Patents Issued in May 14, 2013
  • Patent number: 8438802
    Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Muhler Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry M. Hay, Bruce Weber
  • Patent number: 8438803
    Abstract: A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough having side edges, wherein each said side edge portion has overlapable or interlockable fingers. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole is achievable by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A stop portion at the worked end stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once thus inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce H. Turner
  • Patent number: 8438804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall passage opening for passing a conduit through a through-penetration defining at least one reveal, of a building with a substantially vertical or horizontal orientation, wherein the conduit is covered with an insulation material (10) comprising an insulation shell (16), at least in the region of the passage opening, the diameter of the insulation element substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the passage opening, wherein the insulation shell (16) includes a cavity for accommodating a conduit section (22) having an enlarged outer diameter and wherein the insulation shell (16) is made of mineral fibers, to accommodate the conduit section (22) having the enlarged outer diameter in a quick and easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Deutsche Rockwoll Mineralwoll GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Andreas Nowoczin, Gerd-Rüdiger Klose
  • Patent number: 8438805
    Abstract: A deck system and pedestal for use in forming an elevated surface are provided. The pedestal for supports blocks, pavers, tiles, or panels a spaced distance above an underlying surface. The pedestal for supporting blocks, pavers, tiles, or panels a spaced distance above an underlying surface, includes a support, a sound-deadening pad, and a bosses and recess arrangement positioned between the support plate and pad. The support includes a support plate having an upper surface and a plurality of upstanding walls that define quadrants on the support plate. The sound-deadening pad is positioned on the support plate and is non-movable within the support to prevent any relative movement between the support plate and the pad. The bosses and recess arrangement includes a plurality of bosses are received by the plurality of recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: John Repasky
  • Patent number: 8438806
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composite panel for a rooftop surface having a core material board having a top surface and a bottom surface with a plurality of openings through said core material board extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; a rigid outer shell of solid material that encapsulates said core material board; a plurality of supports of said solid material wherein each of said plurality of supports extends through one of said plurality of openings in said core material board; and a plurality of legs on a portion of said rigid outer shell covering said bottom surface of core board material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jee Keng James Lim
  • Patent number: 8438807
    Abstract: A firestop drain assembly for mounting in a partition to prevent fire on one side of the partition from moving through the firestop drain assembly to the other side of the partition. The firestop drain assembly can achieve an F-rating and a T-rating of at least one (1) hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cornwall
  • Patent number: 8438808
    Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: TAC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Barry Carlson, Jason Underhill
  • Patent number: 8438809
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R. Ismay, Richard C. Perrior
  • Patent number: 8438810
    Abstract: A vapor retarder system includes a vapor retarder sheet. At least one and typically a plurality of parallel spaced-apart tie-straps are located adjacent an inner surface of the sheet, and the tie-strap extend across a width of the sheet and are connected to the sheet at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie strap. The sheet includes drape regions where the sheet is disconnected from the tie straps between successive connection locations. The tie-straps and drape regions ensure that the vapor retarder sheet is installed over roof purlins with the proper drape between the purlins to obtain the required insulation R-values. A fall-protection net or sheet can also be constructed and/or installed in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Lamtec Corporation
    Inventors: Hal J. Robbins, John A. Post
  • Patent number: 8438811
    Abstract: Preferably, a vehicle ready modular light weight load bearing equipment apparatus “V-MOLLE,” includes a semi-rigid panel portion that includes a front side surface and a backside surface. In a preferred embodiment the front side surface includes a plurality of attachment points configured for reception of a number of utility pouches. The apparatus further preferably includes a vertical anchor system secured to the panel portion and configured for communication with a seat of a vehicle, and a horizontal anchor system secured to the panel portion and configured for communication with the seat of the vehicle. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cover portion attachable to a backside surface of the panel portion, wherein the backside surface of the panel portion is exposable to reveal a signal panel when the cover portion is detached from the panel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Addison L. Woodard, Phillip R. Scoggins
