Patents Issued in August 6, 2013
  • Patent number: 8499528
    Abstract: A metal baluster is provided which has first and second metal segments, where each of these metal segments comprises a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first metal segments include extension portions from mating engagement with one another and the second end of each metal segment is adapted for attachment to the underside of an elongated handrail or to a tread or floor. The second end of each of the metal segments further comprises an ornamental portion which is proximate the elongated handrail or the tread or the floor. Connection apparatuses provided for securing the engagement of the extension portions of the first metal segment and the second metal segment. In another embodiment, a metal baluster of the present invention may comprise three metal segments where the first two metal segments are adapted for attachment to the underside of an elongated rail or to tread or floor and has an ornamental portion proximate the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: RTG Concepts LLC
    Inventor: Eric J. Grandich
  • Patent number: 8499529
    Abstract: A modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products includes a first conveyor for feeding the opening devices successively along a first path, a second conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a second path, a transfer mechanism for transferring the opening devices along a third path from a pickup station located along the first path, to an application station for applying the opening devices to respective packages and located along the second path, and a processing device for performing specific operations on the opening devices prior to application of the opening devices to the respective packages. The transfer mechanism defines a base module of the unit, and the processing device includes different types of processing devices forming part of different auxiliary modules selectively connectable to the base module to define different units for applying the opening devices to respective packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Anders Gustafsson, Alessandro Morselli
  • Patent number: 8499530
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing flaps of a rectangular cuboid includes a pair of first flap closing guide members to guide a first flap from an open position to a closed position. A pair of second flap diverting members divert a second flap away from engaging the first flap closing guide members and a pair of second flap closing guide members that guide the second flap from an open position to a closed position. A machine having the closing apparatus and a method of closing a rectangular cuboid are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: Joseph M. Fisher, Timothy J. Green, William B. Elliott, Eric Spina
  • Patent number: 8499531
    Abstract: A method and system for producing, marking, and packaging ingots for use in fabricating dental prosthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Aalba Dent Inc.
    Inventors: Vince Benetti, Wolfgang Ott
  • Patent number: 8499532
    Abstract: A method for clearing stalled containers in a taping or other container sealer includes the steps of (i) conveying a container to a sealing station, (ii) sealing the container with a sealer at the sealing station as the container travels through the sealing station, (iii) detecting a stalled container in the sealing station, and (iv) raising the sealer upon detection of a stalled container in the sealing station to relieve the stalled condition so that the container travels through the sealing station and is sealed by the sealer. Raising the sealer can clear the stalled container, thereby minimizing or eliminating events that require an operator's attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin William Park, Paul Francis Deimling, James J. Corbett
  • Patent number: 8499533
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The dimensions of the cover system can vary depending on the ULD they are designed to be used with. The cover system can also be adapted to any individual skid such as wooden or plastic pallets used for smaller loads used in air transport or any other mode of transportation. The cover system can include one or multiple parts that wrap the shipment. Each part of the cover system can be made of one or more layers. Each layer can be made of a single material or a combination of different materials, and different layers can incorporate different materials. The different parts of the cover can be made of different materials or different combination of materials. In specific embodiments, materials used for the cover system are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Blueye, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Emond, William Pelletier
  • Patent number: 8499534
    Abstract: A system for packaging a plurality of tablets is disclosed that includes a container. The container comprises a generally elongated channel having a first end and a second end positioned below the first end. The first end has an aperture for receiving a plurality of tablets in series into the channel. The system also includes a container holding and vibration apparatus operable to hold the container and concurrently apply linear vibration in a direction to the container. A tablet delivery system is provided that is operable to deliver the tablets in series to the container in a direction that is substantially in alignment with the direction of linear vibration of the container. The linear vibration of the container provided is operable to align the tablets in a stacked formation within the channel of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Patheon Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ernest Gosse, Kenneth James Woolley, Martin Vincent Waite
  • Patent number: 8499535
    Abstract: A device for packaging products in a foil package includes a feeder for continuously supplying a foil web from a supply roll to a corner forming unit. The corner forming unit includes a curved deforming edge for deforming the flat foil web to a curved foil web having a reduced width, a deformer for forming a profile in the curved foil web, a roller for flattening the foil web, with the reduced width of the foil web at least substantially being maintained and overlapping sections being formed at the location of the profile, and a sealer for sealing the overlapping sections. The deforming edge and the deformer form part of an exchangeable unit. The sealer is movable along at least one guide, with the corner forming unit comprising aligning elements associated with the sealer, which aligning elements cooperate with further aligning elements associated with the deformer for correctly positioning the sealer relative to the deformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: PMB-UVA International B.V.
