Patents Issued in December 18, 2012
  • Patent number: 8333034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support for holding floating plant species cultures, said support being configured to be held by at least two independent supporting elements (10). The support comprises a planar lattice structure (1) having at least one housing (2-3) configured to house at least one seed, plant, part of a plant and/or combinations thereof, and at least two anchoring elements (5-6) for the anchoring to the independent supporting elements (10) configured to compensate the moments and forces generated by the portion of the plant projecting from the water level with respect to the point of intersection of said portion with the plane defined by the structure (1), until a growth stage in which the plant survives and reproduces on its own upon proliferation of the roots and/or rhizomes thereof, and to transmit said moments and forces to the independent supporting elements (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Vicente Juan Torres Junco, Javier Riesco Prieto, Pablo Riesco Prieto
  • Patent number: 8333035
    Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes sensors (30, 50) such as microswitches positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (26). The sensors provide an indication of different levels of relative movement between the door panel and the door frame member at an interface (28) between them. Such relative movement includes an increase in a gap between them that corresponds to a situation when an object is at the interface (28) and may be caught. The sensors (30, 50) respectively provide an indication of when an object may become caught and when one has. Automated movement of a door is controlled responsive to an indication of the presence of an object in a location where the object may become caught during automatic movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Tadaaki Nabetani, Jiro Kashima, Atsushi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8333036
    Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress assembly, including a vehicle door with an opening cut out or otherwise provided, to serve as an egress portal in case of emergency when the vehicle door is difficult to open using the ordinary latching and unlatching mechanism provided for routine entrance and exit from the vehicle. The opening is cut (or otherwise provided) where a transparent armor window would ordinarily be provided, but additional portions of the door are cut out as needed to allow for egress through the opening by a vehicle occupant. A windowed plug is then provided, for releasably plugging the opening. Finally, an interiorly accessible release mechanism is provided, including one or more handles for releasing the plug from the opening. The plug includes a body portion in addition to a window portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Helms, Thomas G. Buckner, Michael L. Hafften
  • Patent number: 8333037
    Abstract: The present pet door panel or module includes an interior pocket flap assembly cassette opening and an external frame forming a security panel track permitting a flap assembly cassette and security panel to be slidably received or removed to facilitate changing the height of the portal opening in the pet door panel or module to accommodate various size pets in the field by the consumer without the need for tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Accession, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8333038
    Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bates, Andrew J. Boyce, Chul Min Kang, Michael J. Katje, Susan R. Lyons, Kurt E. Porter, Jeffrey D. Roetman, Perry L. Sellers, Gianfranco Dino Zaccai
  • Patent number: 8333039
    Abstract: A building includes a wall and a roof. The wall encloses an enclosed area, and the wall comprises a plurality of standardized modules, each having an inner space used as a room. The roof covers the enclosed area. The standardized modules are standardized, and thus very convenient to manufacture. In addition, the standardized modules can be transported quickly and efficiently, therefore, the building as disclosed is convenient and reliable to construct and dismantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mu-Chi Hsu, Dong-Sheng Lin, Chin-Tsan Huang, Guo-Jiang Wu
  • Patent number: 8333040
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on the roofing substrate; and a colored or patterned layer disposed on the roofing substrate and visible in the area surrounding the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulant layer disposed over the photovoltaic cells and the patterned colored layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Liang Shiao, Gregory F. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8333041
    Abstract: Methods are described for integrating a UL compliant power generating system within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Architectural Glass and Aluminum Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Brescia
  • Patent number: 8333042
    Abstract: Element to prevent slipping on surfaces, where the surfaces are provided with a plurality of apertures, characterized in that the element comprises a base plate, and that a plurality of towers extend upwards from said base plate, where the towers have a cross section at least at an upper part, corresponding to the shape of the apertures in the surface, and that the towers are arranged on the base plate in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the apertures in the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Excellent Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ole Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 8333043
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermally hygrometrically processing and conditioning air for classified environments and preparing foods. The apparatus has a stainless steel inner bottom and monolithic thermally insulated panels. The panels have an outer wall and an inner wall therebetween a thermally insulating material is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sinteco Impianti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Adam Franck
