjusted to see if NOx conversion efficiency is better or worse at the adjusted levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Tai, Timothy Booher, Heath Morris
  • Publication number: 20120006005
    Abstract: An exhaust gas processing method may include desulfurizing a catalyst by raising temperature of the catalyst to a predetermined value, if the front/end temperature difference ?T is less than a predetermined temperature difference X, while reducing agent is being injected, determining whether travel distance, fuel consumption amount, or travel time exceeds a first reference value, after the desulfurization, determining whether fuel is replenished by detecting the fuel amount, and determining whether a high sulfur fuel is refueled or not, if the first reference value does not exceed a predetermined value, the fuel is replenished, and the temperature difference (?T) is less than the predetermined temperature difference (X) during injection of the reducing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jin Ha Lee
  • Publication number: 20120006006
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine, with a first particle filter and a second particle filter arranged downstream of the first particle filter in the flow direction of the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas treatment device. The second particle filter includes a support device that can be flown through by the exhaust gas, on which a filter unit is disposed. A pore size of the filter unit is less than a pore size of the support device. A method for operating an exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hertzberg, Marcus Frey, Georg Grasi
  • Publication number: 20120006007
    Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust system including at least one oxidation catalytic converter, at least one configuration for selective catalytic reduction and at least one measuring probe for determining the effectiveness of the configuration, includes at least determining a conversion effectiveness of the configuration using the at least one measuring probe and calculating an effectiveness of nitrogen monoxide conversion in the oxidation catalytic converter from the determined conversion effectiveness. In this way, an estimate of the effectiveness of the nitrogen monoxide conversion to nitrogen dioxide of an oxidation catalytic converter in the exhaust system can be obtained without additional measuring probes in or on the oxidation catalytic converter. This reduces the maintenance frequency of the exhaust gas system and at the same time enables precise regulation of the exhaust gas conversion as a whole. An exhaust system and a vehicle having an exhaust system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUR EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: WOLFGANG MAUS, ROLF BRÜCK
  • Publication number: 20120006008
    Abstract: A method of controlling the regeneration of a particulate filter includes defining a regeneration trigger limit for at least one operating parameter of the vehicle, modifying the regeneration trigger limit based upon a sensed ambient operating condition and a sensed vehicle operating condition to define a modified regeneration trigger limit, and regenerating the particulate filter when the modified regeneration trigger limit for the operating parameter is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Raffaello Ardanese, Michelangelo Ardanese, Christopher Whitt, Paul Jasinkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20120006009
    Abstract: Provided is an exhaust purification device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the operation of an internal combustion engine can be prevented from being maintained when a particulate filter is melted. An exhaust purification device (1) for an internal combustion engine (2) is comprised of a particulate filter (10); a downstream-side temperature sensor (20a) which detects a downstream-side exhaust temperature (T1); a filter temperature sensor (20b) which detects a filter temperature (T10); an exhaust differential pressure detection device (21) which calculates an exhaust differential pressure (P(n)) between an upstream-side exhaust pressure (p1) and a downstream-side exhaust pressure (p2) at predetermined time intervals; a notification device (40); and an ECU (30) which controls the internal combustion engine (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Yanmar Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Katsunari Jonouchi, Michihiko Hara
  • Publication number: 20120006010
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the amount and timing of nitrogen oxides reductant injected during a given injection cycle into an exhaust system of a vehicle as part of a selective catalytic reduction system. The amount of reductant injected is determined by at least one computational model that accounts for the growth of liquid and/or solid reductant film growth on the interior of the exhaust system. The model determines reductant injection characteristics (e.g., amount, timing, etc.) that reduce and/or eliminate reductant films on the interior of the exhaust system. Exemplary inputs into the model include exhaust temperature, exhaust flow, and the amount of reductant injected in a previous injection cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Kaemingk, Michael Gerty
  • Publication number: 20120006011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine having an injector which functions as a a positive displacement pump and dispenses an amount of lubricant fixed for each and every operation of the injector. The fluid dispensed could be a lubricant delivered directly to crankshaft bearings, camshaft bearings, tappets or cylinder sleeve. Alternatively the fluid could be fuel, water or urea delivered to an exhaust system upstream of a catalytic converter. The injector can have a one-way valve with a valve element having a domed or conical surface for directing fluid flow across a sharp edge which induces turbulence in the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: SCION-SPRAYS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen, Paul Bartholomew Ravenhill, Steven Barraclough
