Patents Issued in September 30, 2014
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Patent number: 8844484Abstract: A camshaft adjuster with a drive element, a driven element, and a pressure chamber formed between the drive element and the driven element for generating a relative rotation between the driven element and the drive element, and a volume accumulator that is arranged in the camshaft adjuster and supplies hydraulic medium via a channel from the volume accumulator to the pressure chamber if there is an under-pressure in the pressure chamber. The camshaft adjuster has a non-return valve with a closing part for closing an opening of the channel, the non-return valve allows a flow of hydraulic medium through the channel from the volume accumulator to the pressure chamber, and there is an elastically expandable component that projects into the channel and can be guided by the channel and is connected to the closing part and is provided for applying tension for pulling the closing part into the channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Michael Busse, Jurgen Plate, Andreas Wedel, Olaf Boese, Steffen Racklebe
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Patent number: 8844485Abstract: A valve timing controller includes a lock mechanism that locks a rotation phase at a main lock phase when an internal combustion engine is started with an ambient temperature more than or equal to a preset temperature. The main lock phase represents a rotation phase set for closing an intake valve at a later timing later than a timing when a piston reaches a bottom dead center of a cylinder in the internal combustion engine. The lock mechanism locks the rotation phase at a sub lock phase representing a rotation phase advanced rather than the main lock phase in the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is started with an ambient temperature lower than the present temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Takehiro Tanaka, Takashi Yamaguchi, Makoto Otsubo, Shuhei Oe, Taketsugu Sasaki, Yuusuke Yasuki, Kuniaki Oka
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Patent number: 8844486Abstract: In a valve timing control apparatus, a supply oil passage, which supplies hydraulic oil to advancing chambers, is formed separately from a discharge oil passage, which discharges the hydraulic oil from the advancing chambers. A spool is configured to reciprocate in a sleeve to enable and disable communication between each corresponding two of an intake oil passage, the supply oil passage, the discharge passage, and a supply and discharge passage. An isolating member is fixed to one end portion of the spool and isolates an air chamber, which is formed between the one end portion of the spool and a bottom portion of the sleeve, from each of the oil passages.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masashi Hayashi, Tomonobu Ikuma
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Patent number: 8844487Abstract: An exhaust valve control system of an engine includes a first bank including a plurality of cylinders and a second bank including a plurality of cylinder, in which the angle between the exhaust cam profiles of any two cylinders in the first bank is different by a predetermined angle or more from 180°, and the angle between the exhaust cam profiles of any two cylinders in the second bank is different by a predetermined angle or more from 180°.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Byounghyouk Min, Ho Chul Kwak
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Patent number: 8844488Abstract: A lubrication structure for a rocker arm includes a lash adjuster mounted in an accommodating portion located in an end of the rocker arm and a pushrod abutting against a lower end of the lash adjuster. The rocker arm is formed with an arm-inside oil supply passage for supplying lubrication oil to the lash adjuster. The lubrication oil guided into the accommodating portion is further guided through a through guide hole of the accommodating portion to an outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion. The lubrication oil is further guided from an outer oil supply passage formed downwardly in the outer surface of the accommodating portion to the abutment between the lash adjuster and the pushrod.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Otics CorporationInventor: Kazunori Kawahara
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Patent number: 8844489Abstract: A roller follower includes a roller ring, a shaft and a plurality of rollers. At least one of the roller ring, the shaft and the rollers is a steel member made of steel containing 0.7 to 2.4% carbon and 10.0 to 20.0% chromium, with remainder iron and impurities. In addition, carbide containing at least any one of iron and chromium as well as carbon and having an area of 12.6 ?m2 or greater is generated at an area ratio of 5.0% or higher, at a rolling contact surface of the steel member (a roller ring rolling contact surface, a shaft rolling contact surface and a roller rolling contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Takumi Fujita, Kousuke Obayashi
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Patent number: 8844490Abstract: A corona igniter 20 includes an insulator 28 surrounding a central electrode 24 and a shell 30 surrounding the insulator 28. The shell 30 presents a shell gap 38 having a shell gap width ws between a shell lower end 34 and a shell inner surface 90 or shell outer surface 92. The shell 30 has a shell thickness ts decreasing toward the shell lower end 34 allowing the shell gap width ws to increase toward the shell lower end 34. The shell gap 38 is open at the shell lower end 34 allowing air to flow therein, and the shell gap width ws is greatest at the shell lower end 34. The increasing shell gap width ws enhances corona discharge 22 along the insulator 28 between the central electrode 24 and shell 30.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John Antony Burrows, James D. Lykowski, Alfred Permuy, Keith Hampton