  • Patent number: 8333044
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally towards floor panels and flooring drainage systems utilizing two or more interconnected improved floor panels. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a floor panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal surface, a second longitudinal surface, a first transverse surface, and a second transverse surface. One or more drainage assemblies are located on either the first transverse surface and/or the second transverse surface. Each of the drainage assemblies include one or more drainage slots and one or more drainage notches. Further aspects are directed towards flooring drainage systems comprising two or more interconnected floor panels according to embodiments of the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Travis E. Bjorkman
  • Patent number: 8333045
    Abstract: An architectural concrete structure and a wall system formed with a plurality of architectural concrete structure wherein each block has first and second cement sections spaced apart and joined together with steel reinforcing bars and tubular members filled with cement. The first and second sections have parallel outer wall surfaces and inner wall surfaces which taper outwardly in an upward direction. Foam insulation is secured to each of the tapering wall surfaces, which insulation members define a tapered passageway extending through the length of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce Lung
  • Patent number: 8333046
    Abstract: A platform (2) in an interior platform for a tubular tower such as a windmill tower (24) made from steel is disclosed—and more specifically, a platform (2) adapted to be assembled in situ from construction element members in order to fit the inside wall (22) of the tower (24), comprising a basic, preferably circular, center module (4), radial, telescoping supporting beam members (6), wherein the construction element members are modules (10, 12 and 14) which are independent of the diameter of the platform (2), and two-piece pivotable modules (16) which incline for mounting as a periphery ring next to the inside wall (22) of the tower (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Intellligent Tower Solutions APS
    Inventors: Thomas Hedegaard, Claus Engelbrecht
  • Patent number: 8333047
    Abstract: The invention therefore proposes an anchorage unit for anchoring at least one prestressing member, capable of being tensioned, onto a structural component to be strengthened or repaired by additional prestressing. The anchorage unit includes means of fixing onto the structural component and means of anchoring the prestressing member located adjacent to a first side of the anchorage unit oriented towards a regular section of the prestressing member. The fixing means are located adjacent to a second side, opposite the first side, of the anchorage unit, which is so provided that it may be put into traction when the prestressing member is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Nieto, Christian Tourneur
  • Patent number: 8333048
    Abstract: A fixture set includes an accessory part, and at least one means for fixing the accessory part to a front surface of a wall of a hollow frame, through a hole provided through the wall. The fixing means includes an anchor, a bolt screwed into the anchor and a splitter arranged between the head of the bolt and the anchor. The anchor is entirely inserted in the hole and includes at least two parts which are radially expandable by the splitter, when tightening the bolt, to lock the anchor against the back surface of the wall. The splitter and the anchor include mutually interlockable structures for substantially restricting rotation of the anchor relative to the splitter. The accessory part, or an intermediate accessory piece arranged between the accessory part and the wall, includes a solid connection for substantially restricting rotation of the splitter relative to the accessory part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Talpe
  • Patent number: 8333049
    Abstract: This invention relates to a door assembly comprising a pair of door skins which are mechanically secured together to define a top and bottom opening. The top and bottom openings receive an end cap therein to complete the door. The end cap of the present invention is comprised of two separate pieces, namely a locking clip and a beam, whereby the locking clip is slidably engaged with the beam to form the end cap. This allows a manufacturer to form the locking clip with a first material and the beam with a second material, depending on the specific requirements of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Provia Door, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Badger
  • Patent number: 8333050
    Abstract: A machine for making outer envelopes (101) in which a filter bag (103) for an infusion product is wrapped in an overwrapping (S) comprises: stations for making the filter bags (103), means (106) for moving the filter bag (103) towards a station (107) for wrapping a sheet (S) of overwrapping material around the filter bag (103); and a station (109) for closing longitudinal end edges (S1, S2) and a transversal end edge (S3) of the “U”-wrapped sheet (S) to form an outer envelope (101); the closing station (109) comprises a joining carrousel (110) equipped with a plurality of sealing elements (112) which are movable in rotation with the joining carrousel (110) and designed to receive respective single filter bags (103) with the folded overwrapping sheet (S) and to allow simultaneous closing of the longitudinal edges (S1, S2) and the transversal edge (S3) of the sheet (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ima Flavour S.R.L.
