Patents Issued in September 6, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120222385
    Abstract: A construction panel positioning tool includes a ramp member having a support platform to support a panel edge, and a downwardly inclined ramp section configured to slidingly engage and guide a panel edge placed thereon toward the support platform. A stabilizing member coupled to the ramp member engages a structural building component to support the ramp member in position. A construction panel support tool includes a suspension frame having guides that slidably engage a ceiling joist, and a support member cantilevered thereto, which has a top surface spaced from the bottom of a ceiling joist to provide clearance for a construction panel. A system includes one or more of each tool. The positioning tool(s) is/are installed to position and support a first panel edge. The opposite panel edge is then lifted against the ceiling and then supported by the support member of a support tool that is moved into place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: William Matthews
  • Publication number: 20120222386
    Abstract: A construction panel support tool includes a suspension frame having a mounting member to mount the tool to a ceiling joist adjacent a construction panel installation site and a guide member coupled thereto. An elongate support member movably supported on the guide member is movable relative thereto between a deployed position in which a distal portion of the support member extends beneath the panel installation site, and a standby position. The tool may include a locking member selectively engageable to retain the support member in a desired position, such as a deployed position, and may optionally include a biasing member selectively engageable to bias the distal portion of the support member toward the panel installation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: William Matthews
  • Publication number: 20120222387
    Abstract: The present invention refers no a plant for filling bottles or containers with continuous calibration and to a continuous calibration method of such a plant. The calibration method (100) is characterised in that it comprises the steps consisting of collecting (110) at least one set of data relating to filling and/or closing parameters of containers or bottles (16) treated through the same tap or filling valve (15) of the filling plant (10) and/or through the same closing and/or capping head (14) of the filling plant (10); based on the data collected, calculating (120) statistical data associated with the tap or filling valve (15) and/or with the closing and/or capping head (14); updating (130) the statistical data based on new data collected and monitoring the progression thereof; in the case of a variation of the statistical data over time, adjusting the tap or filling valve (15) and/or the closing and/or capping head (14) associated with the statistical data so as to compensate for the variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicants: AROL S.P.A., FT SYSTEM S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Forestelli, Alberto Cirio
  • Publication number: 20120222388
    Abstract: The device for sealing containers comprises a container feeding device for an intermittent feed of containers in a transport direction, a cap feeding device having a plurality of cap gripper units; and a capping device movable in and opposite to a lowering direction. The capping device has a plurality of capping units corresponding to the plurality of cap gripper units in the cap feeding device. Each capping unit has a screwing-on mechanism at one end. Each screwing-on mechanism is adapted to pick up a cap and to seal the container with the cap in a lowered position of the capping device. The capping device and the plurality of cap gripper units of the cap feeding device are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cap gripper units of the cap feeding device are positively guided in the lowering direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: UHLMANN PAC-SYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kronawitter, Joachim Noe
  • Publication number: 20120222389
    Abstract: Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit at its lower end that provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Reinhold Krämer, Stephan Sattler, Uwe Mertsch
  • Publication number: 20120222390
    Abstract: A stackable package for bedding includes a flexible outer container having an upper end and a lower end, a bottom panel extending along the lower end of the flexible container and side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel toward the upper end of the flexible container for defining an open end of the flexible outer container. The stackable package includes an insert disposed inside the flexible outer container for reinforcing the bottom and side panels of the flexible outer container, and bedding disposed inside the insert. The side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for hermetically sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Comfort Revolution, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Fux
  • Publication number: 20120222391
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling valve bags with dry bulk goods including a supporting construction and a filling spout extending laterally from the supporting construction for filling a valve bag provided with a bag body and a valve. A bag holder for guiding the valve bag is provided. For filling, the valve bag is placed onto the filling spout by its valve, hanging from the filling spout during the filling process. The bag holder is displaceable during the filling process from a filling position to a closing position after discharge. An expansion device is provided at the bag holder to expand the valve of the valve bag prior to closing. The bag holder is attached to the supporting construction. During the filling process the expansion device is at least partially inserted into the valve of the valve bag hanging from the filling spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: HAVER & BOECKER OHG