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Patent number: 8844491Abstract: A laser spark plug, e.g., for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle or a heavy-duty gas engine, has an antechamber for receiving an ignitable medium and a combustion chamber window which separates the antechamber from a part of the laser spark plug facing away from the combustion chamber. At least one flow-guiding element is provided in the antechamber and is situated in such a way that it deflects a fluid flow, which occurs in the antechamber and moves toward the combustion chamber window, into a radially inner direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Martin Weinrotter, Igor Orlandini, Werner Herden, Pascal Woerner, Juergen Raimann
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Patent number: 8844492Abstract: An intake manifold is provided that controls swirl on entry to a combustion chamber. Each intake manifold includes a fin or rib portion positioned to reduce or eliminate swirl induced by the configuration of the intake manifold, particularly when used in a large engine having a left bank and a right bank of combustion chambers. By controlling swirl induced by the intake manifold, swirl consistency is improved between engine cylinders and between the left bank and the right bank, improving the consistency of power output and reducing emissions, particularly particulate emissions, also called smoke.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Paul Douglas Free, Jason Robert Griffin, Alex Edward Priestley, Stephen Sunadh Gidla, Peter Vinson Woon, Joseph Scot Roederer
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Patent number: 8844493Abstract: A lubricating oil feeding structure of an engine includes an oil pump provided in a crankcase for pressurizing and feeding oil in an oil reservoir, an oil filter provided in an outer peripheral wall of the crankcase for purifying the oil fed from the oil pump, and an oil cooler provided in a cover member covering an end of the crankcase in the crankshaft direction for cooling the oil sent from the oil filter. Preferably, the cover member is a generator cover, and the oil cooler is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of a rotor of the generator.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kiyohito Takano
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Patent number: 8844494Abstract: Reciprocating motion can be converted to rotary motion through a crankshaft and a connecting rod. In a connecting rod that is primarily in tension, two opposing connecting rods can be coupled to a single journal. Two bearing caps are placed over the journal, the bearing caps having fingers that extend away from the bearing cap with the fingers of the two bearing caps being enmeshed. Fingers of each bearing cap are coupled to the connecting rods. The resulting joint is compact and lighter weight with a shorter journal than prior joints.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: EcoMotors, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Tusinean, Peter Hofbauer
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Patent number: 8844495Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an engine with an integrated mixing of fluids device and associated technology for improvement of the efficiency of the engine, and more specifically to an engine equipped with a fuel mixing device for improvement of the overall properties by inline oxygenation of the liquid, a change in property of the liquid such as cooling form improved combustion, or the use of re-circulation of exhaust from the engine to further improve engine efficiency and reduce unwanted emissions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Tubulent Energy, LLCInventors: David Livshits, Lester Teichner
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Patent number: 8844496Abstract: An internal combustion engine having two combustion chambers separated by separate valves from each piston cylinder and wherein each cylinder has a suction valve and an exhaust valve and each combustion chamber has at least one fuel nozzle for injecting fuel into the respective chambers by several discrete injections with short dwell times therebetween. During a combustion cycle air is introduced into the chambers from opening to closing of the valves during a 720° rotation of a crankshaft and then combusting air-fuel mixtures during a subsequent period between the closing to opening of the valves during at least a further 720° rotation of the crankshaft and while making partial and spaced injections of fuel into the chambers at predetermined angular displacements of the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: Jeno Polgar
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Patent number: 8844497Abstract: A method of operating a dual fuel internal combustion engine of the diesel-type is provided. The method includes pre-mixing a first fuel in a combustion chamber and/or in an inlet port, compressing a charge containing the first fuel to conditions that allow auto-ignition of a second fuel, performing a first injection of the second fuel into the combustion chamber to initiate auto-ignition of the second fuel for igniting the first fuel, thereby initiating conditions for pre-mixed flame propagation combustion of the first fuel. At least one subsequent injection is performed in which additional kinetic energy is supplied into the combustion process to thereby enhance turbulence intensity and propagation speed of the flame and/or enhance late mixing in the combustion chamber, so a to improve late oxidation during combustion. A dual fuel combustion engine of the diesel engine type.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Volvo Technology CorporationInventor: Ingemar Magnusson
