Patents Issued in June 13, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130145761
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130145762
    Abstract: A coupling system for a hybrid energy plant including a heat-pump unit and a combined heat and power generation unit, having at least one coupling device for coupling the heat-pump unit and the combined heat and power generation unit. A device and a method provide a coupling for a heat-pump unit and a combined heat and power generation unit, in doing which, the highest possible overall efficiency and the lowest possible consumption of resources relative to already known uncoupled plants is ensured. At least one coupling device has an electrical coupling unit and/or a hydraulic coupling unit which are designed to be switchable for a coupling of the heat-pump unit and the combined heat and power generation unit. An energy-transformation system for generating heat and/or cold and a method for energy transformation having a coupling system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Ekkehard Laqua, Cornelius Munz
  • Publication number: 20130145763
    Abstract: A gas burner system may include a first burner configured to burn gas to produce burned gas in a first portion of the waste gas burner system and a second burner configured to burn gas to produce burned gas in a second portion of the waste gas burner system. A heat exchanger may reside out of the first portion and may be configured to receive heat from the burned gas in the second portion and heat a working fluid of a thermal cycle system. A valve may be configured to control an amount of gas provided to the second burner. The gas may be a waste gas from a process. The thermal cycle system may include an organic Rankine cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Parsa Mirmobin, Dennis Strouse, Herman Artinian
  • Publication number: 20130145764
    Abstract: In various embodiments, foam is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Jon Bessette, Alexander Bell, Dax Kepshire, Arne La Ven, Adam Rauwerdink
  • Publication number: 20130145765
    Abstract: A System for Aerodynamic Premixer for Reduced Emissions comprising a premixer is generally cylindrical in form and defined by the relationship in physical space between a first ring, a second ring, and a plurality of radial vanes. The first and second rings are found to be generally equidistant, one from the other, at all points along their facing surfaces. Radial vanes connect the first ring to the second ring and thereby form the premixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Publication number: 20130145766
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine comprises an inner annular liner wall and an outer annular liner wall cooperating to form a combustion chamber of the combustor. A first dome wall has a circumferential array of first fuel injection bores. A second dome has a circumferential array of second fuel injection bores, An intermediate wall extends between the first dome wall and the second dome wall. A first combustion stage is defined by the inner liner wall forward end, the first dome wall and the intermediate wall. A second combustion stage is defined at least by the outer liner wall forward end, the second dome wall and the intermediate wall, the first combustion stage communicating with the first fuel injection bores, the second combustion stage communicating with the second fuel injection bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Eduardo HAWIE, Nigel Davenport
  • Publication number: 20130145767
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine comprises an inner annular liner and an outer annular liner. First and second combustion stages are defined between the liners. Each combustion stage has a plurality of fuel injection bores distributed in a liner wall defining the respective stage. A lobed mixer extends into the combustor, the lobed mixer arranged to receive combustion gases from each combustion stage for mixing flows of said combustion gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Eduardo Hawie, Nigel Davenport
  • Publication number: 20130145768
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) system for an aircraft is provided. The VAFN system includes a fluid-driven motor configured to receive a fluid; one or more actuators coupled to the fluid-driven motor; and a nozzle assembly coupled to the actuators such that the motor drives the nozzle assembly during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ron Vaughan, Michael McGill, Kevin K. Chakkera, Larry Portolese, Mark Behnke
  • Publication number: 20130145769
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a variable overall pressure rate (“OPR”). The engine includes a high pressure compressor having at least a primary stage having a set of primary rotors and a secondary stage having a set of secondary rotors. A clutch is provided to selectively engage the secondary rotors with the primary rotors. Engagement of the clutch may be controlled based on the vehicle travel mode, such as disengaging during a takeoff mode to reduce turbine entry temperature and engaging during a loiter mode to increase OPR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney
    Inventors: James W. Norris, Daniel B. Kupratis, Gary M. Stetson
  • Publication number: 20130145770
    Abstract: A substitution device for replacing a turbojet type of aircraft engine, with a nacelle comprising protective covers, and a support mast having two engine mounts, each of said protective covers being mounted to pivot between an open position and a closed position, said substitution device comprising a body, two anchors attaching to the engine mounts of the engine support mast, and bearing portions adapted to receive support portions belonging to the protective covers. A method for installing such a substitution device in a nacelle, which makes it possible to close the engine covers and authorize the movement of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Airbus Operations SAS