  • Patent number: 8438812
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a shingle includes a first layer having at least one full tab and at least one full cut-out. A second layer is positioned under the first layer. The full tab width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. The full cut-out width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. A method that includes applying such shingles to a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: TAMKO Roofing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Morrison King, Stephen Andrew McNally
  • Patent number: 8438813
    Abstract: Floor covering (01) material, consisting of Natural Stones, i.e. Marble, Granite, Limestone, Onyx, Travertine and Sandstone, in format of tile slabs, in which the thickness is between 4 mm and 35 mm, in which at the two opposite edges or sides are jointed together and interlocked by mechanical locking means, by connecting or inserting (A6 to A5) and connecting or pressing downward (A8 to A9) using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) couplings, connecting in the form of a tongue and a groove which will prevent shifting of two interlocked tiles and or slabs into the opposed direction of each section tile or slab, with an integrated backing layer consisting of cork and/or syntactic foam material, The invention relates to a natural stone core tile slab, allowing for an installation without the use of cement, adhesives or grout, provided with such a mechanical locking system jointed to the core (A4) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eurico Januario Cordeiro
  • Patent number: 8438814
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8438815
    Abstract: Non-cementitious tower foundations and structures, kits and methods for making the non-cementitious tower foundations. Aspects of the present invention operate to decouple the required mass for the foundation from the structural components needed to resist compression and tension forces. Aspects of the present invention include a foundation structure made of structural components for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower. This foundation structure may be filled with non-cementitious fill of any type to provide the required mass to stabilize the foundation and the tower. A non-cementitious tower foundation structure includes a central shaft; a storage tank; and structural members coupling the central shaft to the storage tank. The storage tank comprises one or more voids for containing non-cementitious fill as ballast to stabilize the central shaft. The total volume capacity of the voids may be at least a threshold volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Tony Jolly
  • Patent number: 8438816
    Abstract: A composite panel comprises an outer skins and an inner core. The inner core includes a frame, an elastomeric material disposed between at least a portion of the frame and the outer skin, and a foamed polymer filler. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: John Murchie
  • Patent number: 8438817
    Abstract: A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Sankaran, Eric Kuo, Kevin M. Conlon, Josh Van Riper
  • Patent number: 8438818
    Abstract: A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ferrucchio Carmelo Calvano
  • Patent number: 8438819
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition with a first film and treating the wrapped compacted particulate composition at an elevated temperature to shrink the film such that it clings to said composition. The resulting packages may be made using low compaction pressures and consequently may have low friability and be fast dissolving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Frederic Moreux, Gunnar Noding, Marion Schleicher
  • Patent number: 8438820
    Abstract: A flower handling system includes loading, cutting, finishing, and boxing stations. Flowers are unloaded from dry-packed boxes at the cutting stations. Each cutting station includes a positioning arm that secures flower bundles and transports them from a first location adjacent a loading table to a second location above a conveyor. A bucket separating device deposits buckets one at a time onto the conveyor, and the buckets are filled with conditioning fluid. A cutting blade is positioned to cut flower stems as the positioning arm moves from the first to the second location. A clamping arm closes around the flowers and lifts them out of the positioning arm before lowering them into a fluid-filled bucket on the conveyor. The flower filled bucket is then transported through the finishing station to a boxing station where the bucket is deposited into a box for shipping to a wholesaler or retailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NF Global
    Inventor: George Malavenda
  • Patent number: 8438821
    Abstract: A harvester (1), and in particular a forage harvester, has an engine and machinery housing (2) and a discharge chute (10) which is mounted to be movable at a discharge opening (9) from the engine and machinery housing (2). The discharge opening (9) is able to be adjusted in height at the engine and machinery housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Haffert
  • Patent number: 8438822