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Giacomo Noferini, Emanuele Rubbi
  • Patent number: 8333051
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows a storage bin to be evenly loaded while providing an environment which prevents fruit from colliding into machinery and into each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Van Doren Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter John Grentz, Arthur Lee Murison, Steven Archie Cochran
  • Patent number: 8333052
    Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules, each of which defined by a bottom and a cap, with pharmaceutical products, the bottoms and the caps of the capsules are moved forward in sequence about a plurality of wheels provided with at least two actuating members movable under the control of respective tappets engaged in respective cams to open and close the capsules themselves, respectively; the cams being obtained on the outer surface of a drum mounted to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: MG 2- S.R.L.
    Inventors: Angelo Ansaloni, Ernesto Gamberini
  • Patent number: 8333053
    Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Mahar
  • Patent number: 8333054
    Abstract: A method for producing a plurality of packages of liquid containers including the steps of dividing the liquid containers into groups representing the packages, applying handles to a film, wherein the film is located in a feeding area for the film, supplying one film to each of the groups of liquid containers via the feeding area, and wrapping each group of liquid containers with the film and the applied handle, thereby completing the packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 8333055
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for filling a plastic container (1) having a high degree of molecular orientation with a liquid, which process comprises the following steps: filling of the container (1) with a liquid at high temperature; cooling the walls (5) of the container (1) during the filling step; sealing of the container (1); cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) during the sealing step; passive shrinkage of the container (1) following said sealing step; and cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) following the shrinkage step. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said process and to a container thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Thomasset
  • Patent number: 8333056
    Abstract: A cutterhead for cutting aquatic vegetation, includes a cutterhead shroud, stationary teeth secured to the shroud, and a drum rotatably mounted within the shroud and bearing a flight of vanes cooperating with the teeth to cut vegetation. In accordance with the non-binding aspect of the cutterhead, each vane has an edge that rises gradually from a trailing end adjacent (during drum rotation) to a stationary tooth, to provide a clearance area adjacent the vane into which a respective tooth may be deflected during cutting without impinging upon an associated vane, and thus without causing binding of the cutterhead in the event of such deflection. Each vane may have a curvilinear edge extending from its cutting end to a surface of the drum at its trailing end. The edge defines a two-dimensional profile having a trailing end tangent forming an angle of not more than 70 degrees with the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Liquid Waste Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Kurtis Michael Syverson, Michael Todd Young, Michael Joseph McCann
  • Patent number: 8333057
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the lateral tilt of a combine header. The method includes receiving, at a control system, a plurality of output voltages from a plurality of potentiometers; determining, by the control system, at least one adjustment signal; determining, by the control system, a rate for transmitting the at least one adjustment signal; transmitting, by the control system, the at least one adjustment signal at the determined rate to at least one adjustment mechanism operably connected to control system; and adjusting, by the at least one adjustment mechanism, the lateral tilt of the combine header in response to the at least one adjustment signal. The rate for transmitting the signal is determined based upon one or more of a forward speed of the combine, the weight of the combine head, and an input selection made by an operator of the combine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jay David Schroeder, Leo Gerald Bose
  • Patent number: 8333058
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 8333059
    Abstract: A crop converging apparatus for a round baler having a pickup unit wider than the bale chamber. The converging apparatus comprises a pair of converging augers laterally situated along a common axis on opposing sides of the pickup unit feed table and forwardly adjacent to the bale chamber infeed opening. The converging augers and related shrouds are configured to shift the lateral converging zone of the augers rearward in relation to the auger structure to a position behind the plane of the infeed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, W. Dale Hotaling, Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8333060
    Abstract: When the compressor is a multistage compressor, each compression space includes an inlet arranged in the vicinity of the center axis and an outlet arranged in the vicinity of the outer circumference of the turbine wheel, and there is a connecting conduit between the outlet of a first compressor stage and the inlet of a second compressor stage. The connecting conduit is delimited by a first wall of the space of the first compressor stage and a second wall of the space of the second compressor stage. Each wall can be a friction disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Turbine Technology B.V.