  • Publication number: 20130145771
    Abstract: A system and method of reducing gas turbine nitric oxide emissions includes a first combustion stage configured to burn air vitiated with diluents to generate first combustion stage products. A second combustion stage is configured to burn the first combustion stage products in combination with enriched oxygen to generate second combustion stage products having a lower level of nitric oxide emissions than that achievable through combustion with vitiated air alone or through combustion staging alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130145772
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a combined cycle power plant. Flue gas of a gas turbine is used for producing steam for a steam turbine. A reliable and flexible black start network restoration is achieved by: a) in island mode, supplying internal consumers by the gas turbine, the operating point of which is selected so that a minimum steam temperature is achieved; b) in island mode, the steam turbine is synchronized and ramped up to an operating point where a maximum power increase is achieved, the resulting steam turbine load change is compensated by the gas turbine; c) consumer loads are connected blockwise; d) the increase in the demanded load being provided by the steam turbine; e) the load of the steam turbine is gradually reduced increasing its load-increasing capacity; and steps c)-e) are repeated until the power plant's base load is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Jan Schlesier, Hamid Olia, Martin Schoenenberger, Martin Liebau
  • Publication number: 20130145773
    Abstract: A method of separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) within a turbine engine system includes, in an exemplary embodiment, directing an air stream into an air separation unit (ASU), separating N2 from the air stream in the ASU to form an oxygen (O2) rich air stream, and directing the O2 rich air stream to the combustor to mix with a fuel for combustion forming hot combustion gases, containing O2 and CO2, which are used to rotate the turbine. The method also includes directing turbine expander exhaust gases to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to create steam, directing exhaust from the HRSG to a condenser to separate water from a mixture of O2 and CO2 gases, and directing the mixture of O2 and CO2 gases to a separation system where the CO2 is separated from the O2 gases and removed from the separation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Parag Prakash Kulkarni, Samuel David Draper, Roger Allen Shisler
  • Publication number: 20130145774
    Abstract: An accessory system for a gas turbine engine includes an accessory gearbox which defines an accessory gearbox axis and includes first and second sides. A first geartrain includes one or more shafts rotatable about axes perpendicular to the first side of the accessory gearbox and a second geartrain includes one or more shafts rotatable about axes perpendicular to the second side of the accessory gearbox. A driven gear set defines an input axis and drives first geartrain and the second geartrain about corresponding first and second drive axes parallel to the input axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Hung Duong, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20130145775
    Abstract: A direct thermoelectric converter includes a condensing surface. The condensing surface conducts heat to a silicon matrix to cool the condensing surface to a temperature to precipitate a gas fraction from a flow of gas. The matrix includes a first layer of low recombination material fused to a first layer of high recombination material at a first n-type junction, the first layer high recombination material fused to a second layer of low recombination material at a p-type junction, the second layer of low recombination material fused to a second layer of high recombination material at a second n-type junction. Each of a positive and a negative terminal are affixed conductively to the silicon matrix thereby to supply a current of electrons at a supply voltage. A controller senses the current of electrons and selectively connects the direct thermoelectric converter to a load in response to the supply of electrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Milon Orem
  • Publication number: 20130145776
    Abstract: An air conditioning control apparatus and a method thereof may include an air conditioning control apparatus that controls the temperature of the interior of a vehicle may include an air-conditioning system including a condenser by condensing the refrigerant, an evaporator, a compressor, a heater core that controls the temperature of air flowing to the interior of the vehicle, a temperature control door that may be disposed between the evaporator and the heater core and controls flow of the heater core for the air passing through the evaporator, and a blower that blows the air flowing inside from the interior or the exterior of the vehicle to the evaporator, a sensor unit that includes an engine speed sensor measuring the number of revolutions of an engine and a throttle position sensor measuring the amount of opening of a throttle, and a controller that controls the operation of the air-conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130145777
