Patents Issued in February 12, 2013
-
Patent number: 8371084Abstract: An acoustic ceiling panel for a lay-in or suspended ceiling includes a core portion, and front and rear layers covering front and rear sides, respectively, of the core portion. The air flow resistance of the core portion does not exceed about 100 MKS rayls. The air flow resistance of the front layer lies in the range of about 300 to about 800 MKS rayls. The air flow resistance of the rear layer lies in the range of about 300 to about 1200 MKS rayls. The panel would be supported on a grid suspended below a structural ceiling to form an air space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Johns ManvilleInventor: Francis John Babineau, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8371085Abstract: A shingle, an array of shingles, and a process for producing the shingles, either of the field shingle type, or of the hip, ridge or rake type, wherein the shingles have a shortened headlap portion for purposes of reducing the amount of material necessary to make the shingle, wherein each of the shingles has a fastening zone for receiving fasteners therethrough, which fastening zone is an overlay of granule covered adhesive, and is in the headlap portion, and wherein a contact zone layer of adhesive is provided on the rear of the tab portion of the shingle, for contact against the overlay of granule covered adhesive when a next-overlying shingle is arranged in an array above a next-underlying shingle.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: CertainTeed CorporationInventor: Stephen A. Koch
-
Patent number: 8371086Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. The top and bottom define respective substantially planar stacking surfaces. A shear lug projects from one of the planar stacking surfaces of the top and bottom. A block-locating jut is formed with at least one of the opposing sides, and projects from the side at a point intermediate the top and bottom towards one of the planar stacking surfaces. The block-locating jut defines a base surface substantially coplaner with the stacking surface, and a lug-engaging shoulder adapted for engaging a shear lug of a wall block located in an adjacent stacked course.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: RidgeRock Retaining Walls, Inc.Inventor: Curtis W. Shillingburg
-
Patent number: 8371087Abstract: A novel building block is described which is formed of two similar interlocking elements with chamfered surfaces to allow the elements to rest against each other. In one embodiment, the block is used to made structural walls, In another embodiment, a single block with a transparent or translucent pane is provided to form a window. In yet another embodiment, a building is made with at least one floor, one roof and support structures supporting the roof and being formed of the interlocking elements. Each element is made of L-shaped components.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Studio DrorInventor: Dror Benshetrit
-
Patent number: 8371088Abstract: A deployable truss that extends and retracts in a stable and synchronous manner, and can deploy integral folding panels. Primary orthogonal joints, each consisting of two hinged halves, connect rotationally to the truss diagonals with an angled fitting. The main hinge pin of the orthogonal joints remains orthogonal to the truss longitudinal axis and remains centered in the folding truss diagonals. Hinge pins of each truss joint are connected by center-folding chords which cause the truss joints of adjacent bays to remain parallel to each other. Folding diagonals connected to the primary joint halves are hinged together, permitting the diagonals on each side of the truss to remain parallel to each as they form the short sides of a rectangular truss. The truss may deploy z-folded panels with active surfaces such as photovoltaic, reflective, heat-radiating, LCD/plasma, or radar; or structural floor panels for folding work platforms, bridges, and walkways.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Donald V. Merrifield
-
Patent number: 8371089Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of modular building systems. Embodiments of the invention include, a modular building system comprising planar sheets of material and moment connections, which are combined with tool-less or limited tool assembly mechanisms and can be used, for example, as spatial partitions, platforms, structural supports, or supports for articles. Specific embodiments of the invention provide structures having a seemingly homogenous, flowing ribbon structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan King, David B. Clark, Robert Dunay, Joseph Wheeler
-
Patent number: 8371090Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Robert H. Young
-
Patent number: 8371091Abstract: A building system and method by means of at least two prefabricated structures comprising a first prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a second prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a first transportation axis in which said first prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said first prefabricated structure to a building site and said first transportation axis is parked in the construction site; a second transportation axis in which said second prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said second prefabricated structure to said building site and said second transportation axis is parked in the construction site; at least one of said lateral, back or from wall of each one of said first and second prefabricated structure is dismounted, dismantled or rolled up; wherein said first and second prefabricated structures are joined in such a manner that said prefabricated structures areType: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Rodrigo Graf