    Inventors: Marius Petrus Josef Johannes Robertus Ponten, Robertus Maria Vollenbroek
  • Patent number: 8499536
    Abstract: Packaging machines are disclosed including a web transport conveyor transporting a web of flexible packaging material from upstream to downstream locations through a series of stations. Packaging apparatuses are disclosed including a forming station and a closing station, each having movable die members that are counterbalanced. Methods of operating the packaging apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak-MP Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig R. Bonneville
  • Patent number: 8499537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for filling a container (5) with bulk material (3), comprising a filling device with an outflow opening (6) for the bulk material (3) and a container (5) with a filling opening, through which the bulk material (3) passes into the container (5). According to the invention, an arrangement of the abovementioned type is equipped with a measuring device (13) for the repeated detection of image data from the surface (7) of the bulk material (3) in the container (5) during filling and for the repeated determination of filling state values h which are equivalent to the level of the filled bulk material in predefined regions of the bulk material surface, and with a signal processing device for generating control commands from the filling state values h for positioning the outflow opening (6) and the filling opening relative to one another and/or for influencing the quantity of bulk material (3) which flows out of the outflow opening (6) per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Nico Correns, Christoph Nieten, Michael Rode
  • Patent number: 8499538
    Abstract: The adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake which is the object of this invention is an agricultural tool used for raking hay on fields, in which, for each arm of the hay rake, all the mechanisms for moving the arm are centered on a single master support plate, that can simultaneously, both be very effectively used and easily adjusted, as well as providing the advantages of great simplicity of construction, great strength and a very economical cost of production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: SITREX S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Menichetti, Sauro Petturiti
  • Patent number: 8499539
    Abstract: A process for the production of a yarn is disclosed, the process comprising providing a bundle comprising continuous filaments of a thermoplastic polymer, contacting the bundle with a sliver comprising fibers of a heat resistant material to form a mixed bundle, and applying a gas jet to the mixed bundle to distribute the fibers of the heat resistant material in the bundle. Also disclosed are yarns comprising filaments of a thermoplastic polymer and fibers of a heat resistant material, wherein the fibers are distributed between and among the filaments. Preferably, the heat resistant material is a non-thermoplastic polymer, especially an aramid. Yarns according to the invention find use in technical fabrics especially transmission belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Heathcoat Fabrics Limited
    Inventor: Richard Crane
  • Patent number: 8499540
    Abstract: A de-icer device for de-icing an air inlet of a gas turbine, such as a helicopter turbine engine. The de-icer device includes an essentially metallic enclosure for admitting air into the engine, the enclosure including a first opening for admitting air into the enclosure, the first opening including a first essentially metallic grid, the enclosure further including a second opening for directing the air towards a compression stage of the gas turbine. The de-icer device further includes a wave generator for generating electromagnetic waves in the enclosure at a frequency suitable for causing ice to melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Turbomeca
    Inventors: Edgar Haehner, Eric Royer
  • Patent number: 8499541
    Abstract: A two-shaft gas turbine is capable of starting premixed combustion without extinguishing a flame. The two-shaft gas turbine includes a combustor and a gas generator controller. The combustor has a premix burner that includes combustion regions in which premixed combustion is to be carried out individually. The gas generator controller controls the combustor. In a method for starting the premixed combustion in the combustor, the gas generator controller selects at least one of the combustion regions in which the premixed combustion is to be carried out, on the basis of a fuel-air ratio, and starts premix combustion in the selected combustion region or separately in each of the selected combustion regions. Further, as the fuel-air ratio is increased, the controller increases the number of the selected region in which the premixed combustion is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Kawai, Hidetaro Murata, Takeo Saito, Nobuaki Kizuka, Kenji Nanataki
  • Patent number: 8499542
    Abstract: A flow balancing valve for a multistage combustor includes a first pressure feedback line, a first burn line, and a first metering port fluidly connected to the first fuel injector. The flow balancing valve further includes a second pressure feedback line, a second burn line, and a second metering port fluidly connected to the second fuel injector. A metering land is located between and defines sizes of the first metering port and the second metering port. An increase in pressure differential between the first pressure feedback line and the second pressure feedback line causes a compensatory movement in the metering land to balance fuel flow for the first fuel injector and the second fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Thaddeus J. Zebrowski
