Patents Issued in January 3, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130000301
    Abstract: Systems for regenerating an absorbent solution include steam produced by a boiler; a set of pressure turbines fluidly coupled to the boiler for receiving the steam, wherein the set of pressure turbines comprises a high pressure turbine, a medium pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine; and a regenerating system comprising a regenerator for regenerating a rich and/or semi-rich absorbent solution to form a lean absorbent solution in fluid communication with a reboiler, the regenerating system fluidly coupled to the set of pressure turbines, wherein steam from the low pressure turbine provides a heat source for preheating the rich or the semi-rich absorbent solution fed to the regenerator. Also disclosed are processes of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Daniel Nicolaus Secundus Mattstedt, Joseph P. Naumovitz, Sanjay Kumar Dube
  • Publication number: 20130000302
    Abstract: A method of improving heat utilization in a thermodynamic cycle, the method comprising heating a working stream in a at least one distillation assembly to produce a rich stream and a lean stream; wherein the distillation assembly comprises a bottom reboiler section, a middle distillation section and a top condenser section; superheating the rich stream in at least one superheater to produce a gaseous working stream; expanding the gaseous working stream in at least one means for expansion to obtain energy in usable form and at least one spent stream; mixing the spent stream and the lean stream to produce a mixed stream; condensing the mixed stream in an absorber-condenser assembly using cooling water to obtain a condensed stream; exchanging heat between the condensed stream and the rich stream to partially condense the rich stream before step b); whereby the condensed stream on heat exchange gives a liquid working stream; exchanging heat between the liquid working stream and the lean stream in at least one hea
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Bhagwat Sunil Subhash, Satpute Satchidanand Ramdasji, Patil Swapnil Shridhar, Shankar Ravi
  • Publication number: 20130000303
    Abstract: An engine is configured to extract energy from a heat source as follows. A shaft is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a support and rotatable in a first direction. A plurality of vessels is coupled to and arranged about the shaft. At least a first vessel of the plurality of vessels includes a thermally insulative portion and a thermally conductive portion. A plurality of conduits connects the plurality of vessels together. Each of the plurality of vessels is in communication with at least one other of the plurality of vessels via at least one of the conduits. The plurality of vessels is arranged to allow the thermally conductive portion of the first vessel to encounter the heat source. The thermally conductive portion is capable of transferring heat to at least partially vaporize volatile fluid within the first vessel to cause a mass to at least partially move towards a connected vessel located above the first vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DYVERGA ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Harold Emerson Godwin
  • Publication number: 20130000304
    Abstract: In a power generation apparatus, a working medium is evaporated in an evaporator using a heating medium supplied from outside, and the evaporated working medium is subsequently introduced into an expander, which is connected to an electric generator, to convert a thermal expansion force of the working medium into a rotation force inside the expander for generation of electric power. Then, the working medium exhausted from the expander is fed into a condenser in which the working medium is condensed by cooling the working medium with a coolant medium supplied from outside, and the condensed working medium is pressurized by a circulating pump to resupply the evaporator with the pressurized working medium. In the power generation apparatus, when a condensing pressure in the condenser is high, a rotational speed of the circulating pump and a suction volume of the evaporator are increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Noboru Tsuboi, Masayoshi Matsumura
  • Publication number: 20130000305
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is presented for controlling a boundary layer (30) in a diffusing flow path (14) of a power generating machine (16). The apparatus includes a passage (18) in the power generating machine with an inlet (20) and an outlet (22). The apparatus also includes a fluid source (24) coupled to the inlet to transmit fluid into the passage. The apparatus also includes a vortex generator (26) within the passage effective to generate a vortex fluid (12) at the outlet. The outlet is positioned to inject the vortex fluid into the diffusing flow path of the power generating machine in order to control the boundary layer of the diffusing flow path. An apparatus is also provided to enhance the diffusion of a flow path within a power generating machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130000306
    Abstract: In a gas-turbine combustion burner which is provided, at a distal end thereof, with a fuel spraying hole that sprays fuel into a combustion region formed inside a combustion cylinder of a gas-turbine combustor and in which a fuel flow path that guides the fuel, which is supplied from a fuel source, to the fuel spraying hole is formed in the interior thereof, the impedance of a fuel supply system that guides the fuel from the fuel source to the fuel spraying hole is set so that propagation of pressure fluctuations from the combustion region to the fuel supply system becomes an allowable level or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Matsuyama, Takanori Ito, Tei Yamato, Koji Maeta, Sosuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130000307
