Patents Issued in January 8, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150007572
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a turbine engine, the injector including a body including a mechanism for admitting fuel under pressure, a stop valve for feeding a primary fuel circuit, and a metering valve mounted downstream from the stop valve for feeding a secondary fuel circuit. The injector further includes at least one leakage channel, that can be formed by a thread, that extends from a zone situated downstream from the stop valve and upstream from the metering valve to a zone situated downstream from the metering valve to generate a permanent leakage flow in the secondary circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Emilie Charlotte Pousseo, Jose Roland Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20150007573
    Abstract: An annular combustion chamber (1) for a gas turbine, the chamber having an outer shell (12) which has at least one inlet opening (4) for a burner (3) and an outlet (7) which opens into a turbine chamber (8), wherein ducts (14) which can be closed, which are oriented substantially parallel to the symmetry axis (2) of the annular combustion chamber (1), and through which final compressor air is guided into the annular combustion chamber (1) are provided in the outer shell (12) in the region of the outlet (7). Ring segments around the outer shell have projections selectively movable to at least partially block and open the ducts. A gas turbine is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Francois Benkler, Thomas Brandenburg, Olga Deiss, Thomas Grieb, Marco Link, Nicolas Savilius, Daniel Vogtmann, Jan Wilkes
  • Publication number: 20150007574
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system including a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the gas turbine system and configured to control operations of the gas turbine system. The system further includes a life consumption model configured to determine an operating life of the gas turbine system based on both a health status of one or more components of the gas turbine system and operating conditions of the gas turbine system. The controller is configured to utilize at least the life consumption model to derive a control action for the gas turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Harold Lamar Jordan, Scott Richard Baker
  • Publication number: 20150007575
    Abstract: The invention refers to a CCPP comprising a gas turbine, a water steam cycle with a steam turbine and a HRSG with at least two pressure levels, and a fuel preheater for preheating the fuel of the gas turbine. The fuel preheater includes a first heat exchanger for preheating the fuel to a first elevated temperature, which is connected to a feed water line from a pressure level of the HRSG, which is below the highest HRSG pressure level, and a second heat exchanger for further preheating the fuel gas to a second elevated temperature, which is connected to the high pressure feed water with the highest pressure level of the HRSG. The disclosure further refers to a method for operating a CCPP with such a fuel preheater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Drouvot, François Droux, Klara Berg
  • Publication number: 20150007576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a gas turbine which includes a compressor with annular inlet area, at least two burners, a combustion chamber and a turbine. According to the method, at least one first partial intake flow, consisting of oxygen-reduced gas which has an oxygen concentration which is lower than the average oxygen concentration of the compressor intake flow, and at least one second partial intake flow, consisting of fresh air, are fed to the compressor in an alternating manner in the circumferential direction of the inlet area. In addition, the invention relates to a gas turbine power plant with a gas turbine, the compressor inlet of which includes at least one first segment and at least one second segment which are arranged in an alternating manner around a compressor inlet in the circumferential direction, wherein a feed for an oxygen-reduced gas is connected to the first segment and a fresh air feed is connected to the second segment of the compressor inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Felix GUETHE, Madhavan Narasimhan Poyyapakkam, Frank Graf, Bruno Schuermans, Eribert Benz
  • Publication number: 20150007577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined cycle power plant including a gas turbine the exhaust gas outlet of which is connected to a heat recovery steam generator, which is part of a water/steam cycle, whereby, for having a large power reserve and at the same time a higher design performance when operated at base load, the gas turbine is designed with a steam injection capability for power augmentation. For having a large power reserve at improved and optimized design performance when the plant is being operated at base load, the gas turbine includes at least one combustor, and a compressor for providing cooling air for that gas turbine, which is extracted from the compressor and cooled down in at least one cooling air cooler. The steam for steam injection is generated in said cooling air cooler, whereby said steam is injected into an air side inlet or outlet of said cooling air cooler and/or directly into said at least one combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Hongtao LI, Tjiptady Nugroho, Christoph Ruchti, Camille Pedretti