  • Publication number: 20120006012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flange plate for connecting exhaust pipes to a combustion engine, with at least two connecting sockets integrally moulded on the flange plate, on each of which an exhaust pipe can be fastened, and with a plurality of through openings for fixing the flange plate to the combustion engine. Thermal expansion effects can be better compensated if at least one of the connecting sockets is formed in a connecting region, which is surrounded by a slit penetrating the flange plate, wherein the respective slit comprises at least one interruption and the respective connecting region in the region of the respective interruption is connected to the remaining flange plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: J. Eberspaecher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Riekers, Angela Hettel
  • Publication number: 20120006013
    Abstract: In various embodiments, motor-pump efficiency is increased by limiting the fluid pressure communicated to the motor-pump to a range smaller than that communicated by other components of an energy storage and/or recovery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Michael Neil Scott, Jeffrey Modderno, Benjamin R. Bollinger
  • Publication number: 20120006014
    Abstract: A multi-speed jack, having a pump assembly including a pump block having a first cylinder and a second cylinder defined therein, a piston assembly movable within the pump block, the piston assembly having a first portion configured to sealably engage with the first cylinder and a second portion configured to sealably engage with the second cylinder, a reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid and coupled to the pump block so that when the piston assembly is moved in a first direction, hydraulic fluid in the reservoir is supplied to the first cylinder and the second cylinder, a lifting assembly having a ram chamber and a ram rod, the ram chamber coupled to the pump assembly and configured to receive fluid from the first cylinder and the second cylinder when the piston assembly is moved in a second direction so as to raise the ram rod and a bypass check valve provided in the first cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: George W. Jackson, David G. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120006015
    Abstract: A method for generating power by converting the vertical movement of floats in one or more reservoirs is provided. Each reservoir has an inlet and an outlet. A float is disposed in each reservoir. A shaft is connected to each float. Controls are provided for actuating inlet and outlet gates to cause water to flow into and out of each reservoir via its corresponding inlet and outlet, respectively. As a result, the flowing water moves each float in a vertically oscillating manner to rotate the shaft at an output rate suitable to generate usable power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jack Alexander McGillis
  • Publication number: 20120006016
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hydropneumatic piston reservoir (1) with a primary cylinder (2) in which runs a separating piston (12) with free mobility, with the separating piston (12) sealed off circumferentially, with the separating piston (12) inside the primary cylinder (2) separating two pressure chambers (16, 18) from one another. The separating piston (12) has an axial separating piston rod (20) at one end that is sealed off circumferentially from the primary cylinder (2) and is guided as a plunger (22) in a connected secondary cylinder (4) and is subjected to or can be subjected to a pressure medium. The plunger (22) at its free end away from the primary cylinder (2) has a bumper element (24) with a bumper area (28) projecting radially over the outer circumference (26) of the plunger (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Runkel
  • Publication number: 20120006017
    Abstract: A fast-fill braking system in one embodiment includes a master cylinder, a first chamber within the master cylinder, a second chamber within the master cylinder located forward of the first chamber, a fast-fill piston within the first chamber, a primary piston within the first chamber and movable with respect to the fast-fill piston, and a secondary piston within the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch LLC
    Inventors: Milan Klimes, Timothy J. Albert
  • Publication number: 20120006018
    Abstract: A fast fill braking system includes a master cylinder, a primary pressure chamber having a first chamber portion located forwardly of a second chamber portion, the first chamber portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of the second chamber portion, and a primary piston including a first piston portion positioned within the primary pressure chamber and a second piston portion extending out of the primary pressure chamber, the first piston portion having a diameter (i) larger than a diameter of the second piston portion, and (ii) complementary to the diameter of the second chamber portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, ROBERT BOSCH LLC
    Inventor: Milan Klimes
  • Publication number: 20120006019
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an internal combustion engine having horizontally arranged cylinder banks which are arranged on remote sides of a crankcase, which accommodates a crankshaft, of the internal combustion engine, and also having at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger with exhaust-gas turbocharger shaft. In an internal combustion engine of this type, it is provided that the at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger is arranged above the crankcase, and the axis of the exhaust-gas turbocharger shaft is arranged so as to be aligned horizontally and at 90° to the crankshaft axis. An internal combustion engine of this type has particularly good thermodynamic characteristics while being of compact design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Laube, Michael Wessels, Frank Maier