  • Patent number: 8499543
    Abstract: An insensitive munitions casing, such as a motor case, for housing a propellant charge is disclosed. The casing is formed by winding, wrapping or rolling a fiber, tape or sheet of material such that the casing has a plurality of reinforcing layers. At least some of the reinforcing layers have discontinuous interfaces. Other reinforcing layers may overlap the discontinuous interfaces. The reinforcing layers are coated with adhesive bonding material for adhering the reinforcing layer to itself and bonding the discontinuous interfaces. The adhesive bonding material has a bond-strength breakdown temperature which is below the auto-ignition temperature of the propellant charge. Once the bond strength breakdown temperature of the adhesive is reached, the bond fails at the discontinuous interface, thereby enabling release of propellant charge pressurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Israel Military Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Abel Cherevatsky
  • Patent number: 8499544
    Abstract: A turbogenerator having a gas turbine engine powering generator and a cooling system and an annular heat exchanger powered by a fan disposed across an outer fan duct of the engine. Fan variable inlet and outlet guide vanes may be used to vary power between the fan and the generator which are drivenly connected to a low pressure turbine. Inner and outer portions separated by a rotating shroud of the fan are disposed in annular inner and outer fan ducts respectively. A directed energy weapon may be powered by the generator and cooled by the cooling system. A refrigeration apparatus may be operably disposed between the annular heat exchanger and the directed energy weapon for cooling the directed energy weapon and conditioning power electronics for the weapon. The refrigeration apparatus may include a vapor cycle cooling system and a cold storage containing a phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas George Shafer, Mark Gerard Rettig, Robert John VanderMolen
  • Patent number: 8499545
    Abstract: In an operating and diagnostic method for an SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment system which has an SCR catalytic converter with ammonia storage capacity, a signal of an exhaust gas sensor that is sensitive to nitrogen oxide and ammonia and is arranged downstream of the SCR catalytic converter, is measured. In a normal operating mode, ammonia is supplied to the SCR catalytic converter corresponding to a filling level model for ammonia stored in the SCR catalytic converter, in such a way that the ammonia filling level of the SCR catalytic converter is held at least approximately at a predefinable nominal value (or value range). The normal operating mode is interrupted if an exhaust gas sensor signal that exceeds a predefinable first limit value, is registered, and the set urea dosing rate is increased by a predefinable degree in relation to the value provided in the normal operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Michael-Rainer Busch, Dirk Herbstritt, Uwe Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8499546
    Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine wherein, during an initial, relatively low temperature operating phase of the engine, the engine operates with a modulated air/fuel ratio established independently of the operating condition of the engine and wherein, during a subsequent higher temperature operating phase of the engine, the air/fuel ratio is modulated in as a function of the operating conditions of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eva Thanasiu, Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Shane Elwart
  • Patent number: 8499547
    Abstract: Upon a system startup, a hybrid vehicle 20 determines whether a catalyst warm up operation of an engine 22 is to be executed or not based on a catalyst bed temperature Tcat of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst 141 and a state of charge SOC of a battery 50 (S110, S140) and determines whether a forced charging of the battery 50 with an idling of the engine 22 is to be executed or not based on the catalyst bed temperature Tcat, the state of charge SOC and an estimated intake air amount GAidl upon the idling of the engine 22 when the catalyst warm up operation is not to be executed, then controls the engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 in accordance with determination results (S130, S210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 8499548
    Abstract: A flow device for an exhaust system includes a body that defines an interior cavity. An exhaust inlet passage is disposed in the interior cavity. An exhaust outlet passage is disposed in the interior cavity so that at least a portion of the exhaust inlet passage circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the exhaust outlet passage. A doser is adapted to inject reductants into the interior cavity of the body such that the reductants are injected in the same general direction as the direction of flow of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Korneel De Rudder, Bart Schellens, Antonio Gil, Nic Degelin
  • Patent number: 8499549
