Patents Issued in January 15, 2013
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Patent number: 8353123Abstract: A forearm stock for a shotgun includes a forearm stock main body, an integral shot shell carrier tube, disposed in the main body, an accessory rail, at the forward end of the main body, and a removable cover, adapted to cover the accessory rail. The forearm stock main body has a forward end, a back end, a contour, and an upper cavity for receiving a shotgun's tube magazine. The shot shell carrier tube is disposed below the upper cavity, and is adapted to receive a plurality of shot shells, with an opening toward the back end. A mechanism for urging the shot shells out of the carrier tube through the opening is provided, and a retention mechanism is adapted to selectively retain the shot shells in the carrier tube. The removable cover has a contour that substantially complements a contour of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Krow Innovation, LLCInventors: Reme A. Pullicar, James K. Bentley
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Patent number: 8353124Abstract: A barrel for a firearm is formed of a tube surrounded by a shroud. The shroud is formed of a thixotropic alloy injection molded over the tube using a thixotropic molding process. The tube defines the firearm's bore and may be rifled.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Gary Zukowski, Brett Curry, Steve Danneker
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Patent number: 8353125Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method for adjustably mounting, for example, an optical device to a rail interface of a firearm. The apparatus includes a base, a ring assembly configured to surround and grip the device, and at least two spacer members configured to be disposed and secured between the base and ring assembly. The ring assembly includes ring segments, a mechanism for securing the ring assembly to the base, and a mechanism for securing the ring segments together to grip the device therebetween. One of the ring segments has a support surface having a shape complementary to a support surface of the base. The spacer members are configured to be secured between the base and ring assemblies, and each spacer member has oppositely-disposed support surfaces configured to complementarily engage the support surface of either the base or ring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: GAMO Outdoor USA Inc.Inventor: Louis F. Riley
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Patent number: 8353126Abstract: An improved bee smoker is provided for producing smoke on demand for use in controlling bees that includes a housing, a power source, a heating element, a fan, and switches.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Daniel Stearns
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Patent number: 8353127Abstract: A flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping is disclosed. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Wanda M. Weder and William F. StraeterInventors: Antonio V. Alcazar, Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 8353128Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Wanda M. Weder & William F. StraeterInventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 8353129Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a window regulator for a vehicle window on a sliding vehicle door. The window regulator includes a ratchet that is positionable in a first position and a second position and a pawl that is positionable in a ratchet release position and a ratchet locking position. The position of the ratchet determines the position of a door interlock member for controlling whether the vehicle door is fully openable or not. The window regulator includes a mechanism for separating the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of at least one of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions. The mechanism preferably separates the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of each of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Itsuto Nakanishi, John P. McCorkell
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Patent number: 8353130Abstract: A door weather strip includes an attaching base part that is attached along an outer periphery of a door frame and a hollow seal part that is extended in an outer peripheral direction of a door from the attaching base part. The attaching base part 11 includes a base bottom part, a vehicle inner side wall part and a vehicle outer side wall part and a partition wall. Both the attaching base part and the seal part are made of the same EPDM sponge rubber material by an extrusion process. The door weather strip satisfies conditions that a specific gravity is 0.36 or higher and 0.44 or lower, a low stretch stress is 200 kPa or higher and 230 kPa or lower and an average foaming cell diameter is 180 ?m or larger and 220 ?m or smaller.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahito Fukuta, Tatsushi Goto, Masatoshi Hotta, Takaaki Sato
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Patent number: 8353131Abstract: Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Patrick A. Freet
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Patent number: 8353132Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a sectional mast assembly for erection and disassembly of a rig. The sectional mast assembly includes a bottom section having at least a back and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having at least one pivoting ratchet support. A scoping dog assembly is moveable on a track on the bottom section. The scoping clog assembly includes wheels which engage the track and a pivoting ratchet support. A cylinder extends between the bottom section and the scoping dog assembly to move the scoping dog assembly on the track. The pivoting ratchet support of the scoping dog assembly engages each of the mast sections in sequence to raise the entire mast assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Woolslayer Companies, Inc.Inventors: Dewayne G. Vogt, Paul Landis
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Patent number: 8353133Abstract: An anchor for construction elements, such as concrete panels, and including at least one flat part, an upper part for hanging on a handling engine and extending along a principal plane and a lower part for anchoring in the construction element. The lower part has two arms diverging in the direction of the lower end of the anchor, extending outside the principal plane, and forming, between them, an angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Marcel Arteon