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Patent number: 8844498Abstract: A system, comprising, a combustion chamber, and a free-radical ignition system configured to inject free radicals into the combustion chamber at an ignition timing to trigger combustion of a fuel-air mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Compression Systems, LLCInventor: Mark Patterson
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Patent number: 8844499Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining an exhaust gas recirculation rate in an internal combustion engine, in which the exhaust gas recirculation rate indicates a proportion of exhaust gas in a gas quantity delivered to a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, and combustion takes place in the cylinder of the engine cyclically during a combustion phase. The method includes the steps of ascertaining a combustion course statement over the course of combustion in the cylinder of the engine, and ascertaining an actual exhaust gas recirculation rate from the combustion course statement with the aid of a predetermined exhaust gas recirculation rate function.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Guido Porten, Markus Amler, Lanouar Chouk, Jan-Mathias Meng, Uwe Mueller
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Patent number: 8844500Abstract: The present disclosure provides an enclosure or containment assembly adapted to seal a high pressure fuel rail, and an engine system including such an enclosure or containment assembly. The assembly includes two portions that can sealingly engage to form an enclosure or compartment that contains the high pressure fuel rail. Fuel line connectors leading into the enclosure to ports of the high pressure fuel rail are in a sealing engagement with the enclosure to seal the high pressure fuel rail from the atmosphere and provide an enclosed low pressure region between the high pressure fuel rail and an inner surface of the enclosure. In this way, leaked fuel can be collected from the high pressure fuel lines and contained. The collected and contained leaked fuel can be channeled to a leak detector, which can trigger an alarm with detection of a leak.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Sarang R. Bedekar, Ron Hale, Todd S. Manley
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Patent number: 8844501Abstract: The invention relates to a control and regulation method for an internal combustion engine having a common rail system, wherein a rail pressure is regulated in normal operation in that a first actual rail pressure is determined via a first filter from the rail pressure, an offset is calculated from a target rail pressure and the first actual rail pressure, a variable is calculated via a pressure regulator from the offset and a PWM signal having a first PWM frequency (f1) for activation of a control process is determined in dependence on the variable.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbHInventor: Armin Dölker
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Patent number: 8844502Abstract: An internal combustion engine direct injection fuel injector system includes a fuel rail which is welded to a fuel rail bracket. A fuel rail mounting sleeve has a flange and is bolted to the engine cylinder head. The bracket fits around the flange and is held in place by a steel washer and a pair of stepped isolator washers which are positioned in pockets formed on either side of the bracket. The isolator washers serve as springs which form a shock absorber between the bracket and cylinder head. Compression forces on the bracket and isolator washers are controlled by bolt tension.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vince P. Solferino, Paul W. Zeng, Patrick C. Brostrom, Michael R. Kaput, Scott Lehto, Syed M. Ahmed
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Patent number: 8844503Abstract: A fuel supply system and method of controlling fuel flow through a supply system is provided including a variable flow, i.e. speed, electric fuel transfer pump and a control system adapted to variably control the transfer pump based on fuel demand of the engine. The system provides improved transient response by providing the transfer pump with a feed forward speed/flow command based on engine fueling demand determined based on engine operating conditions. The transfer pump is controlled based on fuel demand not necessarily achieved yet by the high pressure pump and injectors. Therefore, this system controls the EFTP substantially simultaneously with controlling the high pressure pump and injectors to optimize fuel flow through the entire system ensuring the minimum required fuel flow is passing through the second the fuel filtration system, hence maximizing steady state fuel filtration efficiency, and minimizing surge effects on filtration efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Worthington, Norman C. Blizard, David P. Genter, Gregory S. Franks, Michael F. Mattern, Thomas O. Hahn, James L. Walls, Edward N. Linen