    Abstract: An exhaust gas control system and an exhaust gas control method are provided. The exhaust gas control system includes an exhaust gas throttle valve in an exhaust gas duct and an actuation device of the exhaust gas throttle valve having an actuating rod. An exhaust gas pressure control device controls the exhaust gas pressure occurring upstream of the exhaust gas throttle valve in the exhaust gas duct. The actuating rod also includes a control actuator that interacts with a pressure compensation volume. The pressure compensation volume is pneumatically connected to a throttle opening upstream of the exhaust gas throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Herges
  • Patent number: 8499550
    Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, an apparatus disclosed herein includes a regeneration event timing module, an engine speed module, an exhaust gas temperature module, and a thermal management module. The regeneration event timing module is configured to determine a regeneration event timing strategy for implementation during extended idling of the engine. The regeneration event timing strategy includes a first time period and a second time period following the first time period. The engine speed module is configured to determine a desired engine speed for the second time period and operate the engine at the desired engine speed during the second time period. The desired engine speed is greater than an idling engine speed associated with the first time period. The exhaust gas temperature module is configured to determine a desired particulate matter filter inlet exhaust gas temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Perfetto, Brent Engel
  • Patent number: 8499551
    Abstract: A first heat medium is circulated in a first circulating path (engine cooling circuit) of a heat source (engine) to cool the heat source down by the first heat medium, and exhaust heat from the heat source is absorbed by the first heat medium. A second heat medium is circulated in a second circulating path (exhaust heat recovering circuit) to exchange heat of exhaust air with the second heat medium, and heat of the first heat medium is exchanged with the second heat medium circulating in the second circulation path. The heat of the second medium to which heat is applied due to these heat exchanges is stored in heat storage means (heat storage tank).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Purpose Company Limited
    Inventor: Naoki Ishii
  • Patent number: 8499552
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control arrangement and to a method for controlling a hydraulic consumer that comprises a pressure chamber on the input side and on the return side, said pressure chamber being connected to an adjusting pump or a tank via a valve device. The valve device is controlled by means of a control unit via which it can be adjusted in a regeneration mode, in which both pressure chambers are connected to the adjusting pump. According to the invention, the adjusting pump is pressure controlled, whereby in the regeneration mode, it is automatically switched to the normal operation in which the supply side of the pressure chamber is connected to the adjusting pump and the return side of the pressure chamber is connected to the tank when the pumping rate falls below the demand for the pressure medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kauss, Matthieu Desbois-Renaudin
  • Patent number: 8499553
    Abstract: A piston type pneumatic engine, including a cylinder block, a piston, a cylinder, a crankshaft, a connecting rod, a camshaft, and a device for controlling the opening or closing of a gas valve. A cylinder cover arranged on the cylinder block is provided with an inwardly-opened type compressed-gas intake valve and an exhaust valve. An intake cam and an exhaust cam are arranged on the camshaft. The opening or closing of the intake and the exhaust valves is controlled by a rocker arm which is driven by the camshaft. The camshaft is driven by the rotated crankshaft via a timing chain or belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Daode Cai
  • Patent number: 8499554
    Abstract: A stable power-output device driven by waves includes buoys and a scaffold with the buoys, guiding tracks and rotating shafts installed. The scaffold floats on the waves, and wheels are installed at two sides of the buoys. Each two of the roller wheels are sandwiched between the related guiding track and the related side of each buoy, so that the roller wheels and the guiding tracks can work together. Guiding devices are installed on top of the buoys, and rotating shafts are connected to the guiding devices and float horizontally on the waves. Ratchets are installed on the short shafts in contact with the guiding devices. A shaft connector is adapted to connect each two of the rotating shafts together and form a long shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Xuefeng Ye
  • Patent number: 8499555
    Abstract: A valve for use with a turbocharger is disclosed. The valve may have a valve element movable to selectively direct a flow of fluid. They valve may also have a control portion connected to move the valve element, and a cooling portion configured to receive a pressurized cooling medium from the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Wolk, Thomas A. Bevill, Terry W. Grabb, Mehdi Mahssini, Paul M. Himmell
  • Patent number: 8499556
