Patents Issued in January 13, 2015
  • Patent number: 8931239
    Abstract: On a transport or conveyor section for conveying caps or similar closures (2) for bottles or similar containers, and for treating the closures with a treatment medium, for example with at least one sterilization medium, the at least one treatment medium is used at the same time for conveying the closures along the conveyor or transport section (1, 1a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Evers
  • Patent number: 8931240
    Abstract: A shuttle system including a main conveyor for transporting food products in a longitudinal direction, a supply of open top containers displaced along a longitudinal direction and movable in the longitudinal direction into a filling station. The shuttle system includes a shuttle robot for moving food products from the main conveyor to an open top container in the filling station. A sensor for receiving food product position data and a controller receiving data from the sensor and for instructing operation of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Lindee
  • Patent number: 8931241
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The system comprises a pharmacy management system, a selected dosing interval, a filling system, a first automated inspection, a second automated inspection, a container, and a label. The pharmacy management system includes a graphical user interface that receives a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient. The prescription order includes medications in which a first medication that is different from a second medication. The selected dosing interval is selected from the dosing interval group that includes a morning interval, a noon interval, an afternoon interval, and a bedtime interval. The container receives the sealed preliminary packages for the selected dosing interval. The label is affixed to the container so that the label indicates the selected dosing interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Leslie Baker, Larry Luciano
  • Patent number: 8931242
    Abstract: A gift wrapping system, for use in wrapping a gift, contained within gift packaging having a top and bottom, using a wrapping device having a main part and a closure plate having a central opening. The main part is made of a highly stretchable material formed into a tube having an open end and a closed end. The gift packaging is inserted into the main part through the open end, and the gift is pushed downwardly toward the closed end as the open end is pulled upwardly. Once the bottom of the gift packaging is against the closed end and the open end is pulled above the top of the gift packaging, the open end above the top is grabbed as a tail, which is pulled upwardly through the central opening of the closure plate as the closure plate is pushed downwardly against the top of the gift packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Louis Sardo
  • Patent number: 8931243
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a closure of the type known as a sport cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Bernard Guglielmini, Jean-Yves Rognard
  • Patent number: 8931244
    Abstract: A horse boot assembly includes: a boot body shaped to accommodate a hoof of a horse, a fastening device associated with the boot body for fastening the boot assembly onto the hoof, and an adapter. The adapter is compressed against a rear part of the hoof upon fastening of the fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Osca 2 S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Gola
  • Patent number: 8931245
    Abstract: An electric motor-driven rotary disc cutter module for use in a cutterbar in an agricultural harvester. In one embodiment, each rotary disc module includes an electric motor driver for the rotary cutterhead. Individual cutterhead modules are staggered fore and aft along the cutterbar to provide continuous cutting across the lateral width of the cutterbar without requiring synchronized rotation of the cutterheads to prevent contact of the knives. This configuration allows for individual speed and/or rotational direction adjustment for each cutterhead to optimize crop cutting performance and/or crop movement within the header. A control system may be included to monitor performance and manage individual operation of the cutterhead modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 8931246
    Abstract: A header lift assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a lift cylinder and a lock assembly. The lift cylinder includes a sleeve and a piston, and the piston is configured to move in an axial direction relative to the sleeve. The lock assembly is coupled to the lift cylinder and is configured to automatically transition to a first locking position upon extension of the piston in the axial direction to a locking distance from the sleeve. The first locking position is configured to block retraction of the piston in the axial direction beyond a first distance from the sleeve. The lock assembly is also configured to automatically disengage from the first locking position to a unlocked position that facilitates retraction of the piston beyond the first distance upon extension of the piston to an unlocking distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Mark David Dilts
  • Patent number: 8931247
    Abstract: A reel for an agricultural harvesting head has a rotating wheel that is pivotally coupled to a plurality of bat extension links and each of the bat extension links is pivotally coupled to a corresponding bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Joshua Pierson
  • Patent number: 8931248
    Abstract: A replaceable mower blade assembly for attaching to a rotatable spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft is provided. The blade assembly includes a mounting member having a plurality of ends extending from a central bore that is configured to receive the spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft. Each end includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of caps. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the mounting member, and each arm of the locking mechanism includes a pin. A cutting blade is removably attachable to each end of the mounting member and the cutting blade includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of keyhole apertures. Each pin of the locking mechanism is insertable and engageable with an indexing aperture of both the mounting member and the cutting blade for positively securing each cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Sr., Axel Schaedler, Dave Hein, Robert L. Jira, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8931249
