Patents Issued in September 20, 2012
  • Rocket Nozzles for Unconventional Vehicles
    Publication number: 20120233983
    Abstract: Improved rocket nozzle designs for vehicles with nozzles embedded in or protruding from surfaces remote from the desired thrust axis. The nozzle configurations are for rocket vehicles where the nozzles are not located at the optimal thrust axis of the vehicle. Two examples include nozzles located on the forward end of the vehicle (also called tractor nozzles) and attitude control nozzles located on the periphery of the vehicle. More particularly, the disclosed nozzle shapes enhance the axial thrusts and/or maneuver torques on the vehicle. These unconventional nozzle shapes improve vehicle performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: AEROJET-GENERAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A NITROGEN OXIDE (NOX) CONVERSION EFFICIENCY MONITOR
    Publication number: 20120233984
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust system, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device, a first and a second NOx sensor configured to respectively measure an upstream and a downstream NOx level, and a controller or host machine. The controller, via the present method, calculates a NOx conversion efficiency rate of the SCR device using the NOx levels from the sensors. At the end of a key cycle when an accumulated amount of upstream NOx is less than a calibrated upstream NOx level, the controller determines if the NOx conversion efficiency rate is presently passing or failing. The accumulated upstream NOx is recorded in memory for use in calculating the NOx conversion efficiency rate during a subsequent key cycle only when the NOx conversion efficiency rate is presently passing at the end of the key cycle. A control system for the vehicle uses the controller and sensors as noted above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Rebecca J. Darr, Steve L. Melby
  • APPARATUS COMPRISING LEAN BURN IC ENGINE AND AN EXHAUST SYSTEM THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20120233985
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises: (i) a lean burn internal combustion engine; (ii) an exhaust system for treating a flowing exhaust gas from the engine, which system comprising: (a) a first substrate monolith comprising a NOx adsorber catalyst (NAC); and (b) a catalysed soot filter (CSF) comprising a filter substrate; and (iii) means for enriching the exhaust gas to provide an enriched exhaust gas composition intermittently during normal lean running operation for removing sulfate adsorbed on the NAC, wherein the exhaust system comprises: (c) a compound located downstream of at least some of the NAC, which compound is effective to remove and/or convert at least some hydrogen sulfide in enriched exhaust gas derived from removing sulfate adsorbed on the NAC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Hai-Ying Chen, Howard Sherman Hess, Andrew Peter Walker
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEMS IN FEEDBACK
    Publication number: 20120233986
    Abstract: A method includes determining a current mid-bed NH3 amount by operating an NH3 sensor positioned at a mid-bed location for an engine aftertreatment system having two SCR catalyst beds. The method further includes operating a NOx sensor positioned at the mid-bed location, and interpreting a current mid-bed ammonia to NOx ratio (ANR) and a current mid-bed NOx in response to the mid-bed NH3 amount and the operating the NOx sensor. The method further includes correcting an output value of the NOx sensor for cross-sensitivity to NH3. The method includes determining a mid-bed ANR constraint, determining a feedforward mid-bed NOx target, and providing a reductant injector command in response to the current mid-bed ANR, the current mid-bed NOx, the ANR constraint, and the feedforward mid-bed NOx target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Mert Geveci, Andrew Osburn
  • CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20120233987
    Abstract: In the present invention, a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine detects an amount of particulate matter contained in an exhaust gas in an exhaust passage, according to an electrical property across electrodes of a particulate matter sensor disposed in the exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The term “electrical property” here refers to a property that changes with the amount of particulate matter deposited, for example, a current value of when a predetermined voltage is applied. After the internal combustion engine is started and detection of the amount of the particulate matter is completed, an element section of the particulate matter sensor is set to a predetermined temperature range. The particulate matter deposited on the element section is thereby burned and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiichiro Aoki, Hiroki Nishijima
  • AIRCRAFT CAPABLE OF HOVERING
    Publication number: 20120233988
    Abstract: An aircraft, capable of hovering, having drive means; and at least one exhaust duct connected to an outlet of the drive means to expel the exhaust gas, produced by fuel combustion, from the aircraft. At least part of the exhaust duct has a thermoelectric conversion circuit for Seebeck-effect converting to electric energy the thermal gradient produced between the inside and outside of the exhaust duct by flow of the exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Massimo Brunetti, Andrea Cogliati, Dario Iannucci, Alessandro Scandroglio
  • FLUID COMPRESSION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120233989
    Abstract: A fluid pump (10) has a compression member (12) having a variably-sized compression surface (13b) movable against fluid pressure in a chamber (22). The effective surface area of the compression member (12) decreases in size together with a corresponding cross-sectional area of the chamber (22) from a maximal area at a beginning of the compression stroke to a minimal area at the end of the compression stroke. Using a variably-sized surface area to compress a fluid volume allows obtaining a rapid gain of fluid pressure even for applications in which the compression member (12) is actuated at relatively low frequencies and under the action of relatively small forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: LES CHAUSSURES STC INC.