    Abstract: An ice making machine includes a heat pipe that extends between a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. The heat pipe has a first end in the freezer compartment and a second end in the refrigerator compartment. A heat exchanger is located in the freezer compartment and is in contact with the first end of the heat pipe. A heat block is located in the refrigerator compartment and is in contact with the second end of the heat pipe. A removable ice cube tray is mounted on the heat block with a surface in contact with the heat block such that when the removable ice cube tray is filled with water, ice forms from the surface of the removable ice cube tray in contact with the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: William G. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130145778
    Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems which comprise or utilize a multi-component mixture comprising: (a) HFC-32; (b) HFC-125; (c) HFO-1234yf and/or HFO-1234ze; (d) HFC-134a. In certain non-limiting aspects, such refrigerants may be used as a replacement for R-404A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • Publication number: 20130145779
    Abstract: This invention relates to an absorption type air drying system which can maximize energy efficiency, and to a method of controlling the same. This absorption type air drying system includes first and second adsorption towers, first diverter valves provided below the first and second adsorption towers to change the direction of transport of dehumidification air and regeneration air and including first to fourth on-off valves, second diverter valves provided above the adsorption towers to change the direction of transport of dehumidification air and regeneration air and including fifth to eighth on-off valves, and regeneration diverter valves connected to the first and second diverter valves to circulate the regeneration air and including ninth and tenth on-off valves which are opened upon heating regeneration, and eleventh and twelfth on-off valves which are opened upon cooling regeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: CHUL YONG HWANG
  • Publication number: 20130145780
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for a thermal energy storage liquid-suction heat exchanger (TES-LSHX) for air conditioning and refrigeration (AC/R) applications. The disclosed embodiments allow energy to be stored and aggregated over one period of time, and dispatched at a later period of time, to improve AC/R system efficiency during desired conditions. Not only are the benefits of LSHX stored and aggregated for later use, but when dispatched, the discharge rate can exceed the charge rate thereby further enhancing the benefit of demand reduction to utilities. The disclosed embodiments allow great flexibility and can be incorporated into OEM AC/R system designs, and/or bundled with condensing units or evaporator coils. These TES-LSHX systems can be retrofit with existing systems by installing the product at any point along the existing AC/R system's line set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ICE ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Parsonnet, Robert R. Willis, JR., Dean L. Wiersma
  • Publication number: 20130145781
    Abstract: A refrigeration system (20) has a first compressor (24) and a second compressor (26). The second compressor has at least a first condition t least partially in parallel with the first compressor along a refrigerant flowpath. A heat rejection heat exchanger (50) is downstream of the first and second compressors along the refrigerant flowpath. An expansion device (54) is downstream of the heat rejection heat exchanger along the refrigerant flowpath. A heat absorption heat exchanger (56) is downstream of the expansion device along the refrigerant flowpath. The first compressor is a variable speed compressor coupled to a variable speed drive (32). The second compressor is a fixed speed compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lucy Y. Liu
  • Publication number: 20130145782
    Abstract: A water condenser includes a fan which draws a primary airflow through an upstream refrigerant evaporator, through an air-to-air heat exchanger and in one embodiment also an air-to-water heat exchanger uses cold water collected as condensate from the evaporator, the airflow to the evaporator being pre-cooled by passing through the air-to-air heat exchanger and the air-to-water heat exchanger prior to entry into the evaporator wherein the airflow is further cooled to below its dew point so as to condense moisture onto the evaporator far gravity collection. The evaporator is cooled by a closed refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: FREEDOM WATER COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: FREEDOM WATER COMPANY LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130145783
    Abstract: An air conditioner control method may entail measuring an evaporator first temperature at an exit side of the evaporator, maintaining the evaporator first temperature, measuring a length of time that the evaporator maintains the evaporator first temperature, providing a user-set evaporator target temperature; and reducing a rate of refrigerant compressed by a compressor based on a relationship between the length of time that the evaporator maintains the evaporator first temperature and the evaporator target temperature. Furthermore, an air conditioner control method utilizing a condenser and a cold storage unit may entail turning off an air conditioner compressor, maintaining operation of a condenser cooling fan, closing a thermostatic expansion valve, opening a bleed port to bypass the thermostatic expansion valve, and receiving a liquid refrigerant into the cold storage unit from the condenser after the refrigerant passes through a thermostatic expansion valve bleed port and the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: DENSO International America, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130145784
