Patents Issued in April 12, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120085046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cladding system which includes a plurality of cladding means (26) interlocked with a plurality of the brackets (10). Each bracket (10) includes a support means (12) and means (22 & 24) for interlocking the brackets with the cladding means. The support means (12) is adapted to be fixed to a frame or an exterior of a building. The support means (12) is also adapted to support one or more cladding means (26). The interlocking means (22 & 24) is connected to or forming an integral part of the support means (12). The cladding means (26), when interlocked with the bracket (10), are capable of providing cladding without use of a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Ecobuild Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Trevor Proctor
  • Publication number: 20120085047
    Abstract: A corner form panel used in an insulating concrete form system includes a hinged corner web member at least partially embedded in each of two segments of the form panel. The hinged corner web member enables the two segments to rotate with respect to each other, so that the form panel can be opened to a flat configuration for shipping, and folded into a corner configuration at the jobsite. Both inside and outside corner panels may be provided, and may use different hinged corner web members. The corner web member may include features for connecting the inside and outside corner panels, to reinforce the resulting form unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ARXX Building Products
    Inventors: Barry Hiscock, Sheldon Warman
  • Publication number: 20120085048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor cove corner former (10, 40) for creating a corner between lengths of coving material (35) running along the wall-floor interface of two adjacent differently angled walls (31, 32, 61, 62). There is provided first and second portions (11, 12, 41, 42) each having an upper section (20, 49) that matches the profile of the walls and a lower section (21, 50) that defines the desired cove shape. The former (10, 40) also includes a floor engaging part (51) defined by the lower ends of the first and second portions (11,12, 41,42)) and wall engaging means (14, 44), defined by the upper sections of the first and second portions, which fit in or around the apex of the corner formed between the walls (31, 32, 61, 62). The upper and lower portions (20, 21, 49, 50) of each section define a surface (13, 43) to which the floor covering material (35) is mounted and the upper portions of those surfaces are arranged such that the angle between them corresponds to the angle between the two walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Danny Higgins
  • Publication number: 20120085049
    Abstract: Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures permanently tied to the ground, optionally tying overlying structure to an underlying footer through such panels and panel assemblies. Footers are fabricated by flowing fluid concrete under segments of the wall while anchors extend down from the wall into the space into which concrete is being flowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn P. Schiffmann
  • Publication number: 20120085050
    Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly may comprise a platform and a base. The platform may have four exterior sides. The platform may be square-shaped block and may be adapted to support at least a portion of a post on top of the platform. The base may be operably coupled to and supporting the platform and the post. The reinforced structural assembly may further include side frames that connect the exterior sides of the platform with the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: ROBERT GREENWOOD
  • Publication number: 20120085051
    Abstract: A vent includes an outer element including an outer perforated area having at least one perforation and an inner element having at least one perforation and a peripheral portion. The outer element and the inner element are separated by a distance to define a plenum between the outer element and the inner element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: David Perez, Richard L. Alsager
  • Publication number: 20120085052
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall panel assembly comprising a panel and a plurality of bricks. The panel is provided with a plurality of horizontally extending contiguous channels bounded by upper and lower protruding ribs, for fitting a row of bricks. Each channel is also fitted with a plurality of compressible retaining tabs positioned along the upper rib of each channel for retaining bricks inserted therein. The bricks are provided with at least one cavity and at least one compression area so that when a brick is inserted into a channel of the panel, the brick is positioned between the ribs such that the cavity of the brick faces one or more of the tabs located on the channel so that the tabs protrude into the cavity of the brick while at the same time compressing the compression area, thereby retaining the brick within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Michel Bouchard, John Penterman
  • Publication number: 20120085053
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighweight the with a tapered support angle reverse, to the angle of the roof, a tile having uniform contact with the roof surface that does not require battens and can be walked on without the fear of breaking. This the can be fabricated in several materials including concrete, ceramic, porcelain or clay. By increasing the surface area of the underside of this tile with numerous cavities and ribs, the capability for dissipating heat is greatly increased. The lightweight tile has the option of incorporating a breathable, underlying cushioning/insulating With this system of interlocking and overlapping tiles, when the top tile overlaps the tile below the top tile cantilevers and lays flat on the tile below it, greatly reducing the vulnerability to stress fracture because of the reverse angle and supporting ribs structure of the tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ROOFTECH TILE, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Barone