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Patent number: 8353134Abstract: The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Tongji UniversityInventors: Shou Chao Jiang, Yuan Yuan Zhao, Guo Qiang Li, Zhen Wang, Xiao Lin Zhao
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Patent number: 8353135Abstract: A pin-fuse frame used in a frame assembly that may be subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse frame includes of columns, beams, plate assemblies that extend between columns and beams, and may included a diagonal brace. The plate assemblies are fixed to the columns and attached to the beams and brace via pin joints. A joint includes a pin connection through outer connection plates connected to a column and inner connection plates connected to a beam. Connecting rods positioned about the pin maintain a coefficient of friction until exposed to extreme seismic activity, at which time the joint accommodates a slippage of at least one of the inner and outer connection plates relative to each other rotationally about the pin. The diagonal brace is separated into two segments connected together with connection plates. These connection plates accommodate a slippage of the segments relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLPInventor: Mark P. Sarkisian
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Patent number: 8353136Abstract: Dock seal for use with loading docks are described. An example dock seal includes a compressible body having a front compressible body and a rear compressible body, where the rear compressible body is interposed between the wall and the front compressible body when the dock seal is mounted to the wall. A flexible panel pivotally couples the compressible body to the wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Charles J. Ashelin, David J. Hoffmann
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Patent number: 8353137Abstract: A compression mounted window assembly is disclosed that includes a circular window having opposed front and rear planar surfaces and an outer periphery having forward and rearward chamfered edge surfaces, a compressible gasket circumscribing the outer periphery of the window, a housing with a portal having an annular seat for accommodating the window circumscribed by the gasket, wherein the annular seat has a first chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the forward chamfered edge surface of the window, an annular bezel operatively associated with the housing for compressively retaining the window assembly within the annular seat of the portal, and structure for securing the bezel to the housing, wherein the bezel has a second chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the rearward chamfered edge surface of the window.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Jonathan L. Boer, Eric L. Lovaasen, Kevin J. Benning
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Patent number: 8353138Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for a window frame. The apparatus includes a window frame having a lower frame portion; a window glazing supported by the lower frame portion; a glazing bead; and at least two connectors operatively connecting the glazing bead to the lower frame. The connectors are spaced apart defining a fluid pathway allowing fluid to escape from the lower frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: John L. Sigmund, Melvin L. Saunders, Eric A. Baczuk
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Patent number: 8353139Abstract: Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire block device can be a strip that includes a fire-resistant material strip comprised of a material that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. An optional foam strip comprised of a foam material can be placed side-by-side with the fire-resistant material strip. A cover layer covers the fire-resistant material strip and the optional foam strip, if present. The cover layer includes opposing side portions positioned on opposing sides of the fire-resistant material strip and foam strip, if present. The cover layer is comprised of a tape having an adhesive on an underneath surface thereof such that adhesive on the side portions are capable of securing the fire block strip to a wall component. The fire block strip can be applied to a header track, footer track or wall stud, among other possible components.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products CompanyInventors: Don A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin
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Patent number: 8353140Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Marcus Nilsson Ståhl
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Patent number: 8353141Abstract: A method and a device for assembling a structure that is formed from several modules that are disposed on top of each other, e.g. a wind power plant. An auxiliary mast of modular construction is erected parallel to and laterally of the structure to be erected, wherein the length of an auxiliary mast module approximately corresponds to the length of a structural module. A respective auxiliary mast module is previously detachably connected to a respective structural module to form an overall module, such that the auxiliary mast module can accept the weight of the structural module. The overall modules that are each formed from one auxiliary mast module and one structural module are moved by means of the lifting gondola in an upward direction along the auxiliary mast of previously erected structural modules to the level of the assembly position.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Mario BergInventor: Mario Berg
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Patent number: 8353142Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for sealing containment sumps used in connection with underground storage tanks. A sump cover sealing system includes an expansion ring assembly adapted to affix to the interior of the sump, and to fastenably attach with the sump cover to removably seal the sump cover to the sump. A contraction band assembly is also provided to affix to the exterior of the sump opposite the expansion ring assembly. Methods of using the system are described. A sump cover with an observation portal is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Timothy Ross