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Patent number: 8844504Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler includes an inlet configured to receive exhaust gas from an engine, an outlet configured to direct the exhaust gas back toward the engine, and an exhaust gas flow conduit. The flow conduit includes a first end adjacent the inlet, a second end adjacent the outlet, a first narrow side, a second narrow side, substantially flat broad sides extending between the narrow sides, a first channel adjacent the first narrow side and extending between the ends, a second channel adjacent the second narrow side and extending between the ends, and a plurality of third channels located between the first and second channels and extending between the ends. A plate is located at one end of the flow conduit to inhibit the exhaust gas from flowing through at least one of the first channel and the second channel while allowing exhaust gas flow through the third channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Modine Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dan R. Raduenz, Jason J. Braun, Steve P. Meshenky, Thomas R. Grotophorst, Daniel E. Hornback
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Patent number: 8844505Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing an exhaust gas recirculation circuit of a petrol thermal engine, the engine including at least one combustion chamber connected to an inlet line and an exhaust line between which extends said recirculation circuit, the recirculation circuit including a flow-rate adjustment valve, wherein said method comprises the step of adjusting flow-rate adjustment valve based on a flow-rate setpoint, said method further comprising the steps of: detecting an operation parameter representative of a pressure difference between an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure relative to the flow-rate adjustment valve, and, after comparing the parameter with a threshold corresponding to a minimum pressure difference, adjusting the flow-rate in at least one of the lines in order to increase the pressure difference.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle MoteurInventors: Nicolas Vitiello, Sebastien Potteau, Frederic Cousin, Loic Violette, Damien Fournigault
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Patent number: 8844506Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine defining a combustion chamber and a crankcase volume, together with an intake assembly. The intake assembly includes an air cleaner assembly, a throttle, and an intake manifold in a series arrangement and fluidly coupled with the combustion chamber. An air-oil separator is fluidly coupled between the crankcase volume and the intake manifold and defines a separator volume configured to extract oil from air flowing through the volume. The air-oil separator includes a first inlet port configured to direct a first air flow into the separator volume substantially along a first direction, and a second inlet port configured to direct a second air flow into the volume substantially along a second direction that generally opposes the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas A. Spix, Alan E. Rice
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Patent number: 8844507Abstract: A PCV system for an internal combustion engine that can suppress occurrence of preignition due to oil inflow into a cylinder is provided. A path switching valve is controlled so that blowby gas flows via a bypass passage, in a preig occurrence region. Thereby, path pressure loss increases, a PCV flow rate is decreased, and blowby gas can be passed through a separator with a high collection efficiency. As a result, an oil takeaway amount can be reduced, and occurrence of preignition due to cylinder oil inflow can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Kitayama, Naoyuki Hayakawa
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Patent number: 8844508Abstract: Compound bows and cross bows with flexible bow limbs and novel, limb-associated mechanisms for adjusting the poundage of the bow. Each flexible bow limb (or element of a split limb bow) is bent against a fulcrum located between the leading and trailing ends of the bow limb or limb element. A poundage adjuster at the same location as the fulcrum or at the leading edge of the limb or limb element is used to set the curvature in the limb (The poundage of the bow is directly related to the curvature of the limb or limb element). An independently acting poundage mechanism as just described is preferably provided for both limbs of a solid limb bow and for all four limbs of a split limb bow. Also disclosed are novel bottom (or power) cams which have reduced lean and wobble during the end part of bow draw, thereby reducing noise and vibration as an arrow is shot from the bow and contributing to the accuracy of the bows in which they are installed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Sims Vibration Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Sims, Jonathan F. Seil
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Patent number: 8844509Abstract: The apparatus disclosed begins exterior of archery bow stave cam slot and traverses a generally elliptically ovidly path convexed and roughly shaped paralleling exterior perimeter edge movement of an elliptically ovid cam module, and a portion of the apparatus is formed to terminate at a point on cam module that is appropriate to provide damage and abrasive protection to cam module and power and buss cable without interference of the aforementioned. Said apparatus is shaped cross sectionally in a manner that is small, light weight and does not interfere with the normal operation of an archery bow.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: Robert Scott Howard
