Patents Issued in February 13, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140041341
    Abstract: An apparatus for heat shrinking a film wrapping an object includes a housing having a heat treatment chamber, a transport device for supporting and moving the object through the heat treatment chamber. Steam, supplied from at least one supply is led to at least a first and a second fluid outlet device and directed at the transported object using one or more outlets. The fluid outlet devices are disposed on opposite sides of the transport device. According to the invention the apparatus and method further include generating a downward directed fluid flow in an area extending between the fluid outlet devices having a lower temperature than the steam supplied from the outlets. This results in improved sleeving results and higher efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI SEAL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ernst Christiaan Koolhaas, Martinus Hubertus Maria Van Der Linden
  • Publication number: 20140041342
    Abstract: A method for packaging products, such as candies, the method comprising the steps of positioning the products on a first sheet which is continuously moved in a transport direction, covering the products by a second sheet which is continuously moved in the same transport direction and which is aligned substantially plane-parallel to the first sheet, and sealing together the first and second sheets near the outer edges of the individual products or grouped products by a sealing device, wherein the sealing device comprises sealing ribs extending substantially transversely to the transport direction on one side of the moving sheets, wherein said sealing ribs are being moved at the same speed as the sheets and the sealing ribs seal the first and second sheets together in between the moving products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Marinus J.H.M. Van Den Elzen, Albertus C.H. Van Liempd
  • Publication number: 20140041343
    Abstract: A one-piece thermoformed food package comprises a rectangular deep drawn base with a peripheral female rim channel and, connected to the base by a hinge, a lid having a peripheral male rim feature. In the corner of the base is a breakaway release feature which underlies a corner tab of the lid which is tucked into an inside edge of the female rim so that it cannot be accessed to open the package. When the user pushes up on the breakaway release feature, one or more frangible sections are broken and the lid corner tab is raised enough to open the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: LETICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall J. CORBETT, John R. SELINA
  • Publication number: 20140041344
    Abstract: An air filter (1) which is intended for an air conditioning system, includes a disc type filter element (2) and a power unit (3), preferably an electric motor, which is connected to the filter element for rotating the same. The filter element is arranged in connection with a ventilation duct (4), such that it is placed outside an aperture (4a) of the ventilation duct (4) at a first distance therefrom, and such that it is concentric with the ventilation duct. The ventilation duct is supplied by way of the aperture with air (A) cleaned by the air filter. The air filter further includes a ring type collar (5), which is arranged outside the aperture of the ventilation duct at a second distance therefrom concentrically with the ventilation duct. The collar is adapted to widen towards the aperture (4a) and is most preferably in the shape of a truncated cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: JEVEN OY
    Inventor: Seppo Vartiainen
  • Publication number: 20140041345
    Abstract: An oil flow management system reduces the amount of oil directed from an aircraft engine to the environment outside of the aircraft, even when the aircraft is in inverted flight. This decreases the amount of oil that becomes attached to exterior surfaces of the aircraft fuselage. A gaseous mixture including air and oil is directed from the aircraft engine to a separator, which separate the mixture into a gaseous component and an oil component. The oil component is directed from the separator to a reservoir via a unidirectional valve. When in a first orientation, the unidirectional valve allows oil to flow from the separator to the reservoir. However, when in a second orientation, the unidirectional valve blocks oil from flowing from the reservoir to the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20140041346
    Abstract: A filter cartridge (30) comprising a filter membrane (33) and at least a support element (31) fixed to the filter membrane (33), the support element being provided with at least a snap-engaging element (36) suitable for snap-engaging to a support body (20) following a reciprocal translation between the filter cartridge (30) and the support body (20) along a nearing axis (A), the support element (31) further comprising disengaging means (38) suitable for disengaging the snap-engaging element (36) from the support body (20) following a reciprocal rotation between the filter cartridge (30) and the support body about the axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: UFI INNOVATION CENTER S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Publication number: 20140041347