    Abstract: A mower carrying a rotary cutting deck has a height of cut system for adjusting the vertical position of the deck relative to the mower frame for changing or adjusting the height of cut. The height of cut system comprises a pair of parallel cross shafts that carry a plurality of pivotal suspension linkages that connect to the deck, the cross shafts and linkages pivoting jointly with one another and with a pivotal control lever. One of the cross shafts carries a torsion spring to counterbalance the weight of the deck. The control lever is maintained in a plurality of adjusted pivotal positions by a height selection bracket fixed to the frame with the height selection bracket being capable of having its position changed or adjusted relative to the frame by a single adjustment bolt. Each suspension linkage has its effective length adjusted by turning a threaded adjuster carried at the upper end of a connecting rod that is part of each linkage to allow the deck to be leveled relative to a reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8438823
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine including a flexible cutterbar and associated draper belts for carrying cut agricultural material to a center location. The belts are guided by a drive rollers and idler rollers. The idler roller for each belt is pivotable about an axis generally at 90 degrees to the axis of the belt and the drive roller for each belt is translatable axially to minimize diagonal stresses caused by flexing of the elongated endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Chad A. Dow, William P. Conrad, Jeffrey A. Nelson, Benjamin M. Lovett, Amy C. Berg, Eric D. Taflinger
  • Patent number: 8438824
    Abstract: A harvesting header includes a header frame, a cutterbar assembly mounted to the header frame, and a conveyor assembly supported behind the cutterbar assembly to receive crop severed by the cutterbar assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a pair of side conveyors and a fore-and-aft draper located between the side conveyors. The header further includes a central crop-conveying member that overhangs the rear margin of the fore-and-aft draper and a floor pan that at least partly defines a transition area. The floor pan presents a forwardmost edge adjacent to and rearward of the rear margin. The forwardmost edge is located above a lower run of the draper to direct severed crop materials from the upper run of the draper and to facilitate crop material flow through the transition area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Sauerwein, Randy Lohrentz
  • Patent number: 8438825
    Abstract: An applicator head for cutting yarn into segments of yarn and depositing the segments of yarn on a deposition surface. The applicator head includes a single mechanism that moves the yarn towards said deposition surface and also cuts the yarn into segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hexcel Reinforcements
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Beraud, Jacques Ducarre, Jean-Benoit Thiel
  • Patent number: 8438826
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wire rope having a blackened finish designed for theatrical productions. The wire rope includes a plurality of strands that have a closed spiral arrangement with each other and are compacted. Each strand includes a center wire spirally surrounded by a plurality of inner wires that are spirally surrounded by a plurality of outer wires so that the outer wires completely encompass the inner wires. The center wire and the inner wires are made from a galvanized material and coated with a lubricant. The outer wires are made from a non-coated steel material. Each strand is compacted so the outer wires create a tight mechanical seal to protect the inner wires. The blackened finish on the wire rope is due to a black oxide coating treatment and provides for low visibility of the wire rope during theatrical performances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: WireCo WorldGroup Inc.
    Inventors: Bamdad Pourladian, Timothy W. Klein
  • Patent number: 8438827
    Abstract: The block lock for round link chains includes two approximately L-shaped lock halves connected with each other by pins. Each lock half has a longitudinal leg with a center rib, which faces away from its continuous back portion and separates bearing shells for chain links, and a cross leg arranged on one end of the longitudinal leg. Projections and receiving pockets are provided on the front ends of the longitudinal legs facing away from the cross legs, and receiving pockets and projections matching the projections and receiving pockets on the longitudinal legs are provided on the sides of the cross legs facing the center ribs. The center ribs are mutually offset in the longitudinal direction of the identically constructed lock halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Thiele GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Mülle
  • Patent number: 8438828
    Abstract: A flow divider (1) for a fan engine which forms an annular leading edge (4) simultaneously on the outer circumference of an annular core air duct and the inner circumference of an annular secondary air duct, protrudes into the fan airflow and has an aerodynamic profile. In order to avoid blockage of the core air and/or secondary air ducts in the event of destruction or detachment of the flow divider (1), the flow divider features separable parts (6) which, whatever their orientation, are capable of passing the vane passages of the core air duct and the secondary air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Olaf Lenk
  • Patent number: 8438829
    Abstract: A turboprop propulsion unit includes at least one pusher propeller 5, 6 driven by an aircraft gas-turbine engine, with the aircraft gas-turbine engine being arranged in front of the pusher propeller 5, 6 in a direction of flight. A turbine outlet area 9 is arranged at the front in the direction of flight and a compressor area 14 faces towards the pusher propeller 5, 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Dimitrie Negulescu