    Inventors: Regis Fortin, Andre Emond, Michel Bisson
  • METHOD FOR OPERATING A HYDRAULIC DRIVE DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20120233990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a hydraulic drive device comprising a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit having a working piston that can be moved in a working direction between an upper dead point and a lower dead point, a set point for the position of the working piston in the working direction being predefined, and an actual value of the position of the working piston in the working direction being interrogated, and the movement of the working piston being regulated as a function of the set point and the actual value. The invention additionally relates to a hydraulic drive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventor: Bert Brahmer
  • MULTI-FUNCTION MACHINES, HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS THEREFOR, AND METHODS FOR THEIR OPERATION
    Publication number: 20120233991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and actuating actuators that perform multiple functions in a machine. Such systems and methods encompass a hydraulic system adapted to control and actuate the actuators of the machine. The hydraulic system includes variable displacement pump/motors connected to the engine in parallel. A first of the pump/motors controls a first of the actuators, and a second of the pump/motors is adapted to draw power from and deliver power to the engine and the first actuator, as well as control at least a second of the actuators. An energy storage device is connected in series with the second pump/motor and the second actuator, and accumulates a fluid pumped thereto by the second pump/motor, as well as delivers the fluid to the second pump/motor, depending on whether the second pump/motor delivers is delivering or drawing power from the engine or first actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDTION
    Inventors: Monika Marianne Ivantysynova, Joshua David Zimmerman
  • WHEEL END WITH INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20120233992
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly comprises a wheel hub support housing and a wheel hub drive assembly rotatably connected to the wheel hub support housing. The wheel end assembly also includes a hydraulic motor operatively coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly, the hydraulic motor being disposed to deliver a torque to the wheel hub drive assembly. The wheel end assembly further includes a pump, fluidly coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly and the hydraulic motor, the pump being disposed to provide a flow of hydraulic fluid to the wheel hub drive assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Norval Paul Thomson, Steven Alan Daniel, Daniel Peter Sergison, Avert Glen Vannette
  • METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OF A WORKING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20120233993
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system of a working machine, which hydraulic system includes a first hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to a first actuator of the working machine, and a second hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to a second actuator of the working machine and for providing hydraulic fluid to the first actuator. The method includes using a first control mode, and in the first control mode allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic machine to the second actuator, wherein the pump pressure of the second hydraulic machine is selected based on the load pressure of the second actuator independently of the load pressure of the first actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Kim Heybroek
  • VACUUM-ACTUATED HANDLING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120233994
    Abstract: A vacuum—actuated handling device including, in the inner space (12) of a hollow body (11) with closed ends, a guide cylinder (13) defining an axial chamber (26) and, with the inner space, an annular compartment (25). In the chamber (26) a piston (14) movable between a rearward position adjacent to a first end and a forward position adjacent to a second end of said body (11) is accommodated. The piston is provided with an axially pierced rod (15), emerging from the second end of the body, carrying a gripping end sucker (27) and it is connected to a return spring (23) aiming to move the piston (14) to the rearward position. The piston (14) divides the chamber (26) in a first part of the chamber (a) adjacent to the first end and a second part of the chamber (b) on the side of said piston rod (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maffeis
  • HYBRID OPERATING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20120233995
    Abstract: A controller determines whether or not a control valve for controlling the supply of pressure fluid from a main pump to an actuator is at a neutral position, detects input power of a hydraulic motor rotated by return oil from the actuator, and narrows the opening of a proportional electromagnetic throttle valve when the control valve is at the neutral position and the input power of the hydraulic motor is in excess of a first threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haruhiko Kawasaki, Masahiro Egawa
  • SYSTEM FOR ALLOCATING FLUID FROM MULTIPLE PUMPS TO A PLURALITY OF HYDRAULIC FUNCTIONS ON A PRIORITY BASIS