    Abstract: A diesel engine system and a method for operating said system are provided. The diesel engine system includes a diesel engine provided with an exhaust conduit including a controllable supercharger located upstream of a catalytic converter, a fuel injector located between the supercharger and the catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter located downstream of the catalytic converter, and a control unit for controlling the engine system. The control unit is arranged to determine that a regeneration of the particulate filter is required, which regeneration is initiated when a predetermined condition is fulfilled. The fuel injector is arranged to inject a predetermined amount of fuel during a first stage of the regeneration, and the supercharger is arranged to vary the flow rate of exhaust during the injection of fuel. The catalytic converter is arranged to combust the injected fuel, and the combusted fuel is arranged to burn particulates trapped within the diesel particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Björn Henriksson, Carl-Johan Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8499557
    Abstract: A wastegate for a turbocharger wherein the valve is provided with a horn to provide a more progressive, optimally near linear, curve of turbocharger boost-to-valve opening than possible with the typical flat wastegate valve. The addition of a three-dimensional horn in the flow path is a far more cost-effective solution to acquire linear flow than an approach involving very finite, accurate control of the valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Grabowska
  • Patent number: 8499558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbocharger (1) for an internal combustion engine (2) comprising at least one exhaust gas recirculation line (3), via which an exhaust gas mixing opening (12) enters into an intake line (10) of the internal combustion engine (2), further comprising a turbine (4) and a compressor (5), which is driveably connected to the turbine (4) and has a compressor impeller (6) that is disposed in a compressor housing (7), into which the intake line (10) empties via a compressor inlet (11), wherein a mixing device (18) is disposed in the intake line (10) between the exhaust gas mixing opening (12) and the compressor inlet (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Muenz
  • Patent number: 8499559
    Abstract: A turbine housing for a high-pressure turbo-charger of a turbo-charger engine system for an internal combustion engine is provided that includes, but is not limited to a low-pressure charger opening for taking up a low-pressure turbo-charger and a high-pressure charger opening for taking up a high-pressure turbo-charger. A high-pressure exhaust opening is attached to a corresponding flange at an exhaust manifold of the engine and there is a short-cut exhaust opening with a high-pressure turbine by-pass valve area attached to a corresponding flange at the exhaust manifold. An external connection opening is attached to a muffler, a waste gate valve area being provided in the close vicinity of the external connection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pal Axelsson, Hans Drangel, Björn Lind
  • Patent number: 8499560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an autonomous device (10d) for injecting a fluid (F), that uses pyrotechnical means (1d). The invention can be used in particular for injecting a protection fluid (F) into a system that is subject to overheating (8d). The method is characterized in that it uses a thermally triggered charge (1d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Herakles
    Inventors: Corinne Gauthier, Pierre Yvart, Laurent Blarasin
  • Patent number: 8499561
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided that may be used to control the temperature of steam being reheated by a moisture separator reheater (MSR). The temperature of a steam being reheated by a MSR may be sensed, and controller embodiments may use the sensed temperature to control the transfer of heat from various MSR components into the reheated steam. By using such control embodiments, the MSR may provide optimally heated steam to other power plant components, thus increasing the performance, efficiency, and safety of a power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Craig Kluge, Michael James Molitor
  • Patent number: 8499562
    Abstract: A geared fluid drive arrangement in which a constant speed motor is used to start a “full-size” boiler feed pump, and is able to operate the pump at a limited speed and correspondingly limited power adequate to fill, pressurize and feed water to a boiler such as would be used for an electrical generating plant to start-up and to operate stably at part load, but not necessarily full load. After the boiler is operating stably, steam from the boiler or from an extraction point of the main turbine is admitted to a mechanical drive steam turbine in order to drive the same “full-size” pump to the normal operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Melbourne F. Giberson
  • Patent number: 8499563
    Abstract: An electric generator includes a channel for directing a flow of a first fluid and a thermoacoustic resonance chamber that penetrates the channel, including a first heat exchanger inside the channel and a second heat exchanger outside the channel, wherein the thermoacoustic resonance chamber has a toroidal shape configured to enclose a second fluid adapted to create a resonance of and carry an acoustic pressure wave to transfer heat between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The thermoacoustic resonance chamber includes a plurality of channels to provide a plurality of resonance cavities capable of supporting standing thermoacoustic waves around the toroidal shape. The plurality of channels are configured to partition the thermoacoustic resonance chamber into a plurality of tubular channels extending around the toroidal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Asturias, Isaac Harwell