  • Publication number: 20150007578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a combined cycle power plant, which includes a steam turbine powertrain with a high-pressure steam turbine, an intermediate pressure steam turbine and a low-pressure steam turbine, whereby intermediate pressure steam flowing from the exit of the high-pressure steam turbine to the inlet of the intermediate pressure steam turbine is reheated by means of the reheat device, and which is connected to a solar thermal plant, that generates additional solar steam for being used by said steam turbine powertrain. The output of the solar steam generator is used more effectively, and the overall plant performance, flexibility and operability are enhanced by at least part of the additional solar steam reaching the intermediate pressure steam turbine without being reheated in said reheat device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Richard CARRONI, Henrik NIELSEN, François DROUX
  • Publication number: 20150007579
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for operating a combined cycle power plant with an integrated CO2 capture unit, wherein flue gas of a gas turbine is led along an flue gas path through a heat recovery steam generator, a flue gas cooling circuit and a CO2 absorber. A reduction in effort is achieved by operating the gas turbine to have a back-pressure at its exit, which compensates most or all of the pressure loss of the flue gas along the flue gas path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Joel CURRAN, Frank SANDER, Richard CARRONI, Eribert BENZ
  • Publication number: 20150007580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an assembly comprising a first structure (23), arranged to be rigidly connected to a housing of a turbojet engine, a second annular structure (21) surrounding the first structure, and a hyperstatic trellis of connecting rods (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) maintaining the first structure (23) relative to the second (21), said method comprising a step of mounting said connecting rods of the hyperstatic trellis between said structures and being characterised in that it comprises a step for pre-stressing at least one of said connecting rods (40) to a pre-determined level, carried out before the mounting thereof between said structures. It also relates to a device which is suitable for mounting the pre-stressed connecting rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Francois Robert BELLABAL, Nicolas Florent
  • Publication number: 20150007581
    Abstract: A shroud block segment for a gas turbine includes a main body having a leading portion, a trailing portion, a first side portion and an opposing second side portion that extend axially between the leading portion and the trailing portion. The main body further includes an arcuate combustion gas side, an opposing back side and a cooling chamber defined in the back side. A cooling plenum and an exhaust passage are defined within the main body where the exhaust passage provides for fluid communication out of the cooling plenum. An insert opening extends within the main body through the back side towards the cooling plenum. A cooling flow insert is disposed within the insert opening. The cooling flow insert comprises a plurality of cooling flow passages that provide for fluid communication between the cooling chamber and the cooling plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Ibrahim Sezer, Anshuman Singh, Gary Michael Itzel, James William Vehr
  • Publication number: 20150007582
    Abstract: A magnetic cooling apparatus including a plurality of magnetic regenerators including a plurality of magnetocaloric materials to emit heat when magnetized and to absorb heat when demagnetized. The magnetic regenerators are rotatably disposed on a circumference having a predetermined radius, at least one coil is disposed on the circumference and coupled to the magnetic regenerators, and a plurality of permanent magnets is provided inside and outside the circumference to generate a magnetic field to magnetize or demagnetize the magnetic regenerators. The at least one coil interacts with the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets to rotate the magnetic regenerators. The coil interacting with the magnetic field to magnetize or demagnetize the magnetic regenerators is coupled to the magnetic regenerators such that the magnetic regenerators reciprocate or rotate, thereby minimizing a size of the magnetic cooling apparatus, relative to the use of a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Han KIM, II Ju Mun, Woo Hyek Choi, Young Dae Ko, Keon Kuk, Min Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20150007583
    Abstract: A temperature adjustment apparatus has a Peltier element supplied with electric power to allow heat exchange between an electronic device mounted on a vehicle and a heat exchange portion of the vehicle, and a Peltier element control section that controls electric power supplied to the Peltier element. When the temperature difference between a first surface of the Peltier element serving as an exothermic surface and a second surface of the Peltier element serving as an endothermic surface becomes larger than a first predetermined value as a result of supply of electric power to the Peltier element, the Peltier element control section stops supply of electric power to the Peltier element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Murata, Kuniaki Kuwahara
  • Publication number: 20150007584