    Inventor: Mark WEHLING
  • Publication number: 20120222392
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of regulating food intake including providing a base structure having a plurality of holding areas sized to contain a food item and corresponding movable covers in various shapes and designs. The covers are connected to the board allowing for at least two different types of movement to provide for use of diverse motor skills and controlled receipt of snacks for young children.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Maureen J. Theis-Handwerker
  • Publication number: 20120222393
    Abstract: A machine for the automatic packaging of loose products or products placed in trays, with a usually heat-weldable stretch film, comprises means for unrolling sections of stretch film from a supply reel, separating said sections of film (F) into lengths appropriate for the dimensions of the product to be packaged, by transverse cutting, and positioning the sheet of film thus obtained, horizontally, in a packaging station (C), holding said sheet by the opposite longitudinal sides by means of parallel pairs (G1, G2) of superposed, synchronized belts (1, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Massimiliano Vaccari
  • Publication number: 20120222394
    Abstract: An air pollution control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack that discharges flue gas discharged from a boiler outside; a blower that is provided downstream of the stack and draws in the flue gas; and a CO2 recovering apparatus that recovers CO2 in the flue gas drawn in by the blower. The stack includes a controlling unit that suppresses release of the flue gas outside from the stack and suppresses inflow of atmosphere to the stack, and the controlling unit is a channel forming unit that forms a serpentine channel through which the flue gas and the atmosphere in the stack flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masaki Iijima
  • Publication number: 20120222395
    Abstract: A height of cut adjustment system for use with a walk behind mower. The height of cut adjustment system includes a single drive motor that is operable in a first direction and a second direction. The single drive motor is connected to a linkage assembly that supports the four wheels of the walk behind mower relative to the mower deck. When the single drive motor is operated in a first direction, the mower height of cut increases and when the drive motor is operated in the second direction, the height of cut is decreased. The height of cut adjustment system includes a height of cut indicator system that visually indicates the relative position of the wheels relative to the mower deck. The height of cut indicator system includes one or more position indicators that can be selectively positioned to visually indicate the desired height of cut for the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian D. Grewe, Stephen C. Price, Scott A. Chartrand, James R. Powers
  • Publication number: 20120222396
    Abstract: A jet engine has a bypass duct limited by an inner wall and an outer wall and inside which a fluid flows. Between the inner and outer walls of the bypass duct a support unit is provided that includes strut-like support elements connected at opposite ends to the inner and outer walls, respectively. Central longitudinal planes of the support elements describe in the areas of the support elements facing the inner wall a positive acute angle with an engine axis, and in the areas of the support elements facing the outer wall a negative acute angle with the engine axis. Flow cross-sections are each enlarged in the area between the side surfaces of the support elements each describing an acute angle with the walls, starting from the areas facing the fluid flow in the direction of the areas of the support elements facing away from the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Carsten CLEMEN
  • Publication number: 20120222397
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle axially movable relative to the fan nacelle to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust a pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow during engine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Peter G. Smith, Stuart S. Ochs, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20120222398
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a geared architecture and a fan variable area nozzle axially movable relative to a fan nacelle to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust a pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow during engine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Peter G. Smith, Stuart S. Ochs, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20120222399
    Abstract: A method of controlling an exhaust gas treatment system for an engine includes relating the usage of an oxidation catalyst to a temperature offset value, and increasing a current burn threshold temperature by the temperature offset value to define an adjusted burn threshold temperature. Hydrocarbons may be injected into a flow of exhaust gas when the temperature of the oxidation catalyst is equal to or greater than the adjusted burn threshold temperature. The temperature at which the hydrocarbons are injected into the exhaust gas is thereby increased to accommodate performance degradation in the oxidation catalyst, which extends the life of the oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David Michael VanBuren, Thomas LaRose, JR., Kari Jackson, Michael V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120222400