-
Patent number: 8371092Abstract: A capsule pressure control assembly for regulating or controlling the internal pressure of filled capsules, whereby instances of capsule elongation are reduced or eliminated, thus resulting in an increased yield rate of acceptable filled capsules.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Viropharma IncorporatedInventors: David W Dodsworth, Jack Bradley, Jeffery A Rudy, Todd M Hall, Paul Barnhart
-
Patent number: 8371093Abstract: An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each including at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventors: Jiaying Zhang, Yaopeng Zhang
-
Patent number: 8371094Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Jerry Mike Reaves
-
Patent number: 8371095Abstract: A height of cut adjustment system for use with a walk behind mower. The height of cut adjustment system includes a single drive motor that is operable in a first direction and a second direction. The single drive motor is connected to a linkage assembly that supports the four wheels of the walk behind mower relative to the mower deck. When the single drive motor is operated in a first direction, the mower height of cut increases and when the drive motor is operated in the second direction, the height of cut is decreased. The height of cut adjustment system includes a height of cut indicator system that visually indicates the relative position of the wheels relative to the mower deck. The height of cut indicator system includes one or more position indicators that can be selectively positioned to visually indicate the desired height of cut for the mower.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Brian D. Grewe, Stephen C. Price, Scott A. Chartrand, James R. Powers
-
Patent number: 8371096Abstract: A sickle bar assembly employs a plurality of laminated strips that are secured and that may be stacked vertically upon each other in abutting relation to form a sickle bar. The individual sickle sections are secured to the sickle bar in side-by-side relation. Laminated stacks may also be joined to each other by way of a splice joint to provide for even longer bar. The strips may be heat treated strips of steel as opposed to cold rolled steel or other high strength strip material.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Kondex CorporationInventors: Keith A. Johnson, Neal J. Stoffel, Juan G. Sotelo
-
Patent number: 8371097Abstract: A mechanism for connecting outboard gathering wheels to a moveable crop pick-up assembly on a round baler that incorporates a multi-element linkage to enable the rate of vertical movement of the gathering wheels to be different than the rate of vertical movement of the pick-up assembly. As the pick-up assembly is moved vertically by an actuator, the linkage interconnecting the gathering wheels and the pick-up causes the gathering wheels to also move vertically, but at a rate that is different, usually less, than the rate of vertical movement of the pickup. The linkage enables the pick-up to be raised sufficiently for transport without causing the gathering wheels to impinge upon the baler frame as occurs when both are raised at the same rate. Use of tension members in the linkage allows the gathering wheels to up float during operation without damaging the linkage.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: John R. McClure, William Dale Hotaling, Larry D. Hall, Stephen C. Schlotterbeck, Singh Chandrashekhar
-
Patent number: 8371098Abstract: A fiber channel insert is applicable in a mounting hole of an opening roller housing of an open-end spinning arrangement, whereby the fiber channel insert comprises a fiber channel body and a section of the fiber channel. The fiber channel body extends with its major axis essentially transversely to a major axis of the fiber channel. An open-end spinning arrangement with a spinning element and an opening roller housing, in which an opening roller is arranged in a rotatable way includes a fiber channel that transports the fiber material to be spun from the opening roller to the spinning element. A section of the fiber channel is provided in a fiber channel insert that is insertable in a mounting opening of the opening roller housing, the fiber channel insert having a primarily cylindrical fiber channel body.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AGInventors: Mathias Burchert, Siegfried Krohmer
-
