Patents Issued in November 22, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120291422
    Abstract: A particulate filter for a vehicle exhaust system includes a primary filter surrounded by a secondary filter and a quenching agent injection nozzle arranged upstream of the primary filter. In a normal mode, exhaust flows through the primary filter, and in a fail-safe mode or a mixed mode, at least some exhaust flows through the secondary filter and quenching agent is injected via the nozzle to cool the primary filter. The fail-safe or mixed modes may be enacted during an overload of the primary filter, for example. If engine shutdown is initiated during regeneration of the primary filter, a rate of quenching agent injection may be adjusted so that the regeneration may be completed at a safe temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Yasser Mohamed Sayed Yacoub
  • Publication number: 20120291423
    Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that can favorably achieve compatibility between suppressing deterioration of a catalyst and suppressing progression of rich poisoning thereof when the internal combustion engine has a configuration that performs valve stopping control during a fuel-cut operation. Variable valve operating apparatuses are provided having valve stop mechanisms that can respectively change an operating state of an intake valve and an exhaust valve between a valve operating state and a closed-valve stopped state. When an integrated fuel injection amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value ? when executing a fuel-cut operation, it is determined that rich poisoning of an upstream catalyst is in a progressed state. In that case, valve stopping control of the intake and exhaust valves is prohibited to thereby supply oxygen to the upstream catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihisa Nakagawa, Takashi Nishikiori, Yasuyuki Shibata, Shinya Misaka
  • Publication number: 20120291424
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for a catalyst in a fuel-property reforming system includes an inlet-side temperature sensor disposed upstream of the fuel-reforming catalyst and an outlet-side temperature sensor disposed downstream of the fuel-reforming catalyst. In a reforming driving mode, while the EGR valve is opened to recirculate a part of exhaust gas into the intake pipe, a reforming-fuel injector injects a reforming fuel into the EGR gas. A fuel-reforming catalyst reforms the fuel into a fuel having high-combustibility. A differential temperature between a temperature detected by the inlet-side temperature sensor and a temperature detected by the outlet-side temperature sensor is compared with a deterioration-determination threshold, whereby a computer determines whether the fuel-reforming catalyst is deteriorated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki INUZUKA, Makoto MIWA
  • Publication number: 20120291425
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a structure and an energy harvesting device. The structure is configured to have a first portion and a second. The energy harvesting device is formed as part of the structure. The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Bradley James Mitchell, Ty A. Larsen, Trevor Milton Laib, Kevin Scott Callahan, Henry VanRensselaer Fletcher, III
  • Publication number: 20120291426
    Abstract: The system according to the invention comprises a rotary shaft (50), a compressor (54) mounted integral with the rotary shaft (50), a power turbine (52) capable of rotating the rotary shaft (50), a cold expansion turbine (56) rotated by the rotary shaft (50) and supplied with a compressed gas from the compressor (54) toward the cold turbine (56). The system (22) comprises an upstream assembly (42) supplying outside air to the aircraft not having passed through a propulsion engine (16A, 16B) of the aircraft, the upstream supply assembly (42) being connected to an inlet of the compressor (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DASSAULT AVIATION
    Inventor: Renaud LOISON
  • Publication number: 20120291427
    Abstract: In an attachment control apparatus for a hydraulic excavator having a hydraulic circuit that includes a hydraulic pump, a plurality of actuators having a breaker which is an attachment actuator, and a plurality of flow control valves having an attachment flow control valve that is switched by operation pilot pressure from a control pedal device to supply delivery fluid of the hydraulic pump to the attachment actuator, if the control pedal device is operated in a state where an attachment mode is not selected by an attachment selection device, the movement of the attachment actuator is limited. Thus, failure and reduced life of the attachment and other hydraulic devices can be prevented in the event that an operator has forgotten to switch from a normal mode to an attachment mode and has operated the attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Azuma, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Yasuo Okano, Kouji Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20120291428
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold system for lifting, installing, or repairing large industrial field equipment. The system includes a hydraulic motor, which is fluidly connected to a hydraulic line of a vehicle, which is drivingly connected to a high-pressure hydraulic pump and fluidly connected to above-ground jack, ram, or lifting device. An above-ground jack, ram, or lifting device is hydraulically actuated by the fluid supplied by the hydraulic pump wherein a remote electronic controller can be utilized to provide a signal in order to depressurize the auxiliary device using an electronically actuated valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: John Collins