    Publication number: 20120233996
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a flow summation node coupled to a displacement control port of the first pump. Each valve in the assembly has a variable metering orifice controlling flow from an inlet to a hydraulic actuator and has a variable source orifice conveying fluid from a supply conduit to a flow summation node. The source orifice enlarges as the metering orifice shrinks. Each valve includes a variable bypass orifice and the bypass orifices of all the control valves are connected in series forming a bypass passage between a bypass node and a tank. The bypass node is coupled to the flow summation node and receives fluid from a second pump. At each valve, a source check valve conveys fluid from the supply conduit to the inlet and a bypass supply check valve conveys fluid from the bypass passage to the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Corey K. Quinnell, Joseph L. Pfaff, Jonathan M. Starkey, Eric P. Hamkins
  • REGENERATIVE HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20120233997
    Abstract: Hydraulic systems and methods for using such systems in a variety of machinery, including but not limited to machines having multiple functions performed by one or more hydraulic circuits. The systems enable valves and actuators within the systems to reconfigure themselves so that flow from assistive loads on one or more actuators can be used to move one or more other actuators subjected to a resistive load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: John Andruch, III, John H. Lumkes, JR.
  • CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HYBRID CONSTRUCTION MACHINE
    Publication number: 20120233998
    Abstract: A regeneration switching valve which communicates with a neutral flow path and a tank at a normal position and cuts off communication between the neutral flow path and the tank to cause the neutral flow path to communicate with a hydraulic motor for power generation at a switched position is provided in at least one of first and second circuit systems including a plurality of control valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Kawasaki, Masahiro Egawa
  • WAVE POWER GENERATOR
    Publication number: 20120233999
    Abstract: A wave power generator that can efficiently perform power generation in response to ocean-wave periods, which are waves of varying period, is provided. A vibration receiving portion that is provided in a float floating at a wave surface and that performs power generation by means of vibrations exerted thereon; a mass body that applies a mass loading on the vibration receiving portion from above; a plurality of elastic members that support the mass body in series; and a plurality of locking mechanisms that restrict/release the motion of the plurality of elastic members are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shunichi Ikesue, Takeshi Yasunaga, Makoto Ohta
  • SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR WITH ENHANCED HEAT TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS
    Publication number: 20120234000
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes an SMA element and a flexible outer coating or layer. The element is respectively activated by a heating source. The layer surrounds the element, and enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the element to increase the speed of the actuation cycle. The nominal geometry and/or thermal conductivity may be altered during an activation phase, and may include discrete elements oriented with respect to the element, and partially embedded in the layer. An end gripper assembly may be used to cause the layer to move in concert with the element during a phase transformation. An electro-mechanical system includes the cooling source and the actuator. A method includes connecting the actuator to a load, activating the element using the heating source, and deactivating the element using a cooling source or free/ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Xiujie Gao, James Holbrook Brown, Nilesh D. Mankame, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV
  • EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120234001
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method and apparatus for recirculating an exhaust gas flow of a large internal combustion engine having an air inlet and an exhaust gas outlet. The method may comprise the steps of diverting a first partial exhaust gas flow at the exhaust gas outlet of the large internal combustion engine; cooling the exhaust gas of the first partial exhaust gas flow; compressing the cooled first partial exhaust gas flow; cooling the compressed exhaust gas of the first partial exhaust gas flow; and supplying the cooled and compressed first partial exhaust gas flow to the air inlet of the large internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Anke Neumann, Udo Schlemmer-Kelling
  • Wastegates and Wastegate Components
    Publication number: 20120234002
    Abstract: A turbine housing includes a wastegate chamber with a wastegate opening; and a wastegate disposed in the wastegate chamber where the wastegate includes a plug configured to plug the wastegate opening and where the plug includes a surface; a shaft configured for receipt by a bore in a wall of the wastegate chamber; and a rotatable arm extending from the shaft where the arm has a surface configured for contacting the surface of the plug for a closed orientation of the plug with respect to the wastegate opening to transmit force from the arm more centrally to the plug. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Lombard, Nicolas Serres