  • Publication number: 20120085054
    Abstract: A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surfaces selected from the group consisting of: a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite. an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Sven Kornfalt, Peter Ringo, Anja Lindstedt, Kent Akerman
  • Publication number: 20120085055
    Abstract: A groutless tile system including groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes a substrate, a durable surface disposed within a groove defined by the substrate, the durable surface having bottom surface, and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate. The first coupling member comprises a first bendable portion and a groove, the groove having an upper surface and a lower surface. The bottom surface of the durable surface is substantially coplanar with a point between the upper and lower surfaces of the groove. The polymer matrix forming at least a portion of the substrate can be modified to reduce the weight of the groutless tile or the cost to manufacture the groutless tile. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix is modified through the use of gas nucleation or a blowing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Mohawk Carpet Corporation
    Inventors: David Earl, Tom Alford, Rahul Patki, Wesley King, Mark Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20120085056
    Abstract: Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures. Fiber schedule, layer securement, and orientation in the panels provide enhanced properties of strength of a panel/wall per unit dimension relative to FRP layer thickness and/or mass of the panel/wall per unit dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wojtusik, Glenn P. Schiffmann, Gerhard P. Schiffmann
  • Publication number: 20120085057
    Abstract: Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures. Fiber schedule and orientation in the panels provide enhanced properties of strength of a panel/wall per unit dimension relative to FRP layer thickness and/or mass of the panel/wall per unit dimension. Panel profiles as molded having draft angles, and molds to make such profiles, enhance panel fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Gerhard P. Schiffmann, Glenn P. Schiffmann, Daniel J. Wojtusik
  • Publication number: 20120085058
    Abstract: A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surface selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite, an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: PERGO (EUROPE) AB
    Inventors: Sven Kornfalt, Peter Ringo, Anja Lindstedt, Kent Akerman
  • Publication number: 20120085059
    Abstract: A floor tile is disclosed which comprises visually contrasting background and inlay portions that are not permanently or semi-permanently adhered to the flooring material during installation. The floor tile comprises a background piece comprising a shaped cavity and an identically shaped inlay which fits inside the shaped cavity. The two pieces are selectively removable from a flooring surface. Alternatively, either the background piece or the inlay piece may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the flooring surface, or to a support surface. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a decorative floor tile where two identically shaped inlay pieces are cut from two different pieces of tile material. The inlays are removed from the materials, forming cavities. The inlay from the first material is placed within the inlay cavity of the second material, and vice versa. The two pieces are selectively removable from a flooring surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Arnon Rosan
  • Publication number: 20120085060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled bar 4 with a “T” section comprising a rib 24 and a plate 28. The profiled bar 4 has, on at least one end 12, 16, an attachment element 20 suitable for engaging with a further profiled bar 4?. The rib comprises at least one coupling aperture 36 shaped to house said attachment element 20, which comprises a base 40 for fixing to the rib, projecting at least partially from the profiled bar 4 with one free end 44, and a tongue 48 flexibly elastic and coupled to the fixing base. The tongue 48 is bent towards the fixing base at the free end 44, so as to form an angle of incidence with the fixing base and is provided with a pair of recesses 51, 52 which define an attachment head 50. The coupling aperture 28 defines a first pair of projections 31, 32 suitable for engaging with the recesses 51, 52 to hold the attachment head 50 to the rib, said projections 31, 32 being positioned in opposite positions to a longitudinal centre line plane L-L of the rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: DALLAN S.P.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Dallan
  • Publication number: 20120085061
    Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled bar 4 with a “T” section comprising a rib 24 and a plate 28. The profiled bar 4 has, on at least one end 12, 16, an attachment element 20 suitable for engaging with a further profiled bar 4?. The rib comprises at least one coupling aperture shaped to house said attachment element 20, which comprises a base 40 for fixing to the rib, projecting at least partially from the profiled bar 4 with one free end 44, and a tongue 48 flexibly elastic and coupled to the fixing base. The tongue 48 is obtained through shearing and bending of a portion of the fixing base 40, so as to form an angle of incidence with the fixing base 40 itself and is provided with a pair of recesses 51, 52 which define an attachment head 50. The coupling aperture 28 defines a first pair of projections 31, 32 suitable for engaging with the recesses 51, 52 to hold the attachment head 50 to the rib, said projections 31, 32 being positioned in opposite positions to a longitudinal centre line plane L-L of the rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Dallan S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Dallan