  • Publication number: 20120291429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. The energy recovery cylinder is equipped with a heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Lavergne, Philipp Egenrieder, Dirk Asam
  • Publication number: 20120291430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas, wherein the actuation of the implement is effected in dependence on the directly or indirectly determined temperature of the gas in the chamber filled with gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Asam, Jochen Fehse
  • Publication number: 20120291431
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of an exhaust system, the system includes an exhaust manifold in fluid communication with an internal combustion engine and a forced induction device in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold, the forced induction device including a housing. The system further includes a flow control device to control fluid communication between the forced induction device and a catalyst substrate and to control fluid communication between the exhaust manifold and the catalyst substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John R. Bucknell, Dominique T. Lester, Rodney E. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120291432
    Abstract: A turbocharger compressor bypass valve is disclosed. In one example, the compressor bypass valve operates inversely proportional to engine throttle operation. The approach may simplify compressor bypass valve control and reduced engine system complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Keith Michael Plagens, Henry W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120291433
    Abstract: This invention relates to a low temperature solar thermal power system, which combines the solar hot water collectors with the organic Rankine cycle system using the low critical temperature hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) or hydrocarbons (HC) working fluid for converting solar energy to electrical energy. This invention also relates to systems and methodology for conversion of low temperature thermal energy, wherever obtained, to electrical energy using the low critical temperature hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) or hydrocarbons (HC) working fluid for organic Rankine cycle system to drive an electrical generator or do other work in a cost effective way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Ning Meng
    Inventors: Ning Meng, Zhaolute Meng, Zhayate Meng
  • Publication number: 20120291434
    Abstract: Method for recovering energy when compressing a gas using a compressor system with two or more compression stages, with each stage having a compressor element. Downstream from at least two compressor elements there is a heat exchanger having a primary and a secondary part. The coolant is guided successively in series through the secondary part of at least two heat exchangers, and the guiding sequence is chosen such that the temperature at the inlet of the primary part of at least one subsequent heat exchanger is higher than or equal to the temperature at the inlet of the primary part of a preceding heat exchanger, relative to the direction of flow of the coolant. At least one heat exchanger is provided with a tertiary part for a coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Stijn Jozef Rita Johanna Janssens
  • Publication number: 20120291435
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a double pinch criterion for optimization of regenerative Rankine cycles. In some embodiments, operating variables such as bleed extraction pressure and bleed flow rate are selected such that a double pinch is obtained in a feedwater heater, thereby improving the efficiency of the Rankine cycle. In particular, a first pinch point is obtained at the onset of condensation of the bleed and a second pinch point is obtained at the exit of the bleed from the feedwater heater. The minimal approach temperature at the first pinch point can be approximately equal to the minimal approach temperature at the second pinch point. Systems that employ regenerative Rankine cycles, methods of operating such systems, and methods of optimizing the operation of such systems are disclosed herein in connection with the double pinch criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hussam Zebian, Alexander Mitsos
  • Publication number: 20120291436
    Abstract: A steam generation system delivers heats water and carbon dioxide at high temperatures in the presence of one or more plasma arc torches and converts the materials into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The converted gas is delivered to a heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) to produce steam, which may be used to power a steam turbine. Depending on the amount of steam and/or power desired, the system may use a control system to vary the flow, temperature and pressure of the gas delivered to the HRSG. The control system may do this by bringing additional torches on-line or off-line in the processing chamber, by adding unheated gas directly from a supply source, shunting the gas from the HRSG, and varying the flow of water delivered to the HRSG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Powerdyne Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hirson, Gus F. Shouse
  • Publication number: 20120291437