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are described for addressing blow-back when a hydrogen generator is attached to a combustion engine to enhance performance. The method involves positioning a filter with a porous flame tolerant core upstream of the combustion engine on a supply line leading from the hydrogen generator to the combustion engine. The method also involves surrounding the porous flame tolerant core with a hydrophilic filter medium. The hydrophilic filter medium serves as a trap for water vapour passing through the filter in a first direction and the hydrophilic filter medium moistened by water vapour assists in retarding flames passing through the filter in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Empire Hydrogen Energy Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Wayne ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20140041348
    Abstract: An accessory cap for a respiratory cartridge includes a housing having a front wall and a side wall which cooperate to define an interior cavity. The side wall includes a retaining formation configured and arranged to releasably engage and hold the housing on the respiratory cartridge. The housing includes a downwardly facing air passage configured to allow air to pass from an exterior environment to the interior cavity. The accessory cap further includes a pre-filter support web removably received within the interior cavity and spaced inwardly from the front wall. The housing and the pre-filter support web form a pre-filter cavity within the interior cavity adjacent to the front wall. The accessory cap can function as a standalone shower cap, or a pre-filter media can be optionally inserted into the pre-filter cavity so that the accessory cap functions as a combination pre-filter and a shower cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence, Joseph Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20140041349
    Abstract: A plugged honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb structure section having porous partition walls, the plurality of cells including large cells and small cells having different open areas in a cross section perpendicular to an extending direction of the cells; inflow side plugged portions arranged in inflow side end portions of the predetermined cells including the large cells and the small cells among the plurality of cells; and outflow side plugged portions arranged in outflow side end portions of the remaining cells including the large cells and the small cells among the plurality of cells. The predetermined cells are outflow cells having the plugged inflow side end portions and the open outflow side end portions in the honeycomb structure section, and the remaining cells are inflow cells having the plugged outflow side end portions and the open inflow side end portions in the honeycomb structure section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi AOKI
  • Publication number: 20140041350
    Abstract: A plugged honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb structure section having porous partition walls, a plurality of cells including the cells having different open areas; inflow side plugged portions arranged in inflow side end portions of the predetermined cells; and outflow side plugged portions arranged in outflow side end portions of the remaining cells. Outflow cells which are the cells provided with the inflow side plugged portions and inflow cells which are the cells provided with the outflow side plugged portions are alternately formed, and in a central portion, the open area of each of the inflow cells is larger than the open area of each of the outflow cells. A difference in open area between the outflow cell and the inflow cell in an outer peripheral portion is smaller than a difference in open area between the outflow cell and the inflow cell in the central portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20140041351
    Abstract: A header height control system having an operator input device for selecting a desired height of travel of an agricultural harvesting head above the ground, and wherein the system controls the agricultural harvesting head height based at least upon a header height control algorithm that is selected based at least upon the desired height of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Bollin, Sean Bollin, Daniel L. Wiltse
  • Publication number: 20140041352
    Abstract: An agricultural machine has a harvesting header mounted on a feeder house for use in severing crops at desired elevation above a ground surface and feeding the crop to a thresher. The feeder house pivots about an axis to raise and lower the header, and the header pivots on the feeder house to adjust the fore/aft pitch angle of the header relative the feeder house so as to alter the angle of its cutterbed. A position sensor produces a signal that is representative of the rotational position of the feeder housing. A header pitch sensor produces signal that is representative of the fore/aft pitch angle of the header relative the feeder house. A header control system maintains a constant cutter bed angle as the header moves along an arc while being raised and lowered by adjusting the header pitch angle in response to movement of the feeder house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140041353
    Abstract: The weed trimmer head is comprised of a sole plate having a diameter; a circumference; a plurality of pivot pins extending upwardly therefrom near the circumference. The sole plate also has a driving shaft extending upwardly therefrom from a center thereof. The driving shaft has a threaded segment thereon. A plurality of cutting blades are pivotally mounted to the plurality of pivot pins. A wingnut plate is also provided. This wingnut plate has a disc-like portion and wing blades extending on an upper side thereof. The wingnut plate has a threaded hole in its disc-like portion. The threaded hole is mounted to the threaded segment of the driving shaft and the wingnut plate is movable along the threaded segment, for selectively contacting or exposing the ends of the pivot pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Randy MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20140041354