  • EXHAUST TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20120234003
    Abstract: An exhaust system comprises an exhaust driven turbocharger having an outlet and a flanged portion that extends about the outlet, an exhaust treatment device comprising a canister having an inlet cone that includes an integral inlet flange defining an the inlet opening configured to define a seal with the flanged portion that extends about the outlet of the turbocharger and a substrate disposed within the canister through which the exhaust gas flows. An exhaust gas passage, fluidly couples the turbocharger and the exhaust treatment device and allows for the passage of exhaust gas therebetween and a flow modifier comprising a radially inwardly extending wall portion extends from an inner wall of the exhaust gas passage and directs the exhaust gas away from an outer radius of the exhaust gas passage to evenly distribute the exhaust gas across the an inlet face of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly O'Kane, Chijou Wang, Gary Clark, II
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A STARTING PROCESS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20120234004
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an engine that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a compressor is activated from a deactivated state in response to one or more environmental parameters during an engine start. The methods and systems may improve engine response after an engine start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harald Stoffels, Klemens Grieser
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO HARVEST ENERGY FROM THE EARTH
    Publication number: 20120234005
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine assembly that is installed below the surface of the earth to harvest the thermal energy of the earth, using a working fluid in a closed loop system, and convert it into electricity, which can be commercialized at the surface. The subterranean engine comprises a hot region and a cold region, and a working fluid that moves between the two regions. The movement and efficiency of the working fluid operates the pistons that drive a generator coupled to the pistons, thereby generating electricity. The hot region of the engine is primarily powered by the geothermal energy. The engine can further incorporate renewable energy to improve the movement of the working fluid between the hot and cold regions. The system can further be used to store renewable energy below ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: David R. Smith
  • OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION COUNTER-CURRENT HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120234006
    Abstract: For OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion), rather than transferring large quantities of surface heat from near the ocean surface used to vaporize a working fluid to drive a heat engine (turbine) and generator to the deep ocean to provide a heat sink, this invention provides a method of using small masses of low-boiling-point fluids to absorb heat in a heat pipe near the ocean surface using the latent heat of evaporation and returning the heat of condensation of the vapor in a condensed working fluid pumped back to the ocean surface in a counter-current heat pipe system. The counter-current flow minimizes the amount of heat that is absorbed from the surface to vaporize the working fluid as well as the mount of heat dumped into the deep ocean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Baird
  • RANKINE CYCLE APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20120234007
    Abstract: A Rankine cycle apparatus includes a circuit having a pump for working fluid, a heat exchanger for causing heat exchange between the working fluid and fluid supplied from an exhaust heat source, and an expanding portion that expands the working fluid that has been exposed to the heat exchange to produce mechanical energy. The expanding portion includes a fixed scroll, a movable scroll that orbits with respect to the fixed scroll, and a back pressure chamber arranged at the side corresponding to a backside of the movable scroll opposite to the surface facing the fixed scroll. The Rankine cycle apparatus further includes an inlet mechanism for introducing the working fluid from a high pressure zone that extends from the outlet side of the pump to the inlet of the heat exchanger to the back pressure chamber to produce back pressure that presses the movable scroll against the fixed scroll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Fuminobu ENOKIJIMA, Masao Iguchi, Hidefumi Mori
  • GAS SUPPLY DEVICE AND EXHAUST GAS POWER GENERATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120234008
    Abstract: A gas supply device includes a first flow channel connecting a heat-treating furnace and a power generation device, a pressure control valve arranged in the first flow channel for controlling a pressure of exhaust gas flowing through the first flow channel, and a furnace pressure gauge measuring a pressure within the heat-treating furnace. If the pressure within the heat-treating furnace measured by the furnace pressure gauge becomes lower than a predetermined value, the pressure control valve controls the pressure of the exhaust gas to increase the pressure of the exhaust gas within the first flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chikara Ohki