    Abstract: A swirler for fuel injection in a gas turbine engine includes a frustoconical swirler body. A first and a second air flow path direct air in generally opposed circumferential directions into the swirler. These air paths intermix and create turbulence. As this turbulence encounters fuel droplets, the fuel is atomized, and uniformly distributed within the air flow. A shear layer is created adjacent an inner surface of the swirler body. In a separate feature, a third air flow path is directed into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Albert K. Cheung
  • Publication number: 20130000308
    Abstract: A diffuser pipe (38) of a compressor diffuser assembly (28) for gas turbine engines defines a depressed local area (58) in the pipe wall of an upstream section of the diffuser pipe (38). The depressed local area (58) is bent into the diffuser pipe (38) to reduce the accumulation of fluid boundary layer and improve stall margin of the diffuser pipe (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Andrey Petrovich Dovbush, Valery Ivanovich Kislov
  • Publication number: 20130000309
    Abstract: An adaptive cooling structure comprises a mounting support, a liner, and a spacer. The mounting support has a coolant aperture for directing cooling air through the support. The liner has a first surface facing away from the mounting support and a second surface facing towards the support. The liner is coupled to the mounting support, and the spacer is positioned between the support and the liner. The positioning of the spacer creates a chamber between the mounting support and the liner, thus allowing the cooling air to impinge on the second surface of the liner. The liner wall is configured to deflect away from the mounting support to expand the chamber, thus allowing the cooling air to further impinge on the second surface of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James A. Dierberger
  • Publication number: 20130000310
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes a combustor liner, a flow sleeve and a baffle ring. The flow sleeve surrounds the combustor liner. An annulus is formed between the flow sleeve and the combustor liner. A plurality of row of cooling holes are formed in the flow sleeve. The baffle ring radially surrounds the combustor liner and is located in the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jaisukhlal V. Chokshi, Craig F. Smith, Carlos G. Figueroa, Larry C. George
  • Publication number: 20130000311
    Abstract: A fuel injection array for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of bluff body injectors and a plurality of swirler injectors. A control operates the plurality of bluff body injectors and swirler injectors such that bluff body injectors are utilized without all of the swirler injectors at least at low power operation. The swirler injectors are utilized at higher power operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy S. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20130000312
    Abstract: A turbomachine combustor assembly includes a combustor body, and a combustor liner arranged within the combustor body and defining a combustion chamber. The combustor liner includes a venturi portion arranged within the combustion chamber. A fluid passage is defined between the combustor body and the combustor liner, and at least one turbulator is arranged in the fluid passage. The at least one turbulator is configured and disposed to create vortices in the fluid passage. A vortex modification system is arranged at the fluid passage and is configured and disposed to disrupt the vortices in the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sridhar Venkat Kodukulla, Ronald James Chila, Sarah Lori Crothers, Shreekrishna Jayakumar Rao, Shivakumar Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20130000313
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid transfer coupling has a stator, a first coaxial rotor, and a second coaxial rotor. The first rotor is radially inwards of the stator, the second rotor is radially outwards of the stator, at least part of the first rotor axially overlapping with the stator, and at least part of the second rotor axially overlapping with the stator. The first rotor carries one or more first rotating fluid lines, and the second rotor carries one or more second rotating fluid lines. The stator carries one or more first static fluid lines and second static fluid lines. Each pair of a first rotating fluid line and the corresponding first static fluid line are fluidly coupled and each pair of a second rotating fluid line and the corresponding second static fluid line are fluidly coupled. Hydraulic fluid is transferable between each static fluid line and the corresponding rotating fluid line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Udall
  • Publication number: 20130000314
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a high spool, a low spool and an intermediate spool. The high spool comprises a high pressure turbine coupled to a high pressure compressor. The intermediate spool comprises an intermediate pressure turbine coupled to a ducted fan. The low spool comprises a low pressure turbine coupled to an open-rotor propeller. A variable area turbine section positioned between the intermediate pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine variable turbine section is configured to vary an expansion ratio across the intermediate pressure turbine to control rotational speeds of the low spool and the intermediate spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
  • Publication number: 20130000315