    Abstract: A nut (64) is affixed to an outer surface of a transition impingement sleeve forward ring (50) that encircles, and is affixed to, a forward end (44) of a tubular transition impingement sleeve (45). The nut has a threaded hole (63) aligned with a hole (66) in the impingement sleeve forward ring. A machine screw (68) is threaded into the nut and extends through the hole (66), and has a radially inner end with a wear pad (70), and a radially outer end with a turning tool engagement element (72). The wear pad contacts an outer surface of an aft portion of a transition piece forward outer ring (52) that is surrounded by the transition impingement sleeve forward ring (50). The rotational position of the machine screw (68) sets a radial gap (76) between the transition impingement sleeve forward ring and the transition piece forward outer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Moehrle, John Pula, Jeremy Lefler, Martin Konen
  • Publication number: 20120291438
    Abstract: A burner system is provided that includes at least two adjacent burners that are separate from each other. Each of the two burners has at least one combustion chamber and a head end. The head end includes at least a fuel injection and a fuel-air premix. Each burner has a cap with a cap side and cap upper side, wherein at least the cap upper side is arranged ahead of the head end, seen in the direction of flow. In this manner, a burner plenum is formed between the cap upper side and the head end. The at least two burner plenums thus formed have an acoustic connection. A method for damping such a burner system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiegesellschaft
    Inventor: Sven Bethke
  • Publication number: 20120291439
    Abstract: A dual fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes a central cavity extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and a first fuel discharge outlet configured to direct a first fuel into the central cavity at the first end. The fuel injector may also include a first air discharge opening circumferentially disposed about the first fuel discharge outlet and configured to direct a first quantity of air into the central cavity, and a second air discharge opening circumferentially disposed about the central cavity and configured to discharge a second quantity of air into the central cavity downstream of the first air discharge outlet. The fuel injector may further include a second fuel discharge outlet circumferentially disposed about the central cavity and configured to discharge a second fuel therethrough. The second fuel may be different from the first fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: GARETH W. OSKAM
  • Publication number: 20120291440
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor cap assembly (24) including a pre-mix tube (42, 44) with an upstream flange (60, 62) that aligns and seats the tube against a primary feed plate (66) attached to an upstream end of a support ring (48). The pre-mix tube may have an intermediate flange (64) at an intermediate position on the length of the tube that aligns and seats the tube against an intermediate structural frame (68) attached to the support ring at an intermediate position on the length of the support ring. The combustor cap assembly (24) may have multiple pre-mix tubes, including a central pre-mix tube (44) with upstream (62) and intermediate (64) flanges and a circular array of outer pre-mix tubes (44) with at least an upstream flange (64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Moehrle, Luis Estrada, Jeremy Lefler, Martin Konen
  • Publication number: 20120291441
    Abstract: A low-cost combustion chamber injector device that has sturdier construction and is safer for use. Parts are configured specifically to be nested, to dispense with welding between the cellular parts. The device for injecting a fuel-air mix includes, centered on a single axis, a swirl chamber including at least two annular air suction parts, a centering guide, and a retainer ring. The annular parts have cellular conduits connecting to axial inner and outer Venturi tubes. The parts are coaxially mounted, the inner part being configured to be self-centered in the outer part by engagement of the axial and radial walls and then, after assembly, the outer part is welded to the retainer ring and to the inner part in a single radial plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TURBOMECA
    Inventors: Patrick Berteau, Bernard Joseph, Jean Pierre Carrere, Lorenzo Huacan Hernandez, Ludovic Andre, Joel Naudot
  • Publication number: 20120291442
    Abstract: A rotationally symmetrical wall for an aircraft turbomachine combustion chamber, including primary holes, dilution holes positioned downstream from the primary holes, and a plug installation aperture upstream from the primary holes, wherein each first primary hole, considered as one moves away circumferentially from the median axial plane (D) in either direction is positioned at a circumferential position between the circumferential positions of the first dilution hole and of the second dilution hole considered as one moves away circumferentially from the median axial plane (D), wherein the other primary holes are distributed equidistantly, at a predefined interval P, and the distance between the two primary holes is greater than the interval P separating two of the other adjacent primary holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Patrice André Commaret, Jacques Marcel Arthur Bunel, Didier Hippolyte Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20120291443