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Patent number: 8844510Abstract: A riser of a compound bow includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section has an end section and a connection section which is connected to the lower section by engagement of pins and pin holes of the two respective connection ends. The connection is further reinforced by way of welding. The end section is further connected with the connection section by engagement of pins and pin holes of the two respective connection ends. The connection is further reinforced by way of welding. The riser is strong and saves material.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Poe Lang Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chi-Chang Liu
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Patent number: 8844511Abstract: A method for slicing a plurality of wafers from a crystal includes providing a crystal of semiconductor material having a longitudinal axis, a cross section and at least one pulling edge. The crystal is fixed on a table and guided through a wire gang defined by sawing wire so as to form the wafers. The guiding is provided by a relative movement between the table and the wire gang such that entry sawing or exit sawing using the sawing wire occurs in a vicinity of the at least one pulling edge of the crystal.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Siltronic AGInventors: Maximilian Kaeser, Albert Blank
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Patent number: 8844512Abstract: An oven appliance is provided with an apparatus that supplies combustion air (i.e. primary air) to gas burner(s) of the oven appliance. The apparatus includes an air channel that provides for a flow of fresh, combustion air from the exterior of the oven appliance to a gas burner and, more particularly, to the shutter of a gas burner. The air channel can also be provided with a flame arrestor.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Chezem, Philip Ames Barber, John Mark Chilton, Octavio Lugo Castillo, Gerardo Picon
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Patent number: 8844513Abstract: A device, system and method for heating fluid (air) in a flue to create a draw prior to combusting a fuel in a combustion device. The device, system and method includes a housing that may be integrated about the flue. The housing may include a heat exchanger that itself may include a heating source that may be in thermal communication with the flue and a temperature differentiation driver. The heat exchanger may operate to transfer heat energy from the heating source to a fluid constrained to a path created by the flue. The result is a pressure differential created within the flue to help draw the fluid out of the combustion device. The heat exchanger may be configured such that it may cause heat transfer to the heavier, more dense fluid contained within the ventilation system prior to combusting fuel in a combustion device, thereby causing the fluid to be relatively less dense thus creating a draw.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: John Stock LaMunyon, III
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Patent number: 8844514Abstract: A latching system for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a first oven, a first door for the first oven, a second oven and a second door for the second oven. The latching system includes a master latch assembly for locking the first door when it is fully closed; a slave latch assembly for locking the second door when it is fully closed; a cable operatively coupling the two latch assemblies so that a movement of one latch assembly between an unlocking position and a locking position generates a corresponding movement of the other latch assembly between an unlocking position and a locking position; a position switch for one latch assembly; and a controller configured to enable an operation of the first oven and/or the second oven when the position switch detects the latch assembly is in its locking position in conjunction with an operation request.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Brian Steurer
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Patent number: 8844515Abstract: A low profile heliostat with elongated louvered mirror segments is provided. Its envelope of revolution has the shape of a flat disc to enable heliostat fields with very high ground coverage ratio. The heliostat's disc-shaped footprint rotates around a substantially vertical axis (akin to a carousel). The short dimension of the mirror segments is drastically shorter than the disc's diameter. Embodiments are described in which the motion relies on two concentric rings, which are individually rotated around a vertical axis. The lower ring acts as a platform providing mainly azimuth tracking, carrying the upper ring. The differential rotation between the upper ring and the lower ring is translated into a rotation of the mirror segments around a second, perpendicular, axis and used for elevation tracking. Disc-shaped heliostat with D-shaped cut-offs are described, to facilitate the required maintenance access even in highly dense heliostat fields.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Patrick Y. Maeda, Patrick C. Cheung
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Patent number: 8844516Abstract: This relates to a heating device including a solar energy collector, the solar energy collector transferring collected solar energy to outside air. First collector panels are used to heat outside air which heated air is led to a heater, for example a space heater. Second collector panels are used to transfer solar energy to air led to a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat to heat storage. The stored heat is added to the air coming from the first collector panels if the temperature of the air coming from the first collector panels is below a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Tata Steel UK LimitedInventors: David Paul Jones, Reginald Geraint Brown