    Abstract: A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user and (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display, the display further configured to display a screen with a layout containing multiple service reminders pertaining to the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Larry S. Bias, Daniel Castillo, Bobby DiFulgentiz, Gabaza B. Mlambo, Stephen J. Vendt
  • Publication number: 20130145785
    Abstract: An air conditioner which controls capacity of an outdoor heat-exchanger unit without an on-off valve that exhibits high pressure loss, which prevents accumulation of refrigerant in an outdoor heat-exchanger, and which maintains reliability of a compressor or refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner includes a first expansion valve on a liquid line of a first outdoor heat- exchanger, a second expansion valve on a liquid line of a second outdoor heat-exchanger, a first connection line to connect a suction line to one port of the first 4-way valve, the suction line connecting a suction port of the compressor and an indoor heat-exchanger unit, a second connection line to connect the suction line to one port of the second 4-way valve, and a check valve provided on the second connection line to allow flow of refrigerant only from the second 4-way valve to the suction line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130145786
    Abstract: A combined air-conditioning and hot water supply system simultaneously executes the cooling operation of a use unit and the hot water supply operation of a hot water supply unit, wherein the combined air-conditioning and hot water supply system operates in a cooling priority mode when the temperature differential ?Twm between a set hot water supply temperature Twset and the inlet water temperature Twi of a plate water-heat exchanger is smaller than a priority operation determination threshold M that is set in advance, and operates in a hot water supply priority mode when the temperature differential ?Twm becomes equal to or higher than the priority operation determination threshold M. This simultaneous execution of cooling and hot water supply operations prevents hot water from running out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shogo Tamaki, Makoto Saito
  • Publication number: 20130145787
    Abstract: An embodiment of method used to control operation of a screw compressor of a refrigeration system may include receiving status signals regarding operation of the screw compressor of the refrigeration system. The method may further include determining an operating point of the screw compressor based upon the received status signals, and selecting a torque profile for the screw compressor based upon the operating point. The method may also include driving the screw compressor per the selected torque profile. Refrigeration systems and compressor systems suitable for implementing the method are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: David M. Foye, Nathan T. West, Dennis M. Beckman, John R. Sauls
  • Publication number: 20130145788
    Abstract: A device for preparing hot water by recovering heat from waste water includes a heat pump which has a compressor and an evaporator. The evaporator supplies thermal energy to a hot water reservoir which is disposed above the compressor. At least one heat pipe thermally connects the hot water reservoir to the compressor of the heat pump and is constructed to dissipate waste heat produced during operation of the compressor to the hot water reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Holzer, Evgeni Rehfuss, Andreas Renner, Markus Spielmannleitner, Gerhard Wetzl
  • Publication number: 20130145789
    Abstract: A condenser apparatus may include a first heat-radiating portion formed by stacking a plurality of plates, fluid-connected to the radiator to circulate the coolant, and fluid-connected to the compressor to circulate the refrigerant supplied from the compressor so as to condense the refrigerant through heat-exchange with the coolant and the refrigerant, a second heat-radiating portion integrally formed at a lower portion of the first heat-radiating portion and fluid-connected thereto, and a receiver-drier portion integrally formed at each one end of the first and second heat-radiating portions and fluid-connected to the first heat-radiating portion to receive a condensed refrigerant from the first heat-radiating portion and performing gas-liquid separation and moisture removal of the refrigerant, wherein the first heat-radiating portion may be provided with a gas-liquid separating portion which separates the refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Yeon KIM
  • Publication number: 20130145790
    Abstract: A heating/cooling device (1) is proposed for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, with a compressor (3), a refrigerant circuit (5), a gas cooler (7), an evaporator (9), and with an expansion valve (37) arranged between the gas cooler (7) and evaporator (9) in the refrigerant circuit (5). The heating/cooling device (1) is distinguished in that the gas cooler (7) or the evaporator (9) is coupled with a liquid coolant circuit (13, 23) which cooperates with an interior heat exchanger (19) or an external air heat exchanger (27), or that the gas cooler (7) and the evaporator (9) are each coupled with an its own liquid coolant circuit (13, 23), wherein one of the liquid coolant circuits (13, 23) cooperates with the interior heat exchanger (19) and the other liquid coolant circuit (23, 13) cooperates with the external air heat exchanger (27).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Tilo Schäfer, Stefan Schüssler, Willi Parsch