  • Patent number: 8438830
    Abstract: The present application provides a dual gas fuel delivery system and a method of delivering two gas fuels. The dual gas fuel delivery system may include (a) a low energy gas delivery system comprising a low energy gas inlet, a gas split, a low energy gas primary manifold outlet, and a low energy gas secondary manifold outlet; (b) a high energy gas delivery system comprising a high energy gas inlet and a high energy gas primary manifold outlet; (c) a primary manifold; and (d) a secondary manifold, wherein the low energy gas primary manifold outlet and the high energy gas primary manifold outlet are coupled to the primary manifold, and wherein the low energy gas secondary manifold outlet is coupled to the secondary manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William J. Lawson, Rahul Mohan Joshi, Danny Lawing, Jitendra Morankar, Robert J. Iasillo
  • Patent number: 8438831
    Abstract: An ignition system for a combustor includes a resonance system which generates an oscillation pressure force by a resonant flow interaction between two parallel interconnected flow passages which carry an incompressible flow. A piezoelectric system driven by said resonance system. An igniter powered by said piezoelectric system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Horn, Thomas M. Walczuk
  • Patent number: 8438832
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes a fan section that rotates about a longitudinal axis and a compressor section. The turbine engine also includes a fan exit stator located between the fan section and the compressor section, the fan exit stator including an airfoil. The airfoil defines an entrance angle with respect to a leading edge of the airfoil and a line parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the airfoil defines an exit angle with respect to a trailing edge of the airfoil and a line parallel to the longitudinal axis. A difference between the entrance angle and the exit angle is between about 45° and about 65°. The turbine engine also includes a turbine section, and a portion of the compressor section is driven by a portion of the turbine section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa I. Brilliant, Becky E. Rose, Yuan Dong, Stanley J. Balamucki
  • Patent number: 8438833
    Abstract: An engine contains at least one pulse detonation combustor having a combustion chamber and an exit nozzle coupled to and downstream of the combustion chamber. During operation of the at least one pulse detonation combustor a detonation occurs within the combustion chamber and at least one of a fuel fill fraction and purge fraction of the at least one pulse detonation combustor are utilized to offset a temperature peak of said detonation from a pressure peak of said detonation. The fuel fill fraction is defined as 1?purge fraction, and the purge fraction is the ratio of the purge time of the at least one pulse detonation combustor to a sum of the purge time of the at least one pulse detonation combustor and a fuel fill time of the at least one pulse detonation combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Venkat Eswarlu Tangirala, Narendra Digamber Joshi
  • Patent number: 8438834
    Abstract: A helical cross flow pulse detonation engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Guinan, Christopher D. Gettinger
  • Patent number: 8438835
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing at least one heat exchanger assembly including a heat exchanger and a lobed mixer extending downstream from the heat exchanger, wherein the mixer includes a plurality of lobes that each define a first chute and at least one second chute that extends between each pair of adjacent spaced-apart lobes, and coupling the at least one heat exchanger assembly within a bypass duct of the engine such that the at least one heat exchanger assembly is coupled to at least one of an outer engine casing and an inner engine casing of the turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Andrew Perveiler, Malcolm Kenneth MacLean, Ross Michael Lcon
  • Patent number: 8438836
    Abstract: An abnormality determination apparatus for an electrically heated catalyst provided in a plug-in hybrid vehicle having a battery that is charged by connecting an external charging device to an external electric power supply is equipped with an abnormality determination portion that makes a determination on an abnormality in the electrically heated catalyst when the external charging device is connected to the external electric power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Atsushi Takara
  • Patent number: 8438837
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method for maintaining temperature in an exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle. The engine has a crankshaft and at least one cylinder. The hybrid vehicle has a fuel storage device and a fuel supply device. An exhaust gas treatment device is located downstream of the cylinder. The method comprises, in an engine off mode, pumping air to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device controlling the fuel supply device so that fuel is allowed to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device. Air flow to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device can be controlled by a throttle in an inlet duct to the engine and/or the fuel supply device to control the combustion and air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Jonas Hermansson, Anders Holger Johnsson, Niklas Vollmer