Patent number: 8371099Abstract: A power generation system (100) and a method of generating power. In one embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, a gasification subsystem (1) is configured to convert a carbonaceous fuel to fuel suitable for combustion in a gas turbine (48). A first power generation cycle (2) includes the gas turbine (48) coupled to receive fuel from a gasifier (24). A first Rankine cycle (3) is coupled to receive thermal energy from at least the first power generation cycle (2) and generate power with a first vapor turbine (58). A second Rankine cycle (4) is coupled to receive thermal energy from the gasification subsystem (1) or the first power generation cycle (2) and generate power with a second vapor turbine (82). In an associated method, syngas (26) is generated and processed to remove components therein. Power is generated in a first turbine (48) with the processed syngas (33). Power is generated in a second turbine (58) with heat recovered from exhaust produced by the first turbine (48).Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Juan P. Gutierrez, Terrence B. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 8371100Abstract: A split heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) arrangement including a first HRSG coupled to a turbine and thereby receptive of a portion of the exhaust gases to deliver the portion of the exhaust gases to a compressor, a second HRSG coupled to the turbine and thereby receptive of a remaining portion of the exhaust gases, which includes an NOx catalyst and a CO catalyst sequentially disposed therein to remove NOx and CO from the exhaust gases and an air injection apparatus to inject air into the second HRSG between the NOx catalyst and the CO catalyst to facilitate CO consumption at the CO catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Samuel David Draper
-
Patent number: 8371101Abstract: A combustor may include an interior flow path therethrough, a number of fuel nozzles in communication with the interior flow path, and an inlet guide vane system positioned about the interior flow path to create a swirled flow therein. The inlet guide vane system may include a number of windows positioned circumferentially around the fuel nozzles. The inlet guide vane system may also include a number of inlet guide vanes positioned circumferentially around the fuel nozzles and adjacent to the windows to create a swirled flow within the interior flow path.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Baifang Zuo, Derrick Simons, William York, Willy S. Ziminsky
-
Patent number: 8371102Abstract: A system for controlling the uniformity of combustion over a range of operating conditions in a combustor with a plurality of fuel nozzles. The system includes a number of optical sensors, each sensor comprising an optical probe that collects naturally occurring optical radiation emanating from a segment of the combustor or combustor exhaust, and at least one transducer that receives the radiation collected by the probes, compares the intensity of collected radiation from each sensor in a plurality of spectral pass-bands that are indicative of the fuel/air ratio in the combustor segments, and produces output signals that are indicative of the state of combustion in the combustor segments. A control system receives the output signals from the transducers and in response controls the fuel flow to the fuel nozzles to achieve an output from each of the sensors that has been determined to be indicative of a predetermined state of combustion.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Spectral Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Jamine Lee, Neil Goldstein, Jason A. Cline, Fritz Bien, Timothy C. Perkins, Brian F. Gregor
-
Patent number: 8371103Abstract: Valve assembly and method in which a valve member is connected to an elongated lever arm for controlling communication between two chambers in an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly is disposed at least partially within one of the chambers, and the valve member is moved between open and closed by an actuator connected to the lever arm. In some disclosed embodiments, a pilot valve is opened to equalize pressure on both sides of the valve member prior to moving the valve member toward the open position. In others, where a piston in an expansion cylinder is driven by hot, expanding gases from a separate combustion chamber, the exhaust valve is closed before the piston has completed its exhaust stroke, and pressure is allowed to build up in the expansion cylinder to a level corresponding to the pressure in the combustion chamber before the valve member is moved toward the open position.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Zajac Optimum Output Motors, Inc.Inventor: John Zajac
-
Patent number: 8371104Abstract: A vectoring nozzle with external actuation generates thrust vectoring by applying mechanical or fluidic actuation, or both, on the nozzle deck, external sidewalls, and/or air vehicle aft body to produce changes in the aft body flowfield and/or exhaust plume. An external mechanical sidewall may be integrated into a nozzle deck or side walls without the need for engine bleed to supply fluid injectors. An external fluidic vectoring system uses injectors or plasma devices located aft of the nozzle exit to vector the exhaust plume with no external moving parts. Elements of both mechanical and fluidic systems may be combined for a given application.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: David M. Wells, Brent N. McCallum, Kerry B. Ginn, Stewart A. Jenkins
-