  • GAS TURBINE COMBUSTION CHAMBER
    Publication number: 20120234009
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustion chamber is provided. The gas turbine includes a combustion chamber interior and a combustion chamber wall which has a substantially rotationally symmetrical cross-section, wherein on the side of the combustion chamber wall facing away from the combustion chamber interior there is arranged over the entire cross-sectional circumference of the combustion chamber wall a corrugated component which, in combination with the combustion chamber wall, embodies a plurality of separate resonance chambers and wherein openings are incorporated in the combustion chamber wall in such a way that a fluidic connection is established in each case between the combustion chamber interior and one of the resonance chambers and wherein the corrugated component has two locking rings which are connected to the combustion chamber wall in order to seal off the resonance chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Andreas Böttcher, Olga Deiss
  • BURNER ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20120234010
    Abstract: A burner assembly having a fuel distribution ring, number of fuel nozzles which are mounted on the fuel distribution ring in the direction of low is provided. The fuel distribution ring has a ring-shaped surface in the direction of flow and wherein the fuel distribution ring center and an opposite outer outer side and wherein there is at least one slot on the surface between the fuel nozzles and the at least one slot extends on the surface from the outside to the inside. There is at least one recess arranged on the surface and the at least one recess also partially includes the outside of the fuel distributor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Andreas Böttcher, Tobias Krieger, Daniel Vogtmann, Ulrich Wörz
  • GAS TURBINE COMBUSTOR HAVING A FUEL NOZZLE FOR FLAME ANCHORING
    Publication number: 20120234011
    Abstract: A combustor includes an end cover having a nozzle. The nozzle has a front end face and a central axis. The nozzle includes a plurality of fuel passages and a plurality of oxidizer passages. The fuel passages are configured for fuel exiting the fuel passage. The fuel passages are positioned to direct fuel in a first direction, where the first direction is angled inwardly towards the center axis. The oxidizer passages are configured for having oxidizer exit the oxidizer passages. The oxidizer passages are positioned to direct oxidizer in a second direction, where the second direction is angled outwardly away from the center axis. The plurality of fuel passages and the plurality of oxidizer passages are positioned in relation to one another such that fuel is in a cross-flow arrangement with oxidizer to create a burning zone in the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Predrag Popovic, Abinash Baruah, Gilbert Otto Kraemer, William Thomas Ross
  • IMPINGEMENT SLEEVE AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING AND FORMING IMPINGEMENT SLEEVE
    Publication number: 20120234012
    Abstract: An impingement sleeve and methods for designing and forming an impingement sleeve are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for designing an impingement sleeve is disclosed. The method includes determining a desired operational value for a transition piece, inputting a combustor characteristic into a processor, and utilizing the combustor characteristic in the processor to determine a cooling hole pattern for the impingement sleeve, the cooling hole pattern comprising a plurality of cooling holes, at least a portion of the plurality of cooling holes being generally longitudinally asymmetric, the cooling hole pattern providing the desired operational value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerome David Brown, Ronald James Chila, Patrick Benedict Melton, Russell DeForest, David William Cihlar
  • RECIRCULATING PRODUCT INJECTION NOZZLE
    Publication number: 20120234013
    Abstract: Combustion systems and the related methods operate to supply a stream of combustion products to a turbine in a gas turbine engine by forming an outer recirculation zone of recirculating combustion products within a combustor and by forming an inner recirculation zone inboard of the outer recirculation zone. The inner and outer recirculation zones are formed by imparting swirl to compressor discharge air passing through an outer air swirler and an inner air swirler radially inboard of the outer air swirler. Fuel is injected from an outer fuel injector into the outer recirculation zone, and fuel is also injected from an inner fuel injector into the inner recirculation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Delavan Inc
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Overman, John E. Short
  • FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TWO POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    Publication number: 20120234014