    Abstract: A rocket propulsion device including, a case having a propellant therein, the case in the form of a tube, a nozzle having at least part inserted in the case, and configured to discharge gas upon burning the propellant, and a locking unit disposed to be wound on the nozzle, the locking unit in the form of a band having both ends open, wherein a through hole for inserting the locking unit therein is formed at one region on a circumference of the case, and the both ends of the locking unit are located at a region facing the one region, whereby a rocket propulsion device having a simplified structure and a facilitated alignment of a thrust line can be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Sung Han Park, Soon Il Moon, Bang Eop Lee, Jae Beom Park
  • Publication number: 20120291444
    Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine engine includes directing a stream of liquid fuel to the combustor through a nozzle of a dual fuel injector. The method may also include directing a first quantity of compressed air to the stream of liquid fuel proximate the nozzle, and directing a second quantity of compressed air to the stream of liquid fuel downstream of the nozzle. The second quantity of compressed air may be larger than the first quantity of compressed air. The method may further include delivering the compressed air and the stream of liquid fuel to the combustor in a substantially unmixed manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: GARETH W. OSKAM
  • Publication number: 20120291445
    Abstract: An exemplary method is disclosed for operating a gas turbine power plant with exhaust gas recirculation, in which the exhaust gas recirculation is, for example, disengaged during starting and shutting down of the gas turbine, and in which the engaging or disengaging of the exhaust gas recirculation can be carried out in dependence upon an operating state of the gas turbine. An exemplary gas turbine power plant with exhaust gas recirculation is also disclosed which can include a control element, the closing speed of which is such that the control element can be closed within a time which is less than a time for exhaust gases to flow from the turbine through an HRSG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Stefan Rofka, Jürgen Hoffmann, Eribert Benz, Frank Sander, Martin Nicklas
  • Publication number: 20120291446
    Abstract: A highly-reliable combustor is provided that allows flash back of flame into a premixer to be suppressed. The combustor has a mixing chamber forming member 110 that forms a mixing chamber thereinside. The mixing chamber includes a first mixing chamber 200 broadening toward a downstream side. The member 110 includes air introduction holes 202, 203, 204 formed in a plurality of rows in an axial direction, with the air introduction holes being arranged plurally in a circumferential direction of the mixing chamber. The member 110 includes a fuel ejection hole 206 provided in a wall surface which forms the air introduction hole. The air introduction holes 202, 203, 204 are circumferentially eccentrically installed. The air introduction holes 202 located in the most upstream row are more inclined toward the downstream side than the air introduction holes 203, 204 located in the rows other than the most upstream row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka HIRATA, Shohei Yoshida, Tatsuya Sekiguchi, Akinori Hayashi, Hirokazu Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120291447
    Abstract: A combustor nozzle includes a first and second liquid fuel passages that terminate at first and second fuel ports. A first diluent passage terminates at a first diluent outlet radially surrounding the second fuel ports. A second diluent passage terminates at a second diluent outlet between the first diluent outlet and the second fuel ports. A third diluent passage surrounds at least a portion of the first and second diluent passages. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a liquid fuel through a first fuel passage and flowing an emulsified liquid fuel through a second fuel passage. The method further includes flowing a first diluent through a shroud surrounding the second fuel passage to a first diluent passage surrounding at least a portion of the second fuel passage and flowing a second diluent through a second diluent passage radially disposed between the first diluent passage and the second fuel passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Boardman, Geoffrey David Myers, William Thomas Ross
  • Publication number: 20120291448
    Abstract: The present application provides a flexible combustor fuel nozzle. The flexible combustor fuel nozzle may include a main passage in communication with a source of natural gas and a source of low BTU fuel, a secondary passage surrounding the main passage and in communication with the source of low BTU fuel and a source of purge air, and a tertiary passage surrounding the secondary passage and in communication with the source of low BTU fuel, the source of purge air, and a source of diluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ilya Aleksandrovich Slobodyanskiy, Joel Hall, Jesse Barton, Vijaykant Sadasivuni
  • Publication number: 20120291449
    Abstract: A turbofan engine has an engine case and a gaspath through the engine case. A fan has a circumferential array of fan blades. The engine further has a compressor, a combustor, a gas generating turbine, and a low pressure turbine section. A speed reduction mechanism couples the low pressure turbine section to the fan. A bypass area ratio is greater than about 6.0. The low pressure turbine section airfoil count to bypass area ratio is below about 170.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul R. Adams, Shankar S. Magge, Joseph B. Staubach, Wesley K. Lord, Frederick M. Schwarz, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Publication number: 20120291450