  • Publication number: 20120006020
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for powering a compressor turbine are provided. The shared shaft between an exhaust gas turbine and the compressor may operates more effectively with the addition an additional component such as a steam turbine to help control the speed of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Karim Wahdan
  • Publication number: 20120006021
    Abstract: The invention concerns a heat exchanger for transmitting heat from a heating medium, in particular from the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine, to a working fluid, which evaporates in the heat exchanger, comprising an alternating stacking order made of guiding layers for the heating medium and guiding layers for the working fluid; wherein the heating medium and the working fluid are injected in the cross counterflow; whereas each guiding layer for the working fluid comprises a channel plate, which has at least one meandering passage opening, whereas cover plates are arranged on both sides of the channel plate, which cover plates seal laterally the passage opening by forming a working fluid channel, except for an inlet and an outlet, wherein the channel plate is materially connected to the cover plates; and whereas the working fluid channel includes a first section, outgoing from the inlet, with a first free cross-section and a second section emerging in the outlet, with a second free cross-se
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Christian Bausch, Jurgen Berger, Jens Grieser
  • Publication number: 20120006022
    Abstract: A heat engine system configured to extract thermal energy from a heat source, convert a first portion of the thermal energy to work using an expansion device, and reject a second portion of the thermal energy to a heat sink. The system utilizes a second fluid to inhibit a temperature drop of the first fluid within the expansion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Brandon Jay Woodland, James E. Braun, Eckhard A. Groll, W. Travis Horton
  • Publication number: 20120006023
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a loop thermal energy system. A heat pump heats a first fluid to first temperature using heat from a heat source. A first pressure tank charges with the heated first fluid while a second pressure tank discharges the heated first fluid stored from a previous charging. The discharged heated first fluid motivates an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Keith Sterling Johnson, Michael Troy Richardson, Brent Harvey
  • Publication number: 20120006024
    Abstract: A multi-component apparatus characterized as performing a two-phase thermodynamic cycle, for conversion of heat energy to useful power comprises: fluid means consisting to two or more chemical components to absorb heat energy, the fluid means providing an increasing temperature and increasing fraction of gas phase as increasing amounts of heat are absorbed, expander means operating to convert the enthalpy in a received mixture of gas and liquid, formed in said fluid means, as a result of the said heat energy absorbed by the fluid means, to mechanical, shaft power, heat exchanger means operating to transfer the heat energy to be absorbed by the fluid means, condenser means operating to reject the unconverted enthalpy, by the expander means, in the fluid means, thereby condensing any gas to convert the fluid means to liquid, and pump means operating to pressurize liquid fluid means leaving the condenser means, in order to return the fluid means to the heat exchanger means, closing the thermodynamic cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Lance G. Hays, Phillip R. Welch
  • Publication number: 20120006025
    Abstract: A thermal power plant that uses low-grade coal as fuel and allows for increased thermal efficiency of the entire plant is provided. The thermal power plant includes a drying device (3) that dries the low-grade coal to be supplied to a lignite mill (coal pulverizer) (4), and a drying-gas heater (13) that heats air to be supplied to the drying device (3) so as to be used for drying the low-grade coal. A condenser (12) and the drying-gas heater (13) are connected with each other via a heat exchanger (19), and exhaust heat from the condenser (12) is used as a heat source for heating the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: KYUSHU ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC., MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Koyama, Takashi Yamamoto, Osamu Shinada, Hiromi Ishii, Hitoji Yamada, Shozo Kaneko, Kimishiro Tokuda, Isao Mochida, Tatsurou Harada
  • Publication number: 20120006026
    Abstract: A steam turbine apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine apparatus comprises: an exhaust shell portion including: a first section having a semi-circular cross-section; an exhaust section contiguous with the first section, the exhaust section including an intermediate-pressure exhaust outlet; and a second section having an oblate spherical cross-section including a substantially flattened portion, the second section configured to fluidly connect with the first section, wherein the first section and the second section form a continuous steam flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Yuexi Xiong, Edward Leo Kudlacik, Norman Douglas Lathrop, Christopher Walter Sullivan, David Ernest Welch
  • Publication number: 20120006027
    Abstract: Among other things, renewable energy is extracted from an asymmetric system (or the ability of the system to have renewable energy extracted from it is enhanced, or both) that is characterized by one or more stochastic variables, which exhibit at least one statistical component that is not Gaussian and/or not white.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Osman Kibar, Mirianas Chachisvilis
  • Publication number: 20120006028