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Patent number: 8353143Abstract: A sway brace fitting clamp is used for lateral bracing of sprinkler or other types of pipe (designated the service pipe) to a structure, to prevent movement of the service pipe perpendicular to the axis of the pipe relative to the structure to which it is attached. The sway brace fitting clamp includes a U-bolt which fits around the service pipe, and a pair of hooks that are coupled to straight ends of the U-bolt, for hooking the sway brace pipe. A pair of nuts engages threaded portions of the U-bolt ends. The nuts may be tightened to pull the sway brace pipe into contact with the service pipe, firmly clamping the sway brace pipe and the service pipe together.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: ERICO International CorporationInventors: Eric C. Osborn, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Eric J. Wilson, Paul Hart
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Prefabricated composite wall panel and method and apparatus for manufacture and installation thereof
Patent number: 8353144Abstract: A prefabricated composite wall panel has a desired exterior finish defined by thin finish elements of brick, stone or any other suitable material and is adapted for mounting to the wall structure of a building framework by screws or other suitable fasteners. During panel manufacture thin wall finish elements are positioned at predetermined sites within the mold and aligned by alignment members in a pattern defining grout spaces. A grout placement screed having multiple holes arranged in a desired mortar pattern is positioned on the thin finish elements and pulverulent grout is deposited through the holes of the screed and into spaces between the finish elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Joel W. Bolin -
Patent number: 8353145Abstract: A capping machine (1) of carousel design comprises a centre shaft (2) turning on a fixed base frame (3) about a vertical axis of rotation (Y), a set of capping units (4) encircling and revolving as one with the shaft (2) about the axis of rotation (Y), and a cylindrical cam (5) interposed between the shaft (2) and the capping units (4), by which the single units (4) are caused to move toward and away from the fixed base frame (3). During operation, the cam (5) is held in at least one predetermined fixed position relative to the base frame (3) by a single supporting element (6) anchored to the base frame (3), concealed internally of the rotating shaft (2) and connected to the cam (5), which represents a departure from the conventional method of supporting the cam on two or more columns located externally of the carousel structure and exposed to view.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Azionaria Construzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
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Patent number: 8353146Abstract: Ice bagging assemblies comprising an ice bag merchandiser, an ice bag diverter positionable between first and second positions to drop ice bags into different first and second regions within the ice bag merchandiser. Methods of stacking ice bags in an ice bag merchandiser comprising receiving an ice bag in an ice bag diverter and dropping the ice bag to a first region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a first position and dropping the ice bag to a second region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: In-Store Bagging Machine Company, LLCInventors: Christopher Bareford, James Shaker, Vince Shaker, Paul Bareford, Larry Rider
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Patent number: 8353147Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal machine in conjunction with a product supply apparatus provides a continuous, heat sealable plastic film and zipper tape and provides separate, product filled, reclosable, top opening sealed bags. The apparatus includes a means for supplying the continuous plastic film, a means for supplying zipper tape, a means for sealing the zipper tape sections to the film, a vertical fill tube assembly, a feeding means including a film drive roll upstream, film pull belts adjacent the vertical fill tube, a vertical sealing means for sealing the edges of the continuous film to the edges of the continuous zippered cap strip, a horizontal sealing, perforating, and severing means for severing the plastic tube between the first and second horizontal seals, and a tensioning means for horizontally elongating the flexible plastic tube transverse to its length prior to formation of the horizontal seals.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventors: Gregory S. Sprehe, Donald Wright, Christopher Pemberton, Lester Siebert, Robert Beiser
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Patent number: 8353148Abstract: A method of responding to obstacles encountered by a harvesting pickup apparatus that moves in the harvesting direction, the method including the steps of driving a pickup reel, pivoting at least one structural member, and positioning a path of continuous loop device. The driving of a pickup reel step includes driving the reel with a continuous loop device about a first axis. The pivoting step includes pivoting the at least one structural member about a second axis, the pickup reel being supported by the structural member. The positioning step includes positioning a path of the continuous loop device so that a tight side of the device is located in the harvesting direction from both the first axis and the second axis. This step also includes configuring the harvesting pickup apparatus so that the structural member is pivoted about the second axis in a generally upward direction when the harvesting pickup apparatus encounters an obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Daniel E. Derscheid
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Patent number: 8353149Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is provided having a frame, a chopping drum, an accelerator arranged downstream of the chopping drum and a channel between the chopping drum and the accelerator. The channel has a section in which a conditioning unit or a hollow shell can be selectively inserted. The conditioning unit and the hollow shell are jointly supported on a pivot arm pivotable by way of a displacement drive about a pivot axis running horizontally and transverse to the forward direction. The conditioning unit is mounted on the pivot arm rotatably about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The conditioning unit cooperates with the frame by way of a positive guide, which has the effect that the conditioning unit rotates about the axis in the same direction as the pivot arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Manfred Engel