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an engine with an exhaust gas treatment system. In one example, under a first condition, a first fuel is delivered for combustion in the engine. Under a second condition, a second fuel is delivered for combustion in the engine, the second fuel different than the first fuel. Under a third condition, the first fuel is delivered as a reductant for the exhaust gas treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David James Walker, Narendra Joshi, Adam Klingbeil
  • Publication number: 20120222401
    Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, wherein nitrogen oxide (NOx) is reduced by use of a SCR catalytic converter and wherein the ageing state of the SCR catalytic converter is monitored, characterized in that during a temporally limited phase having a high proportion of nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the exhaust gas, a conversion of said SCR catalytic converter is acquired and evaluated and the ageing state of said SCR catalytic converter is suggested therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Scherer, Markus Gloeckle, Tobias Pfister
  • Publication number: 20120222402
    Abstract: New operating phases of internal combustion engines, such as coasting in which the internal combustion engine is decoupled from the rest of the drive section, continuously decrease the number of phases in which there is an overrun mode of an internal combustion engine in which diagnoses of catalytic converters and exhaust gas probes are carried out. Also, a method wherein the diagnosis of the at least one exhaust gas probe and/or the at least one catalytic converter carried out during the coasting mode and, in particular, when the cylinder bank is switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Keller, Rainer Dostert
  • Publication number: 20120222403
    Abstract: In order to achieve effective cleaning of an inlet side of a catalytic converter in a combustion system, in particular a large-scale internal combustion engine system, a cleaning device having a cleaning brush for mechanically removing deposits is provided on the inlet side. The cleaning brush effectively and reliably removes and swirls up the deposits which have been formed, which are carried away with the exhaust gas in the flow direction through the catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY CATALYSTS (GERMANY) GMBH
    Inventor: KLAUS STROBL
  • Publication number: 20120222404
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a system for treating NOx in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine, said system comprising means for introducing a reducing agent into the exhaust line upstream of an NOx reduction catalyst. The invention is characterised in that it consists in estimating the efficiency of the treatment in relation to a maximum conversion potential obtained if the ratio between the quantity of injected reducer and the quantity of NOx in the gas complies with a given set value and if the mass of reducing agent stored in the catalyst complies with a given storage set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Christophe Charial, Clement Grise
  • Publication number: 20120222405
    Abstract: The present detector for detecting sulfur components includes a storage portion for storing SOx and NOx in the exhaust gas passing through an exhaust passage, in which the more an amount of stored SOx increases, the more an amount of stored NOx decreases, and which does not release SOx but release NOx at a set temperature, and a temperature sensor, estimates the amount of stored SOx on the basis of a relationship between, after the storage portion becomes the set temperature by heating, a heating pattern of the storage portion and temperature change of the storage portion measured by the temperature sensor, and detects an integrated amount of SOx passing through the exhaust passage during a given period or an value on the basis of the integrated amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Oshikawa, Takamitsu Asanuma, Hiromasa Nishioka, Yoshihisa Tsukamoto, Hiroshi Otsuki, Junichi Matsuo, Kazuhiro Umemoto
  • Publication number: 20120222406
    Abstract: An exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine capable of lean-burn driving comprises: an NSR catalyst disposed in an exhaust passageway; an SCR disposed downstream of the NSR catalyst; a NOx sensor, disposed downstream of the SCR, for producing output in response to NOx concentration; and rich-spike means for causing a rich-spike. When the NOx sensor has produced output indicative of a NOx concentration higher than a given NOx concentration, the system increases the amount of the NOx contained in the exhaust gas discharged during the rich-spike. Under a given high-load condition, the air-fuel ratio is made stoichiometric during the rich-spike caused at a particular timing. Under a given low-load condition, the amount of exhaust gas is increased during the rich-spike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Sakurai, Shigeki Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20120222407