    Abstract: A resonance chamber (42) has an outer wall (32) with coolant inlet holes (34A-C), an inner wall (36) with acoustic holes (38), and side walls (40A-C) between the inner and outer walls. A depression (33A-C) in the outer wall has a bottom portion (50) that is close to the inner wall compared to peaks (37A-C) of the outer wall. The coolant inlet holes may be positioned along the bottom portion of the depression and along a bottom portion of the side walls to direct coolant flows (44, 51) toward impingement locations (43) on the inner wall that are out of alignment with the acoustic holes. This improves impingement cooling efficiency. The peaks (37A-C) of the outer wall provide volume in the resonance chamber for a target resonance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Danning You, Reinhard Schilp, Chander Prakash
  • Publication number: 20120006029
    Abstract: A combustor (10) including: a first premix main burner (14) comprising a first swirler airfoil section (38); a second premix main burner (15) comprising a second swirler airfoil section (40); and a supply air reversing region upstream of the premix burners (14), (15). The first swirler airfoil section (38) and the second swirler airfoil section (40) are effective to impart swirl to a first airflow and a second airflow characterized by a same swirl number as the airflows exit respective burners (14), (15). The combustor (10) is effective to generate a first airflow volume through the first premix main burner (14) that is different than a second airflow volume through the second premix main burner (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Juan E. Portillo Bilbao, Scott M. Martin, David M. Ritland
  • Publication number: 20120006030
    Abstract: A turbomachine includes a compressor, a combustor operatively connected to the compressor, an end cover mounted to the combustor, and an injection nozzle assembly operatively connected to the combustor. The injection nozzle assembly includes a first end portion that extends to a second end portion, and a plurality of tube elements provided at the second end portion. Each of the plurality of tube elements defining a fluid passage includes a body having a first end section that extends to a second end section. The second end section projects beyond the second end portion of the injection nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jong Ho Uhm, Thomas Edward Johnson, Kwanwoo Kim
  • Publication number: 20120006031
    Abstract: A boss and orifice plate assembly comprising an annular boss adapted to be secured in a hole formed in a combustor component, said boss formed with an annular seat supporting a replaceable orifice plate, and an annular retaining ring groove adjacent said seat, said seat extending radially inwardly of said annular retaining ring groove; and a retaining ring seated in said retaining ring groove and at least partially and resiliently engaged between a surface of said groove and a surface of said orifice plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey LEBEGUE, Neal W. GROOMS
  • Publication number: 20120006032
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for confirming ignition in a gas turbine. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for confirming ignition associated with a gas turbine combustor. The method can include receiving one or more permissive signals associated with one or more gas flow control valves, receiving one or more fuel supply pressure signals, receiving one or more fuel igniter signals, and receiving one ore more compressor pressure discharge (CPD) signals. The method can also include determining an ignition status associated with the gas turbine combustor based at least in part on the one or more permissive signals, the one or more fuel supply pressure signals, the one or more fuel igniter signals, and a qualified change in the one or more CPD signals. The method can also include outputting an ignition status signal based on the determined ignition status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott Alan Kopcho, Garth Curtis Frederick, Timothy Andrew Healy
  • Publication number: 20120006033
    Abstract: The present application provides for a combustor for use with a gas turbine engine. The combustor may include a cap member and a number of fuel nozzles extending through the cap member. One or more of the fuel nozzles may be provided in a non-flush position with respect to the cap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kwanwoo Kim, Thomas Edward Johnson, Jong Ho Uhm, Gilbert Otto Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20120006034
    Abstract: A method for cooling components of a gas turbine engine, having first and second sets of components that require cooling, includes removing thermal energy from cooling air, directing the cooling air from which thermal energy has been removed to the first set of components of the gas turbine engine, and transferring thermal energy away from the second set of components of the gas turbine engine using a vaporization cycle of a vapor cooling assembly. Use of the vaporization cycle offsets thermal energy removed from the cooling air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James W. Norris, Bernard J. Raver, James D. Hill
  • Publication number: 20120006035
    Abstract: An air turbine starter includes an air turbine starter rotor rotatably located at a central axis. The rotor includes a plurality of aerodynamic surfaces extending from a platform. At least one cutting element is located in the air turbine starter such that travel of the rotor along the central axis during operation of the air turbine starter results in removal of the platform and aerodynamic surfaces from the rotor via contact between the at least one cutting element and the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Makulec, Matthew Gorajski, Matthew Slayter
  • Publication number: 20120006036
    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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Hotto
  • Publication number: 20120006037