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Patent number: 8353150Abstract: A nozzle is provided and includes an outer annulus defined by an exterior wall and an interior wall and including air inlets through which air flows to a fuel mixing zone and a combustion zone, an inner annulus disposed within the interior wall and including a fuel volume into which fuel is fed to a distal end thereof, which is adjacent to and isolated from the combustion zone and an airflow line, disposed between the fuel volume and the interior wall, through which air flows to the combustion zone with the airflow line and the combustion zone isolated from the fuel volume, and a fuse configured to melt during a flameholding incident and to form a breach through which fuel flows from the fuel volume, bypassing the fuel mixing zone, to a fuel burning zone downstream from the fuel mixing zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Stanley Kevin Widener, John Wilbur
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Patent number: 8353151Abstract: An exhaust gas control apparatus includes an oxidation catalyst, a compact oxidation catalyst having a smaller cross section than that of an engine exhaust passage, a fuel supply valve, a glow plug, and an electronic control unit. The control modes for the exhaust gas control apparatus include a first control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve, heated by the glow plug, and ignited, a second control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve, and heated by the glow plug but is not ignited, and a third control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve and the glow plug does not provide heating. The electronic control unit selects the first or third control mode in the operation region where ignition is possible, and selects the second or third control mode in the operation region where ignition is not possible.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenichi Tsujimoto, Mikio Inoue
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Patent number: 8353152Abstract: An exhaust emission control device, which can absorb thermal expansion difference between a particulate filter and a selective reduction catalyst without causing urea deposition, has the filter and the catalyst arranged in parallel with each other with their entry ends facing the same direction. An S-shaped communication passage is provided to introduce the exhaust gas from a discharge end of the filter into an entry end of the catalyst through turndown, urea water being added upstream of the communication passage. A mixing pipe providing a straight section of the communication passage at an intermediate portion thereof, with a double-pipe portion constituted by overlapped stretchable/retractable inner and outer pipes, the outer pipe having a terminal end secured to an outer periphery of the inner pipe and being provided with an axially expansible and contractible bellows, a sealing ring fitted over an outer periphery of a terminal end of the inner pipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignees: Hino Motors, Ltd., Tokyo Roki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Kowada, Tsutomu Shimizu
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Patent number: 8353153Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of an exhaust stream includes a main exhaust passageway adapted to receive the exhaust stream from an engine. A bypass passage includes an inlet and an outlet in communication with the main exhaust passageway. The outlet is located downstream from the inlet. A burner is positioned within the bypass passage for treating the exhaust passing through the bypass passage. A valve is positioned within the main exhaust passageway downstream from the inlet and upstream from the outlet. The valve is operable to vary the exhaust flow through the burner. A controller selectively operates the burner to maintain a desired exhaust temperature downstream of the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Adam Kotrba, Guanyu Zheng, Mike Golin, Gabriel Salanta
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Patent number: 8353154Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine comprises a cylinder head having an integral exhaust manifold to collect exhaust gas exiting the engine combustion chambers. An exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold comprises an inlet end connected to the cylinder head, a portion that extends towards an upper end of the internal combustion engine and an outlet end configured to define an inlet end of a multistage catalytic converter. The catalytic converter comprises a canister having an inlet end located adjacent the top of the engine and includes first and second catalyst substrates and a collector closing an outlet end of the canister. The outlet end of the canister is located adjacent to the bottom of the engine, and the first and the second catalyst substrates receive and convert constituents of exhaust gas passing from the inlet end of the canister to the outlet end.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert Lionel Jacques, William A. Bear, Randy L. Dufresne, Richard Lorenze Johnson
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Patent number: 8353155Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a first catalytic composition comprising a first catalytic material disposed on a metal inorganic support; wherein the metal inorganic support has pores; and at least one promoting metal. The catalyst system further comprises a second catalytic composition comprising, (i) a zeolite, or (ii) a first catalytic material disposed on a first substrate, the first catalytic material comprising an element selected from the group consisting of tungsten, titanium, and vanadium. The catalyst system may further comprise a third catalytic composition. The catalyst system may further comprise a delivery system configured to deliver a reductant and optionally a co-reductant. A catalyst system comprising a first catalytic composition, the second catalytic composition, and the third catalytic composition is also provided. An exhaust system comprising the catalyst systems described herein is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Larry Neil Lewis, Benjamin Hale Winkler, Dan Hancu, Daniel George Norton, Ashish Balkrishna Mhadeshwar