    Abstract: A catalyst warming-up controller executes a catalyst warming-up control in which an ignition timing is retarded to warm-up a catalyst and performs a compression-stroke injection in which a fuel is injected into a cylinder in a compression stroke. While the catalyst warming-up control is executed, a variable valve timing controller controls a valve timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve to establish a negative-valve-overlap period in which both of the exhaust valve and the intake valve are closed. A fuel injector injects the fuel into a cylinder in this period and a quantity of the compression-stroke injection is decreasingly corrected according to the injection quantity in the above period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto MIWA, Hiroyuki INUZUKA
  • Publication number: 20120222408
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes a catalytic converter module that determines whether a catalytic converter is active. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst module determines whether a SCR catalyst is active. An engine control module adjusts an air and fuel ratio of an engine to operate at a stoichiometric ratio and retards spark of the engine when the catalytic converter is not active. The engine control module at least one of performs post fuel injection and directly injects fuel into an exhaust system of the engine when the catalytic converter is active and the SCR catalyst is not active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Bruce F. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20120222409
    Abstract: An injector mount for completely accommodating at least one injector includes a housing having at least one injector chamber. The at least one injector chamber has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening of the injector chamber can be connected to a region of an exhaust line that conducts exhaust gas, and the second opening of the injector chamber can be closed repeatedly by a closure. An exhaust line having an injector mount is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: JAN HODGSON, SVEN SCHEPERS
  • Publication number: 20120222410
    Abstract: A pollutant removal system for use with a power generation system includes a particulate control device configured to remove particulates from a flue gas stream produced within the power generation system. The particulate control device is cleaned on a predetermined cleaning cycle. The pollutant removal system also includes a sorbent control system for controllably injecting a sorbent into the flue gas stream upstream of the particulate control device. The sorbent control system is configured to adjust a sorbent injection rate as a function of the cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Martin Maly, Robert Taylor, Vishal Bansal
  • Publication number: 20120222411
    Abstract: In an exhaust filter, a urea hydrolysis catalyst is supported on a first portion of an inner wall of a cell passage on the inlet side, and a first NOx reducing catalyst is supported on a second portion of the inner wall of the inlet-side passage downstream of the first portion. A second NOx reducing catalyst is supported on a third portion of an inner wall of a cell passage on the outlet side where the third portion overlaps with the first portion in a direction of intersection with the exhaust flow into the exhaust filter or is downstream of the first portion. An oxidation catalyst is supported on a fourth portion of the inner wall of the outlet-side passage downstream of the third portion where the fourth portion overlaps with the second portion in the direction of intersection or is downstream of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Masakazu YANO, Nobuhiko Masaki, Kiminobu Hirata
  • Publication number: 20120222412
    Abstract: An engine exhaust gas particulate filter comprises a plurality of paired longitudinal flow cells having a first flow cell channel and a second flow cell channel. The first flow cell channel is disposed in fluid communication with the second flow cell channel through a common permeable filtration wall. Each of the plurality of paired longitudinal flow cells forms a non-linear flow path about a longitudinal axis of the engine exhaust gas particulate filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald W. Askew
  • Publication number: 20120222413
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system includes an emissions treatment device for treating exhaust emitted from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust treatment system includes a frame adapted to support first and second spaced apart portions of the exhaust treatment system. The emissions treatment device interconnects the first and second portions and is in receipt of exhaust from the first portion and provides treated exhaust to the second portion. A first bracket is fixed to the frame and includes one of a protrusion and a receptacle. A second bracket is adapted to be fixed to the emissions treatment device and includes the other of the protrusion and the receptacle. The protrusion is positioned within the receptacle when the emissions treatment device is properly positioned. The protrusion interferes with one of the second bracket and the emissions treatment device to preclude assembly when the emissions treatment device is improperly positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Golin, Rick Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120222414
    Abstract: An exhaust purifying apparatus achieving placement of components so as to prevent an increase in the size of the vehicle caused by the placement of the exhaust purifying apparatus while maintaining the performance of the exhaust purifying apparatus by secondary air in a saddle-ride type vehicle. An exhaust purifying apparatus of a saddle-ride vehicle includes a secondary air supply pipe of which one end is connected an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. A secondary air control valve is connected with the other end of the secondary air supply pipe for controlling the supply of secondary air to the secondary air supply pipe. An outdoor air introduction passage is connected to the secondary air control valve, wherein an air filter for secondary air and a resonant passage are installed in the middle of the outdoor air introduction passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Takahiko SHIMIZU, Makoto MITSUKAWA, Kuniharu KIMURA, Takatoshi TATSUMI