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing air mass flow through the compressor in a single shaft gas turbine engine having an extended operating range including part load conditions, to provide low emissions combustion. The apparatus includes one or more nozzles positioned for injecting compressed air into the inlet region of the compressor. The nozzles are oriented to direct the compressed air tangentially to, and in the same angular direction as, the direction of rotation to create a swirl in the inlet air flow to the compressor inducer. The apparatus also includes conduits in flow communication between the compressor diffuser and the nozzles, one or more valves operatively connected to control the flow of compressed air from the diffuser to the nozzles, and a controller operatively connected to the valves to cause compressed air flow to the nozzles during operation at part load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: R. Jan MOWILL
  • Publication number: 20130000316
    Abstract: A twin-shaft gas turbine, which has a gas generator including a compressor, a combustor, and a high-pressure turbine, is configured to make a first control mode and a second control mode selectively useable for control of the gas generator. In addition, in the first control mode, an IGV angle in the compressor is controlled in accordance with a corrected shaft rotation speed of the gas generator, and in the second control mode, the IGV angle is controlled to maintain a constant gas generator shaft rotation speed. Furthermore, the first control mode is used to start, to stop, and to operate the turbine under fixed or lower load conditions, and that the second control mode is used under operational states other than those to which the first control mode is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji NANATAKI, Nozomi SAITO, Hidetaro MURATA
  • Publication number: 20130000317
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a high spool, a low spool mechanically connected to a fan, a gear system, an actuator, and a starter. The gear system is actuable to engage and disengage the low spool to and from the high spool. The actuator is connected to the gear system for selectively engaging and disengaging the gear system. The starter is connected to the low spool and can drive rotation of the high spool through the low spool when the gear system is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew P. Berryann, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Publication number: 20130000318
    Abstract: A fuel system including a fuel pump metering unit (FPMU) for delivering fuel to an engine manifold with an ecology valve for draining and storing fuel from the engine manifold. The ecology valve includes a housing having a piston dividing the housing into a first side in fluid communication with an output of the FPMU and a second side in fluid communication with the engine manifold. An assembly connected between the FPMU and engine manifold selectively creates a pressure differential across the first and second side of the housing when the FPMU delivers fuel to the engine manifold. In a run position, the piston moves to decrease a volume within the housing interior as a result of the pressure differential. In a drain position, the piston moves to increase the housing volume within the interior and thereby pull and store fuel from the engine manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Dalton
  • Publication number: 20130000319
    Abstract: Pyrolyzing gasification system and method of use including primary combustion of non-uniform solid fuels such as biomass and solid wastes within a refractory lined gasifier, secondary combustion of primary combustion gas within a staged, cyclonic, refractory lined oxidizer, and heat energy recovery from the oxidized flue gas within an indirect air-to-air all-ceramic heat exchanger or external combustion engine. Primary combustion occurs at low substoichoimetric air percentages of 10-30 percent and at temperatures below 1000 degrees F. Secondary combustion is staged and controlled for low NOx formation and prevention of formation of CO, hydrocarbons, and VOCs. The gasifier includes a furnace bed segmented into individual cells, each cell is independently monitored using a ramp temperature probe, and provided with controlled air injection. Gasifier air injection includes tuyere arrays, lances, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Robert G. Graham
  • Publication number: 20130000320
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of a hydrocarbon to CO2 and electrical power is described which includes subjecting a gas mixture of a hydrocarbon feed stream and steam to an integrated reforming process including stages of steam reforming in a gas-heated reformer and secondary reforming to generate a reformed gas mixture, increasing the hydrogen content of the reformed gas mixture by subjecting it to one or more water-gas-shift stages, cooling the resulting hydrogen-enriched reformed gas and separating condensed water therefrom, passing the resulting de-watered hydrogen-enriched reformed gas to one or more stages of carbon dioxide separation to recover carbon dioxide, combusting the remaining hydrogen-containing fuel stream with an oxygen containing gas in a gas turbine to generate electrical power and passing the exhaust gas mixture from the gas turbine to a heat recovery steam generation system that feeds one or more steam turbines to generate additional electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Mark McKenna, Peter Edward James Abbott, Peter William Farnell
  • Publication number: 20130000321
    Abstract: A gas turbine inlet heating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes: a compressor having: an inlet bellmouth adjacent to a set of inlet guide vanes (IGVs); and an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet bellmouth; and a conduit coupled to an outlet of the compressor, the conduit including a control valve, the conduit for diverting a first portion of compressed air from the outlet of the compressor to the inlet bellmouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Malath Ibrahim Arar, Anna Valeria Anllo