    Abstract: A draper header has a transverse main frame supporting center, left side and right side belt conveyors and including a plurality of transversely spaced knife support members that extend forwardly beneath the belt conveyors from right and left lower rear main frame members and have forward ends on which a transversely extending knife is supported. Each belt conveyor includes a frame disposed within an endless belt and having a rear side hinged to a respective lower rear main frame member for pivoting upwardly between operating and belt-changing positions. Brackets are removably fixed across the length of the knife and have rear edges extending above front edges of the belts when the conveyors are in their operating positions. At least one height adjuster is mounted between the main frame and each conveyor frame for moving each conveyor to its belt-changing position once the associated brackets are removed from the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steve A. Coon, Benjamin M. Lovett, Shane M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140041355
    Abstract: A foldable top cover for an agricultural mower that includes first and second generally planar cover portions connected by an intermediately positioned hinge that reduces the required overhead clearance necessary for opening the top cover. The hinge connection axis is offset in a first direction from the from plane of the cover portions and further includes hinge stops on the first and section portions that limit the hinge motion so that the first and second portions are maintained in a generally co-planar arrangement when in an operating position but may be folded in a direction opposite to the offset direction of the hinge connection thereby allowing the top cover to be compactly repositioned for service access to the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: MELANIE W. HARKCOM, Todd A. Becker
  • Publication number: 20140041356
    Abstract: A multifunctional rake of the lawn rake design that allows the rake operator to easily move leaves and leave piles with a simple conversion. The multifunctional rake offers the operator the options of either pulling the leaves towards the operator in short strokes like a traditional prior art lawn rake (pull mode), or pushing the leaves in short forward motion strokes (push mode), and further by plowing them forward in a continuous smooth motion (plow mode). This novel invention allows the operator to use only one simple device to perform all of the pull, push, or plow operations needed to move leaves rather than a multitude of devices including but not limited to; a rake, leaf blowers, lawn bags, tarps, carts, or wheelbarrows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Barden Alfonsi
  • Publication number: 20140041357
    Abstract: A turbine exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine engine. The diffuser includes a flow ramp positioned on an ID flowpath boundary within a flowpath of the diffuser. The flow ramp extends circumferentially about the hub and includes a downstream, radially outward point that extends radially outward further from the ID flowpath boundary than an upstream, radially outward point that is positioned upstream from the downstream, radially outward point. A wavy portion is located at the downstream, radially outward point of the flow ramp. The wavy portion includes a circumferentially extending, undulating surface defined by alternating axially extending crests and troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony J. Malandra, John A. Orosa
  • Publication number: 20140041358
    Abstract: Provided is a gas cooler for cooling a produced gas on a side from which the produced gas exits, the produced gas being produced by partially oxidizing and gasifying a carbon-containing fuel in a gasification furnace inside a pressure vessel. A distance (SL) between tubes of a tube bundle of a heat exchanger provided inside the gas cooler is set such that the tubes are in contact with each other or adjacent to each other in a gas-flow direction of the produced gas. Since the tubes are in contact with each other or adjacent to each other, a particle flowing with the gas flow is only deposited as a deposited particle in a concave portion between the tubes, whereby the decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by particle deposition can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yasunari Shibata, Osamu Shinada
  • Publication number: 20140041359
    Abstract: A rapid startup heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) comprises a gas inlet, a high pressure section, an optional intermediate pressure section, an optional low pressure section, and a gas outlet. At least one of the pressure sections includes a vertical steam separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin J. ALBRECHT
  • Publication number: 20140041360
    Abstract: A gas turbine jet engine having a main flow channel (20) and a housing structure (22) which radially surrounds this main flow channel, in which a housing gas flow flows in the same direction as the main flow in the main flow channel, the housing structure having a flow conducting assembly (25), with the aid of which the flow of the housing gas flow to and/or along the main flow channel may be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Manfred Feldmann, Norbert Schinko, Christian Eichler, Sandra Muschkorgel
  • Publication number: 20140041361