  • Publication number: 20130145791
    Abstract: A refrigeration system using CO2 as a refrigerant includes a receiver having a liquid outlet connected to expansion valves, which are connected to evaporators, which are connected to the suction side of the compressor. The receiver includes a second gas outlet connected to a second pressure reduction device, to reduce the energy consumption in CO2 cooling systems and to protect the compressors against liquid CO2 by heating the suction gas. The second pressure reduction device is connected by tubing to a first heat exchanging device, which is integrated in the receiver, so that gas that is evaporated in the top of a receiver can be used for cooling the liquid part of the same receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Kim G. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20130145792
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning system for vehicles, this air conditioning system being configured in such a way that it is possible to perform air conditioning for separate purposes, such as for cooling a driver, this type of air conditioning being extremely efficient in terms of energy, and that even if part of the air conditioning system is installed in a vehicle cabin, it is possible to meet requirements for securing a space in the vehicle cabin. The aforementioned air conditioning system for vehicles comprises a refrigeration circuit provided with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion means, and an evaporator, and is characterized in that the compressor and the condenser are disposed in an in-vehicle area outside the vehicle cabin, and that the expansion means and the evaporator are locally disposed in one or more selected specific regions in the vehicle cabin, preferably in such a way as to be incorporated into units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Toyama, Nobuhiko Fujii, Risa Nomura, Hirotaka Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20130145793
    Abstract: A direct expansion evaporator includes an inner guiding duct defining a feeding channel for guiding raw material, and an outer guiding duct enclosing the inner guiding duct therewithin to form a heat exchange channel between the outer and inner guiding ducts for guiding refrigerant flowing along the heat exchange channel to heat-exchange with the raw material along the feeding channel, wherein a helix indention is formed at the outer guiding duct to form the heat exchange channel partitioned by a helix partition, wherein a peak of the helix partition is biased against an outer surrounding wall of the inner guiding duct to conceal the heat exchange channel along the inner guiding duct in a weld-less manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Lingyu Dong, Chundong Dong
  • Publication number: 20130145794
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a flexible liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant that may be tied to an external electric grid for importing or exporting electric power. Exemplary embodiments provide a method for producing LNG that includes producing a base load capacity of refrigeration capacity for LNG production from a first compression system. Electricity may be produced from a second compressor string if electricity is needed by an external power grid, or a second amount of refrigeration capacity may be provided by the second compressor string is natural gas feed is available and the external grid does not need power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Chad C. Rasmussen, Garth M. Norman, Michael R Miller, Justin Brennan
  • Publication number: 20130145795
    Abstract: A connecting unit including an outer frame member having a pair of hole sections, a pair of first connecting sections and long holes for inserting a controller. The connecting unit further includes a holding frame body which includes through-holes at positions corresponding to the long holes, slide members which include a second connecting section which protrudes and retracts from the pair of hole sections and slide in the extending direction of the long holes by slide operation of the controller, elastic members which bias the slide members to an opposite direction of an insertion direction of the controller and a locking member which locks the slide member at a position where connection between the second connecting section and the first connecting section of the adjacent segment members is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130145796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of cellular glass sheets, wherein the cellular glass is expanded from at least one glass raw material and at least one blowing agent in a cellulating furnace to yield a cellular glass web (16) and is then continuously cooled in a cooling furnace (5), wherein the cellular glass web is transported on a continuous conveyor system through the furnace(s) during foaming and cooling, and wherein the cellular glass web is cut in the furnace or between two furnaces as well as a corresponding cutting apparatus and a cellular-glass cooling section with a corresponding cutting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Frank
  • Publication number: 20130145797
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a hollow glass item is provided. The device includes a mold having a cavity with a shape substantially corresponding to the outer shape of the glass item and a punch movable between a passive position outside the cavity and an active position inside the cavity, the punch including a hollow body having at least one raised or hollow pattern on at least one outer surface. A method and a punch are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: POCHET DU COURVAL