    Abstract: An operating method is provided for a cryopressure tank in which cryogenic hydrogen for supplying a motor vehicle fuel cell can be stored under supercritical pressure at 13 bar or more. In order to compensate the pressure drop resulting from removal of hydrogen from the cryopressure tank, either a heat transfer medium is supplied to a heat exchanger provided in the cryopressure tank via a control valve over a period of time which significantly exceeds the cycle times of a conventional cycle valve or the heat transfer medium is not supplied to the heat exchanger. Depending on the fill level of the cryopressure tank, the control valve is actuated with respect o a desired temperature or a desired pressure of the hydrogen in the cryopressure tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Tobias BRUNNER, Manuel TOLOSA
  • Publication number: 20150007585
    Abstract: A system for maintaining a substantially constant pressure within an ullage space of a cryogenic storage tank is provided. The system includes a compressor configured to receive fuel gas from the cryogenic storage tank, and compress the fuel gas to produce heated fuel gas. The system further includes a heat exchanger in flow communication with the compressor and configured to cool the heated fuel gas to produce cooled fuel gas, and a turbine in flow communication with the heat exchanger and configured to expand the cooled fuel gas to produce a gas and liquid mixture having a predetermined liquid to gas ratio, and discharge the gas and liquid mixture into the cryogenic storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Tatsuji Kawai
  • Publication number: 20150007586
    Abstract: A method for converting a cryostat configuration (1) having a first container (2) with a liquid helium bath (3) and a second container (6) which is filled with liquid nitrogen (7) is characterized in that a cooling medium (12) which is in a gaseous state at a temperature of 60K and a pressure of 1 bar, is introduced into the second container and is cooled by a refrigerator (16) by means of a cooling circuit (11), the coolant lines of which are guided into the second container, to an operating temperature of ?60K. With this retrofit for existing cryostat configurations that utilize both liquid helium and also liquid nitrogen for cooling a superconducting coil, use of liquid nitrogen can be completely avoided and the evaporation rate of the liquid helium can also be considerably reduced without having to re-liquefy the cryogens used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Kraus, Robert Schauwecker, Joerg Hinderer
  • Publication number: 20150007587
    Abstract: A device for cooling a superconducting machine is disclosed, including a storage vessel which receives condensed coolant and from which the coolant can be fed via a pipe to the machine, wherein the storage vessel has a storage region and an evaporator region, which is separated from the former, with a heat source which continuously has a temperature above the boiling point of the coolant. The evaporator region is connected via a curved overflow pipe to the storage region in such a way that, when a defined coolant filling level is reached in the storage region, coolant flows via the overflow pipe automatically into the evaporator region and evaporates there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Frank, Peter Van Hasselt
  • Publication number: 20150007588
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL, MICHAEL LICATA, DAVID GAST
  • Publication number: 20150007589
    Abstract: A secondary cell module using direct hydrocooling may include: a secondary cell; and a housing containing the secondary cell and filled with a refrigerant. The secondary cell may be directly contacted with the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Yong Ho Lim, Kee Yang Lee, Yong Chun
  • Publication number: 20150007590
    Abstract: A system to make ice includes a refrigeration unit and an icemaker disposed in the refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is configured to be subjected to a refrigeration cycle; the icemaker is configured to be subjected to a freeze cycle; and the system is configured such that the freeze cycle is synchronized with the refrigeration cycle, asynchronized with the refrigeration cycle, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. A process for controlling an icemaker includes providing a freeze cycle to an icemaker; providing a refrigeration cycle to a refrigeration unit; and constraining the freeze cycle and the refrigeration cycle to control the icemaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: DAVID YASHAR
  • Publication number: 20150007591
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting in real-time a refrigerant charge loss in a refrigerant vapor compression system. If both a sensed evaporator outlet superheat exceeds a target evaporator outlet superheat by at least a preset amount of superheat and a sensed degree of openness of an electronic expansion valve exceeds a preset degree of openness for a preset time of period, and a sensed air temperature of either a flow of supply air having traversed the evaporator or a flow of return air returning to the evaporator is changing at a rate less than preset air temperature rate of change, a service alarm is generated indicating a loss of charge warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Lucy Yi Liu, Jian Sun
  • Publication number: 20150007592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) and at least one hydrocarbon. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, and aerosol propellants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: BARBARA HAVILAND MINOR, THOMAS JOSEPH LECK, DONALD BERNARD BIVENS, AKIMICHI YOKOZEKI
  • Publication number: 20150007593