  • Publication number: 20120085062
    Abstract: Prefabricated wall segments for construction of buildings. The prefabricated wall segments are lightweight and easy to install and enable an improved ability to install electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems as well as insulation in both the vertical and horizontal direction. The prefabricated wall segments can be utilized in new construction as well as in preexisting structures without the need for specialty equipment or tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Neumayr
  • Publication number: 20120085063
    Abstract: A flashing tape includes a moisture-impervious nonporous first layer having a drainage plane surface for providing drainage of moisture, the drainage plane surface being textured with embossed or otherwise raised spaced apart projections, the spaces between the projections, in conjunction with an overlay of construction material, defining a nondirectional flow path to permit the drainage of moisture and flow of air along said surface; a moisture-impervious second layer of closed cell polymeric foam which is bonded on a first side to the moisture-impervious first layer; and, a layer of pressure sensitive acrylic based adhesive applied to a second side of the moisture-impervious layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Pufahl
  • Publication number: 20120085064
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a drying compound comprising from 50 to 85% of FGD gypsum and/or natural or processed gypsum, in mass percentages based on the total mass of the compound, presenting the following particle size characteristics: (i) a d50 from 35 to 70 ?m and (ii) a span (d90-d10/d50) lower than 2. The object of the invention is also a preparation process of the compound according to the invention. Finally, the object of the invention is a building process of a structure using this compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LAFARGE PLATERS
    Inventors: Alain PETIT, Marc Domenech
  • Publication number: 20120085065
    Abstract: A tool for assembling deck boards of a decking structure that uses pronged fasteners to secure the deck boards thereto, the pronged fasteners establishing an at least ?? gap between adjacent deck boards. The tool compresses an unsecured deck board into engagement with a set of pronged fasteners that are attached to an exposed edge of an installed deck board. The tool has a stationary jaw and a moveable jaw supported for movement relative to one another by a frame. Each jaw has a depending lip disposed on an outer edge thereof that is configured to engage one of the deck boards. The tool also has an actuating mechanism that moves the moveable jaw relative to the stationary jaw. The actuating mechanism is, preferably, manually powered, hydraulically powered, or screw driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Mark L. Gelormino
  • Publication number: 20120085066
    Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Davinci Italia/USA Group, LLC
    Inventors: Edward A. Kufner, Michele Volponi
  • Publication number: 20120085067
    Abstract: An apparatus for adding, from a gas container with a gas under an overpressure via a pressure reducing valve unit to a bottle fully or partly filled with a liquid while utilizing a two-part valve arrangement. The first part of the arrangement is related to the valve unit and a second part of the arrangement is related to the bottle. The two parts of the valve arrangement are easily coordinated with each other and easily separable. One valve part is adapted to enclose a first check valve which, when being mechanically influenced, allows gas flow from the container and into the bottle. The other valve part is adapted to enclose a second check valve which, when being pneumatically influenced, allows gas flow into the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ake Ottoson
  • Publication number: 20120085068
    Abstract: A machine for application of caps on containers such as bottles and the like having a neck with a threaded top end, comprising at least one head for application of caps and at least one gripper designed to grip the neck of the containers during application of the caps. Said at least one gripper is mobile in a vertical direction between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein elastic means are present for pushing the gripper elastically towards the raised position and wherein in the lowered position the gripper rests on a resting plate so that at least part of the axial force applied by said head on the cap is discharged on said resting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Publication number: 20120085069
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for cutting a cover film as well as to a sealing station of a tray sealing machine, whereby a blade is arranged on a sealing frame or on a tool lower part and the sealing frame executes a relative movement with respect to the sealing tool lower part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Mader
  • Publication number: 20120085070
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus described herein relate to establishing and maintaining low gas pressure within a gas-sealed device fabricated from heat sensitive materials. Methods include transferring activated getters within the interior of an apparatus from regions fabricated from heat-resistant materials to interior regions of the gas-sealed device fabricated from heat-sensitive materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120085071