  • Publication number: 20130000322
    Abstract: A turbomachine comprises a flow duct with coaxially arranged radially inner and outer endwalls, first and second sets of axially spaced rotor stages arranged between the inner and outer endwalls, and a plurality of variable endwall segments arranged along the inner endwall. The first set of rotor stages rotates in a first direction, and the second set rotates in a second direction. The first and second sets alternate in axial series along the flow duct, such that axially adjacent rotor stages rotate in different directions. The variable endwall segments are radially positionable, in order to regulate loading on the first and second sets of rotor stages by changing a cross-sectional flow area between the inner and outer endwalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter D. Silkowski
  • Publication number: 20130000323
    Abstract: A differential gear system for a gas turbine engine includes an assembly of a ring gear, a sun gear, and a plurality of planet gears, and a planet carrier. The plurality of planet gears are enmeshed between the ring gear and the sun gear. The planet carrier acts as an input to rotatably drive the planet gears, the sun gear, and ring gear of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel B. Kupratis
  • Publication number: 20130000324
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor section, and a turbine. The turbine includes an integrated case/stator segment that is comprised of a ceramic matrix composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ioannis Alvanos, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Publication number: 20130000325
    Abstract: A temperature control system includes a first air conditioner for changing a temperature of a heat medium, a second air conditioner for adjusting a temperature of air in a vehicle interior using the heat medium, a first supply member for supplying the heat medium from the first air conditioner to at least one of a battery stack and the second air conditioner, a second supply member for supplying the heat medium from the battery stack to the second air conditioner, a third supply member for supplying the heat medium from the second air conditioner to the electric equipment, and a fourth supply member for supplying the heat medium from the electric equipment to the first air conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Asai, Masaki Morita
  • Publication number: 20130000326
    Abstract: A helium-cooling type regenerator configured to retain cold temperatures of working gas includes a first section through which the working gas flows, a second section configured to accommodate helium gas as a regenerator material, and a regenerator material pipe connected to the second section and to a helium source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Mingyao XU
  • Publication number: 20130000327
    Abstract: An ice-making machine includes an ice-forming mold in a food zone of the ice-making machine; a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in thermal contact with said ice-forming mold, thus producing a combined evaporator and ice-forming mold; and a bulkhead wall separating an equipment compartment from the food zone. A bulkhead space is located between the bulkhead wall and the combined evaporator and ice-forming mold. The bulkhead space is part of the food zone. Air in contact with ice being formed by the ice-making machine can circulate to the bulkhead space. A source of antimicrobially active gas and an air circulation system that causes the antimicrobially active gas to circulate through the bulkhead space. In use, the antimicrobially active gas flows though the bulkhead space to thereby distribute the antimicrobially active gas throughout the bulkhead space, thus inhibiting growth of microbiological contaminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: William E. Olson, Jr., Richard T. Miller, Brad A. Blaha
  • Publication number: 20130000328
    Abstract: The air conditioning system uses an air cycle thermodynamic process. The system comprises a centrifuge. This centrifuge includes at one of its ends, an axial inlet that funnels air into a centrifugal compressor rotating in unison with the centrifuge. The air is compressed, adiabatically heated and directed to a heat exchanger mounted in the rim of, and rotating with the centrifuge. The air is accelerated with respect the centrifuge by varying the centrifuge radius or by using forward leaning impeller blades. The air is cooled by the heat exchanger and directed to an expander also rotating with the centrifuge. The air is expanded and adiabatically further cooled. The cold air exits the centrifuge through an axial outlet located at the second end of the centrifuge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: George Samuel Levy
  • Publication number: 20130000329
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler, and associated method, that includes an evaporative pad including a liquid coolant-receiving surface at which a liquid coolant distributed to the evaporative pad is received and thereafter passes into the evaporative pad. The evaporative cooler also includes a liquid coolant distribution container that includes an upper portion configured to hold liquid coolant and a lower portion contiguous with the upper portion. The lower portion includes an opening and a permeable bed in place over the opening through which the liquid coolant held in the upper portion of the liquid coolant distribution container passes and is distributed to the liquid coolant-receiving surface of the evaporative pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter John Duncan Smith, Abhijeet Madhukar Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20130000330
