Patents Issued in October 9, 2012
  • Patent number: 8281532
    Abstract: A three-dimensional edge cladding for an architectural opening that includes a forward facing portion having a substantially constant first profile along a longitudinal axis. The forward facing portion includes a plurality of spaced apart nailing flanges, stepped surface topography projecting generally forward and away from the flanges. A longitudinally extending channel receives a side facing portion having a substantially constant second profile that include a portion that is generally orthogonal to the nailing flanges. A joint cover portion for covering the section where two or more edge cladding members meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: PN II, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Pulte, Larry Wrass, William M. Harkins
  • Patent number: 8281533
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment element for studded plastic sheets comprising a base body with at least one stud projecting from a front of the base body. To provide an attachment means that results both in a tear-resistant attachment of the studded plastic sheet to the building wall and in extensive surface contact at a top edge of the studded plastic sheet, it is provided that a head portion is arranged on the base body, which fully or at least partially projects from the front of the base body with a resiliently deformable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ewald Doerken AG
    Inventor: Marcus Jablonka
  • Patent number: 8281534
    Abstract: A built-up beam fabricated a plurality of profiled steel plates is disclosed. The built-up beam includes a first lower profiled steel plate including a bottom portion, a side-vertical portion bent upwardly and vertically from one lateral edge of the bottom portion, a supporting portion bent horizontally from an upper end of the side-vertical portion, and a first center-vertical portion bent vertically and upwardly from the other lateral edge of the bottom portion. A second lower profiled steel plate is arranged symmetrically about the first center-vertical portion of the first lower profiled steel plate and connected to the first lower profiled steel plate. The second lower profiled steel plate has a cross-section symmetrical or asymmetrical to the first lower profiled steel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Construction Technology
    Inventors: Kyu woong Bae, Byung wook Heo
  • Patent number: 8281535
    Abstract: Protected prefinished fiber cement articles are manufactured by applying a protective layer on the finished surface of a fiber cement article. The protective layer protects the finish layer of the prefinished fiber cement article during handling, storage, and transport. Removing the protective layer leaves no residue on the finish layer, does not damage the finish layer, and does not substantially tear the protective layer. Protected prefinished fiber cement article are typically stacked on pallets for storage and transport. Optionally, spacers may be placed between the stacked protected prefinished fiber cement article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: James Hardie Technology Limited
    Inventors: Yongjun Chen, Luan Giang, Caidian Luo, Weiling Peng
  • Patent number: 8281536
    Abstract: A wall fixture positionable between interior and exterior walls of a structure and including a first member having a flange extending from a web, the flange including mounting locations spaced along a length of the flange for supporting fasteners securable at a plurality of locations spaced along the interior wall and a second member having a flange extending from a web. The second member can be adjustably securable to the first member such that a distance between exterior sides of the flanges is variable. The flange of the second member can include mounting locations spaced along the flange for supporting fasteners securable at a plurality of locations spaced along the exterior wall. The web of one of the first and second members can define apertures sized to receive at least one of plumbing, conduit and wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Erik J. Kiilunen
  • Patent number: 8281537
    Abstract: The invention relates to a masonry support system and method, suitable for bearing the load of a course of brick-work or defined brickwork panels, comprising a horizontal support section (2) in the X-plane for supporting said load; a vertical support section (3) in the Y-plane for affixing to a support structure; characterized in that there is provided integrated Z-axis adjustment means (61) for adjusting said relieving angle system forward or backwards relative to the support structure. The advantage of the present invention is that the system provides integrated Z-axis adjustment. This feature provides a unique level of tolerance compensation for unforeseen site variances. The invention provides a uniquely adjustable and easy to install angle brick masonry support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Coughlan Engineering (Tullamore) Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan O'Shea, Niall Mulligan
  • Patent number: 8281538
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wallboard patching and repair system and method that are quick and easy to install and provides a stronger wall repair than available systems. The system allows a wall to be repaired with or without the use of mechanical fasteners. The invention comprises a system comprising, patch support members that are placed behind the edges of a damaged opening in wallboard and where a portion of each member is placed behind the wallboard at the edge of the opening and the remaining portion extends into the opening to support a wallboard patch. In one embodiment the invention is a kit comprising system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph C. Waters