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a scrubber bed, a cooling unit operatively connected to the scrubber bed, and a frame configured for a user to carry the apparatus. The cooling unit includes a compressor, a condensing coil operatively connecting the compressor to an expansion valve, and an evaporating coil operatively connecting the expansion valve to the compressor, and a first fluid circulating through the compressor, the condensing coil, the expansion valve, and the evaporating coil. A method of cooling a gas in a rebreather apparatus includes scrubbing an exhalation gas to produce a recycled gas having a lower concentration of carbon dioxide than the exhalation gas, compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant in a closed-loop system, transferring heat energy from the recycled gas to the refrigerant, and metering a cooled gas to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Gene Melton
  • Publication number: 20150007594
    Abstract: A method, and or process, of achieving a double-wall heat recovery refrigeration condenser system, capable, within a single compound condenser, of energy transfer to a heat recovery heat sink, or multiple heat recovery heat sinks, as well as a heat rejection sink, in, any combination of, or all of, the individual heat sinks, in any ratio, requiring no change in the amount of active working fluid, typically a refrigerant, charge requirement. The compound condenser thus eliminates the need for working fluid storage, and controls for controlling said storage, found in typical multi heat sink condenser systems, and also, thus eliminates the complexity associated with said controls and storage. This manner of condenser is used as part of a vapor compression refrigeration system to typically, but not exclusively, reclaim heat from a refrigeration process, for the purpose of heating water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Lance C. Laufer, David A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150007595
    Abstract: A novel process for activating available compressors in multiple compressor air conditioning systems, using an Optimum Stage-Up Process. This process is programmed into a controller as an algorithm, to provide a process for fast compressor start. This process shortens the time to initiate operation of compressors in a multi-compressor air conditioning system required to meet the demand call under any load condition, and hence shortens the time required for the actual sensed interior region air temperature to reach the interior region temperature set point. The Optimum Stage-up Algorithm estimates the number of compressor stages or steps that must be initiated, based on sensed or measured values, to meet the demand at any load condition. These measured values include the sensed temperature of the interior region being cooled, which is compared to the temperature set point of this interior region as well as measured mixed air temperature and supply air temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Rajiv KARKHANIS, Curtis Wayne CASKEY
  • Publication number: 20150007596
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a condenser and first and second cooling circuits. The condenser is configured to condense refrigerant to a liquid. The first cooling circuit includes a direct expansion valve coupled to the condenser, a first evaporator coil coupled to the direct expansion valve, and a compressor coupled to the first evaporator coil. The first cooling circuit receives at least a first portion of the liquid refrigerant and output first refrigerant vapor, and the compressor receives the first refrigerant vapor and output a compressor refrigerant output to the condenser. The second cooling circuit includes a pump coupled to the condenser, an economizer valve coupled to the pump, and a second evaporator coil coupled to the economizer valve. The second cooling circuit receives at least a second portion of the liquid refrigerant and output a second vapor refrigerant to the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John H. Bean, JR., Zhihai Gordon Dong
  • Publication number: 20150007597
    Abstract: A method is provided for managing a flooded start of a compressor in a vapor compression system. Following an initial bump start, a determination is made as to whether working fluid in a liquid state remains in the sump of the compressor. If working fluid in a liquid state remains in the compressor sump, an additional bump start of the compressor is completed, followed by another determination as to whether working fluid in a liquid state still remains in the compressor sump. If working fluid in a liquid state remains in the compressor sump, another bump start of the compressor is initiated and the sequence repeated until no working fluid in the liquid state remains in the compressor sump. A normal start of the compressor may be initiated after determining no working fluid in the liquid state remains in the compressor sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond L. Senf, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150007598
    Abstract: A cooling system and a control method thereof are provided. The cooling system may include a first compressor, a second compressor disposed downstream of the first compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger the performs heat exchange between refrigerant compressed in the first and/or second compressor and external air, an expansion device that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, a cooling evaporator evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, a bypass tube that guides refrigerant compressed in the first compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger, bypassing the second compressor, and a valve device controlling the flow of refrigerant discharged from the first compressor so as to selectively introduce refrigerant into the second compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaeheuk CHOI, Taehee KWAK, Yoonho YOO, Doyong HA