    Abstract: A control apparatus, which controls a refrigerating apparatus including a compressor and a first circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through the compressor when the current, flowing from a power supply through the compressor to cause the compressor to work, becomes greater than a predetermined current and that is closed according to an operation by a user, includes: a voltage-measuring unit to measure a power-supply voltage a control unit to trip a second circuit breaker disposed in series with the first circuit breaker so that the current from the power supply flowing through the compressor is interrupted, when the measured power-supply voltage becomes lower than a predetermined voltage, and close the second circuit breaker after the power-supply voltage becomes higher than the predetermined voltage, the predetermined current corresponding to a current greater than the current flowing through the compressor when the power-supply voltage is equal to the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Tsuruma
  • Publication number: 20130000331
    Abstract: A low-temperature storage includes: a thermally-insulating casing including an accommodating portion accommodating an item to be refrigerated; a door to be closed in a manner capable of opening/closing the portion; a cooling mechanism cooling an interior thereof; a temperature-detecting unit measuring a temperature in the portion; an opening/closing-detecting unit detecting a door open/close state; and a control unit including a temperature-adjusting unit controlling the cooling mechanism so that the temperature reaches a target temperature, first- and second-temperature-storing units storing first and second temperatures, respectively, a target-temperature-setting unit setting the target temperature at the first temperature when the opening/closing-detecting unit detects that the door has changed from an open to closed state, and thereafter, setting the target temperature at the second temperature, and a control-information-setting unit setting the first or second temperatures, and when a difference therebet
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hagiwara, Ryuichi Tsuruma, Yuichi Tamaoki
  • Publication number: 20130000332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for pulsed charge refrigeration of a member from a Tokamak. The method uses a refrigeration device that subjects a working fluid such as helium to a work cycle comprising: compression, cooling, and decompression, as well as heat exchange with the member and heating. The refrigeration power produced by the refrigeration device is increased to a relatively high level when the Tokamak is in a plasma generation phase, and the refrigeration power produced by the refrigeration device is decreased to a relatively low level when the Tokamak is no longer in a plasma generation phase. Said method is characterized in that the increase in refrigeration power produced by the refrigeration device is automatically triggered in response to a signal produced during a step for starting plasma in the Tokamak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: L'AIR LIQUIDE SOCIETE ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EX
    Inventors: Gerald Aigouy, Jean-Marc Bernhardt, Pierre Briend, Eric Fauve, David Grillot, Vincent Heloin
  • Publication number: 20130000333
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a heat exchange chamber defined in a side of the cabinet to provide a space for receiving an evaporator, a storage compartment defined in the cabinet, the storage compartment being independent from the refrigerating compartment, the freezing compartment, and the heat exchange chamber, a supply duct assembly connecting the heat exchange chamber to the storage compartment to provide a cool air supply passage, and a guide duct communicating with the supply duct assembly, the guide duct extending from a rear surface of the storage compartment up to a front portion of the storage compartment to guide cool air into a front side of the storage compartment. The guide duct discharges the cool air from the front portion of the storage compartment toward the inside of the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Cheolhwan Kim, Wonyeong Jung, Deokhyun Youn, Jeongyon Kim
  • Publication number: 20130000334
    Abstract: There is provided a cold water tank including: a first tank having an inlet pipe through which water to be cooled is introduced; and a second tank provided in the interior of the first tank such that water of the first tank can be introduced thereinto, having an evaporator included in a refrigerating cycle to cool the introduced water, and having an outlet pipe through which cooled water flows. Although water is introduced at high pressure, the introduced water can remain in the cold water tank for a period of time required for being cooled, and although water is introduced at high pressure, the introduced water can be in a stable state in the cold water tank. Thus, water can be cooled with its inflow pressure maintained, and the degree of freedom of a faucet or cock for allowing cold water to flow therethrough can be improved in its height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Hyun-Young Kim, Woong Jung, Hyun-Hee Lee, Hwan-Seok Choi
  • Publication number: 20130000335
    Abstract: A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment has a volatile working fluid. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to the first cooling cycle. The first cooling cycle is not a vapor compression cycle and includes a pump, an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, and a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. The second cooling cycle can include a chilled water system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment. Alternatively, the second cooling cycle can include a vapor compression system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: LIEBERT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven A. BORROR, Frank E. DIPAOLO, Thomas E. HARVEY, Steven M. MADARA, Reasey J. MAM, Stephen C. SILLATO