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit assembly includes an auxiliary power unit with an auxiliary power unit exhaust duct, a bell mouth, and one or more bell mouth struts. The auxiliary power unit exhaust duct extends from the auxiliary power unit and has an aft end portion that is received within the bell mouth. The bell mouth struts extend from an inner surface of the bell mouth and extend generally radially toward the auxiliary power unit exhaust duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian C. DeDe, Jack V. Vitale, Markissa Catherine Hiekel
  • Publication number: 20120291451
    Abstract: An intermediate support frame (68) that spans an inner diameter of a support ring (48) of a gas turbine combustor cap assembly (24) at a position intermediate the length of the support ring. The intermediate support frame may have a central encirclement (72) that receives a central fuel pre-mix tube (44) of the combustor cap assembly, and may further have a circular array of outer stabilization rings (70) that each receive a respective outer pre-mix tube (42). The central pre-mix tube may be affixed to the central encirclement (72), for example by welding. The outer pre-mix tubes may be slidably engaged in the outer stabilization rings (70), providing lateral stability while allowing differential thermal expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Moehrle, Luis Estrada, Jeremy Lefler, Martin Konen
  • Publication number: 20120291452
    Abstract: A support structure in a gas turbine combustor end cap (24) including a bracket (60) with a first leg (61) and a second leg (62) forming a generally trapezoidal geometry. Each leg has a first end (61A, 62A) attached to an inner concentric ring (46), and a second end (61B, 62B) attached to a crossbar (65). The crossbar is attached to an outer concentric ring (48). A circular array of such brackets interconnects the two concentric rings (46, 48). Each leg has at least one curved middle portion (63, 64), such as an arcuate or sinusoidal curve at a midpoint on the length of each leg. This shape provides flexibility in a radial direction that accommodates differential thermal expansion of the concentric rings while providing a rigid connection in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Moehrle, John Pula, Jeremy Lefler, Martin Konen
  • Publication number: 20120291453
    Abstract: A magnetic heat pump apparatus includes: a container defining a work chamber; a magnetic working element arranged in the work chamber; a magnetic-field applier that alternately applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working element and removes the magnetic field from the magnetic working element in a magnetic-field direction; and a transportation device that transports heat medium to reciprocate in a reciprocation direction. The magnetic-field direction and the reciprocation direction intersect with each other. The magnetic working element is one of a plurality of magnetic working elements. Each of the plurality of magnetic working elements has a column shape extending in the magnetic-field direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Morimoto, Shinichi Yatsuzuka
  • Publication number: 20120291454
    Abstract: A device for conducting heat from a source to a sink is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a thermoelectric element coupled to a substrate via sintered material that includes nano and/or micro particles. In one aspect, the sintered material includes silver particles and in another aspect the sintered material also includes an additive to control the coefficient of thermal expansion of the sintered material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Julian Kahler, Thomas Kruspe, Sebastian Jung, Andrej Stranz, Andreas Waag, Erwin Peiner
  • Publication number: 20120291455
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for moving liquid cryogen at relatively low pressures and at high volumes. An axial rotor pump may have housing with a substantially vertical tubular space. The axial rotor pump may pump liquid cryogen from an inlet near a bottom of the housing to an outlet near a top of the housing. A seal may not be required between a pump drive shaft and the top of the pump housing by using an extended neck or a magnetic coupling arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Bryce M. Rampersad, Jeffrey R. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120291456
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contact freezing a food product. A conveyor belt or other support may have an active region that supports materials on an outer surface. Liquid cryogen may be provided in bulk contact with an inner surface of the active region via splashing, agitation, pumping, gravity feed, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Bryce M. Rampersad, Theodore H. Gasteyer, III, Gary D. Lang
  • Publication number: 20120291457
    Abstract: Refrigerant recovery unit is provided that includes steps to test for refrigerant leaks. The steps include providing a close loop with the hoses that connect to a refrigerant system, measuring the ambient temperature, calculating the vapor pressure with the ambient temperature, calculating the test pressure as a percentage of the vapor pressure, filling the unit with the refrigerant, and performing a pressure leak test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: William Brown, Mark McMasters, Gary Murray
  • Publication number: 20120291458
    Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the growth of microbiological organisms in commercial icemakers and coolers by treatment of the air within the device evaporator air space. The apparatus includes a mechanical filtration device, a PCO device, and a UV light device. Air is drawn from the evaporator space, mixed with a small amount of ambient air from around the apparatus, and mechanically filtered to remove particulates. The filtered air is then passed through the PCO device that is activated by the UV light device, where it is treated by the ROS produced by the activated PCO device. A UV light further produces ROS to treat the filtered air stream, which is returned to the internal space of the commercial refrigeration device. Recirculation of the treated air increases residence time. The addition of a small amount of external air with the internal air allows for positive pressurization of the evaporator space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Roy E. Seibert, Kevin Ezell
  • Publication number: 20120291459
    Abstract: Described in this application for patent is a novel method and apparatus for providing cooling to an aircraft galley. The aircraft galley is cooled by means of a central aircraft cooling line, including a phase change cooling system and a ram air heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rodney Millar, Steve G. Mackin
  • Publication number: 20120291460
    Abstract: An outdoor unit includes a bypass circuit that makes a part of refrigerant that is discharged from a compressor be bypassed to a connecting part at the time of defrosting operation. A control device of the outdoor unit performs control of opening an electromagnetic valve in the bypass circuit based on an water temperature TW (in) in an water inlet and an water temperature TW (out) in an water outlet of an water heat exchanger at the time of the defrosting operation. Further, a control device controls a valve travel of the valve of the third expansion valve in the bypass circuit based on a refrigerant temperature TR (in) in a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant temperature TR (out) in a refrigerant outlet of the water heat exchanger in a case of the electromagnetic valve being in an open state at the time of the defrosting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiro Aoyagi
  • Publication number: 20120291461
    Abstract: A system has first and second compressors (22, 180), a heat rejection heat exchanger (30), an ejector (38), a heat absorption heat exchanger (64), and a separator (48). The heat rejection heat exchanger (30) is coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The ejector (38) has a primary inlet (40) coupled to the heat rejection exchanger (30) to receive refrigerant, a secondary inlet (42), and an outlet (44). The separator (48) has an inlet coupled to the outlet of the ejector to receive refrigerant from the ejector. The separator has a gas outlet (54) coupled to the compressor (22) to return refrigerant to the first compressor. The separator has a liquid outlet (52) coupled to the secondary inlet of the ejector to deliver refrigerant to the ejector (38). The heat absorption heat exchanger (64) is coupled to the liquid outlet of the separator to receive refrigerant. The second compressor (180) is between the separator and the ejector secondary inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Parmesh Verma, Jinliang Wang
  • Publication number: 20120291462
    Abstract: A system has a compressor. A heat rejection heat exchanger is coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant compressed by the compressor. An ejector has a primary inlet coupled with heat rejection heat exchanger to receive refrigerant, a secondary inlet, and an outlet. The system has a heat absorption heat exchanger. The system includes means for providing at least of a 1-10% quality refrigerant to the heat absorption heat exchanger and an 85-99% quality refrigerant to at least one of the compressor and, if present, a suction line heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Parmesh Verma, Jinliang Wang, Frederick J. Cogswell, Hans-Joachim Huff, Alexander Lifson, Richard G. Lord
  • Publication number: 20120291463
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system comprises an evaporator unit operable to receive an incoming airflow and a flow of refrigerant from an expansion device. The evaporator unit generates a cooled airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the incoming airflow to the flow of refrigerant. The cooled airflow has an absolute humidity less than an absolute humidity of the incoming airflow. The system further comprises a subcooler unit operable to receive the cooled airflow generated by the evaporator unit and the flow of refrigerant from a condenser unit located exterior to a structure. The subcooler unit generates an outgoing airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the cooled airflow, the outgoing airflow having a relative humidity less than a relative humidity of the cooled airflow. The system further comprises a supply fan operable to provide the outgoing airflow to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20120291464
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner in which a plurality of compressors retains a constant oil level. The air conditioner includes a plurality of compressors configured to compress a refrigerant, a plurality of oil separators connected respectively to the plurality of compressors and serving to separate oil contained in the refrigerant compressed in and discharged from the compressors, a plurality of oil return pipes configured to allow the oil separated in the plurality of oil separators to be returned into the plurality of compressors, a plurality of oil return valves installed respectively to the plurality of oil return pipes to open or close the plurality of oil return pipes respectively, and a resistor configured to connect the plurality of oil return pipes to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Pilhyun Yoon, Yongcheol Sa