  • Publication number: 20150007599
    Abstract: An operation method of a constant-temperature liquid circulation apparatus includes: performing control such that the fan is not activated, or is activated to maintain a minimum rotation speed when a refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor does not reach a reference pressure region after the compressor is activated; controlling the refrigerant pressure by performing inverter control on a rotation speed of the fan when the refrigerant pressure reaches the reference pressure region; and controlling a rotation speed of the compressor to be reduced from a high rotation speed which is a rotation speed during a steady operation while maintaining the rotation speed of the fan at a maximum rotation speed when the refrigerant pressure continues to further rise and exceeds an upper limit value even after the rotation speed of the fan reaches the maximum rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shintaro SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150007600
    Abstract: A chiller for an aircraft galley that is sized to be disposed in a compartment for housing beverage carts, the chiller comprising a vapor cycle refrigeration system with a liquid cooled condenser located within the housing and a liquid cooling unit located within the housing. Further, the vapor cycle refrigeration system and the liquid cooling unit have a combined footprint that is less than a footprint of a food and beverage cart within the housing, such that the space occupied by the chiller displaces no more than one beverage cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: William J. Godecker, Qiao Lu, Tortsten Trumper
  • Publication number: 20150007601
    Abstract: Building cooling system involving circulation of a cooling liquid in a hydraulic circuit comprising at least one first tank (2), at least one second tank (4) in which at least part of one of its walls (4.1) are made of a porous material and at least one heat exchanger (6) connected in series through a hydraulic circuit, at least one hydraulic pump (8) placed between the first tank (2) and the heat exchanger (6), in which the second tank (4) is located outside the building, in which in which the system comprises means (10) of controlling circulation of liquid from the second tank (4) to the first tank (2), and when the system is in operation to cool the inside of the building, flow from the second tank (4) to the first tank (2) is interrupted and the hydraulic pump (8) circulates the liquid from the first tank (2) to the second tank through the heat exchanger (6), such that the second tank fills up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Commissariat a I'energie atomique et aux ene alt
    Inventor: Louis Stephan
  • Publication number: 20150007602
    Abstract: The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Hoshizaki America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Czerwonky, Luiz Antonio Lopes, Connor McColl, Kevin Huckaby, Donald Pilkey, Glen Melton, Jeremy Neill, Rob McDonald
  • Publication number: 20150007603
    Abstract: The invention provides a cooling apparatus with vented backrest and an optional air intake and circulation system for dual functioning as (1) a cooler effective to maintain food and beverages below ambient temperatures and (2) a seat with vented backrest that provides cooled air to the individual seated on the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: THOMAS KEENAN
  • Publication number: 20150007604
    Abstract: A condenser includes a shell having a vapor refrigerant inlet, a first tube bundle and a liquid refrigerant outlet. A second tube bundle is positioned in a subcooler component. The subcooler component has a center channel and at least two outer channels and conforms to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Hongming HU, Xiuping SU, Shenglong WANG, Mark R. Bodell, II, Andrew M. WELCH
  • Publication number: 20150007605
    Abstract: An outdoor unit of a refrigeration apparatus includes a heat exchanger, a casing constituent member and a seal member. The heat exchanger has plural collection header pipes, plural fins disposed at a predetermined fin pitch between the header pipes, and plural heat transfer tubes inserted through the fins and connected to the header pipes. An interstice larger than the fin pitch is formed between one of the header pipes and one of the fins adjacent to the one of the header pipes. The casing constituent member is disposed facing the one of the header pipes and is configured to surround part of the heat exchanger. The seal member is attached to the casing constituent member, is pressed against the one of the header pipes and the one of the fins in the environ of the interstice facing the casing constituent members, becomes deformed, and closes the interstice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Tomohiro Masui, Masashi Kuroishi, Takuya Kazusa, Junichi Hamadate
  • Publication number: 20150007606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technology of processing byproduct gas or natural gas and in particular to a process for low-temperature separating gas components. The technical result targeted by the present invention resides in the improvement of the degree of purifying the outgoing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Salavat Zainetdinovich Imaev, Leonard Markovich Dmitriev