  • Publication number: 20130000336
    Abstract: A cooling box to perform temperature control so that an internal temperature of the cooling box storing an item to be refrigerated becomes equal to a set temperature includes: a control device including an ambient-temperature sensor to detect an ambient temperature of the box, and adjust a supply amount of warm air into the box after stopping supply of cold air thereinto based on the ambient temperature; and a thermally-insulating-door sensor to detect whether an opening connected with the interior of the cooling box is in either an open or closed state, when the sensor detects a change of the opening from an open to closed state, the control device executing control so that the warm-air-supply-amount reaches a first value until a predetermined period has elapsed, and executing control so that the warm-air-supply-amount reaches a second value smaller than the first value after the predetermined period has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hagiwara, Ryuichi Tsuruma, Yuichi Tamaoki
  • Publication number: 20130000337
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Lorina June White
  • Publication number: 20130000338
    Abstract: A natural coolant refrigerating plant comprising a motor-driven compressor with two compression stages, at least one jacket for heating and/or cooling a product being processed, an intercooler located upstream of the second compression stage and a gas-cooler located downstream of the outlet from the second compression stage. Moreover, the plant comprises a first branch, connecting the outlet of the gas-cooler with the inlet of the first stage of the motor-driven compressor for recovering a predetermined quantity of coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Andrea COCCHI, Roberto LAZZARINI
  • Publication number: 20130000339
    Abstract: In an air-conditioning apparatus that uses a refrigerant, which operates in a transcritical cycle, and refrigerating machine oil, which has low miscibility with the refrigerant, in a refrigerant circuit for a refrigeration cycle connected to a compressor, a radiator, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, the air-conditioning apparatus includes a flow regulating mechanism provided in the refrigerant circuit, and flow control means that controls the flow regulating mechanism. If a refrigerant flow velocity at an outlet side of the radiator is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the refrigerant flow velocity at the outlet side of the radiator is increased by the flow control means so that oil-return operation that returns the refrigerating machine oil discharged from the compressor to the compressor is performed for at least a predetermined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Shimazu, Keisuke Takayama, Takeshi Hatomura
  • Publication number: 20130000340
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus increases the cooling capacity even under overload conditions in a refrigeration cycle apparatus that uses a refrigerant which undergoes transition to a supercritical state and in which the high-pressure side enters a supercritical state. A refrigeration cycle apparatus adjusts a high-pressure-side pressure of a refrigerant flowing through a main refrigerant circuit by causing a controller to control an opening degree of a second expansion valve and a heat transfer area of a radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Takayama, Yusuke Shimazu, Takeshi Hatomura
  • Publication number: 20130000341
    Abstract: A refrigerated air dryer includes a three-path heat exchanger 18 having an air path 18a, a refrigerant path 18b, and a fluid path 18c. The three flow paths exchange heat within a single unit to provide a compact heat exchanger with improved thermal performance at a lower production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Paolo De Piero, Maurizio Nardini, Charles John Bergh
  • Publication number: 20130000342
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system, comprising: a compressor (22); a first electric motor (26) that provides a motive force to the compressor; at least one fan (52, 56, 82, 84, 86); a second electric fan motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92) that provides a motive force to the fan; a solar PV electrical power source (220); an electric energy power source (230); a engine driven generator electrical power source (210); and a power management controller (40) coupled to route power selectively and concurrently from two of the electrical power sources (210, 220, 230) to provide electrical power to the first motor (26) and the second motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Blasko, Satyam Bendapudi, Stella Maria Oggianu
  • Publication number: 20130000343
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandise display system for storing and dispensing merchandise. The merchandise display system includes an outer housing, an inner support, a transparent front door, a refrigeration unit, a front door assembly, and a plurality of windows. The merchandise display system further includes a plurality of shelves for supporting merchandise within the display system. The refrigeration unit may be positioned at the top of the merchandise display system and may be removable. The outer housing of the refrigeration unit may be manufactured in a variety of colors. Each of the colors may be indicative a type of merchandise stored within the merchandise display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Antonio Jose Fernandes Ribeiro, José Roberto Montero, Jose Miguel Gutierrez, Jose Alfonso Gonzalez Santamaria, Edith Nancy Treviño García, Rodrigo Guadarrama, César Eduardo Avendaño Acero, Dimas Alberto Diaz Zaleta
  • Publication number: 20130000344