  • Patent number: 8438838
    Abstract: A fuel-fired burner in a vehicle exhaust system is used to heat up a frozen NOx reducing agent supply tank within a predetermined target amount of time. A method and apparatus are used to identify when a supply of agent is below a predetermined temperature, and the fuel-fired burner is activated for a sufficient amount of time to raise a temperature of the agent to at least the predetermined temperature with the predetermined target amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies
    Inventor: Navin Khadiya
  • Patent number: 8438839
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for reducing emissions from an engine includes an exhaust conduit adapted to supply an exhaust stream from an engine to an exhaust treatment device. An injector injects a reagent through an aperture in the conduit into the exhaust stream. A vortex breaker includes a mount having a cylindrical sleeve extending through the aperture as well as a flared tube fixed to and positioned within the cylindrical sleeve. A window extends through an upstream portion of the cylindrical sleeve exposing the flared tube to the exhaust stream. The sleeve includes a downstream aperture in fluid communication with the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Floyd, Joseph G. Ralph, Christopher J. Kleinfeld, James J. Reynolds, III, Larry J. Greer, Manoj K. Sampath, Michael L. Shovels, Robert P. M. Cloudt, Rik S. G. Baert, Johannes P. M. Smeulers, Erik van den Tillaart
  • Patent number: 8438840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine having a plurality of cylinders are provided. One exemplary method includes, during first conditions, spinning down the engine to non-combusting engine rest, and regenerating the particulate filter at least during engine rest. The method also includes, during second conditions, regenerating the particulate filter during combustion of at least one cylinder of the engine. By regenerating the particulate filter during engine shutdown and/or engine rest in some conditions, it is possible to reduce engine running regeneration, which can thereby lead to reduced engine running emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8438841
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter positioned downstream of an engine in a vehicle are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during combusting engine conditions, directing exhaust from the engine to a three-way catalyst and then to the particulate filter, and during non-combusting engine conditions and while the vehicle is in motion, directing fresh ram-air to between the particulate filter and the catalyst to regenerate the particulate filter. Thus, vehicle motion may be used to introduce the ram-air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8438842
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device is provided. The device includes: in an exhaust gas passage for a combustion exhaust gas containing a nitrogen oxide, a hydrocarbon, and an oxygen in a larger amount than a theoretical reaction amount with respect to the hydrocarbon to flow therethrough, in order from upstream, a first catalyst part for selectively reducing a nitrogen oxide; a plasma discharge part for generating a plasma; a second catalyst part for selectively reducing a nitrogen oxide; and a purifying catalyst part for purifying a reducing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Sato, Sho Shiraga, Kazuhiko Kawajiri, Masato Kurahashi
  • Patent number: 8438843
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a work machine with a hydraulically controlled implement includes: an operating oil flow passage for flowing operating oil from a main pump; a boost flow oil passage for supplying operating oil to the operating oil flow passage; a connection unit for connecting the implement which is provided downstream of the confluence on the operating oil flow passage; a controller for controlling the high-flow valve; and a high-flow switch which is connected to the controller and is configured to effect or cancel a command of the amount increase on a high-flow valve. Annunciation is made when the connection unit is connected to a high-flow actuator for the implement requiring an amount increase of the operating oil, and the amount increase is effected by the high-flow valve in accordance with an operation of the high-flow switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ueda, Keisuke Miura
  • Patent number: 8438844
    Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a housing having a forward end and an aft end. Three upstanding air chambers are located in the housing and three corresponding water accommodating ducts extend aft from the air chambers and terminate in aft water accommodating openings for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers as the housing oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct communicates with the air chambers through a manifold for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers as the water level falls and rises within the air chambers as the housing oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine in the air accommodating duct powers an electrical generator. A first stabilizing plate extends forwardly and downwardly from the forward end of the housing for controlling the oscillating motion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Maritime Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Martin McCarthy, Michael Martin Whelan
  • Patent number: 8438845