    Abstract: A system for quick warm-up of a motor vehicle includes a housing, a heat collector, and a valve mechanism. The housing includes an input port and an output port, and defines a first exhaust flow path between the input port and the output port. The heat collector is in fluid communication with the housing and defines a second exhaust flow path. The heat collector includes an inlet and an outlet and further defines a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. The valve mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operable to control the flow of exhaust between the first exhaust flow path and the second exhaust flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Moser, Adam Ostapowicz, Lawrence C. Kennedy, Thomas Lauinger
  • Publication number: 20140041362
    Abstract: An engine system and method for operating an engine that includes a particulate filter is described. In one example, spark delivery to one or more engine cylinders is ceased while fuel is continued to be injected to the one or more cylinders to improve particulate filter regeneration. The system and method may be particularly beneficial for direct injection turbocharged engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Adam Nathan Banker, William Charles Ruona, Henry W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20140041363
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with a low molecular low molecular weight aldehyde, e.g., acetaldehyde, as a reductant using a catalyst system including two catalysts. An exhaust stream containing an amount of NO from a combustion operation is provided. A portion of the exhaust stream is introduced to a first catalyst to convert the NO to NO2. The exhaust stream from the first catalyst with NO2 and a reductant stream containing a low molecular weight aldehyde, e.g., acetaldehyde, are introduced to the second catalyst to convert the NO2 to N2. The first catalyst can be bulk Co3O4, Ru or Pt loaded on alumina; the second catalyst can be various zeolites, or zeolites loaded with potassium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Ajit B. DANDEKAR, Richard F. SOCHA, Richard L. ECKES, S. Beau WALDRUP, Jason M. McMULLAN
  • Publication number: 20140041364
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with an ammonia reductant and a zeolite catalyst loaded with at least two metals selected from the group of tungsten, cobalt, and vanadium. An exhaust stream including NOx and a reductant stream including ammonia are provided to a catalytic reactor having the metal loaded zeolite catalyst at suitable operating temperatures for NOx reduction of at least 90%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Ajit B. DANDEKAR, Richard F. SOCHA, Richard L. ECKES, S. Beau WALDRUP, Jason M. McMULLAN
  • Publication number: 20140041365
    Abstract: A fuel reforming system, process, and device including a catalytic chamber and a heating chamber. The catalytic chamber, further including a fluid fuel intake and a gaseous fluid exit port and at least one heat exchanger for distributing heat between the heating chamber and the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber further including a screen member having a surface, wherein the member includes a catalytic deposit made from a combination of platinum and rhodium alloy. A catalytic conversion of converting liquid fuel to gaseous fuel occurs within the catalytic chamber. Fuel exits the fuel reforming device through a gaseous fluid exit port. In the process of phase change from liquid to gaseous phase, there is no change of chemical composition and C8H18 remains stable throughout, except for an increase in Enthalpy (heat content) per mol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Teodora Doneva, Stephen H. Cree
  • Publication number: 20140041366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic converter which comprises a molecular sieve and a mixed oxide, and to a method for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases of diesel engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Seyler, Nicola Soeger, Katja Adelmann, Paul Spurk
  • Publication number: 20140041367
    Abstract: An operating method is provided for a motor vehicle diesel engine having an exhaust emission control system that includes a three-way catalytic converter and an SCR catalytic converter situated one behind the other in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The diesel engine is operated, at least intermittently, with an air-fuel ratio of approximately ?=1.0 in a first operating range in which the SCR catalytic converter falls below a predefinable minimum temperature and with excess air that is typical for normal diesel engine operation in a second operating range in which the SCR catalytic converter exceeds the predefinable minimum temperature. An output signal of an exhaust gas sensor situated downstream from the three-way catalytic converter and which is correlated with a NOx concentration of the exhaust gas is used to set the air-fuel ratio in the first operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Ortwin Balthes, Berthold Keppeler, Siegfried Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140041368
    Abstract: A method is introduced for heating an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system (15). The method has the following steps: detection of a necessity to heat (S1) the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system (15), and actuation (S5) of an electric motor (5) in such a way that the electric motor (5) drags the internal combustion engine (3) which produces exhaust gas. Here, the internal combustion engine (3) is held at a predefinable rotational speed by the electric motor (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Dimitrios Stavrianos, Julian Doerreich