  • Publication number: 20150007607
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating air in which an argon refining column of a distillation column system is reboiled with a liquid air stream. The argon refining column further refines crude argon produced by a crude argon column connected to a lower pressure column of the distillation column system. At least one intermediate reflux stream is formed, at least indirectly, from at least part of the liquid air stream, and is introduced into the lower pressure column at a level thereof above where a crude liquid oxygen column bottoms of a higher pressure column of such system is further refined to increase a liquid to vapor ratio below said level and therefore, argon recovery from the argon refining column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Henry Edward Howard
  • Publication number: 20150007608
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating air in which an argon refining column of a distillation column system is reboiled with a liquid air stream. The argon refining column further refines crude argon produced by a crude argon column connected to a lower pressure column of the distillation column system. At least one intermediate reflux stream is formed, at least indirectly, from at least part of the liquid air stream, and is introduced into the lower pressure column at a level thereof above where a crude liquid oxygen column bottoms of a higher pressure column of such system is further refined to increase a liquid to vapor ratio below said level and therefore, argon recovery from the argon refining column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Henry Edward Howard
  • Publication number: 20150007609
    Abstract: A jewelry setting having a first appearance in ambient light a second appearance displaying an embedded design in ultraviolet light. The setting is formed from first and second groups of gemstones that have the same color quality in ambient light. The second group of gemstones that form the embedded design, have a different color quality when subject to the ultraviolet light. When the setting is subjected to ultraviolet light the second group of gemstones fluoresces to display the embedded image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Simon Zelikman
  • Publication number: 20150007610
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ornamental device (1) comprising at least one cut or polished stone (2) with at least one rear portion (23). This ornamental device (1) is characterised by 5 the fact that it also has: means (3) to at least partially protect the rear portion (23) of the stone (2) from becoming soiled. This means of protection (3) takes on the shape of this rear portion (23) of the stone (2) and equips this rear portion (23) of the stone (2) without adhering to it; means (5) to prevent the ingress of a body from between the rear portion (23) of the stone (2) and the means (3) for protecting this rear portion (23) of the stone (2) and/or to prevent the egress of such a body from a defined internal volume (4) between the rear portion (23) of the stone (2) and the means (3) for protecting this rear portion (23) of the stone (2); Means for securing, on the stone (2), means (3) for protecting the rear portion (23) of this stone (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Arnaud Greulich
  • Publication number: 20150007611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing synthetic quartz glass by vaporizing a polyalkylsiloxane as a liquid SiO2 feedstock (105), converting the vaporized SiO2 feedstock (107) into SiO2 particles, separating the SiO2 particles, forming a soot body (200) and vitrifying the soot body (200). According to the invention, the vaporizing of the heated SiO2 feedstock (105) comprises an injection phase in an expansion chamber (125), in which the SiO2 feedstock (105) is atomized into fine droplets, wherein the droplets have an average diameter of less than 5 pm, and wherein the atomizing of the droplets takes place in a preheated carrier gas stream which has a temperature of more than 180° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Klaus-Uwe Badeke, Norbert Otto, Martin Trommer, Hilmar Laudahn, Andreas Brueckel
  • Publication number: 20150007612
    Abstract: Apparatus for shaping at least one glass sheet wherein a lower press ring and an upper press ring are configured to clamp a perimeter section of the glass sheet between the lower press ring and the upper press ring. The apparatus also includes an upper press at least partially disposed within the upper press ring and configured to shape at least a section of the glass sheet inside the perimeter section of the glass sheet, including forming by use of applied vacuum. The inner press may include openings that apply vacuum in selected areas of the inner press to vacuum form the ply within the selected areas. To control the ply on the upper press assembly, vacuum that is applied though passageways in the upper press ring to the gap between the upper press ring and the inner press is controlled through a seal in the gap. The upper press ring includes pivotal joints that increase adjustability of the forming surface of the upper press ring to the face surface of the inner press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC
    Inventors: David V. King, David T. Perry, Kurt Steinbacher
  • Publication number: 20150007613
    Abstract: A glass tempering furnace and a method for heating a glass sheet. The glass sheet is heated in the glass tempering furnace by blowing heating air on the top surface of the glass sheet, and the blowing distance of the heating air from the top surface of the glass sheet is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Petri Juhani LAMMI, Esa Ensio LAMMI, Jarno Tapio NIEMINEN, Jukka Tapani SÄÄKSI