    Inventor: Gustaaf Jan Witteveen
  • Patent number: 8333061
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine, including a particulate filter provided in an exhaust passage of the engine; a pressure difference sensor for detecting a pressure difference between upstream and downstream side pressures of the particulate filter; an upstream side passage, which connects the pressure difference sensor and an upstream side with respect to the particulate filter of the exhaust passage; and a downstream side passage, which connects the pressure difference sensor and a downstream side with respect to the particulate filter of the exhaust passage. An exhaust gas flow rate is calculated according to an operating condition of the engine. A characteristic of change in the pressure difference, which is detected by the pressure difference detector and corresponds to a change in the exhaust gas flow rate, is detected. An abnormality of the downstream side passage is determined based on the characteristic of change in the pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Sato, Hidetaka Maki, Jun Iida, Eisaku Gosho, Hiroaki Nishino
  • Patent number: 8333062
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device includes monitoring states of parameters of the exhaust gas feedstream upstream of the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device, analytically segmenting the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device into a plurality of discrete substrate elements, sequentially calculating a change in ammonia storage for each of the discrete substrate elements, and determining a total ammonia storage concentration on the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device based upon the sequentially calculated change in ammonia storage for each of the discrete substrate elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Min Sun
  • Patent number: 8333063
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Michael James Uhrich, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Patent number: 8333064
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine, reducing agent is diffused and the exhaust resistance is made small. The apparatus includes a reducing agent addition valve that injects reducing agent, a reducing agent addition valve mount portion that has a space in which the reducing agent addition valve injects the reducing agent outside a stream of exhaust gas flowing in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and on which the reducing agent addition valve is mounted, and an impingement portion that is provided in the reducing agent addition valve mount portion and on which the reducing agent injected through the reducing agent addition valve impinges, wherein the direction of injection of the reducing agent from the reducing agent addition valve is oriented toward the impingement portion, and toward downstream of the reducing agent addition valve with respect to the exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuki Bisaiji, Koichiro Fukuda, Mikio Inoue, Satoru Nitta, Kiyohiko Nagae
  • Patent number: 8333065
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system for reacting with sulfuric acid. The system may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and may also include a component disposed downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet. The component may be configured to restrict a flow of fluid through the housing as a function of sulfuric acid present within the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Richard Weber, Thomas Jeffrey Crowell, Hind Malaeb Abi-Akar
  • Patent number: 8333066
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: detecting a catalyst temperature T upon start of an engine; outputting an instruction signal to drive a power module, which is disposed in contact with an outer surface of a catalyst and is high in heat resistance, with a low efficiency upon determination that the catalyst temperature need be increased; and outputting a valve opening instruction signal to a switch valve in a cooling system in such a manner as not to allow a coolant to flow in a coolant pipeline interposed between the power module and an electric part low in heat resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Hirose
  • Patent number: 8333067
    Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder, an exhaust port, an exhaust valve, a secondary air supply pipe, and an electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve is opened in a predetermined time period after a point in time when a lift amount of the exhaust valve reaches about half a maximum value during a time period in which an opening of the exhaust port is opened. This causes air to be supplied from a secondary air supply pipe to the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuuji Araki, Masaki Torigoshi, Toshihiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8333068
    Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery device is provided with an evaporation portion for evaporating an operation fluid flowing therein by performing heat exchange with exhaust gas of an engine, a condensation portion for condensing the operation fluid flowing from the evaporation portion by performing heat exchange with coolant of the engine, and a flow adjusting portion for adjusting a flow amount of the operation fluid flowing from the condensation portion to the evaporation portion. A catalyst temperature detector is adapted to detect a temperature of a catalyst for purifying the exhaust gas, and a control unit sets a catalyst heating mode when the detected temperature of the catalyst is lower than a threshold value. Furthermore, the control unit causes the flow adjusting portion to adjust the flow amount of the operation fluid from the condensation portion to the evaporation portion at zero, in the catalyst heating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenshirou Muramatsu, Yasutoshi Yamanaka, Kimio Kohara, Yuuki Mukoubara
  • Patent number: 8333069
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a main pump, two main ducts serving respectfully as feed and as discharge for first and second hydraulic motors that serve to drive disposed one after the other. A bypass valve can take up a reduced-speed position in which the feed main orifices are connected to the discharge main duct, and an increased-speed position in which one of the motors is bypassed, the feed main orifice of the motor being connected to the discharge main duct via a bypass link, while the other main orifices continue to have their respective links. The apparatus further includes a constriction suitable for being activated to restrict the flow of fluid through the bypass link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventors: Jean Heren, Philippe Lucienne, Andre Prigent, Cyrille D'Hersignerie
  • Patent number: 8333070
    Abstract: Provided is an energy storage system configured to accumulate energy for subsequent discharge. One embodiment includes an indirect energy storage assembly configured to accept energy input from a direct storage assembly. The indirect energy storage assembly includes a converter for lifting a mass, a speed reducer coupled to the converter for increasing torque provided, and a mass coupled to the speed reducer for generating potential energy when raised. In one embodiment, the direct energy storage assembly produces energy based on descent of a mass, the descent controlled by operation of a speed increaser coupled to a generator. In one example, the speed increaser provides an input:output ratio of at least 1:100. The speed increaser can be configured based on parameters of the generator (e.g., speed and torque). The mass of the direct energy storage assembly can include a float for lifting the mass responsive to water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Henry C. Huang, Jane Huang
  • Patent number: 8333071
    Abstract: A method and system to control an engine to maintain turbine inlet temperature utilizes two temperature thresholds: a control initiation temperature and a maximum hardware temperature. An engine parameter is adjusted in a closed-loop manner based on an error, which is a difference between a setpoint temperature and the turbine inlet temperature. The setpoint temperature is initially the control initiation temperature. However, after control over turbine inlet temperature is established, the setpoint temperature ramps gradually to maximum hardware temperature. In one embodiment, the engine parameter is engine torque. Other engine parameters affecting turbine inlet temperature include timing and duration of fuel injection pulses, EGR rate, gear selection, and intake throttle position, any of which can be used in place of, or in combination with, torque for controlling turbine inlet temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron John Oakley, Paul Martin Niessen, Jason Ronald Smith
  • Patent number: 8333072
    Abstract: A wastegate control system and a method for the wastegate control system is disclosed. The wastegate control system includes an ambient pressure sensor, a throttle angle sensor, an ignition timing sensor, a knock sensor, an intake charge temperature sensor and an intake charge humidity sensor. A wastegate is controlled according to information received from these sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8333073
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with an exhaust gas pipe for taking exhaust gases from the engine's combustion chamber and an intake pipe for supplying air to the combustion chamber. The engine includes a turbo charging system with a high-pressure turbine that interacts with a high-pressure compressor and a low-pressure turbine that interacts with a low-pressure compressor, for recovery of energy from the engine's exhaust gas flow and pressurizing of the engine's intake air. The high-pressure turbine is connected to the low-pressure turbine via a duct. An exhaust gas pressure regulator is located in the duct between the high-pressure turbine and the low-pressure turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Kent Giselmo, Lars Sundin
  • Patent number: 8333074
    Abstract: A mixing device for incorporating a light gas at low pressure into a working fluid at a very high pressure includes a mixing section in the form of a truncated conical section between the an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of inlets for the light gas into the mixing section, and a plurality of passages through the truncated conical section into a cylindrical section leading to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas KaKovitch
  • Patent number: 8333075