  • Publication number: 20140041369
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system includes an exhaust treatment device having a stepped outer diameter. First and second clamps each include a stepped inner diameter such that the clamps engage the exhaust treatment device and other portions of the exhaust treatment system when the exhaust treatment device is properly oriented. The exhaust treatment device interferes with one of the clamps to preclude coupling the exhaust treatment device to an adjacent portion of the exhaust treatment system when an attempt is made to install the exhaust treatment device in a reversed improper orientation. A consistent exhaust flow direction through an exhaust treatment device such as a diesel particulate filter may be maintained through use of the inventive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Golin, Rick Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140041370
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas conduit configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and to deliver the exhaust gas to an exhaust treatment device. A fluid delivery system is located upstream of the exhaust treatment device and is configured to deliver a fluid thereto. It comprises a fluid injector, a fluid tube in fluid communication with the fluid injector and extending radially into the exhaust gas conduit for receipt of fluid from a spray tip of the fluid injector, a controller configured to energize the fluid injector to deliver fluid to the fluid tube, and opening(s) in the tube, disposed beyond the boundary layer of exhaust gas flow in the exhaust gas conduit, for release of the fluid into the exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Solbrig, Ognyan N. Yanakiev, Peter Hubl, Erik W. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20140041371
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine body and an exhaust pipe. The engine body includes a combustion chamber and an oil passage in which lubricating oil flows. The exhaust pipe includes an exhaust passage and an oil jacket. The exhaust passage is linked to the combustion chamber. The oil jacket is linked to the oil passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi NAKAYAMA, Naoki KINOMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140041372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold for preventing condensate and gas leakage in an engine, and more particularly, to an exhaust manifold for preventing condensate and gas leakage in an engine, capable of preventing peripheries of the engine from being contaminated by condensate and/or exhaust gas leaking from interiors of a plurality of exhaust manifolds to the outside through connection portions of the exhaust manifolds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soon Chang Cha, Kwang Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20140041373
    Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow restricting orifice and a flow control valve both being in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. Also provided is a second flow restricting orifice disposed between a pilot for actuating the flow control valve and the inlet of the motor. A first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to an inlet of the motor, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The flow control valve is actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the motor inlet. The second flow is higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MARADYNE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edmund Joseph Zaleski, Paul D. Ellsworth
  • Publication number: 20140041374
    Abstract: An mechanical power system provides torque without using a heat engine where fossil-fuel engines have conventionally been used, by replacing the fossil-fuel burning engine with a rotary pneumatic motor and feeding pressure-regulated compressed gas to the rotary pneumatic motor. The rotary pneumatic motor can be used anywhere, and requires preferably compressed nitrogen in a non-liquid state. Automotive, marine and electrical generating applications are adaptable, and auxiliary power is available for emergencies where a supply of compressed gas has been exhausted. A screw-type compressor can be electrically powered to supply compressed gas to the pneumatic motor where tanks of compressed gas have been exhausted. An electrical generating power plant includes an array of solar panels for generating direct current (DC) and a DC/AC converter for converting the DC to alternating current (AC) and outputting a portion of the AC via a power plant output port to supply an AC load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Domes
  • Publication number: 20140041375
    Abstract: An actuator assembly is provided. The actuator assembly includes housing configured for operable engagement by a user, a trigger assembly operably supported on the housing, a gas cartridge releasably secured to the housing, a valve assembly mounted within the housing for controlling the flow of pressurized gas through the housing and a cylinder actuator operably operably connected to the valve assembly. The cylinder actuator includes a piston selectively extendable therefrom configured for depressing a plunger. The piston includes a head having an inlet surface disposed within an inlet chamber of the cylinder actuator and an outlet surface disposed within the outlet chamber of the cylinder actuator. The exposed surface area of the first surface is equal to the exposed surface of the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Confluent Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: Les Hull
  • Publication number: 20140041376