    Abstract: A fuel flow system for a gas turbine engine includes a first pump, a second pump, a bypass loop, an integrating bypass valve and a pilot valve. The first pump connects to an actuator and a metering valve. The second pump connects to the metering valve and is arranged in parallel with the first pump. The bypass loop recycles fuel flow from the first pump and the second pump to inlets of the first pump and second pump integrating bypass valve includes first and second windows. The first window regulates fuel from the first pump through the bypass loop and the second window that regulates fuel from the second pump through the bypass loop. The pilot valve controls the size of the first and second windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles E. Reuter, Aaron V. Price, Todd Haugsjaahabink, Yukinori Sato, John J. Wichowski
  • DUAL PUMP FUEL FLOW SYSTEM FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING
    Publication number: 20120234015
    Abstract: A fuel flow system for a gas turbine includes a first pump, a main fuel flow path and a second pump. The first pump is connected to an actuator and a metering valve. The main fuel flow path is formed between the first pump and the metering valve. The second pump is connected to the main fuel flow path and supplements the fuel flow from the first pump under certain conditions. The second pump and first pump are in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles E. Reuter
  • Small gas turbine engine with multiple burn zones
    Publication number: 20120234016
    Abstract: A small gas turbine engine for use in an UAV such as a cruise missile, the gas turbine having a combustor forming a primary burn zone and a secondary burn zone, and in which fuel is injected into both the primary and the secondary burn zones by either a rotary cup injector or a plurality of fuel injector nozzles. The secondary burn zone with separate fuel injection allows for the diameter of the engine to be reduced in size but still allow for adequate power and efficiency to be reached for powering the vehicle. Air flow from the compressor is used to cool the combustor walls before being injected into the combustor, and to pass through and cool the guide nozzles and a main bearing located near the hot section of the combustor prior to being introduced into the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FLORIDA TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark M. Harris, Wesley D. Brown, Angel M. Garcia
  • GAS TURBINE ENGINE COMPRESSOR ARRANGEMENT
    Publication number: 20120234017
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a low pressure compressor section and a high pressure compressor section. A low pressure turbine drives the low pressure compressor section. A gear arrangement is driven by the low pressure turbine to in turn drive a fan section. A pressure ratio across the low pressure compressor section is between about 4-8, and a pressure ratio across the high pressure compressor section is between about 8-15. In a separate feature, a compressor case includes a front compressor case portion and a rear compressor case portion, with the rear compressor case portion being axially further from an inlet case than the front compressor case portion. A support member extends between the fan section and the front compressor case portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • AFT FRAME AND METHOD FOR COOLING AFT FRAME
    Publication number: 20120234018
    Abstract: An aft frame and a method for cooling an aft frame are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aft frame for a transition piece in a combustor is disclosed. The combustor includes the transition piece and an impingement sleeve at least partially defining a flow path therebetween. The aft frame includes a body and a generally radially extending cooling passage defined in the body, the cooling passage comprising a first end configured to accept a coolant. The aft frame further includes an exhaust passage defined in the body, the exhaust passage including a first end in communication with the cooling passage and a second end configured for communication with the flow path for flowing the coolant therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David William Cihlar, Patrick Benedict Melton, David Leach, Kevin Weston McMahan
  • TAPERED BEARINGS
    Publication number: 20120234019
    Abstract: A gear support assembly for a turbine engine includes an epicyclic gear arrangement and a first tapered bearing and a second tapered bearing spaced apart from the first tapered bearing. The first tapered bearing and the second tapered bearing are arranged axially forward of the epicyclic gear arrangement and support the epicyclic gear arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSEMBLING AN EVAPORATIVE COOLER
    Publication number: 20120234020
    Abstract: A method of assembling an evaporative cooler for use with a gas turbine engine system. The method includes coupling a drain pan to a support frame, wherein the drain pan includes a front wall and a back wall. A media support assembly is coupled to the drain pan to form the evaporative cooler. The media support assembly includes a media support wall and a rear flange. The media support wall extends substantially perpendicularly from the drain pan front wall and defines a continuous drainage chamber between the drain pan front wall and the back wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Krzysztof Nikolin, Willam Keith Albert Eyers, Peter John Duncan Smith
  • HEAT EXCHANGER
    Publication number: 20120234021