  • Patent number: 8281539
    Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu
  • Patent number: 8281540
    Abstract: A unitary steel joist includes a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal bottom flange, a generally horizontal top flange, a bottom wing, a bottom web portion, a top wing and a top web portion. The generally horizontal bottom flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The bottom flange is made of two pieces of steel. The generally horizontal top flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The top flange is made of two pieces of steel. The bottom wing extends outwardly from the web. The bottom web portion extends between the bottom flange and bottom wing. The top wing extends outwardly from the web. The top web portion extends between the top flange and the top wing. The unitary steel joist is made from a unitary piece of steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: iSpan Systems LP
    Inventors: Michael Richard Strickland, Douglas M. Fox, Richard Wilson Strickland
  • Patent number: 8281541
    Abstract: A hold down connector is provided for securing together multiple building members. The hold down connector resists movement of the building members when connected to an elongated tie member. In one embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with at least one aperture at elongated connections between the transverse portion and the first leg and between the transverse portion and second leg. In another embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with the transverse portion partially supported by transverse extensions of the first and second legs. A hold down connector in accordance with embodiments results in increased load bearing properties, construction from thicker materials, and easy installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Lucey, Ronald F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8281542
    Abstract: A wall-mounted component can be flush-mounted into a wallboard by first installing a panel with a receiver bracket flush into a wallboard. Once the panel is installed, the component can be inserted into the receiver bracket at which point a locking mechanism automatically or manually engages to lock the component into the wall. The locking mechanism is concealed from view so that a casual observer does not see how the component is affixed to the wall, yet is accessible from the wall's exterior for routine service and maintenance, as well as reinstallation of updated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Geoff Spencer, Greg Fetter
  • Patent number: 8281543
    Abstract: A method of ballasting a cover of a sludge digester that is comprised of a storage tank and the cover. The method includes placing a ballast into the storage tank in a first predetermined position, placing the cover onto the storage tank, lowering a lifting member of a lifting device through an access port in the cover and into the storage tank, securing the lifting member to the ballast, using the lifting device to lift the lifting member and the ballast until the ballast is in a second predetermined position that is substantially above the first predetermined position, engaging a support bracket attached to the cover with a support member; and securing the ballast to the cover with the support member while the ballast is in a third predetermined position that is substantially below the second predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn W. Cook, Steven R. Hough, Jeffrey L. Wight
  • Patent number: 8281544
    Abstract: A method of using a framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Todd A. Brady
  • Patent number: 8281545
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a reinforced concrete column by compressing a reinforcing plate including a steel plate using an external pressure is provided. The reinforcing plate is compressed to double-layer or more, that is, multi-layer in due order, on the reinforced concrete column. Accordingly, since a workability of the retrofit is excellent and since the reinforcing plate is easily compressed on the surface of the reinforced concrete column by a small lateral pressure, sufficiently the reinforced concrete column could be reinforced. Besides, a compressive strength of the reinforced concrete column could be increased. In addition, the flexibility of the reinforcing plate and the energy absorption force of the reinforcing plate could be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Kwang-Won Ind Co., Ltd., Eun Soo Choi
    Inventor: Eun Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 8281546
    Abstract: A wind turbine is formed of a concrete tower which is erected by slip forming. A primary lifting device is erected onto the tower by being lifted together with the slip form and being subsequently transferred onto the tower from the slip form after the tower has been formed. The nacelle, generator, and rotor of the turbine are then lifted onto the tower using the primary lifting device. A secondary lifting device supported on the tower is used to lower the primary lifting device to the ground after the nacelle, generator and rotor are assembled. The height of the tower is therefore not limited by the availability of suitable cranes so that a greater height of tower can be erected to take advantage of winds at greater elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8281547