    Abstract: A method of treating at least one container in a container treatment plant, including marking at least one container with a marking, detecting the marking of the at least one container, selecting at least one container treatment machine of a container treatment plant and/or at least one operation setting of the at least one container treatment machine of the container treatment plant based on the detected marking, and treating the at least one container based on the selection of the at least one container treatment machine and/or the at least one operation setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hahn, Konrad Senn, Stefan Raith, Frank Winzinger, Jochen Forsthovel, Markus Zolfl, Bernd Sobiech, Alexandra Donhauser, Clemens Berger, Josef Hausladen
  • Publication number: 20120085072
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) for wrapping a bundle on 5 of the 6 faces thereof comprises gripping fingers (44) for holding a sheath (S) from opposed lateral sides of the bundle while folding members (62, 64) pivot into the sheath to tuck in inner creases along the sides of the bundle also thereby forming two-ply outer creases. The two-ply outer creases are brought down against the inner creases by the gripping fingers (44) and a sealing unit (40) is presses against the sides of the bundle to seal the so formed three-ply folds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jean Deschënes
  • Publication number: 20120085073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are shown for providing information on a pill. A patient specific delivery apparatus for medicine using information on a pill or pills is shown as well, and a database with patient specific information may be provided, resulting in an individualized pharmacopoeia for a patient. A dispenser and a method for dispensing pills are provided and may generate audible messages. The dispenser may be constructed with a protective barrier to maintain shelf-life and integrity of the pills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Peter V. Radatti
  • Publication number: 20120085074
    Abstract: A foldable dust collector of the present invention includes a supporting portion, a case and an air pump. The supporting portion is foldable. The case is disposed on the supporting portion. The case is pivotable with respect to the supporting portion. The air pump is disposed on the case. The air pump is used for drawing air into the case. Therefore, the foldable dust collector of the present invention can be transformed. A width of the foldable dust collector is changeable. As such, the foldable dust collector is easier to be stored or be transported. Moreover, the foldable dust collector can be used in a small space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Tony LIN
  • Publication number: 20120085075
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine including a fastening device configured to be fastened to a pulling vehicle, a frame, an implement to be fastened to the frame, a hingeable drawbar, and an actuator provided between the frame and the drawbar, in order to move the frame between at least a transport position behind the fastening device and an operative position laterally of the fastening device, wherein a telescopic drive shaft between the fastening device and the implement, wherein a first shaft end is connected to the fastening device and a second shaft end is connected to the implement, and a steering device which is configured to direct the first shaft part of the telescopic drive shaft substantially to the second shaft end of the telescopic drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd Sieger DE VRIES
  • Publication number: 20120085076
    Abstract: System of static graphic representation applicable to lawn surfaces of natural or synthetic type, comprising a milling device having at least one helical drum with cutting means which permit cutting the grass of the lawn, including as well guiding means to be located on the lawn surface to guide the displacement of the milling device on the lawn surface, so as to obtain publicity representations by way of any character or graphic pattern by means of cutting and orientating the grass of the lawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Juan Miguel Mayordomo Vicente
  • Publication number: 20120085077
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wire rope having a blackened finish designed for theatrical productions. The wire rope includes a plurality of strands that have a closed spiral arrangement with each other and are compacted. Each strand includes a center wire spirally surrounded by a plurality of inner wires that are spirally surrounded by a plurality of outer wires so that the outer wires completely encompass the inner wires. The center wire and the inner wires are made from a galvanized material and coated with a lubricant. The outer wires are made from a non-coated steel material. Each strand is compacted so the outer wires create a tight mechanical seal to protect the inner wires. The blackened finish on the wire rope is due to a black oxide coating treatment and provides for low visibility of the wire rope during theatrical performances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Bamdad Pourladian, Timothy W. Klein
  • Publication number: 20120085078
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guidance chain (18; 118; 218; 318; 418; 518, 618) for guiding a connection line (20; 120; 220; 320; 420), such as a cable, electrical cable, fiber glass cable, water line, gas line or fluid line, between parts (12, 13) of a medical diagnostic apparatus (10) which are moved relative to each other, the guidance chain comprising plural chain elements (19; 119; 219; 319; 419), wherein consecutive chain elements are moveable relative to each other about a respective imaginary or real rotation axis for realizing a folding movement of the guidance chain, wherein the guidance chain is constructed such that it has an pre-set curvature in an unfolded state, and the radial extensions of the rotation axes are originating from substantially the same point in a folded state of the guidance chain. Further, the invention relates to a medical diagnostic apparatus (10) having such a guidance chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Maria Rijken, Martinus Antonius Maria Cuppen, Ravindra Bhat, Arthur Robert Van ES