Patent number: 8371105Abstract: Spaced apart counter-rotatable forward and aft rows of forward and aft propellers are mounted on forward and aft rotatable frames. Hydraulic rotary forward and aft pitch change actuators on the frames are operable for controlling pitch of the propellers. A hydraulic fluid supply outboard of the frames is connected to forward and aft rotary unions which are operable for transferring hydraulic fluid between forward and aft union stators to forward and aft union rotors mounted within the forward and aft rotary unions. The forward union rotor is operable to transfer the hydraulic fluid from the forward rotary union to the aft pitch change actuators and the aft union rotor is operable to transfer the hydraulic fluid from the aft rotary unions to the forward pitch change actuators. The forward and aft rotatable frames counter-rotatably mounted on a structural frame located forward or aft of the propellers.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Charles Glynn, Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Donald Scott Yeager, Nicholas Rowe Dinsmore, Jeffrey Raymond Menard, Brandon Wayne Miller
-
Patent number: 8371106Abstract: A catalyst suited for reducing NOx in an exhaust gas by ammonia in the presence of excess oxygen is arranged in an engine exhaust passage. An aqueous urea solution is fed from a flow addition valve onto a catalyst, part of the urea fed to the catalyst is stored in the catalyst, and the ammonia generated from the urea stored in the catalyst is used to reduce the NOx in the exhaust gas. At the time of engine startup, at the time of cold operation, and at the time of increase of the HC amount, it is determined that the amount of formaldehyde in the exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst exceeds the allowable amount, and, at this time, the feed of urea to the catalyst is prohibited.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Itoh
-
Patent number: 8371107Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the regeneration, temperature loading and/or thermal management of a component, assigned to an exhaust system, of an internal combustion engine. The device includes at least one injection valve which injects a fluid, in particular fuel, into the exhaust system, preferably in chatter mode, for example as a function of the pressure of the supplied fluid. The injection valve has a valve head and a valve seat which have geometries designed in such a way that a fluidic force of the supplied fluid acting on the injection valve drops continuously over a stroke of the valve head. The invention also relates to an injection valve having such valve-head and valve-seat geometries and to a corresponding method for the regeneration, temperature loading and/or thermal management of a component, assigned to an exhaust system, of an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Rainer Haeberer, Joerg Lange, Volker Reusing, Tobias Reiser, Stefan Stein
-
Patent number: 8371108Abstract: Exhaust temperatures in emission control devices may be directly controlled by an intake air throttle, fuel injection timing, and exhaust pressure when an emission control device is placed between two variable geometry turbocharger exhaust turbines and coupled to a combustion engine. Such an approach may substantially raise the temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment devices in an emission control device during non-warmed exhaust conditions, leading to faster catalytic light-off.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Timothy Sung Jae Chyo
-
Patent number: 8371109Abstract: The invention has its object to realize compact arrangement of particulate filter 5 and selective reduction catalyst 6 for improved mountability on a vehicle while a sufficient reaction time is ensured for generation of ammonia from urea water. In an exhaust emission control device with the filter 5 and the catalyst 6 capable of selectively reacting NOx with ammonia even in the presence of oxygen being incorporated in an exhaust pipe 4, urea water as reducing agent being addible therebetween, the filter 5 is arranged in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle and along a frame 10 of the vehicle. The catalyst 6 is arranged in a vicinity of an inlet end of the filter 5 and directed laterally outward of the vehicle. A communication passage 9 is arranged to guide the exhaust gas 3 discharged from an outlet end of the filter 5 to an inlet end of the catalyst 6 in a forwardly fold-back manner. A urea water adding injector 11 (urea water adding means) for addition of urea water is arranged midway of the passage 9.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Endo, Noriyuki Takahashi
-
Patent number: 8371110Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter of an internal-combustion engine, provides for air to be supplied into the exhaust gas pipe upstream of the particulate filter in order to perform post-combustion in the exhaust gas pipe. The method provides for fuel to be supplied to the cylinders of the internal-combustion engine by means of a high-pressure pumping unit, and for fuel to be supplied into the exhaust pipe upstream of the particulate filter by means of the high-pressure pumping unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Simona Pinto, Luigi Gentile, Antonio Mattia, Gaetano Grasso, Daniele De Gennaro
-
Patent number: 8371111Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent an excessive temperature rise of a precatalyst in the case where the precatalyst is provided in the exhaust passage upstream of an exhaust gas purification apparatus and has a heat capacity smaller than that of the exhaust gas purification apparatus, and reducing agent is added from a reducing agent addition valve toward an upstream end surface of the precatalyst. According to the present invention, the reducing agent addition valve is located in such a way that the reducing agent added through it reaches the precatalyst in a liquid state.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenichi Tsujimoto, Mikio Inoue