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a selected structure using composite materials is disclosed, which method in form includes providing a plurality of members each comprising a composite material, wherein each member is configured to be coupled to at least one other member in the plurality of members along a longitudinal side; coupling onsite the plurality of members along their longitudinal sides to form a base enclosed structure; and reinforcing onsite the base enclosed structure to form the selected structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ershigs, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Hettick
  • Patent number: 8281548
    Abstract: A method and a device for installing a rigid panel parallel to a flat building structure and between rafters while providing a ventilation gap between the rigid panel and the flat building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Gene Kevin Garcia
  • Patent number: 8281549
    Abstract: A floor panel comprises a protrusion end face having a protrusion and a recess end face having a recess. The profiles of the protrusion and the recess are allowed to be installed in the following manner: placing the protrusion nearby the recess of an already installed floor panel, and then applying a pressure to introduce the protrusion in the recess. A flooring system allows use of said method to install more than one floor panel. According to the solution of the present invention, the installation and pave of the floor panels is very simple and the installed floor panels do not easily separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Yekalon Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Yongsheng Du
  • Patent number: 8281550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optically clear fire resistant and impact resistant windows having at least one air gap and at least one fire resistant layer. Optionally there is also an anti-spall layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: AGP Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson Bolton, W. Novis Smith, Elizabeth Wimmer
  • Patent number: 8281551
    Abstract: A prefabricated shearwall including a central diaphragm having a height generally defined by top and bottom edges, and a width generally defined by a pair of end sections. The diaphragm further includes at least one corrugation extending in the height direction at least partially between the top and bottom edges. The corrugation increases the ductility and ability of the shearwall to withstand lateral forces such as those generated in earthquakes, high winds, floods and snow loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Leek, Jose L. Perez, Jerry G. Gridley
  • Patent number: 8281552
    Abstract: Slotted header tracks for exterior wall applications. In exterior wall framing, the exterior wall sheathing is required to have a horizontal gap at or near the floor line for anticipated vertical movement between the floors. To accommodate orthogonal movement of the studs relative to the track, a plurality of slots are located along the flanges of the header track. An area for exterior sheathing attachment is created by leaving the upper portion of the flange solid for sheathing attachment and providing slots on the lower portion of the flange. Embodiments may include elongate reinforcing grooves on the slotted track's flanges and/or web, tabs for supporting and positioning exterior sheathing elements, connector elements for connecting the track to another surface, and second slots along the length of the web of the track to allow for limited drift movement of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Don A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 8281553
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8281554
    Abstract: In a machine for wrapping sticks of chewing gum, sticks of substantially rectangular outline and relatively small thickness advance singly and in succession on a conveyor, arranged flat and spaced apart at a predetermined first pitch, toward a position where they are transferred to a spacing roller revolving tangentially to the conveyor and presenting peripheral seats spaced apart at a pitch greater than the first pitch; the sticks are taken up at the transfer position by a pick-up and transfer mechanism operating between the conveyor and the seats of the spacing roller, describing a trajectory that includes a movement perpendicular to the plane occupied by the sticks and producing a minimal displacement equating approximately to the thickness of a single stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Carrara, Daniele Civolani
  • Patent number: 8281556
    Abstract: Packaging apparatus modules include a frame with a base adapted to reside on a support floor, the frame having opposing right and left hand frame sides and at least one lateral beam that extends therebetween, the right and left hand frame sides comprising respective upwardly extending frame portions which are configured to reside on opposing sides of a longitudinal product travel path having an axially extending centerline; and a clipper mechanism configured to selectively attach to either one of the right and left hand frame sides in a manner that positions the clipper mechanism at a substantially common operative full-clip location in the product travel path when mounted to either the right or left hand frame sides to thereby allow build options with selectable mounting orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, David T. Wince, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