  • Publication number: 20120085079
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods for producing power from coalbed methane (CBM) with decreased CO2 emissions. For example, a method of producing power according to an exemplary embodiment includes converting a feedstock from a hydrocarbon source into a gas mixture comprising CO2 and H2. The gas mixture is injected into a coalbed to cause CBM to desorb from the coal and CO2 to adsorb onto the coal. The hydrocarbon source is separate from the coalbed, i.e., does not exchange hydrocarbons with the hydrocarbon source. A gas mixture is produced from the coalbed, wherein the produced gas mixture includes H2 and CH4. The gas mixture may be combusted to generate power, while releasing lower amounts of CO2 than would be released from the combustion of pure CH4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20120085080
    Abstract: A fuel-fired burner in a vehicle exhaust system is used to heat up a frozen NOx reducing agent supply tank within a predetermined target amount of time. A method and apparatus are used to identify when a supply of agent is below a predetermined temperature, and the fuel-fired burner is activated for a sufficient amount of time to raise a temperature of the agent to at least the predetermined temperature with the predetermined target amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Navin Khadiya
  • Publication number: 20120085081
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NO increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20120085082
    Abstract: A control system for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes a conversion efficiency determination module, an ammonia slip determination module, and a diagnostic module. The conversion efficiency determination module determines a conversion efficiency of an SCR catalyst. The ammonia slip determination module determines an amount of ammonia slip across the SCR catalyst when the conversion efficiency is less than a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic module determines pass/fail statuses of a reductant supply and the SCR catalyst based on the amount of ammonia slip and at least one ammonia slip threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Yue-Yun Wang, Brett B. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120085083
    Abstract: In one implementation of the disclosed technique, a NOx sensor polynomial algorithm is used to discriminate between NOx and ammonia emission. The polynomial algorithm uses the SCR's time constant property to infer the “loading state” of the SCR and estimate both the NOx conversion and quantity of ammonia slip. The polynomial algorithm assesses this by differentially analyzing the upstream and downstream NOx sensor signals through a comparison of the polynomial coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas Michael Zayan
  • Publication number: 20120085084
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas purification system provided with two or more exhaust gas purification devices each having an oxygen occlusion ability arranged in series in an exhaust passage, a technique is provided in which the degradation of each of the exhaust gas purification devices can be detected in a distinguished manner with a simple structure. In an exhaust gas purification system having an NSR and a filter with an oxygen occlusion ability arranged in series from an upstream side, an NSR outflow gas air fuel ratio is estimated based on an NSR inflow gas air fuel ratio and an oxygen occlusion ability in the NSR, and a filter outflow gas air fuel ratio is estimated based on the NSR outflow gas air fuel ratio (filter inflow gas air fuel ratio) and an oxygen occlusion ability in the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Bisaiji
  • Publication number: 20120085085
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for attaching a pump arrangement to an exhaust pipe at a boss includes a delivery nozzle section and a remaining section including a pump body. The mounting arrangement includes a packing for supporting the pump body at the remaining section of the pump arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Keith E. Wright, Michael Peter Cooke, Phillip D. Thompson, Simon Coster, Nick J. Oldfield, Martin Paul Hardy
  • Publication number: 20120085086
    Abstract: In various embodiments, compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems feature one or more valves, which may be disposed within end caps of cylinder assemblies in which gas is expanded and/or compressed, for admitting fluid to and/or exhausting fluid from the cylinder assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Bollinger, Lee Doyle, Michael Neil Scott, Troy O. McBride, Andrew Shang
  • Publication number: 20120085087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the temperature of a heat regenerator (ST1, ST2) used in an installation (10) for storing energy by adiabatic compression of air. The regenerator is subjected to successive operating cycles, each cycle comprising a compression stage followed by an expansion stage. Between two successive cycles, the method consists in cooling a bottom compartment (26a) of the layer of refractory material (26) of the regenerator that is situated in the proximity of the bottom distribution box (24) in order to bring the air leaving the heat regenerator to a temperature that is compatible with the range of temperatures required during the compression stages. The invention also provides such a heat regenerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GDF SUEZ