-
Patent number: 8371112Abstract: In a system, an engine includes an exhaust system with a particle filter operable to collect particulate matter in exhaust produced by the engine, a sensor arrangement, a controller, and one or more engine control devices. The sensor arrangement provides a first sensor signal representative of oxygen in the exhaust and a second sensor signal representative of a temperature of the particle filter. The controller regulates operation of the particle filter in response to the sensor arrangement. The controller is structured to generate one or more output signals corresponding to a minimum exhaust flow rate as a function of the first and second sensor signals. The control devices are responsive to the one or more output signals to provide the minimum exhaust flow rate to the filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Cummins Filtration Inc.Inventors: Yuetao Zhang, Daniel D. Wilhelm, Thomas A. Grana
-
Patent number: 8371113Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing device (1) for mixing urea with a gas, said urea being preferably dissolved in a fluid preferably water and said gas being preferably air. The mixing device comprises preferably a urea inlet (10) and a gas inlet (12) for feeding respectively urea and the gas into a mixing chamber (20) of the mixing device (4), and an outlet (14) for outlet of the mix of urea and gas from the mixing chamber (20), these inlets (10,12) and outlet (14) may preferably have a stream wise extension and runs preferably into the mixing chamber (20) and the outlet (14) originates preferably from the mixing chamber (20). Preferably, at least the gas inlet (12) for feeding air into the mixing chamber is designed so that depositing of urea crystals on selected surfaces of the said inlet is substantially (typically in the sense that deposited crystals does not clog the inlet) or totally avoided.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Grundfos NoNox A/SInventors: Hans Henrik Jochumsen, Steen Kahler, Karim Lindberg, Martin Ebro Christensen, Niels Stubager Kiemer, Niels Torp Madsen, Janus Juul Rasmussen, Tom Johansen
-
Patent number: 8371114Abstract: The invention provides an exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine which evenly diffuses a reducing agent over an entirety of the exhaust gas which flows into an NOx catalyst disposed on the downstream side of thereof. The exhaust gas purification apparatus includes an NOx catalyst disposed in an exhaust gas passage of an internal combustion engine, and a reducing agent injecting unit for injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust gas passage which is on an upstream side of the NOx catalyst. A narrowed portion, in which a cross-sectional area of a flow passage is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the exhaust gas passage and of the NOx catalyst, is provided on a downstream side of an injecting position by the reducing agent injecting unit and the upstream side of the NOx catalyst, and a reducing agent diffusing device is provided on the narrowed portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Bosch CorporationInventors: Miwa Hayashi, Takeshi Miyamoto, Fumiyasu Kurogi
-
Patent number: 8371115Abstract: A exhaust component assembly includes an exhaust component and a divider plate. The exhaust component includes an inner wall defining a gas passageway. The divider plate is inserted in the gas passageway and secured to the exhaust component by mechanical locking means, generally in an interference-fit relationship.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Wescast Industries, Inc.Inventors: Clayton A. Sloss, Richard T. Snowdon, Paul L. Pickard
-
Patent number: 8371116Abstract: The invention relates to a stamped centering plate (10) for a torque converter with a first annular surface (12) having at least one arcuate slot (16), a second annular surface (14) opposite the first annular surface, and at least one arcuate segment (20) axially protruding downward from the second annular surface. The slot has an inner radius and an outer radius, the segment has an inner radius and an outer radius, and at least one of the slot radii is equal to at least one of the segment radii. In an example embodiment of the invention, the segment comprises material displaced to form the slot.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Rolf A. Mueller, Randy L. Keller
-
Patent number: 8371117Abstract: Torque control for a construction machine three-pump system that can accurately control the total absorption torque of first, second, and third hydraulic pumps and effectively use the output torque of an engine. A pump base torque computation section 42 calculates a pump base torque Tr from a target rotation speed. A subtraction section 44 calculates a reference value Tf for the maximum absorption torque available to the first and second hydraulic pumps 2, 3 by subtracting a third pump reference absorption torque T3r from the pump base torque Tr. A correction torque computation section 45 calculates a correction torque value from the delivery pressure of the third hydraulic pump 4. An addition section 46 calculates a target absorption torque Tn by adding the correction torque value Tm to the reference value Tf. A first regulator 31 is controlled so as to obtain the target absorption torque Tn.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Nakamura, Kouji Ishikawa, Nobuei Ariga, Akihiro Narazaki