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Patent number: 8844517Abstract: A solar hot water and recovery system includes a water loop, a refrigerant loop and a solar loop. Cross-heat exchange occurs in a first heat exchanger between the heat transfer mediums of the refrigerant loop and the solar loop to produce a super-heated fluid stream which is returned to the air conditioning or heat pump unit. Cross-heat exchange also takes place in a second heat exchanger between the now-lower temperature heat transfer medium of the solar loop and the water loop to produce a heated water stream. The main objective of the system is to superheat refrigerant and use all excess heat for heating the water. The heat exchangers are preferably housed in the same heat recovery unit and arranged so that the refrigerant heat exchange area is before the water heat exchange area, thereby maximizing solar potential.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: Timothy Michael Graboski
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Patent number: 8844518Abstract: A solar power tower solar receiver absorber including: an enclosure; at least one panel configured to be illuminated by solar flux; a core made of at least one material with heat conductivity at least partially encompassed by the enclosure; and a plurality of tubes passing through the core and extending substantially in a parallel direction with respect to the panel configured to be illuminated. The tube is configured for circulation of a fluid to be heated, for example a gas for operating a gas turbine.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Raphael Couturier, Alain Ferriere, Franck Pra, Patrice Tochon, Fabien Vidotto
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Patent number: 8844519Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Abengoa Solar LLCInventors: Patrick Marcotte, Kenneth Biggio, Edmund Kenneth May
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Patent number: 8844520Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry R. Grychowski, Rick Blacker
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Patent number: 8844521Abstract: Provided is a portable ventilator system, including a ventilator supply system having a ventilator mask, an air/oxygen source and an air/oxygen regulator system, and including a communications device that, during use, automatically contacts an emergency response entity in response to activation of the portable ventilator system. Also provided is a ventilator system that includes at least one ventilator mask sized to fit upon a selected range of sizes of human faces, a ventilator supply system having an air/oxygen source and an air/oxygen regulator system, and an air/oxygen flow regulation valve having an inlet, an inlet/outlet in communication with a ventilator mask coupled to the ventilator supply system, and an outlet in communication with a surrounding atmosphere. During use, air/oxygen flows through the inlet and the inlet/outlet to facilitate ventilation of a human, and air/oxygen flows through the inlet/outlet and the outlet to facilitate exhalation by a human to the surrounding atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: Daniel A. McCarthy
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Patent number: 8844522Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Ronald James Huby, Andrew Roderick Bath, John David Oates
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Patent number: 8844523Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a body (10) provided with a dispenser orifice (15), said device further comprising: an elongate flexible strip (20) supporting a plurality of reservoirs (21) each containing a dose of fluid; reservoir-opening means (80) for opening a respective reservoir on each actuation; first displacement means (30) for causing said flexible strip (20) to advance before and/or during and/or after each actuation, so as to bring a full reservoir into register with said reservoir-opening means; and second displacement means (50) for displacing a full reservoir (21) against said opening means (80) each time the device is actuated, said device including positioning means (300) that are adapted to position the full reservoir accurately relative to the reservoir-opening means (80) when it is displaced thereagainst, so as to guarantee that opening is predetermined and reproducible on each actuation.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Aptar France SASInventor: Zakaria Sallak
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Patent number: 8844524Abstract: A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventor: Philip Rodney Kwok
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Patent number: 8844525Abstract: Devices and systems provide methods of detecting a heart failure condition of a patient that may be based on one or more respiratory parameters of a patient. In an example embodiment, a monitoring device determines one or more heart failure condition indicators based on a measure of the patient respiratory airflow and/or a measure of treatment pressure. Respiratory parameters such as respiration rate, hypopneas, apneas, Cheyne-Stokes breathing patterns or apnea-hypopnea counts may be compared to thresholds that are selected to represent a change in the condition of a heart failure patient such as an onset of a decompensation event. Results of the comparisons may trigger a pressure treatment change and/or one or more warnings or messages to notify a patient or physician of a pending change to the patient's heart failure condition so that the patient may more immediately seek medical attention to treat the heart failure condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Klaus Henry Schindhelm, Ian Wilcox, Rachel Ann Coxon