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an evaporator (9), a condenser (14), a compressor (11), a liquid pump (3), a liquid accumulator (1), a first ON/OFF control valve element (10), a first valve element for flow direction control (12), a second ON/OFF control valve element (2), a second valve element for flow direction control (5), a throttling device (8), a liquid pump's bypass pipe (16) with a third valve element for flow direction control (6) and a compressor's bypass pipe (18) with a forth valve element for flow direction control (13). An entrance of the compressor (11) is coupled to an exit of the evaporator (9) via the first ON/OFF control valve element (10); an exit of the compressor (11) is coupled to an entrance of the condenser (14) via the first valve element for flow direction control (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: EMERSON NETWORK POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yansong Ma, Yizhou Fan, Haifang Ge, Na Yan, Liangyin Ding
  • Publication number: 20130000345
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigerated cabinet with a cooled storage compartment, a door movable between a closed position closing the cooled storage compartment and an opened position allowing access to an interior of the cooled storage compartment, the door having an outer panel and a thermoformed liner attached to an inside of the outer panel, and an ice box frame attached to the thermoformed liner, the ice box frame being formed of injection molded plastic more rigid than the thermoformed liner and defining an ice compartment therein. At least one of an ice maker, an ice storage bin, and a motor for driving an ice storage bin auger is located in the ice compartment and attached to the door via the ice box frame. A related refrigeration appliance is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig Robert Vitan, Umakant Suresh Katu, Steven D. Paul, Eric Lloyd Scalf, Andrew Reinhard Krause, Edward Philip Strauss, Danister Abeygunawardana
  • Publication number: 20130000346
    Abstract: A cooling arrangement and system are provided for use in a process of producing brittle particles, and comprising: a first chamber having: a solid particles feed ingress means; a solid particles mixing means; and a solid particles egress means, and a second chamber comprising at least one cooling fluid discharging means, wherein the cooling arrangement is characterized in that there is a low thermal resistance between the first chamber and the second chamber to allow cooling down the solid particles being fed to the first chamber via the solid particles feed ingress means, and wherein the solid particles feed ingress means is operative to introduce solid particles, each having a typical diameter of less than 7 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Oleg Golobrodsky, Gideon Drori
  • Publication number: 20130000347
    Abstract: This disclosure presents a heat exchanger that comprises a header frame having end plates, a plurality of rows of finned hairpins, each extending through a cooling fin and each having ends extending through the end plates, and at least one finless hairpin having ends extending through the end plates. A method of manufacturing the heat exchanger is also presented as well as a heat ventilation air conditioning system in which the heat exchanger may be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Dae-Hyun Jin, Christopher D. Beck
  • Publication number: 20130000348
    Abstract: A flow path of a nozzle included in an ejector includes a convergent taper portion in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually decreases toward the downstream side, a cylindrical flow path extending from a downstream end of the convergent taper portion and being continuous for a predetermined length and in a cylindrical shape, and a divergent taper portion continuous with a downstream end of the cylindrical flow path and in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually increases toward the downstream side. By providing the cylindrical flow path, a length of the divergent taper portion is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Higashiiue, So Nomoto, Hirokazu Minamisako
  • Publication number: 20130000349
    Abstract: A system for recovering products from a gas stream comprises a cooled chamber having an inlet that feeds the gas stream to a plurality of sequential conduit loops within the chamber. A critical orifice follows each loop, and each loop includes an output port. Based upon the physical characteristics of each loop, the sizing of the critical orifice following the loop, and the temperature within the chamber, different products are condensed from the gas stream through the output ports. The system may be configured to condense hydrocarbonaceous products such as ethane, propane, butane or methane, as well as fundamental products such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen. Gaseous products may be stored in gas or liquid form or vented to atmosphere depending upon amount, purity, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Lockhart, Ron McQueen
  • Publication number: 20130000350
    Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of hydrocarbons from a body of water comprising a temperature reduction device comprising a heat exchange in thermal communication with a flow of a liquefied cryogen, the temperature reduction device being adapted to receive a hydrocarbon/water mixture, position a first surface of the at least partially phase separated mixture in thermal communication with the heat exchanger, and reduce the temperature of the at least partially phase separated mixture to a temperature sufficient to cause the hydrocarbon phase to at least partially congeal or at least partially solidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventors: David C. Braithwaite, Brandon Sumners, Eric P. Klein, Stephen Bilger, Ronald C. Idol