-
Patent number: 8371118Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component, and during subsequent increased torque request, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
-
Patent number: 8371119Abstract: A machine includes an internal combustion engine mounted on a chassis and having an intake manifold. An air intake system extends from an air inlet to the intake manifold and includes a condensate collection location. The machine also includes a liquid system having a pump that is mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine. A drain valve is positioned in the air intake system at the condensate collection location and includes a valve member having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the valve member, a closing surface of the valve member is exposed to pressurized liquid within the liquid system and the condensate collection location is fluidly blocked from a discharge opening in the air intake system. In the open position of the valve member, the condensate collection location is fluidly connected to the discharge opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James Carl Durand, Joseph E. Tabor
-
Patent number: 8371120Abstract: A method of controlling homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion timing and pressure rise rate. A constant volume air pump, such as a supercharger, is equipped to provide a variable amount of fresh air to a turbocharger. The also turbocharger drives a high pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) loop. The fresh air intake and the EGR ratio are independently controlled. This combination of hardware allows for good control of combustion timing by providing for EGR variations without undue effect from varying oxygen concentration. Additionally, by adjusting the EGR ratio, the pressure rise rate during combustion can be controlled to reduce combustion noise.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventor: Christopher James Chadwell
-
Patent number: 8371121Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel connected thereto, an electric motor situated on the side of the compressor wheel which is distant to the turbine wheel, and a rotor connected to the compressor wheel in a rotationally fixed manner and designed in a freely projecting manner. A drive system for motor vehicles includes a turbocharger. The turbocharger is characterized by a very spontaneous response behavior, as well as the possibility for energy recovery.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignees: Lindenmaier AG, SycoTec GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Holger Gödeke, Rudolf Löffler, Ralf Heber, Thomas Bischof, Sandra Maier, Oliver Kämpfer
-
Patent number: 8371122Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to geothermal power generation systems. The systems can comprise a first separator is in fluid communication with the geothermal fluid source, the first separator having a high pressure steam outlet and a liquid fraction outlet. A high pressure turbine is in fluid communication with the high pressure steam outlet and is coupled to a first power generator. A high pressure condenser is in fluid communication with the high pressure turbine. A low pressure separator is in fluid communication with the liquid fraction outlet of the first separator, the low pressure separator being capable of separating steam from the liquid fraction outflow and providing low pressure steam through a low pressure steam conduit. A low pressure turbine is in fluid communication with the low pressure steam conduit, the low pressure turbine being coupled to a second power generator. A main condenser is in fluid communication with the low pressure turbine.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Power Engineers, Inc.Inventor: William E. Lewis
-
Patent number: 8371123Abstract: A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud surrounding the center body to define an annular passage. An arcuate annular guide extending from a point radially inward of the shroud to a point radially outward of the shroud defines a first airflow between the arcuate annular guide and the shroud and a second airflow between the arcuate annular guide and the center body.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jason Thurman Stewart, Jonathan Dwight Berry, Michael John Hughes
-
Patent number: 8371124Abstract: In a jet engine having a plug nozzle and a plug extending rearwardly from the nozzle exit, the improvement comprising a plug having successive cross sections spaced apart rearwardly of the nozzle exit, the cross sections transitioning from circular or near circular at the exit plane defined at the nozzle exit, to progressively non-circular, rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Aerion CorporationInventors: James D. Chase, German Andres Garzon
-
Patent number: 8371125Abstract: A burner is provided that has high flame stability and reduces NOx emissions. In the burner, air holes of an air hole member have a central axis inclined relative to a burner central axis. The leading end portion of a first fuel nozzle is configured to be able to suppress turbulence of air-flow flowing on the outer circumference side of the first fuel nozzle. The tip of the first fuel nozzle is located on a fuel jetting-out directional downstream side of the inlet of the fuel hole. The tip of the second fuel nozzle is located on a fuel jetting-out directional downstream side of the air hole inlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Keisuke Miura, Hiroshi Inoue, Kazuhito Koyama, Takeo Saito, Satoshi Dodo