    Abstract: An energy system operable to generate mechanical energy. The energy system comprises a cluster of elongated energy cells. The energy cells are arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction in a cylinder block means. Each energy cell is operable to generate mechanical energy when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase, wherein the phase change material expands when changing from solid phase to liquid phase. The energy system also comprises a cylinder head means and a cylinder bottom means, both connected to the cylinder block means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: EXENCOTECH AB
    Inventor: Bengt ÖSTLUND
  • Publication number: 20140041377
    Abstract: A tubular device including a tubular having a continuous wall and a substantially constant inner radial dimension and an outer surface that varies in radial dimensions configured to lessen a reduction in a longitudinal dimension of the tubular in response to radial expansion of the tubular in comparison to a reduction in the longitudinal dimension of a constantly-dimensioned-inner-and-outer-radially-surfaced-tubular made of a same material as the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jeffrey Charles Williams
  • Publication number: 20140041378
    Abstract: A brake-assist device for a motor vehicle having a servomotor is described. A servomotor has a plunger piston, a moving part, and an arrangement to move the moving part into position with respect to the plunger piston. The servomotor is actuated by a control rod. The control rod has a first end that presses upon the plunger piston and a second end to receive a force exerted by a brake pedal intended to be moved by a driver of the vehicle. The servomotor includes a sensor interposed in a contact space between the plunger piston and the moving part. A spring is compressed between the plunger piston and the moving part. The servomotor includes an arrangement for displacing the plunger piston in the contact space based on the driving mode. A stiffness of the spring is sufficiently high for an onset of braking to occur only with a striking force that is significantly higher during a reactive driving mode than it is during a calm driving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Philippe Richard, Francois Gaffe, Bastien Cagnac
  • Publication number: 20140041379
    Abstract: A master for a hydraulic actuating element, with a cylinder, in which a piston is displaceably mounted, and a hand lever, with which the position of the piston in the cylinder can be influenced, and a fastening element which comprises a clamping part shaped complementarily to the inner cross section of the handlebar, which is equipped for being fastened in the handlebar by means of an internal clamping. Furthermore, the invention relates to a master, in which the hand lever and the piston are connected by a push rod, which comprises a first longitudinal portion, which is provided with an external thread, which engages in an internal thread on the hand lever, so that the distance between piston and hand lever can be adjusted by turning the push rod, and wherein the push rod comprises a second longitudinal portion, which is provided with a polygonal outer cross section, which bears against at least one second spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Ruckh, Jochen Coconcelli, Joachim Hujer
  • Publication number: 20140041380
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling boost pressure are provided. In one example, a method of controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a multi-staged wastegate comprises during a first condition, actuating a first stage of the wastegate based on boost pressure generated by the turbocharger, and actuating a second stage of the wastegate based on a temperature of a catalyst downstream of the turbocharger. In this way, catalyst heating and boost control may be provided by a common wastegate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
  • Publication number: 20140041381
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for discharging condensate from a turbocharger arrangement of an internal combustion engine. Specifically, in on example, condensate may be drained from a condensate reservoir by opening a drain valve coupled to the condensate reservoir. Further, the drain valve may be closed responsive to engine operating conditions indicating the condensate reservoir has been completely drained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Kuske, Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger
  • Publication number: 20140041382
    Abstract: An engine includes a first turbine fluidically coupled to a first group of adjacent cylinders, and a second turbine fluidically coupled to a second group of adjacent cylinders. In this engine, the cylinders of the first and second groups are arranged along a line. The engine also includes a variable valve-lift system configured to admit at least air to the first group of cylinders during reduced engine-load conditions, but to stop admitting air to the second group of cylinders during the reduced engine-load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Carsten Weber, Martin Wirth, Rainer Friedfeldt, Guenter Bartsch
  • Publication number: 20140041383
    Abstract: A pressure generating device (1), such as a boost pressure generator of an internal combustion engine, includes a housing (2), in which a rotor (3) is axially and radially supported by a bearing assembly (5). A gap (4) extends in the radial direction (4) between the housing (2) and the rotor (3) at at least one axial position of the rotor (3). In order to ensure a minimal and constant gap between the housing and the rotor, an axial bearing (5?) is provided exclusively for supporting axial forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Helmut Hauck, Thomas Heege, Hubert Herbst, Sandra Kamm