  • Publication number: 20150007614
    Abstract: Fused cast refractory product comprising in percentages by weight on the basis of the oxides and for a total of 100%, —ZrO2; balance to hj 100%, —Hf2O: <5% SiO2: 2% to 10%; —Y2O3: 0.4% to 2.0%; —CaO: 4.0% to 8.0%; —B2O3+Na2O+K2O: 0.4% to 3.0% —Al2O3: 0.3% to 2.0%; —P2O5: <0.05%; —Fe2O3+TiO2: <0.55%; —other species: <1.5%. Application in glass melting furnaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Michel Gaubil, Ludovic Massard
  • Publication number: 20150007615
    Abstract: A twin fiber laser arrangement is configured with active and passive fibers supporting respective signal and pump lights and a reflective coating surrounding the fibers along a section of the arrangement. The passive fiber has regions covered by respective protective layer and coating-free regions alternating with the layer covered regions, wherein the reflective coating is configured to overlap the protective layer which shields the end of the reflective coating from high power pump light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Valentin Gapontsev, Igor Berishev, Nikolai Strougov, Vadim Chuyanov
  • Publication number: 20150007616
    Abstract: To manufacture glass base material with high manufacturing yield, provided is a glass base material elongating method comprising forming a tapered portion where the outer diameter of the glass base material changes continuously, holding the glass base material with chucks, heating the glass base material held by chucks with a heat source, and with a portion of the glass base material softened, increasing the distance between the chucks to elongate the glass base material. The elongation begins from a state in which a position of the heat source at a position at which the outer diameter of the glass base material is set in a range from no less than 95% to no more than 98% of an average outer diameter of the trunk portion of the glass base material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Hideki FUJII
  • Publication number: 20150007617
    Abstract: A tub for a washing machine appliance is configured to create a tangential discharge of fluid from the tub. A sump portion is configured so that fluid is ejected from a main portion of the wash tub along a direction tangential to the circular direction of rotation of the wash basket. A drain outlet is connected to the sump portion and can be positioned with an opening aligned with the tangential discharge so as to facilitate the movement of fluid into the drain outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Mantle, Christopher G. Hoppe, Bryan Thomas Snook, Todd Anthony Reger
  • Publication number: 20150007618
    Abstract: A brake lock for a riding mower. The brake lock may include a shaft having a first end and a second end. A blocker may be attached to the first end and a shackle may be attached to the second end. The present invention may further include a padlock having a shackle hole and an activation component that locks and unlocks the padlock. The shaft may be placed within a brake housing blocking a brake handle from moving. The shackle of the shaft may be locked within the shackle hole and may thereby lock the brake handle in a braked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Laroy Elbert Pitts
  • Publication number: 20150007619
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a rack of lockers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a key-facilitation server configured to cooperate with a locker server, and also configured to receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is also configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Cory Jack Finney, Christian Nitu, Nick Ramsey, Jordan Darrington, Jonathan White, Matt Hoenecke
  • Publication number: 20150007620
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for opening and closing an entrance. The apparatus includes: first and second door handles which are configured to be pushed or pulled; a moving unit which is coupled to the first and second door handles; a rotating unit which is rotatably coupled on a rotating shaft and locked to the moving unit so that when the moving unit horizontally moves, the rotating unit rotates around the rotating shaft; an actuating member which is locked to the rotating unit and moved in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the moving unit moves; a latch unit which is fixed to the actuating member so that the latch unit is ejected from or retracted into the door by the movement of the actuating member; and a restoring spring which is wrapped around the rotating shaft and fixed to the door lock housing and the rotating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Byungman YOON, Eunsook LEE, Chaeho YOON
  • Publication number: 20150007621
    Abstract: A key-operated lock unit includes a frusto-conical inner case receiving a lock body and having opposite first and second case end rings. The first case end ring extends around a lock end plate of the lock body and engages an annular shoulder of the lock end plate. An engagement element projects axially from the first case end ring to engage the lock endplate and to position the first inner case relative to the lock body. An interlocking element on the second case end ring interlocks with an outer case covering the inner case to position the outer case relative to the inner case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Tsung-Chung HUANG