    Abstract: A system that includes a turbine fuel nozzle comprising an air-fuel premixer. The air-fuel premixed includes a swirl vane configured to swirl fuel and air in a downstream direction, wherein the swirl vane comprises an internal coolant path from a downstream end portion in an upstream direction through a substantial length of the swirl vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William David York, Thomas Edward Johnson, Benjamin Paul Lacy, Christian Xavier Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8333076
    Abstract: A supersonic inlet employs relaxed isentropic compression to improve net propulsive force by shaping the compression surface of the inlet. Relaxed isentropic compression shaping of the inlet compression surface functions to reduce cowl lip surface angles, thereby improving inlet drag characteristics and interference drag characteristics. Supersonic inlets in accordance with the invention also demonstrate reductions in peak sonic boom overpressure while maintaining performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Conners, Donald C. Howe, Preston A. Henne
  • Patent number: 8333077
    Abstract: A boss and orifice plate assembly comprising an annular boss adapted to be secured in a hole formed in a combustor component, said boss formed with an annular seat supporting a replaceable orifice plate, and an annular retaining ring groove adjacent said seat, said seat extending radially inwardly of said annular retaining ring groove; and a retaining ring seated in said retaining ring groove and at least partially and resiliently engaged between a surface of said groove and a surface of said orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lebegue, Neal W. Grooms
  • Patent number: 8333078
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system, a correlation is established between a plurality of values of a process air mass flow supplied to an air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. A correlation is also established between a plurality of values of an ambient air mass flow which is used to cool the process air mass flow supplied to the air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. The process air mass flow and the ambient air mass flow are controlled in dependence on a predetermined cooling capacity of the aircraft air conditioning system such that the fuel consumption of the aircraft is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Kelnhofer
  • Patent number: 8333079
    Abstract: An adsorption heat pump is provided in which water vapor can be efficiently adsorbed and desorbed using a heat source having a lower temperature than ones heretofore in use because the pump employs an adsorbent which has a large difference in water adsorption amount in adsorption/desorption and can be regenerated (release the adsorbate) at a low temperature. The invention provides an adsorption heat pump which comprises an adsorbate, an adsorption/desorption part having an adsorbent for adsorbate adsorption/desorption, a vaporization part for adsorbate vaporization which has been connected to the adsorption/desorption part, and a condensation part for adsorbate condensation which has been connected to the adsorption/desorption part, wherein the adsorbent, when examined at 25° C., gives a water vapor adsorption isotherm which, in the relative vapor pressure range of from 0.05 to 0.30, has a relative vapor pressure region in which a change in relative vapor pressure of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kakiuchi, Takahiko Takewaki, Masaru Fujii, Masanori Yamazaki, Hideaki Takumi, Hiromu Watanabe, Kouji Inagaki, Atsushi Kosaka, Seiji Inoue, Satoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8333080
    Abstract: A supersonic cooling system operates by pumping liquid. Because supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the compression system does not require the use a condenser. Compression system utilizes a compression wave. The evaporator of compression system operates in the critical flow regime where the pressure in an evaporator tube will remain almost constant and then ‘jump’ or ‘shock up’ to the ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pax Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayden Harman, Thomas Gielda
  • Patent number: 8333081
    Abstract: An ice-making device includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part opening and closing the duct. A sensor part senses whether the duct-covering part closes the duct and a control part controls the duct-covering part to open the duct when the sensor part senses that the duct-covering part fails to close the duct and the duct-covering part has been attempting to close the duct for at least a preset period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Do Han, Ho Youn Lee, Young Jin Kim, Tae Hee Lee, Sung Yong Shin
  • Patent number: 8333082
    Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joe D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8333083
    Abstract: A system to support the testing of electronic devices and a temperature control unit for the system are disclosed. A temperature controlling method for a chamber of the system is also disclosed. Low or high temperature air is supplied to the inside of the chamber when the electronic devices are tested at low or high temperature. External air is supplied to the inside of the chamber when the electronic devices are tested at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: TechWing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Sung Na, Tae-Hung Ku, Cheul-Gyu Boo