  • Publication number: 20140041384
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for controlling air flow in a two-stage turbocharger. In one example, an engine method comprises adjusting one or more exhaust gas recirculation valves to maintain a first turbocharger within a first air flow range, and adjusting a turbocharger bypass valve to maintain a second turbocharger within a second air flow range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: James Robert MISCHLER, Daniel Edward Loringer, Neil Xavier Blythe, Luke Henry, Matthew John Malone, Greg Thomas Polkus
  • Publication number: 20140041385
    Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine includes a reciprocating piston in a cylinder bore of a cylinder housing forming an assembly together with a cylinder head. Two connecting rods are connected between the piston and first and second crankshafts. The two crankshafts are functionally connected to two synchronization gears of a spur gear box. The synchronization gears are connected to the crankshafts in a torque-proof manner such that the crankshafts rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The engine operates based on the diesel principle and with exhaust gas turbocharging, wherein the engine is an outboard engine for a watercraft. The exhaust gas turbocharger has an exhaust gas turbine and a compressor and/or a shaft which carries a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. The turbocharger is attached on an upper end-face wall of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Neander Motors AG
    Inventor: Ulrich WITTWER
  • Publication number: 20140041386
    Abstract: A cooling tower system is disclosed. The cooling tower system includes a first heat exchanger that receives a process fluid from a first fluid circuit, and receives a working fluid from a second fluid circuit, thereby effecting thermal communication between the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit includes a heat source disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger, and a cooling tower unit configured to transfer heat from the process fluid to a flow of ambient air. The second fluid circuit includes a waste heat expansion engine disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger in a direction of working fluid flow. The waste heat expansion engine is configured to extract power from the working fluid and transfer at least a portion of the power extracted to a component of the cooling tower unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Spencer D. Conard, Glenn S. Brenneke, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Publication number: 20140041387
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for utilizing waste heat to power a reconfigurable thermodynamic cycle that can be used to selectively cool or heat an environmentally controlled space, such as a room, building, or vehicle. The present invention also integrates an electric machine, which may operate as a motor or generator, or both, and an additional prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine. Different combinations of these components are preferable for different applications. The system provides a design which reasonably balances the need to maximize efficiency, while also keeping the design cost effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Dwayne M. Benson
  • Publication number: 20140041388
    Abstract: This aircraft maintenance equipment is a fuel system leak test unit, designed to insure installation integrity of fuel system lines and hoses and to insure that the system is free from any debris generated during the assembly and maintenance process for an aircraft. The unit is designed to check for leaks using vacuum or pressure while monitoring for fuel leaks or bubbles through a clear tube section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Tronair, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Spinazze, Sherry Drake
  • Publication number: 20140041389
    Abstract: A pilot nozzle, a gas turbine combustor and a gas turbine are provided with a nozzle main body having a fuel passage, a cover ring arranged at an outside of a front end-outer peripheral portion of the nozzle main body at a predetermined interval to form an inner air passage and capable of injecting air toward a front side of the nozzle main body, a plurality of nozzle tips that includes a fuel injection nozzle attached to a front end portion of the cover ring at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction to communicate with the fuel passage and is able to inject fuel toward an outside of injection air from the inner air passage, and a swirling force application unit that applies a swirling force to air injected through the inner air passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuhei Kajimura, Keijiro Saito, Satoshi Takiguchi, Mitsuhiro Nakao, Koichi Nishida, Shinji Akamatsu, Sosuke Nakamura, Masaki Mitani
  • Publication number: 20140041390
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle body defining a central axis and having a main fuel circuit. An air circuit is formed within the nozzle body inboard of the main fuel circuit. A primary pilot fuel circuit is formed within the nozzle body inboard of the air circuit. A secondary pilot fuel circuit is formed within the nozzle body inboard of the air circuit and outboard of the primary pilot fuel circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Delavan Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon P. Williams, Jeremy T. Rhyan