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Patent number: 8844526Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing novel back-up ventilation that allows the patient to trigger or initiate the delivery of breath. Further, this disclosure describes systems and methods for triggering ventilation when base flow is unknown or undeterminable by the ventilator.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Mehdi M. Jafari, Rhomere S. Jimenez, Jeffrey K. Aviano
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Patent number: 8844527Abstract: Methods, systems and/or apparatus for slowing a patient's breathing by using positive pressure therapy. In certain embodiments, a current interim breathing rate target is set, and periodically the magnitude of a variable pressure waveform that is scaled to the current interim breathing rate target is increased if the patient's breathing rate is greater than the interim breathing rate target in order to lengthen the patient's breath duration. The magnitude of the pressure increase may be a function of the difference between the interim breathing rate target and the patient's breathing rate. The interim breathing rate target may be periodically reduced in response to the patient's breathing rate slowing down toward the current interim breathing rate target. The variable pressure waveform cycles from an inhalation phase to an exhalation phase when the patient airflow decreases to a cycle threshold, the cycle threshold being a function of flow versus time within a breath and generally increasing with time.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Dion Charles Chewe Martin, David John Bassin
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Patent number: 8844528Abstract: A breathing circuit for sequential gas delivery of a first gas set (FGS) and a second gas set (SGS) employs an arrangement of conduits and active or passive valves to prevent mixing of the FGS and SGS including a valve triggered by depletion of FGS that makes the SGS available for inspiration after the FGS is depleted.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventors: Joseph Fisher, David Preiss, Takafumi Azami, Alex Vesely, Eitan Prisman, Steve Iscoe, Ron Somogyi, Dan Nayot, Tehilla Adams
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Patent number: 8844529Abstract: A CPAP or other ventilation system includes a mask, a flow generator, a positive or high pressure line to provide positive or high pressure air from the flow generator to the mask and a vacuum or return line provided to actively extract exhaled gas from the breathing chamber and/or the air delivery conduit of the mask. The vacuum or return line includes a vent outlet preferably positioned remote from the mask.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Karthikeyan Selvarajan, Philip Rodney Kwok, Barton John Kenyon, Bruce David Gregory, Nicholas Jerome Reed, Christopher Kingsley Blunsden
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Patent number: 8844530Abstract: A medical device and method for combination lung ventilation and mucus clearance of a patient is disclosed. The medical device may be configured to provide lung ventilation with intermittent, on-demand mucus clearance, freeing the patient's mouth for activities of daily living such as when the patient is awake; and, in another configuration, the device can provide lung ventilation with automated mucus clearance, such as when the patient is sedated or asleep. The medical device may comprise a pressure generation source, a ventilation portion, and a mucus clearance portion. The mucus clearance portion may be separable from or separate from the ventilation portion such that the medical device is capable of maintaining lung ventilation with the mouth interface removed from the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Pte. Ltd.Inventor: David J. Birnkrant
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Patent number: 8844531Abstract: A respiration appliance, system, and method for supporting the airway of a subject as the subject breathes. The flow of gas from the lungs of the subject during exhalation is leveraged to provide support to the airway. In particular, a body that encloses one or more external orifices of the subject provides a resistance differential between inhaled gas flows and exhaled gas flows that supports the subject's airway.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Erik Kurt Witt, Michael Edward Colbaugh, William Edwin Clegg, Douglas Mechlenburg
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Patent number: 8844532Abstract: A connector arrangement joining a respiratory mask and headgear is adapted for single-handed disengagement by the patient. A first, rigid connector part is formed into the rigid mask frame, with a mating second connector attached to a strap of the headgear. The connectors are held away from the patient's face by the connection to the mask frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Philip Rodney Kwok
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Patent number: 8844533Abstract: A mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Breathe Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Todd Allum, Enrico Brambilla, Joseph Cipollone