-
Patent number: 8371126Abstract: In a gas turbine combustor, a cavity with which a plurality of first air passages communicates is formed by covering with a cover a concave portion of a top hat main body in which the first air passages are formed along the circumferential direction of the top hat main body, a plurality of second fuel passages that communicates with the first fuel passages are formed by connecting an inner ring and an outer ring to the top hat main body and by connecting the inner ring and the outer ring to each other, a peg is fixed on the inner ring to communicate with the second fuel passage through a third air passage, and thin wall portions that serve as a thermal elongation absorbing unit by which thermal elongation is absorbed are provided on the inner ring and the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tomoto Nagai, Eigo Katou, Tetsu Konishi
-
Patent number: 8371127Abstract: A mid turbine frame is disposed between high and low pressure turbine assemblies. A cooling air system defined in the mid turbine frame of a gas turbine engine includes internal cavities for containing pressurized cooling air to cool the inter-turbine duct and the hollow struts, and discharges the used cooling air to further cool respective high and low pressure turbine assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Eric Durocher, Pierre-Yves Legare
-
Patent number: 8371128Abstract: Techniques described herein are generally related to a thermal management with an electrocaloric effect layer. Example embodiments include systems, articles, methods and apparatus, as well as other embodiments that are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Empire Technology Development, LLCInventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
-
Patent number: 8371129Abstract: A standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a housing, a porous stack and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion receives the heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the first portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack to generate standing acoustic waves for generating acoustic energy. The piezoelectric bimorph positioned at an end of the first portion opposite to an end of the first portion having the cold heat exchanger, oscillates based on the acoustic energy for generating the electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)Inventor: Osama J Aldraihem
-
Patent number: 8371130Abstract: A travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a hosing with two ends connected by an inertance component, a porous stack, a resonator, and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion receives heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the second portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack and the inertance component to generate travelling acoustic waves. The travelling acoustic waves resonate with the resonator for generating acoustic energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)Inventor: Osama J Aldraihem
-
Patent number: 8371131Abstract: Heterogeneous surface with polar functional groups as nucleation points. These nucleation points cause precipitation of a substance, for example ice or salt, in a fluid at these nucleation points under suitable physical conditions because the Gibbs free energy of the system is lower at the nucleation points than between the nucleation points, where said system comprises said surface and said fluid with said substance near said surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Danish Technological Institute Industry, Materials TestingInventor: Thomas Zwieg
-
Patent number: 8371132Abstract: A system for use in freezing, thawing, transporting or storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a container, a holder and plurality of heat transfer members. The container is configured to hold biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity for receiving the container and includes an interior surface bounding the cavity. A plurality of pockets contact outer surfaces of the container and is received in the cavity. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets includes a pocket cavity. A heat transfer member actively controls the temperature of biopharmaceutical materials held in the container and is received in the pocket cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Sartorius Stedim North America Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Cutting, Isabelle Gay, Oscar Werner Reif
-
Patent number: 8371133Abstract: Ice maker including an ice making container (100) having a plurality of cavities (120) for forming ice, a heater body (210) on one side of the ice making container for selective generation of heat, and heating bars (220) each extended from the heater body to the cavity by a predetermined length with a profile in conformity with a bottom surface profile of the cavity (120) with a gap to the bottom surface such that the heating bar (220) is submerged under water in the cavity for causing a temperature gradient during ice making.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Young Jin Kim, Hong Hee Park, Kwang Ha Suh, Tae Hee Lee, Joon Hwan Oh