  • Patent number: 8281557
    Abstract: Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Bryan Loomas, Enrique F. Mendez, Arthur G. Sandoval, Jeffrey W. Servaites, Matthew Durack
  • Patent number: 8281558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an especially panel-shaped vacuum insulation element which is wrapped in a film and is filled with a powder. According to the method, the unmolded, loose powder is filled, particularly poured, into the opening of a bag which is formed from a high-barrier film and is open on one side. A filter material that is permeable to air and impermeable to powder dust is fixed to the internal face of the film bag in the area of the opening of the filled film bag such that the interior of the bag is closed in a dust-tight manner while air can still be discharged. The interior of the dust-tightly closed film bag is then evacuated and the evacuated film bag is air-tightly closed in a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: VA-Q-TEC AG
    Inventors: Jochen Hiemeyer, Roland Caps
  • Patent number: 8281559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having an ultrasonic device (1), the ultrasonic device (1) comprising: an ultrasonic generator (2) which generates electric vibrations; an ultrasonic converter (3) which converts the generated electric vibrations into mechanical vibrations of the same frequency; a transformation intermediate piece (4) which transfers the mechanical vibrations to a sonotrode (5); the sonotrode (5) comprising a sound-radiating end surface (6) at which it reflects the mechanical vibrations, so that a standing wave to be passed into a packaging foil (18, 19) is formed, and the sound-radiating end surface (6) being disposed in a vacuum and/or in a modified atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Tieme Jan Slomp, Roland Sparakowski
  • Patent number: 8281560
    Abstract: A treeless western saddle comprising a flexible base coupled to an underside of a flexible substrate. A seat section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. A pommel section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. The flexible base has an upper stirrup aperture and a lower stirrup aperture formed in a lateral side of the flexible base. The underside of the flexible substrate has a cavity formed in a lateral side of the underside of the flexible substrate, the cavity to extend from the upper stirrup aperture to at least the lower stirrup aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ansur Saddlery Northwest LLC
    Inventors: Carole Elise Weidner, Louis Paul Streifel
  • Patent number: 8281561
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine including a flexible cutterbar and associated draper belts for carrying cut agricultural material to a center location. The belts are guided by a drive rollers and idler rollers. The idler roller for each belt is pivotable about an axis generally at 90 degrees to the axis of the belt and the drive roller for each belt is translatable axially to minimize diagonal stresses caused by flexing of the elongated endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Chad A. Dow, William P. Conrad, Jeffrey A. Nelson, Benjamin M. Lovett, Amy C. Berg, Eric D. Taflinger
  • Patent number: 8281562
    Abstract: Tire comprising a crown surmounted by a tread, a crown reinforcement, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement passing into the two sidewalls and anchored by means for anchoring in the two beads, said anchoring means comprising, in at least one bead, a circumferential alignment of at least one anchoring reinforcing member oriented circumferentially and cooperating with a rubber composition referred to as ‘anchoring rubber’; this tire is characterized in that this anchoring reinforcing member is a metal cable having two layers of construction M+N comprising an inner layer C1 of M wires of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer C2 of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, this anchoring cable furthermore having the following characteristics (d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): 2?M?4 M+3?N?M+7 0.25<d1<0.40; 0.25<d2<0.40; 3.5<p1<7<p2<14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Denis Alvarez, Christian Signoret
  • Patent number: 8281563
    Abstract: A gas-turbine bearing oil system with an oil supply arrangement includes at least one oil pump 5 supplying oil from an oil tank 1 to the bearing chambers 2, 3, 4 and at least one scavenge pump unit 6 returning oil from the bearing chambers 2, 3, 4 to the oil tank 1 At least one additional electric scavenge pump 7 is used to return oil from at least one bearing chamber 2, 3, 4 to the oil tank 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Arnaud Pisseloup
  • Patent number: 8281564
    Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a first generator driven by a gas turbine for generating electricity. The combined cycle power plant further includes a heat recovery steam generator disposed to receive exhaust gas from the gas turbine. The heat recovery steam generator includes an evaporator having tubes receptive to water flow therethrough. The tubes are disposed to be exposed to the exhaust gas, such that a flow of the exhaust gas passes around the tubes transfers heat from the exhaust gas to the tubes and thereby the water flowing through the tubes sufficient for the water to evaporate into steam. The tubes each having an outer surface with a plurality of deformations formed therein sufficient to introduce turbulence in the flow of the exhaust gas for enhancing heat transfer from the exhaust gas to the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hua Zhang, Sal Albert Leone, Thomas Francis Taylor