    Inventor: POCHET DU COURVAL
  • Publication number: 20130145798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molten, fluid refractory product comprising, in weight percentages on the basis of the oxides and for a total of 100% of the oxides: ZrO2+Hf2O: remainder to 100% 4.5%<SiO2<6.0% Al2O3<0.80% 0.3%<B2O3<1.0% Ta2O5+Nb2O5<0.15% Na2O+K2O<0.1% K2O<0.04% CaO+SrO+MgO+ZnO+BaO<0.4% P2O6<0.05% Fe2O3+TiO2<0.55% other oxide species, optionally including Y2O3: <1.5%, where Y2O3<0.3%, the “A/B” ratio of Al2O3/B2O3 content by weight being 0.5 to 2.0. The invention can be used in glass melting furnaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SAINT GOBAIN CENTRE DE RECHERCHES ET D'ETUDES EUROPEEN
    Inventors: Isabelle Cabodi, Michel Gaubil
  • Publication number: 20130145799
    Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a cabinet and a tub. The cabinet may define an exterior of the washing machine. The tub may be disposed inside the cabinet to hold wash water. The tub may have a cross-section on which a first length passing through a central longitudinal axis of the tub and extending from a first side to a second side along a first direction, which is substantially horizontal, may be shorter than a second length passing through the central longitudinal axis of the tub and extending from a third side to a fourth side along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Kilryong Lee, Heunggi Kim
  • Publication number: 20130145800
    Abstract: An auto-unlock assembly for a tubular lock has a rotating pipe, a rotating mount, a positioning board, a rotating spindle, a limiting mount, an retaining board and a limiting spring. The rotating pipe has a through hole. The rotating mount is connected to the rotating pipe and has two connecting wings. The positioning board is mounted in the rotating mount and has a body and two positioning wings. The rotating spindle is rotatably mounted through the rotating pipe and the positioning board via the rotating mount and has two protruding blocks. The limiting mount is mounted around the rotating spindle and has an acting face, a limiting recess and two mounting recesses. The retaining board is mounted around the rotating spindle, abuts the limiting mount and has a base and two protruding lugs. The limiting spring is mounted around the rotating spindle and abuts the retaining board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Xiu-Feng Liu, Ming Chai
  • Publication number: 20130145801
    Abstract: Locks for use with pest-control devices such as bait stations or other loadable devices, kits that include a lock and key, and pest control devices that include a lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Covington
  • Publication number: 20130145802
    Abstract: A low-cost switch sensor remote dead bolt status indicator includes a switch sensor within a key body of a door key which starts a sensor at a door lock location upon sensing of a dead bolt entering into a locked position. The sensor is provided with a self shut-off feature operating after a fixed duration of minutes length has elapsed. The indicator also includes a receiver in the hand held key, which is capable of receiving signals from the sensor after the user presses an inquiry button on its surface. The hand held key has two indicators for alternately displaying the lock's dead bolt status as being locked or unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Eichenstein
  • Publication number: 20130145803
    Abstract: A vehicle portable device that locks and unlocks a door of a vehicle by remote control has a case that accommodates a mechanical key operable to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle therein, and having an accommodation part in which the mechanical key is inserted in a predetermined insertion direction, a first engagement part that engages with a second engagement part of the mechanical key, and a retaining member in which the first engagement part is formed. The retaining member is supported in the case while being rotatable about a first support point. An external force is provided on the retaining member so as to rotate the retaining member in a first rotating direction. When the mechanical key is accommodated in the accommodation part, an exposed portion of the mechanical key is partially exposed from the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Norihisa Kataya, Takayuki Suzuki, Akihiro Fujimoto, Hirofumi Ohata
  • Publication number: 20130145804
    Abstract: A lock device (10) is used with a flat key (K) having asymmetric opposite edges (3, 4). The lock device (10) includes a key rotor (14) which is configured to have distances from a central axis line (O2) of the key (K) to abutment points of the edges (3, 4) against the tumbler (32a-32c) respectively, and the distances are set so as to equal each other such that the non-reversible key is capable of reversible use in an inserted state of the key (K) into a key insertion hole (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: TOMOE SYSTEM INC., SANKYO KINZOKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadao Yamakage, Keiichi Araki
  • Publication number: 20130145805
    Abstract: A soil improver and method for making the same. The soil improver, in one example, comprises a nitrogen source, a surfactant, a multi-mineral, and a microbial blend. The microbial blend comprises at least one bacterium, at least one fungus, and at least one mycorrhiza. The mycorrhizae mine water and nutrients for plant roots in exchange for food. Further the mycorrhizae greatly expands the effective root zone of the host plant. The soil improver is made by mixing the dry ingredients. Thereafter the microbial blend is mixed with the dry ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: WISEARTH IP, INC.