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Patent number: 8353156Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8353157Abstract: An open center hydraulic system that includes a variable displacement pump having an inlet, an outlet and a sensing port, the pump configured to provide reduced fluid flow in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential between the outlet and the sensing port. A first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit each serve as signal lines with the pump sensing port. During operation of the second fluid circuit, reduced fluid flow from the pump outlet is achieved as a result of the sum of induced fluid pressure reductions of respective controlled pressure reduction devices approaching the predetermined pump fluid pressure differential.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Richard J. Lech, Garrett Anderson, Matthew J. Hennemann, C. David Anderson
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Patent number: 8353158Abstract: A turbocharger bearing housing defines a bore in which the turbocharger shaft is mounted for rotation in journal bearings. Lubricating oil is delivered to the journal bearings and a residue is retained in reservoirs in which the journal bearings are located. Two fluid retaining members are disposed around the shaft, each forming a wall of the reservoir and being sealed to the bearing housing. The lubricating fluid reservoir is provided between the fluid retaining members to a depth that at least partially immerses the journal bearings even when the oil supply is interrupted. This ensures that there is sufficient oil to lubricate the bearings at engine start-up, thereby reducing the risk of wear.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Cummins Turbo Technologies LimitedInventors: Matthew J Purdey, Mohammed Hanif Khan
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Patent number: 8353159Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least two double action internal combustion cylinders and a separate double action compressor cylinder. Each double action internal combustion cylinder has a multi-point ignition system for each combustion chamber for causing multiple flame fronts to cause the fuel/air mixture to burn more quickly. Furthermore, the engine has a closed heat recovery system that takes heat from the exhaust of the internal combustion cylinder system and delivers power to a crankshaft. Accordingly, the internal combustion engine has increased efficiency by minimizing friction and extracting energy from multiple sources.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Robert L. Shapiro
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Patent number: 8353160Abstract: A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy comprising an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine comprising an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventors: John Pesce, David Pesce
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Patent number: 8353161Abstract: A turbocharger including a turbine wheel having a hub-to-tip ratio of no more than 60% and blades with a high turning angle, a turbine housing forming an inwardly spiraling primary-scroll passageway that significantly converges to produce highly accelerated airflow into the turbine at high circumferential angles, and a two-sided parallel compressor. The compressor and turbine each produce substantially no axial force, allowing the use of minimal axial thrust bearings.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vaclav Kares, Thomas J. Elliott
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Patent number: 8353162Abstract: A modular heat exchanger that can be submerged to great depths and then easily recovered in order to reduce the costs and disadvantages of the prior art. Because the heat exchanger is submergible and recoverable, it can be more easily maintained. This ease of maintenance allows the heat exchangers to be deployed at greater depths. This, in turn, allows for greater differences in temperatures, greater efficiency for the heat engine, and a more effective ocean thermal energy conversion system.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Nicholas J. Nagurny
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Patent number: 8353163Abstract: A fuel nozzle is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a heat shield, a fuel tube and a plurality of support members. The support members are radially interposed between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The support members are preferably cylindrical tubes, thus creating voids or pockets between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The cylindrical tubes are connected to one another at a first end are free at an opposed end. As such, the tubes can move or slide relative to one another. Further, the tubes preferably only contact one another with at most line contacts. The fuel nozzle may also include a tip portion that includes a tip heat shield that extends radially outward from the primary heat shield. The tip heat shield defines a cavity that connects with the central cavity of the heat shield. The fuel tube extends through the tip heat shield.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventor: David S. Smith
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Patent number: 8353164Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes nacelle, a first boundary layer control device, a second boundary layer control device, at least one sensor, and a controller. The nacelle is defined about an axis and includes an inlet lip section, an inlet internal diffuser section, and a variable area fan nozzle moveable to influence a discharge airflow area of the nacelle. The first boundary layer control device is positioned near the inlet lip section and is actuable to introduce a first airflow at the inlet lip section. The second boundary layer control device is positioned near the inlet internal diffuser section and is actuable to introduce a second airflow at the inlet internal diffuser section. The sensor produces a signal that represents an operability condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Morford, Michael J. Larkin