  • Patent number: 8281565
    Abstract: A gas turbine system includes a compressor, an expander, a combustor disposed between the compressor and the expander, a boiler disposed between the compressor and the expander, a conduit including chargeable air and in thermal communication with the boiler and an external free heat source coupled to the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Seyfettin Can Gulen
  • Patent number: 8281566
    Abstract: A propulsion system may be operated by determining pressure in a cryogenic liquid tank storing a fluid and cooling the cryogenic liquid tank in response to determining that the pressure is greater than a predetermined value. The cryogenic liquid tank may be pressurized by admitting a gaseous form of the fluid into the cryogenic liquid tank in response to determining that the pressure in the cryogenic liquid tank is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Mark W. Henley
  • Patent number: 8281567
    Abstract: A propulsion system for a combined aircraft/spacecraft including: a jet engine having a longitudinal axis defined in a direction from a front end at an air intake to a rear end at a jet exhaust: a front end at an air intake to a rear end at the jet exhaust; a rocket engine having a longitudinal axis defined normal to a rear end at a rocket exhaust; a common engine housing having an elongated shape and wherein the jet engine and the rocket engine are configured substantially coaxially and with respective rear ends facing the same direction when the rocket engine is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Aryeh Yaakov Kohn
  • Patent number: 8281568
    Abstract: A solid fuel rocket motor, a castellated propellant cartridge and a method of controlling a pressure differential in a cartridge-loaded rocket motor are disclosed. The rocket motor may include a housing having an inside surface, a plurality of propellant cartridges disposed within the housing, an igniter disposed to ignite propellant material within the propellant cartridges, and a nozzle disposed to exhaust combustion gases out of the housing. At least some of the propellant cartridges may be castellated propellant cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Danforth, Richard D. Loehr
  • Patent number: 8281569
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine, unburned fuel components are not supplied to a catalyst to make the atmosphere around the catalyst lean during a first lean period, unburned fuel components are supplied to the catalyst to make the atmosphere around the catalyst rich during a rich period, and the supply of unburned fuel components to the catalyst is again stopped during a second lean period. The first lean period, the rich period, and the second lean period form a cycle. If the actual amount of unburned fuel components added to the catalyst is below a required addition amount when a cycle ends, the duration of the first lean period in a subsequent cycle is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Handa, Yasuto Koshida
  • Patent number: 8281570
    Abstract: A method of introducing a reducing agent into an exhaust stream may include injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust gas stream using a reducing agent injector. The method may further include selectively heating a nozzle of the reducing agent injector to reduce residue on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Gierszewski, Glenn B. Cox
  • Patent number: 8281571
    Abstract: A method to regenerate a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system with a fuel doser for normal and transient vehicle travel. The vehicle may be equipped with an electronically controlled compression ignition engine with an electronic control unit having memory and capable of receiving data signals from remote senor indicative of vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Girbach
  • Patent number: 8281572
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling NOx conversion in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. According to one representative embodiment, an apparatus includes a duty cycle factor module and a NOx conversion mode selection module. The duty cycle factor module is configured to determine a duty cycle factor of an internal combustion engine where the duty cycle factor represents predicted driving conditions of a vehicle in which the internal combustion engine is housed. The NOx conversion mode selection module is configured to command NOx conversion in the SCR system according to a first NOx conversion mode if the duty cycle factor is within a duty cycle factor range and according to a second NOx conversion mode if the duty cycle factor is not within the duty cycle factor range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Chi, Joe V. Hill, Joan M. Wills, Lisa A. Farrell, Timothy R. Frazier, Hasan Mohammed
  • Patent number: 8281573
    Abstract: An evaporation unit for producing a gas flow including ammonia, in particular in connection with an SCR system in motor vehicles, includes at least a housing, at least one meandering flow channel delimited by a closed wall and having an inlet and an outlet and at least one heat conductor disposed in a first evaporation section of the at least one flow channel coaxially between the housing and the wall. A device and a motor vehicle having the evaporation unit are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Brück, Christian Vorsmann, Sven Schepers, Jan Hodgson, Marc Brugger