    Inventors: Francis Lynn (Gus) OLSON, Rene de Santiago PALOMARES
  • Publication number: 20130145806
    Abstract: Solvent systems for the formulation of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitors, that provide stable dispersion of alkyl thiophosphoric triamides for even distribution (in low or high concentrations) onto fertilizers containing urea in liquid or solid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: MIDTECH R&D, INC., RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Rhodia Operations, Midtech R&D, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130145807
    Abstract: Rolling method for the production of flat products, such as metal strip, which provides a production step of a thin slab with a thickness comprised between 30 and 90 mm, preferably between 35 and 70 mm, a temperature maintenance and/or possible heating step of the slab to be sent for rolling, and a rolling step with multiple passes performed in a reversing rolling mill (14) comprising at least a reversing rolling stand (15), in which at least a winding reel furnace (16a) is also present upstream of the stand (15) and a winding reel furnace (16b) downstream of the stand (15), a winding step also being provided downstream of the rolling in at least a coiler (19a, 19b) to form a relative coil of strip of a defined weight, comprised between 20 and 30 tons, and a cooling step of the strip being provided between the reversing rolling mill (14) and said at least one coiler (19a, 19b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DANIELI & C. OFFICINE MECCANICHE SPA
    Inventors: Gianpietro Benedetti, Paolo Bobig
  • Publication number: 20130145808
    Abstract: A tapered roll stand for making seamless pipe has a stationary frame formed relative to a workpiece-travel direction with a pair of laterally and horizontally oppositely open windows. Respective cover doors carried on the frame are vertically shiftable between respective closed positions covering the respective windows and open positions offset therefrom and exposing the respective windows. A pair of tapered rolls are each shiftable horizontally through a respective one of the windows into a use position inside the frame, lying to a respective horizontal side of the direction, and rotatable about a respective axis forming an acute angle with the direction. A pair of Diescher disks are vertically engageable with a workpiece extending in the direction between the tapered rolls, and respective roll-positioning actuators carried on the doors are couplable with the tapered rolls in the use position for setting positions of the tapered rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Walter HOEFFGEN, Thomas Leisten, Manfred Leferink
  • Publication number: 20130145809
    Abstract: A mold for hot stamping is disclosed. The mold may include: a base plate configured to receive and exhaust coolant, at least one lower mold and at least one upper mold. The at least one lower mold may be mounted at a surface of the base plate, and configured to receive the coolant from the base plate. The lower mold may also have the same shape as a lower shape of a product so as to form the lower shape of the product during hot stamping. The upper mold is made of material different from that of the lower mold, coupled to an upper portion of the lower mold, has the same shape as an upper shape of the product so as to form the upper shape of the product, and is configured to receive the coolant from the lower mold such that the coolant flows in the upper mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Seung Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20130145810
    Abstract: A manufacture method for a magnesium alloy product includes steps of: providing a mold comprising a upper mold and a lower mold, the upper mold having a punch, the lower mold having a cavity, the punch being adapted to be accommodated in the cavity; heating the mold so as to increase the temperature of the cavity to a determined degree; placing a magnesium alloy billet in the heated cavity; and compressing the upper and lower molds so as to drive the punch to deform the magnesium alloy billet to a magnesium alloy product having a shape corresponding to the cavity. The punch in the cavity and an inner wall of the cavity are configured to have a gap of 0.05 mm˜0.1 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Fair Friend Green Technology Corporation
    Inventors: HSIN-YI HSIEH, KUN-PAO CHANG