    Abstract: A hoseless hydraulic system is provided which addresses certain safety and efficiency issues known in the art. The hydraulic system includes a shell, an accumulator disposed within the shell, a hydraulic pump at least partly disposed within the shell, and at least one hydraulic motor at least partly disposed within the shell. High pressure fluid communication conduits are substantially located within the shell. The only communication across the shell boundary is mechanical power in, mechanical power out, control signals in, and sensor signals out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Limo-Reid, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. O'Brien, II
  • Patent number: 8438846
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic drive apparatus which can flexibly be set. The hydraulic drive apparatus which drives a variable displacement hydraulic motor 20 by a pressure oil discharged from a variable displacement hydraulic pump 10 and outputs a driving force of the hydraulic motor 20 to outside. The hydraulic drive apparatus includes torque upper limit setting unit which sets an upper limit of an output torque with respect to the hydraulic motor 20, and control unit which sets a maximum capacity limit value of the hydraulic motor 20 in accordance with the upper limit of the output torque when the upper limit of the output torque is set by the torque upper limit setting unit, and which sets a maximum capacity limit value of the hydraulic pump 10 in accordance with the upper limit of the output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Naritoshi Ohtsukasa
  • Patent number: 8438847
    Abstract: A heat-pipe electric power generating device includes a heat pipe having an evaporating end and a condensing end, a non-magnetic shell connected to the condensing end, a generator stator coil disposed at the outer of the non-magnetic shell, a turbine disposed in the heat pipe, a driving axle connected to the turbine and extended into the non-magnetic shell, and a magnetic element disposed at the driving axle and located in the non-magnetic shell. A vapor flow flowing to the condensing end is generated at the evaporating end. The vapor flow drives the turbine to move the magnetic element, such that the generator stator coil generates an induced current. In addition, a hydrogen/oxygen gas generating apparatus and an internal combustion engine system having the heat-pipe electric power generating device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yao-Shun Chen, Wen-Yang Peng, Ra-Min Tain
  • Patent number: 8438848
    Abstract: An engine includes a variable geometry turbocharger, an EGR valve device, a hydraulic servo drive device that drives the variable geometry turbocharger, a hydraulic servo drive device that drives the EGR valve device, an electronic proportional control valve (EPC valve) that supplies pilot pressure oil to the hydraulic servo drive device, and an electronic proportional control valve (EPC valve) that supplies pilot pressure oil to the hydraulic servo drive device, the EPC valves being attached to the EGR valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehide Kitagawa, Yasukuni Kawashima, Shuuji Hori, Daisuke Kozuka
  • Patent number: 8438849
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine, in which the high pressure turbine receives high pressure working fluid vapor, the low pressure turbine receives low pressure working fluid vapor and the high pressure turbine also supplies low pressure working fluid vapor to the low pressure turbine. A recuperator receives working fluid vapor from the low pressure turbine. The recuperator produces heated condensate, at least a portion of which is provided to a high pressure vaporizer. The high pressure vaporizer is configured to receive from a high temperature heat source and produces high pressure working vapor used to power the high pressure turbine. The remaining condensed fluid is provided to a low pressure vaporizer which is configured to receive heat from a low-temperature heat source, thereby producing low pressure working fluid vapor used to power the low pressure turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ormat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Kaplan, Joseph Sinai, Lucien Y. Bronicki
  • Patent number: 8438850
    Abstract: A waste heat utilization system and associated methods for preheating fuel for a turbine engine component. The turbine engine component includes at least one heat generating source. The system includes structure for applying heat from the at least one heat generating source to relatively cold fuel for the turbine engine component to preheat the fuel prior to ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ravindra Annigeri, David Lee Rogers, Douglas Rush, Kevin J. Gersch
  • Patent number: 8438851
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for use with a turbine engine is described herein. The fuel nozzle assembly includes a plurality of fuel nozzles positioned within an air plenum defined by a casing. Each of the plurality of fuel nozzles is coupled to a combustion liner defining a combustion chamber. Each of the plurality of fuel nozzles includes a housing that includes an inner surface that defines a cooling fluid plenum and a fuel plenum therein, and a plurality of mixing tubes extending through the housing. Each of the mixing tubes includes an inner surface defining a flow channel extending between the air plenum and the combustion chamber. At least one mixing tube of the plurality of mixing tubes including at least one cooling fluid aperture for channeling a flow of cooling fluid from the cooling fluid plenum to the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jong Ho Uhm, Thomas Edward Johnson