  • Patent number: 8281574
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an exhaust-gas processing device for a diesel engine, able to inhibit the deterioration of the fuel-consumption and the output reduction. In order to accomplish the above object, the device is provided with a DPF, a means for presuming the amount of PM to be deposited on the DPF, a DPF-regeneration means, a DPF-regeneration control means, a storing means, a means for sending message to demand an accelerated regeneration, and an operation means for starting the accelerated regeneration. While a normal regeneration processing is being continued (S6) since it has started (S2), the time when a term (T1) for reserving judgment as to the demand for accelerated regeneration has elapsed is taken as the judging time (T3). At this judging time (T3), if the assumed value of the PM deposed amount exceeds a value (J2) for judgment as to the demand for accelerated regeneration, the accelerated regeneration is deemed to be demanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi Yamada, Katsushi Inoue, Yuuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 8281575
    Abstract: A removable exhaust treatment unit for an aftertreatment assembly is provided. The removable exhaust treatment unit include a housing, at least one exhaust treatment element coupled within the housing, and a flange on one end of the housing. The removable exhaust treatment unit also includes a plurality of apertures on the flange configured to receive a plurality of fasteners. The removable exhaust treatment unit further includes at least one handle coupled to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Albert Merchant, Paul Frederick Olsen
  • Patent number: 8281576
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing particulate emissions in an engine including a particulate filter and a CO2 sensor downstream of the filter. A CO2 sensor may be used to infer the presence of particulate matter in the exhaust, downstream of the filter. By sensing particulate matter in the post-filter exhaust, filter degradation may be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Parnin
  • Patent number: 8281577
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system, which upgrades exhaust gas purification while curtailing an increase in an operating cost, is disclosed. The exhaust gas purification system comprises an SCR catalyst for reducing and removing nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas from an engine (10) by bringing the nitrogen oxides into contact with a reducing agent, oxidation catalysts (11, 17) for oxidizing gas components in the exhaust gas, a water electrolysis device (24) for producing oxygen by electrolyzing water, and an oxygen supply pipe (29) for supplying the oxygen produced by the water electrolysis device (24) to the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Tanoura, Shuuji Fujii, Masatoshi Katsuki, Daishi Ueno, Yuko Ujihara
  • Patent number: 8281578
    Abstract: A method for correcting an estimated amount of NH3 store within a SCR is described. In one example, SCR efficiency is determined from a NOx sensor output and the estimated amount of NH3 is corrected based on the SCR efficiency. Engine emissions may be reduced via improving the estimated NH3 storage level, at least during some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Devesh Upadhyay, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Patent number: 8281579
    Abstract: An exhaust system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have a passage connected to receive exhaust from the combustion engine, and a cooling device located external to the passage to create a thermal gradient across a flow area of the passage that causes particulates within the exhaust to agglomerate on a wall of the passage. The exhaust system may also have a filtration device located to separate agglomerated particulates from the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Driscoll, Wade J. Robel, Praveen S. Chavannavar
  • Patent number: 8281580
    Abstract: A method to monitor a particulate filter includes determining an equivalent bypass area corresponding to a difference between a mass flowrate of an exhaust gas feedstream flowing to the particulate filter and a mass flowrate of the exhaust gas feedstream flowing through porous walls of a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Min Sun
  • Patent number: 8281581
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment device has a unitary cast inlet that is configurable to have a 90° or 180° entry of combustion gasses relative to flow through tubular elements housing a diesel oxidization catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. The cast component provides the primary structural support for a tubular element connected to the casting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Oliver, David S. Young, Cary Wright, Mike Smith
  • Patent number: 8281582
    Abstract: A method for supplying fluid to a transmission component such as a transmission control unit, a transmission lubricating system, and/or a transmission cooling system. The transmission is an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a hydraulic actuating system. A hydraulic medium is drawn from a region within the interior of a transmission case by a positive displacement pump, and the region of the transmission case from which the positive displacement pump draws the hydraulic medium is subjected to an overpressure that is somewhat greater than the ambient pressure around the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Stehr