    Abstract: A clamping assembly (2) adapted to clamp a component (4), the assembly comprising: first and second clamping members (10, 20), the first and second clamping members being movable with respect to one another in a first direction to selectively clamp the component therebetween; and a bearing element (30) positionable between the component and one of the first and second clamping members, the bearing element being configured to permit relative movement between the component and one of the first and second clamping members in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Philip T. HOWELLS
  • Publication number: 20120006038
    Abstract: According to one example of the present invention, a cooling system is provided. The cooling system comprises a water-cooled air conditioning module for cooling air from a chamber. The chamber is arranged for receiving air to be cooled and hot humid air. The cooling system also comprises a control system for controlling the flow of hot humid air to the chamber such that the air input to the air conditioning module has a predetermined relative humidity level within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ratnesh Kumar Sharma, Thomas W. Christian, Chandrakant Patel
  • Publication number: 20120006039
    Abstract: A kimchi refrigerator and a control method thereof, in which salinity of kimchi introduced into the kimchi refrigerator is displayed and a storage temperature corresponding to the salinity is displayed so as to widen a user's range of selection of kimchi flavors and improve kimchi storage performance of the kimchi refrigerator. The control method includes measuring salinity of kimchi, determining a storage temperature based on the measured salinity, and displaying the determined storage temperature through a display unit. Thereby, the control method enables a user to select an appropriate storage temperature based on the displayed salinity and recommended storage temperature of the kimchi, thereby improving kimchi storage performance of the kimchi refrigerator. Further, the control method allows a recommended ripening or storage time according to the salinity of the kimchi to be displayed, thereby improving kimchi storage performance of the kimchi refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Tae Kim, Ki Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120006040
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle, a magnetic field generator, a detector and a control part. The refrigeration cycle has a compression element, a refrigerant tube in thermal contact with a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube and/or a heat-generating member in thermal contact with a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube. The magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field to inductively heat a heating target portion. The detector detects a state quantity in a state quantity detection portion of the refrigeration cycle. The control part performs startup magnetic field generation control during startup of an air-warming operation in which maximum magnetic field output is initiated until the state quantity detected reaches a first target state quantity, and post-startup magnetic field generation control in which the magnetic field output is restricted after the startup magnetic field generation control has ended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kinoshita, Tsuyoshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20120006041
    Abstract: A refrigerating device that forms a refrigerating cycle in which a plurality of outdoor machines 1a and 1b provided at least with compressors 2a and 2b, condensers 4a and 4b, and accumulators 5a and 5b respectively and an indoor machine 20 provided with decompressing means 21 and an evaporator 22 are connected in parallel by piping, having oil return pipes 13a and 13b that return refrigerator oil stored in the accumulators into the compressors, an oil equalizing pipe 10 that connects the accumulators to each other, and a controller 30 that controls an operation of the compressor and on/off of an electromagnetic valve 12a deposed on the oil equalizing pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Tomotaka Ishikawa, Hiroshi Sata, Fumitake Unezaki
  • Publication number: 20120006042
    Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GEO-FLO PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Wyer, Demitri Gula
  • Publication number: 20120006043
    Abstract: An impeller mounting structure of air conditioning device is provided, including an electric machine arranged between a condenser and an evaporator and a condenser impeller and an evaporator impeller. The electric machine is mounted to an air duct casing of the condenser. The condenser impeller and the evaporator impeller are mounted to a shaft of the electric machine at the same side of the electric machine. A central air duct casing is arranged between the condenser impeller and the evaporator impeller. The evaporator impeller is mounted inside the evaporator air duct casing. The condenser impeller and the evaporator impeller are provided with mated self-locking structures. The mounting structure provides the efficacies that the impeller mounting structure of air conditioning device makes the manufacturing and assembling simplified, the size of a movable air conditioning device reduced, balance of electric machine in operation enhanced, and the number of parts assembled reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: MAO-TSAI KU
  • Publication number: 20120006044
    Abstract: A condensate evaporation device for a refrigerator is provided. The device comprises a container, a heat exchanger, a chamber, a suction pump, a condensate spraying device, an evaporation coil, and a blower. The suction pump is for sucking up the condensate from the container. The condensate spraying device is for spraying the condensate sucked up by the suction pump within the chamber. The evaporation coil is disposed around the condensate spraying device such that the condensate from the suction pump lands on an inner surface of the evaporation coil and evaporates the condensate. The blower is for inducing air flow within the chamber, whereby the evaporated condensate is exhausted from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Brian S. KIM