    Inventors: Patrick Canal, Lionel Nadau
  • Publication number: 20120085088
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to generate perpetual energy from gravity or any other energy with the same effect by a rotary cylindrical system comprising of three subsystems (loads, middle and liquid) and depending on the effect of gravity on Weight and density of materials used. The system is mainly aiming to transform the gravity energy to buoyancy energy and making the effect of the buoyancy energy grater than the effect of gravity energy on the balance of the whole system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Walid Aboelhaggag Ibrahim Ahmed Zidan
  • Publication number: 20120085089
    Abstract: A changeable damping wave power capturing device driven by bidirectional screw rod is provided, which uses the ball screw device to capture the wave power and prevents the energy lost caused by complex mechanism. In addition, bidirectional reciprocating rectilinear motion is changed to unidirectional rotation by the ratchet wheel device, and then the rotating energy is imported to the generating set. Besides, the wave power capturing device driven by bidirectional screw rod uses the control device to detect wave energy and choose different generator, the control device could change the damping value and improve the efficiency that transforming wave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: YIN-LING KUO, Chih-Wei Yen, Wei-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20120085090
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulic master cylinder body having a bore defined at least in part by a bore wall, wherein the bore wall includes an opening for hydraulic fluid to be passed into the bore, and a piston assembly situated at least substantially in the bore, the assembly having a piston with a piston body and at least one cup seal situated substantially around the piston body, the cup seal situated adjacent to the bore wall so as to be in sealing engagement therewith, and a back-up ring that is situated about the piston body, wherein the back-up ring is positioned to at least partially cover a portion of the cup seal that is adjacent to the bore wall and to prevent at least a portion of the cup seal from contacting the bore wall and the opening for hydraulic fluid during piston actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Gohr, Vesa Ahola, James Dimsey
  • Publication number: 20120085091
    Abstract: Four-stroke internal combustion engine comprising N groups of two or three cylinders the exhaust phases of which do not interfere with one another, the exhaust ports (6) of which are linked together by an individual exhaust manifold (3) which communicates with a common inlet manifold (2) and is linked to one of the N inlets (19) of a shutter (14) the single outlet of which is connected to the inlet of a turbine (5), common to the N groups and which is controlled in such a way as to open an exclusive communication between the turbine (5) and each exhaust manifold (3) at least for the duration of the puffs of exhaust gases emitted by one of the cylinders that it is emptying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jean Frederic Melchior
  • Publication number: 20120085092
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes: a turbocharger having a turbine disposed in an exhaust path and a compressor disposed in an intake path; a waist gate valve that opens and closes a bypass channel that connects a part of the exhaust path upstream of the turbine and a part of the exhaust path downstream of the turbine to each other; a drive mechanism that drives the waist gate valve; and waist gate valve opening controlling means that controls the drive mechanism so that the opening of the waist gate valve agrees with a saturation minimum opening when the drive mechanism opens the waist gate valve, the saturation minimum opening being the minimum opening at which the flow rate of an exhaust gas passing through the bypass channel is saturated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Hotta, Akira Eiraku
  • Publication number: 20120085093
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Dongho KIM
  • Publication number: 20120085094
    Abstract: A photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system and a method of cooling photovoltaic (PV) cells in the system is described herein. Energy from an excitation source such as the sun hits the PV cells in the PV-T system causing heating that reduces PV efficiency. The PV cells are cooled by fluid in an intact heat-transfer system making a heated water byproduct while the PV cells release a form of energy. In addition, the PV-T system can be implemented in a desalination plant to harvest energy and heat for desalination processes. The present invention also includes methods for transferring heat from PV cells to the earth to improve PV performance and reduce thermal shock to the PV cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Thomas A. Davis, Malynda A. Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20120085095
    Abstract: Heat recovery systems and methods for producing electrical and/or mechanical power from a process heat by-product are provided. Sources of process heat by-product include hot flue gas streams, high temperature reactors, steam generators, gas turbines, diesel generators, and process columns. Heat recovery systems and methods include a process heat by-product stream for indirectly heating a working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle includes a heat exchanger, a turbine-generator system for producing power, a condenser heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the working fluid to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John David Penton, Leonore R. Rouse, Jerry M. Rovner