  • Patent number: 8499564
    Abstract: A pilot burner (150, 350) for a gas turbine engine delivers an inner non-swirling fuel-oxidant mixture surrounded by an outer swirling fuel-oxidant mixture, thereby providing enhanced mixing with no recirculation zone. At least one fluid-restricting inlet port (166, 366) provides an oxidant to an inner mixing passage (160, 360). The inner mixing passage (160, 360) includes a plurality of fuel outlets (168). An outer annular mixing passage (180) receives oxidant from an upstream port (181) surrounding the inner mixing passage and includes at least one swirler element (186, 386) and fuel outlets (188).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Martin, Robert J. Bland, Anil Gulati
  • Patent number: 8499565
    Abstract: A turbine engine having a plenum for passing fluids from an outlet of a compressor to an inlet of a combustor that may increase the efficiency of the turbine engine. The turbine engine may include a combustor, a compressor positioned upstream of the combustor, a transition channel extending from the compressor to the combustor, and a shell extending between the compressor and a combustor portal and positioned around the at least one transition channel. The turbine engine may also include an axial diffusor in the shell near the at least one transition channel, wherein the axial diffusor may include a fluid flow recess in a trailing edge of the axial diffusor. The turbine engine may also include a wave protrusion extending from a surface positioned radially inward of the axial diffusor. The fluid flow recess and the wave protrusion may reduce fluid flow loss within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bland, John Battaglioli
  • Patent number: 8499566
    Abstract: A combustor liner is disclosed. The combustor liner includes an upstream portion, a downstream end portion extending from the upstream portion along a generally longitudinal axis, and a cover layer associated with an inner surface of the downstream end portion. The downstream end portion includes the inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a plurality of microchannels. The downstream end portion further defines a plurality of passages extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. The plurality of microchannels are fluidly connected to the plurality of passages, and are configured to flow a cooling medium therethrough, cooling the combustor liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Paul Lacy, Mert Enis Berkman
  • Patent number: 8499567
    Abstract: A self-regulating system for reducing concentration of hydrocarbon vapor in a container may be performed by introducing air into the container and extracting a mixture of air and vapor from the container. The extracted mixture may be compressed with a compressor to produce a flow of compressed mixture of air and vapor. The compressed mixture may be passed through an oxidation reactor that may be either catalytic or thermal to produce a flow air and CO2. A turbine may be driven with the flow of air and CO2. The compressor may be driven with the turbine. Extraction from the container may continue until vapor concentration is low enough so that flow of CO2 and air from the reactor is insufficient to drive the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bijan F Hagh, Daguang Zheng, Mahmoud Adel Elsayed, Russell W Johnson
  • Patent number: 8499568
    Abstract: Pulse tube refrigerator including pulse tube, regenerator, compressor, supply side valve, a filter at a first joint point, suction side valve, four self seal joints, and an orifice connected to a pipe between a second joint point and the high temperature end of the first pulse tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Xu Mingyao
  • Patent number: 8499569
    Abstract: Marine LNG carrier and method of operating the marine LNG carrier. The LNG carrier carries LNG in at least one tank. Gas composed of evaporated LNG within the at least one tank is removed. The gas is fed to at least one gas consuming prime mover of the LNG carrier. Power is provided with the at least one gas consuming prime mover. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Argent Marine Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Van Tassel
  • Patent number: 8499570
    Abstract: A refrigerant additive supply device can include an outer rigid container, an inner flexible bag positioned in the outer rigid container and defining a space therebetween where the inner flexible bag contains an additive without a refrigerant, a valve in fluid communication with the inner flexible bag, an actuator operably coupled to the valve, and a propellant sealed within the space, where the inner flexible bag has a device pressure that allows flow of the additive into a refrigerant circuit when the actuator is depressed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Tire Seal, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Eggen, Phil Eggen, Paul Erdek
  • Patent number: 8499571