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a housing, a guide member, a return member and a discharge member. The housing includes a plurality of parallel flow passages. The housing includes a first end face and a second end face each having openings. The guide member, the return member and the discharge member are fixed to the first end face or the second end face. The plurality of flow passages are connected by the return member into a single flow passage. The guide member and the discharge member are provided in the opening on a most upstream side and a most downstream of the single flow passage, respectively. At least one of the guide member, the return member and the discharge member integrally includes an attachment portion attached to the housing; and a protruding portion protruding more than the attachment portion toward the housing and including an inclined surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Motoaki OKUDA, Naoya YOKOMACHI, Hiromi UEDA, Junki NAKAMURA
  • Method for testing a peltier element as well as a small electrical appliance with a peltier element and a safety device
    Publication number: 20120234022
    Abstract: A method with the following steps is described for testing a Peltier element: applying a voltage to the Peltier element; switching off the voltage at the end of a defined period of time; measuring the voltage at the Peltier element; and comparing the measured voltage with a reference value. Furthermore, a small electrical appliance, such as an electric shaver, with a Peltier element is described, which small electrical appliance has a safety device which ensures that a malfunction of the Peltier element cannot result in danger to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jan Christian Langsdorf
  • CRYOGENIC REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20120234023
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in cooling a superconducting magnet. The cryogenic refrigerator includes a crankpin bearing of a scotch yoke. The crankpin bearing is made of a cylindrical nonmagnetic resin material. The crankpin bearing includes a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall. The cylindrical inner wall supports a crankpin. The crankpin is eccentrically attached to an output shaft of a motor slidably in a circumferential direction. The cylindrical outer wall contacts with an inner wall of a window portion of the scotch yoke. The cylindrical inner wall is made of another nonmagnetic resin material different from the nonmagnetic resin material of the cylindrical outer wall. Hardness of the cylindrical inner wall is higher than hardness of the cylindrical outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Yoji MIZUNO
  • HYBRID PUMPER
    Publication number: 20120234024
    Abstract: A process and apparatus that includes a cryogenic source for providing a cryogenic fluid for vaporization, a cryogenic pump in fluid flow communication with the cryogenic source for increasing the pressure of the cryogenic fluid, an unfired vaporizer coolant circuit 110 in fluid flow communication with the cryogenic pump and adapted to accept the cryogenic fluid to form a heated stream, a direct-fired vaporizer downstream and in fluid flow communication with the unfired vaporizer coolant circuit 110 and adapted to accept the heated stream from the unfired vaporizer coolant circuit to form a superheated stream; and a diesel engine power unit 118 to provide power to the cryogenic pump, the unfired vaporizer coolant circuit 110, and the direct-fired vaporizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: John Charles Street, Paul Martin Davis
  • SHUT-OFF DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120234025
    Abstract: A shut-off device for low-temperature media includes a housing (2), a valve seat (5) located in the housing (2), and a valve (3) that cooperates with the valve seat and is pivotally supported in the housing (2). On the housing (2) there is at least one flange (10) for mounting the shut-off device in a pipeline. The low-temperature shut-off device, low construction cost and low maintenance cost is achieved because the flange (10) of the housing (2) is designed as a welding flange (10a, 10b) for attachment of the shut-off device (1) in the pipeline by a weld joint, especially a butt weld joint, and because the housing (2) is provided with a housing opening (11) for mounting and/or removing the valve (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: LINKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Metin GERCEKER
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY REFRIGERATION SYSTEM AND CYCLE
    Publication number: 20120234026
    Abstract: A high efficiency air conditioning and refrigeration system and cycle comprises a vapor compressor and two independent ejectors operatively connected to high and low-pressure sides of the compressor, respectively. The two ejectors reduce the overall pressure ratio of the mechanical vapor compressor resulting in dramatically increased thermodynamic cycle efficiency. As one example of its potential applications for residential, commercial or industrial uses, a 150 ton capacity of a water-cooled chiller designed in accordance with the present invention is predicted to provide the power consumption as low as 0.47 kW/ton, when operated in accordance with the cooling methods of the present invention, which corresponds to 7.47 of Coefficient of Performance (COP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: JongSik Oh, Gridhari L. Agrawal, Charles William Buckley, Samuel T. Browning