  • Publication number: 20120222415
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus adapted to receive heat source input for the development and substantially continuous supply of thermal energy to a Stirling engine for the transfer of said thermal energy to electrical and/or mechanical energy, even during periods when heat source input is intermittent or unavailable for a period of time. The apparatus includes a series of elongate canisters containing silicon metalloid and made of refractory material. The canisters are interlaced with a thermal energy absorbing material in communication with a wicking material to which the Stirling engine is in communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Glynn, Neil Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20120222416
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake actuation device is provided that basically includes a housing, a master piston, a push rod, an actuation lever, a contact member and a support member. The housing includes a master cylinder. The master piston is slidably disposed in the master cylinder. The push rod is coupled to the master piston. The actuation lever is pivotally attached to the housing. The contact member contacts the actuation lever. The contact member also contacts the push rod that pushes the master piston. The support member is attached to the housing. The support member is a separate piece from the housing that guides the contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki HIROSE, Shinichi TAKIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20120222417
    Abstract: A method for a turbosupercharger of a heat engine including a turbine, a compressor, and a by-pass actuator that can be used to control an air flow that does not pass through the turbine. The method includes determining a position set point of the by-pass actuator as a function of a compression ratio set point, a compression ratio measurement, a measurement of the rate of flow through the compressor, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the turbine, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the compressor, a measurement of the temperature upstream from the turbine, and a measurement of the temperature upstream from the compressor. The method can be used to control a supercharging device with a single or dual turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Fontvieille, Arnaud Guinois, Philippe Moulin, Olivier Grondin
  • Publication number: 20120222418
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes: a turbine disposed in an exhaust passage; a bypass passage provided in the exhaust passage and bypassing the turbine; a wastegate valve that opens and closes the bypass passage; and an air-fuel ratio sensor provided downstream of a discharge port of the bypass passage. The air-fuel ratio sensor is provided at such a position that the proportion of the amount of exhaust gas that directly strikes the air-fuel ratio sensor to the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the bypass passage changes depending on the opening degree of the wastegate valve. When the engine is in a cold-start state, the proportion of the amount of exhaust gas that directly strikes the air-fuel ratio sensor after being discharged from the bypass passage to the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the bypass passage is made smaller than when the engine is in a warm-start state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junji WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20120222419
    Abstract: A turbocharger for a use with a combustion engine is provided. The turbocharger may have a turbine housing with a first volute, a second volute, and a common outlet. The turbocharger may also have a turbine wheel disposed between the common outlet and the first and second volutes. The turbocharger may further have a first valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the first volute with the second volute upstream of the turbine wheel, a second valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the second volute with the common outlet to bypass the turbine wheel, and a common actuator configured to move the first and second valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Craig Phillip Hittle, Jonathan P. Kilkenny, David Andrew Pierpont, Stephan Donald Roozenboom
  • Publication number: 20120222420
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a system for utilizing the waste heat from the internal combustion engine via the Clausius-Rankine cycle, a system includes a circuit having lines with a working medium, a working medium pump, a vaporizer-exhaust gas heat exchanger, and a vaporizer-EGR heat exchanger, an expander, and a condenser for liquefying the vaporous working medium. The line for the working medium is run from the condenser to the vaporizer-EGR heat exchanger so that the working medium, after flowing through the condenser, first flows through the vaporizer-EGR heat exchanger, and the line for the working medium is run from the vaporizer-EGR heat exchanger to the vaporizer-exhaust gas heat exchanger so that the working medium, after flowing through the vaporizer-EGR heat exchanger, first flows through the vaporizer-exhaust gas heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Peter GESKES, Eberhard Pantow
  • Publication number: 20120222421