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Patent number: 8353165Abstract: A combustor assembly that includes a casing that includes a plenum, a combustor liner positioned within the plenum and defining a combustion chamber there within, and a transition piece that includes a forward portion that is coupled to the combustion liner and an aft portion that extends from the forward portion. The aft portion includes a transition piece frame. The transition piece frame includes an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and a radially inner surface extending between the upstream and downstream surfaces. The radially inner surface includes a leading edge that extends between the radially inner surface and the upstream surface. A plurality of first cooling passages extend from the upstream surface to the downstream surface. Each of the first cooling passages is oriented obliquely with respect to the leading edge from the upstream surface towards the downstream surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kevin Weston McMahan, Ronald James Chila
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Patent number: 8353166Abstract: A mounting system for locating a combustor and a fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine within a gas generator casing thereof is described. The mounting system comprises at least three support pin assemblies which extend radially inwardly from the gas generator casing. The support pin assemblies support both the fuel manifold and at least an upstream end of the combustor and maintaining engagement between the fuel manifold and the combustor during operation of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventor: Oleg Morenko
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Patent number: 8353167Abstract: A portable, solar assisted, temperature controlled container comprises: a body with a cavity; a lid sealable thereon; a detachable solar panel producing electric power; a thermoelectric cooling unit; an interior heat sink secured in the cavity proximate to an interior side of the thermoelectric cooling unit with an interior fan to direct cavity air thereon; an exterior heat sink secured proximate to an exterior-facing side of the thermoelectric cooling unit with an exterior fan to direct exterior air thereon. The thermoelectric cooling unit transports heat to maintain a thermostat-controlled temperature in the cavity. The interior and exterior fans and the interior and exterior heat sinks increase efficiency of the heat transport. One or more wheels rotatably attached to the body are coupled to a faraday generator to generate electrical power to replace/supplement the solar power. A rechargeable battery may also replace/supplement solar power during periods of inadequate solar power generation.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Ryan McGann
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Patent number: 8353168Abstract: A supersonic cooling system operates by pumping liquid. Because the supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the compression system does not require the use of a condenser. The compression system utilizes a compression wave. An evaporator of the 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Pax Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Jayden Harman, Thomas Gielda
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Patent number: 8353169Abstract: A supersonic cooling system operates by pumping liquid. Because the supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the compression system does not require the use of a condenser. The compression system utilizes a compression wave. An evaporator of the 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Pax Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Jayden Harman, Thomas Gielda
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Patent number: 8353170Abstract: An absorption heat pump system and a method for increasing the energy grade using the excess heat at a low temperature are provided. The absorption heat pump system comprises a heat pump generator (11), a heat pump condenser (12), a heat pump evaporator (13), a heat pump absorber (14), and an absorbent crystallizer (141). The absorbent crystallizer (141) has an inlet for the absorption solution, an outlet for the absorption solution and an outlet for the absorption solution containing absorbent crystals; The inlet for the absorption solution connects to the heat pump absorber (14), The outlet for the absorption solution connects to the heat pump generator (11), The outlet for the absorption solution containing absorbent crystals connects to the heat pump absorber (14). The absorption heat pump system can further comprise absorption refrigeration circulation subsystem, and the cooling medium produced by the refrigeration evaporator circulates between the refrigeration evaporator and the heat pump condenser.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Beijing Lianliyuan Technology Co., LtdInventor: Qingquan Su
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Patent number: 8353171Abstract: A refrigerating appliance is provided that includes an inner compartment for storing refrigerated or frozen goods, a cold generator, a refrigerating appliance control system for operating the cold generator, a mains connection for supplying the cold generator and the refrigerating appliance control system with an electrical voltage, and an ice-making machine arranged in the inner compartment. The ice-making machine includes its own control system for its own operation, which controls all functions of the ice-making machine independently of the refrigerating appliance control system. A connection is also provided from the ice-making machine and the ice-making machine control system to the mains connection of the refrigerating appliance.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner
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Patent number: 8353172Abstract: There is provided a control device of a permanent-magnet type synchronous motor that sets a synchronous operation current at start-up in response to a current limiting value determined from the temperature of an inverter that supplies three-phase power to the permanent-magnet type synchronous motor, that monitors an output voltage or an output current of the inverter during a rotation stabilizing period after start-up, and that updates the synchronous operation current using this output voltage or output current.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Hattori, Masahiko Asai, Takayuki Takashige, Koji Nakano, Takashi Nakagami