  • Supersonic Cooling Nozzle with Airfoils
    Publication number: 20120234027
    Abstract: A supersonic cooling system, as disclosed herein, operates by pumping liquid. Because the supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the cooling system does not require the use of a condenser. The cooling system utilizes a compression wave to facilitate a phase change utilized in the cooling effect generated by the system. An evaporator operates in the critical flow regime in which the pressure in one or more evaporator nozzles will remain almost constant and then ‘shock up’ to the ambient pressure. The evaporator may be provided with airfoils to improve characteristics of the fluid flow, thereby increasing efficiency of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: David Halt
  • AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20120234028
    Abstract: The drying operation menu determination means configures the drying operation by combining a heating operation and at least either one of a fanning operation and a fan stop operation by the air volume determination means when carrying out the drying operation with heating operation, and configures the drying operation by combining a fanning operation and a fan stop operation by the air volume determination means when carrying out the drying operation without heating operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka TANABE, Tatsuo Seki
  • AIR CONDITIONER
    Publication number: 20120234029
    Abstract: The present invention particularly relates to a decrease in a standby power in an outdoor side unit, in an air conditioner comprising an indoor side unit and the outdoor side unit. The air conditioner includes a current detector which detects an alternating current flowing through a power line connecting the indoor side unit to the outdoor side unit, and a switch which performs a circuit communicating operation in a case where a current value detected by this current detector exceeds a predetermined standard value, and the air conditioner has a constitution in which via this switch, an operation of an outdoor side control circuit is started, and with the driving of a motor of the indoor side unit, the outdoor side control circuit is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taku Miyauchi, Koichi Saruhashi, Hajime Takada
  • AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20120234030
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning apparatus that is capable of suppressing increases in volume and cost of the apparatus and performing more suitable overheating protection. An electric compressor is an inverter-integrated electric compressor integrally including a compressor, an electric motor that drives the compressor, and an inverter including a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the vicinity of a semiconductor switching device, wherein a controller estimates a discharge temperature of the compressor on the basis of a correlation of respective pressure loading characteristics for the detected temperature of the inverter, for the rotational speed of the compressor, and for the motive force of the compressor in a refrigerating cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Hagita, Takayuki Takashige, Nobuya Nakagawa, Mikihiko Ishii, Takeshi Hirano, Koji Nakano, Masayuki Ishikawa
  • AIR CONDITIONER
    Publication number: 20120234031
    Abstract: An air conditioner equipped with a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger includes: an inverter circuit that drives a motor of the compressor; an inverter-power detecting unit that detects power of the inverter circuit; a PWM-signal generating unit that inverter-current detecting unit generates PWM signals for controlling the inverter circuit; a voltage-command-value generating unit that outputs voltage command values to the PWM-signal generating unit; and an accumulation detecting unit that detects accumulation of a liquid refrigerant within the compressor and outputs a detection result to the voltage-command-value generating unit, wherein when accumulation of a liquid refrigerant within the compressor is detected, the voltage-command-value generating unit outputs the voltage command value so that power of the inverter circuit has a predetermined power value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Kazunori Hatakeyama, Kazunori Sakanobe, Shinya Matsushita, Tsutomu Makino
  • AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20120234032
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit having a plurality of expansion devices that controls a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in each of a plurality of heat exchangers related to heat medium; a heat medium circuit having the heat exchangers related to heat medium and a use side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and air; heat medium flow switching devices disposed on an inflow side and an outflow side of the use side heat exchanger to mix or diverge the heat medium pertaining to the heat exchangers related to heat medium; and a controller that controls at least the heat medium flow switching device on the inflow side or the outflow side that controls the amount of heat exchange in each of the heat exchangers related to heat medium during cooling only operation mode or heating only operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yamashita, Yuji Motomura