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a solar energy system includes a sun tracking lens mounted on a frame. The system further includes a support system to support the solar energy system, a heat exchanger configured so that concentrated light from the lens is focused on the heat exchanger, a boiler, a double chamber scroll compressor, a turbine arranged in the support system, and a generator unit arranged in the support system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: James HANNA
  • Publication number: 20120222422
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of coupling and integrating natural gas recovery and separation along with chemical conversion. The method can comprise extracting at least one natural gas component. Non-limiting examples of the extracted component include ethane, propane, butanes, and pentanes. The method can also comprise contacting a natural gas stream with a catalyst under conditions that selectively convert at least one component into at least one product, such as ethylene, acetic acid, polyethylene, vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and their derivatives, propylene, polypropylene, propylene oxide, propylene glycol, acrylates, acrolein, acrylic acid, butenes, butadiene, methacrolein, methacrylic acid, methacrylates, and their derivatives, which can then be separated from the remaining components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Allen Nunley, Madan Mohan Bhasin, William George Etzkorn, George Ernest Keller, II, Parvez H. Wadia
  • Publication number: 20120222423
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a thermoelectric energy storage system (TEES) and method for converting electrical energy into thermal energy to be stored and converted back to electrical energy with an improved round-trip efficiency are disclosed. The TEES includes a working fluid circuit for circulating a working fluid through a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, a thermal storage medium circuit for circulating a thermal storage medium, the thermal storage medium circuit having at least one hot storage tank coupled to a cold storage tank via the first heat exchanger. The arrangement maximizes the work performed by the cycle during charging and discharging for a given maximum pressure and maximum temperature of the working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Mehmet MERCANGOEZ, Jaroslav Hemrle, Lilian Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20120222424
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a pressure vessel that defines an interior region that can contain a liquid and/or a gas. A piston is movably disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel. A divider is fixedly disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel and divides the interior region into a first interior region on a first side of the divider and a second interior region on a second, opposite side of the divider. The piston is movable between a first position in which fluid having a first pressure is disposed within the first interior region and the first interior region has a volume less than a volume of the second interior region, and a second position in which fluid having a second pressure is disposed within the second interior region and the second interior region has a volume less than a volume of the first interior region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL COMPRESSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn, Luc Aalmans, Matthew Bleiske
  • Publication number: 20120222425
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a power plant, having a waste heat-generating gas turbine unit and also rooms which are to be air conditioned. Waste heat, which is discharged directly to the outside of the gas turbine unit, is used for heating the rooms which are to be air conditioned. A gas turbine for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Stephen Lawrence Thomas CREAMER, Floris VAN STRAATEN, Joerg PFISTNER
  • Publication number: 20120222426
    Abstract: An integrated power generation system for reducing carbon dioxide emissions is provided. The integrated system comprises a gas turbine having an air inlet, a fuel inlet and an exhaust gas outlet; a steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) boiler having an inlet connected to the exhaust gas outlet of the gas turbine, a fuel inlet, an optional air inlet, and a flue gas outlet; and a carbon dioxide capture system connected to the flue gas outlet of the SAGD boiler. A method for capturing the carbon dioxide exhausted from a gas turbine and a SAGD boiler is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Scott Macadam
  • Publication number: 20120222427
    Abstract: An improved method to manage the flow of heat in an active regenerator in magnetocaloric or an electrocaloric heat-pump refrigeration system, in which heat exchange fluid moves synchronously with the motion of a magnetic or electric field. Only a portion of the length of the active regenerator bed is introduced to or removed from the field at one time, and the heat exchange fluid flows from the cold side toward the hot side while the magnetic or electric field moves along the active regenerator bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: MATERIALS AND ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles N. Hassen
  • Publication number: 20120222428
    Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration system having a magnetocaloric material for adjusting the temperature of a transfer fluid is disclosed. The magnetic refrigeration system includes tubing filled with the transfer fluid that flows in a first pass through a heat exchanger having a magnetocaloric material that is magnetized by one or more electromagnets and heats the transfer fluid. The magnetocaloric material is magnetized and demagnetized by one or more electromagnets controlled by a timer/controller device. A three-way solenoid valve controls the flow of heated transfer fluid from the heat exchanger and directs the heated transfer fluid to a warm heat exchanger for cooling of the transfer fluid. The cooled transfer fluid is then passed a second time through the heat ex changer in which the magnetocaloric material is demagnetized for further cooling of the cooled transfer fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Serdar Celik, Chris Euler, Mehmet Hamdi Kural
  • Publication number: 20120222429
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner for a passenger compartment includes a power source, a radiator provided outside the passenger compartment, a heat medium passage through which heat medium is circulated between the power source and the radiator, a first peltier module having a first peltier device and a first heat exchanger, and a second peltier module having a second peltier device and a second heat exchanger. The first and second peltier devices each has a first surface and a second surface, one of the first surface and the second surface serves to release heat, the other of the first surface and the second surface serves to absorb heat. The first heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the first surface. The second heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the first surface. The heat medium passage is thermally coupled to the second surfaces of the first and second peltier devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Takahisa BAN, Masakazu MURASE, Naoya YOKOMACHI
  • Publication number: 20120222430
    Abstract: A plant for regasification of LNG includes at least one pump boosting LNG pressure; an LNG/coolant heat exchanger producing NG from LNG being flowed from the boosting pumps; a closed coolant loop extending through the LNG/coolant heat exchanger and including at least one heat exchanger, a coolant from the respective heat exchanger being passed through the LNG heat exchanger as a gas and leaving in a condensed state as to produce NG by thermal exchange; and a heating medium being used within the respective heat exchanger as to provide coolant in a gaseous state. An NG/coolant heat exchanger is arranged in connection with the LNG/coolant heat exchanger and is connected to the closed coolant loop, whereby LNG is preheated within the LNG/coolant heat exchanger and NG is trim heated within the NG/coolant heat exchanger using liquid coolant from at least one heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Hamworthy Gas Systems AS
    Inventor: Per Helge S. Madsen
  • Publication number: 20120222431
    Abstract: A cryopump 10 includes: a first cryopanel including a radiation shield 18 having a shield opening 20 and a louver 23 arranged in the shield opening 20; a second cryopanel 24 surrounded by the first cryopanel; and a refrigerator 14 configured to cool the first cryopanel to a first cooling temperature and to cool the second cryopanel to a second cooling temperature lower than the first cooling temperature. A rough surface 42 is formed on the louver 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hidekazu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120222432
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a direct contact ice making system in conjunction with a circulating liquid coolant. The ice making system includes a coolant loop and an air flow chamber on a portion of the loop. The air flow chamber includes channels formed by offset protrusions, which direct air back and forth over the portion of the cooling loop to cool ambient air within the ice making system. The cooled air is then directed by a fan and supply duct to an ice storage container to prevent ice cubes in the container from melting. Once the air has warmed in the container, it is directed by a return duct to the beginning of the air flow chamber to begin the process over once again, thus creating a recirculation of air within a refrigerator system to cool an ice storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUIZ ANTONIO D. LOPES, LORRAINE J. WESTLAKE
  • Publication number: 20120222433
    Abstract: A control method includes receiving an output value from an optical sensor to determine whether an ice bank is full of ice, driving the sensor heater for a first drive time to heat the optical sensor upon determining that the ice bank is full of ice, driving the optical sensor to receive an output value from the optical sensor after lapse of the first drive time, comparing the output value with the output value received to determine whether the ice bank is full of ice to calculate variation of the output value, and driving the sensor heater for a second drive time to heat the optical sensor so that the optical sensor is defrosted if the calculated variation of the output value is equal to or greater than a reference variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun PARK, Do Hyung Kim, Jin Jeong, Yong Sung Yoon, Khan Qasim, Seung Ah Joo
  • Publication number: 20120222434
    Abstract: A controller for a drive motor for a scraper of a frozen product dispenser operates the drive motor to rotate the scraper at selected ones of a plurality of different speeds within a freeze barrel of the dispenser, in accordance with the values of sensed operating parameters of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for rotation of the scraper at speeds appropriate for, but no greater than required for, the then existent operating condition of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: David B. Gist, Gregory M. Billman, Santhosh Kumar, Kyle Elsom, Nikolay Popov