    Abstract: A drive unit for an automatic ice maker may include a drive part provided with a motor for driving an ice tray and an ice detecting member, a position detecting device for detecting positions of the ice tray and the ice detecting member, a control section for controlling drive of the motor on the basis of detection signals of the position detecting device, and a unit case in which the control section, the drive part, the position detecting device are accommodated. The automatic ice maker may be installed in an ice making compartment of a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventor: Shunji Saito
  • Patent number: 8499572
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method thereof to control a rotational direction of an ice making motor to detect an ice full state of an ice storage without separating the ice from the ice maker. The refrigerator includes an ice making tray making ice therein, an ejector separating the ice, an ice storage storing the separated ice, an ice full state sensing lever detecting the ice full state of the ice storage, an ice making motor driving the ejector and the ice full state sensing lever, and a controller detecting the ice full state by driving the ice full state sensing lever by rotating the ice making motor in an ice moving direction, and detecting release of the ice full state by driving the ice full state sensing lever by rotating the ice making motor in the opposite direction after the ice full state is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Seong Ki Jeong, Jeong Man Nam, Myung Hoon Cho, Jung Yeob Kim, Jae Koog An
  • Patent number: 8499573
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include first and second refrigerant paths that separately distribute refrigerant, a first cooling chamber connected with a first cold air duct, a second cooling chamber connected with a second cold air duct, and a third cooling chamber connected with a third cold air duct. Cold air generated by a first evaporator is provided to the first cold air duct to cool the first cooling chamber, cold air generated by a second evaporator, which receives refrigerant from the first evaporator, is provided to the second cold air duct to provide concentrated cooling to the second cooling chamber, and cold air generated by a third evaporator is provided to the third cold air duct to cool the third cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min Kyu Oh, Kyeong Yun Kim, Jang Seok Lee, Youn Seok Lee, Su Nam Chae
  • Patent number: 8499574
    Abstract: While an inverter compressor 32 is driven in a control range, an actual temperature drop S is calculated based on a detected inside temperature TR at every predetermined sampling time. Further, a target temperature drop Ac for the inside temperature TR is taken out of data on a cooling characteristic Xc. If the actual temperature drop S is smaller than the target temperature drop Ac, the inverter compressor 32 is controlled to increase a speed thereof. If it is larger, the inverter compressor 32 is controlled to decrease the speed. Inside of a cold storage is cooled down along the cooling characteristic Xc through those controls. Especially after the inside temperature TR has decreased from an upper limit temperature TH and reached the target temperature To, the speed of the inverter compressor 32 is controlled such that the target temperature drop remains at substantially zero (cooling characteristic Xc2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Suzuki, Hiroshi Yano
  • Patent number: 8499575
    Abstract: The air conditioning device for electronic components features three channels (6, 7, 8) for two flowing fluids that are in heat exchange with one another. In the first operating mode these two fluids are guided by means of switchable flaps into two selected channels (7, 8) where they are in heat exchange with one another at a partition (12) that is equipped with heat exchange elements (12, 13). In a second operating mode the flaps are switched in such a manner that the two fluids are in heat exchange with one another at a Peltier element (9) that is equipped on both sides with heat exchange elements (9, 11). In a third operating mode the Peltier element is switched as a heating element. In the first operating mode on the other hand the Peltier element is deactivated and consumes no electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: NFT Nanofiltertechnik Gesselschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Walter Nicolai, Simon Jocham, Wilfried Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8499576
    Abstract: Airflow cooling device including a cooling channel, an evaporating channel separated from the cooling channel by a transfer wall, outflow from the cooling channel going to the evaporating channel, and a lower critical solution temperature polymer at least partially covering the cooling channel side of the transfer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Optimair BV IO
    Inventor: Willem Meijer
  • Patent number: 8499577
    Abstract: An ice making apparatus for a refrigerator is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ice making compartment; an icemaker disposed in the ice making compartment and including an ice mold body, the ice mold body defining therein a plurality of ice cavities for containing water therein for freezing into ice cubes, and a channel for transport of a working medium, the channel having an outlet; and a temperature sensor disposed in the ice making compartment and adjacent the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Omar Haidar, Kenneth U. Nsofor, Matthew William Davis, Ronald Scott Tarr, Joseph Waugh