  • Publication number: 20120291465
    Abstract: A cooling system for electronic equipment includes an evaporator cooling the electronic equipment, a blower making air heated by the electronic equipment flow into the evaporator, and a condenser condensing a refrigerant to be supplied to the evaporator and also includes a refrigerant liquid pipe guiding a liquefied refrigerant from the condenser to a lower part of the evaporator, a refrigerant gas pipe guiding the refrigerant which evaporates by cooling the electronic equipment from an upper part of the evaporator to the condenser, a refrigerant flow rate control valve controlling a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator, a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of air obtained after passing through the evaporator, and a controller for control valve controlling the control valve on the basis of a detection value of the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Yasuhiro KASHIRAJIMA, Junichi ITO, Yasuhiko INADOMI, Tomohiro YOSHIDA, Teruo MIKAMI
  • Publication number: 20120291466
    Abstract: A Modular Chiller System integrated into a single Standalone Rack Assembly having vertically positioned air intakes, heat exchanger, and an air deflector is disclosed. The orientation of the components in the Standalone Rack Assembly allows for maximum heat exchange from a rack of hot food items positioned coextensively to the Chiller System. Hot air from the food rack is received through the air intakes into the heat exchanger where chilled air is recirculated outward through said frame assembly. The Chiller System is portable and can be retrofitted to existing walk-in cooler configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Flavian Iovanel
  • Publication number: 20120291467
    Abstract: A refrigerant cycle device for a vehicle includes a compressor which compresses and discharges refrigerant, a discharge capacity control portion which controls a discharge capacity of the compressor. The refrigerant cycle device further includes a noise determination portion which determines whether an audible noise other than a refrigerant passing noise is in a low noise state, and/or a load determination portion which determines whether an air-conditioning thermal load is in a high load state. The discharge capacity control portion performs a gradual activation control in which the discharge capacity of the compressor is set to be lower than that determined in a normal control, when the noise determination portion determines that the audible noise is in the low noise state, and/or when the load determination portion determines that the air-conditioning thermal load is in the high load state, at an activation time of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Sasaki, Takashi Yamanaka, Takeshi Wakisaka, Motohiro Yamaguchi, Yasuaki Sasaki, Ken Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20120291468
    Abstract: It is intended to realize an air conditioning system of high operational efficiency without reducing the user's comfort. In an air conditioning system 1, a set temperature determining device 31 determines a target temperature of water to be supplied to an indoor heat exchanger 12, based on [“target outflow temperature”=“current outflow temperature”+((“inlet and outlet temperature difference”/“indoor and outdoor temperature difference”)דset temperature difference”)]. The indoor and outdoor temperature difference is a difference between an indoor temperature and an outdoor temperature, the inlet and outlet temperature difference is a difference between temperatures of water at the inlet side and the outlet side of an intermediate heat exchanger 9, and the set temperature difference is a difference between an indoor temperature and a set temperature. A control device 32 controls an outdoor unit 2 in response to the target temperature determined by the set temperature determining device 31.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yohei Kato, Takashi Okazaki, So Momoto, Koji Matsuzawa
  • Publication number: 20120291469
    Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is described. The refrigerator includes a single temperature sensor associated with a freezer compartment that is separate from an ice compartment and electrically connected to an electronic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianwu Li, Jeffrey Martin Wood
  • Publication number: 20120291470
    Abstract: An air conditioning system. The system includes apparatus for circulating a refrigerant in a path, further having apparatus for compressing the refrigerant and generating heat in the refrigerant. The system further includes apparatus for providing a driving force to the apparatus for compressing in response to the generated heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J. Cathriner
  • Publication number: 20120291471
    Abstract: Described is a display chiller including internally a containment compartment (3) equipped with shelves (7), a front opening (5) for allowing access to the containment compartment (3), and at least a pair of doors (6) hinged about respective axes (X) and openable towards the inside of the containment compartment (3) so as to use the gap (8) existing between the shelves (7) and the doors (6) and designed for the circulation of cooling air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE SCAFFALATURE ARREDAMENTI - ISA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco GIULIETTI