    Abstract: A method interrupts yarn production on a spinning machine having at least one spinning point having an inlet for a fiber material and an outlet for the yarn made from the fiber material, and wherein the spinning machine comprises a delivery device for feeding the fiber material into the spinning point, a take-off device for drawing off the yarn out of the spinning point, a winding device for winding up the produced yarn, and a yarn monitoring unit for monitoring at least one yarn parameter. Yarn production is interrupted upon detecting a defined deviation of the monitored yarn parameter from a target value, upon changing bobbins at the winding device, and/or prior to switching off the spinning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rieter Ingolstadt GmbH
    Inventors: Adalbert Stephan, Gernot Schäffler, Evzen Pilar, Martin Novak, Vítezslav Kubes, Josef Ludvícek, Vladimir Krycner
  • Patent number: 8931250
    Abstract: The front top roller (20) includes a fiber contacting portion (30) and a reduced-diameter portion (31). The fiber contacting portion (30) has a substantially uniform outer diameter. The reduced-diameter portion (31) is provided at both ends of the fiber contacting portion (30) in an axial direction, and is formed with an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the fiber contacting portion (30). The fiber contacting portion (30) has a width (W1) in an axial direction of 18 mm and the outer diameter (D1) of 30 mm. An outer diameter (D2) of the reduced-diameter portion (31) is 25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Morita, Sato Goyude
  • Patent number: 8931251
    Abstract: A metal chain construction that includes a series of interconnected links with each link constructed and arranged in an annular configuration having either a circular or oval cross-sectional area. The link has, on at least one side thereof, a substantially planar indicia surface that is recessed into the cross-sectional area. An indicia in the form of a discernible indicia message is formed on said recessed indicia surface such as by an engraving. The link is of a metal alloy and the link joint is formed of a metal alloy solder mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: National Chain Company
    Inventor: Steven A. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 8931252
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a rotational axis, an intake and a compressed gas source; the intake includes a lining having a facing which defines an inlet surface and an array of holes; the array of holes includes at least a first set of holes and a second set of holes, the holes of the first set of holes are angled a relative to a radial line and the holes of the second set of holes are angled ? relative to the radial line; the angles ? and ? are different. An active flow control arrangement including a compressed gas supply pipe, a valve arrangement, a controller, a compressed gas distribution pipe may be provided. Compressed gas may be provided to prevent the formation of separation of a main gas flow through the intake and prevent or remove ice accretion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Giles Anthony Richardson, David MacManus, Christopher Thomas John Sheaf
  • Patent number: 8931253
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine includes a telescopic linear actuator for a moving cowl and a nozzle-forming end part. The telescopic linear actuator has a base attached to a fixed frame, acting as a housing for a first rod prevented from rotating but able to be translationally driven by a first drive shaft connected to a rotational-driver. The first rod is attached by one end to the moving cowl and supports a second rod, which is attached by one end to the nozzle-forming end part that is to be moved. The second rod is prevented from rotating and translationally driven by a second drive shaft passing through the base and connected to a rotational-driver. In particular, the rotational-driver of the rods includes a motor to drive an input shaft of a differential having two output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 8931254
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe injection control device to optimally control a degree of exhaust gas recirculation (“EGR”) opening during diesel particulate filter (“DPF”) regeneration. The device includes a regeneration-time opening control unit which controls a degree of EGR opening of an EGR device during DPF regeneration, and a regeneration-time opening map in which an optimal degree of EGR opening of the EGR device during DPF regeneration is set in advance according to an engine rotation speed and a fuel injection amount of an engine. The regeneration-time opening control unit performs exhaust gas recirculation by referring to the regeneration-time opening map based on the engine rotation speed and the fuel injection amount of the engine and controlling the degree of EGR opening of the EGR device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Naofumi Ochi, Shinji Hara, Kenzou Yaginuma
  • Patent number: 8931255
    Abstract: One embodiment is a unique strategy for raising exhaust temperatures which includes deactivating a first group of cylinders while maintaining a second group of cylinders in a combustion mode and injecting fuel into each of one of the second group of cylinders not earlier than 2 degrees before top dead center (TDC). The strategy also includes passing fuel rich exhaust from the second group of cylinders into an exhaust pathway and oxidizing at least a portion of the fuel rich exhaust in the exhaust pathway. In one form, the oxidizing occurs independent of any catalytic influence. Other embodiments include unique methods, systems, and apparatus for raising exhaust temperatures and/or regenerating one or more components of an aftertreatment system. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8931256
    Abstract: An engine system for a machine is disclosed. The engine system may have an intake manifold configured to direct air into a donor cylinder and a non-donor cylinder of an engine. The engine system may have a first exhaust manifold configured to direct exhaust from the non-donor cylinder to the atmosphere and a second exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the donor cylinder. The engine system may further have a control valve configured to selectively direct a first amount of exhaust from the second exhaust manifold to the intake manifold and an after-treatment component configured to treat the first amount of exhaust. In addition, the engine system may have a controller configured to adjust a first operating parameter of the donor cylinder such that a ratio of an amount of a gaseous component and an amount of particulate matter in the first amount of exhaust exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Keith E. Moravec, Teoman Uzkan
  • Patent number: 8931257
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine with multiple cylinders and an aftertreatment system having a selective catalytic reduction device utilizing ammonia as a reductant. An ammonia generation cycle includes operating some portion of the cylinders at an air/fuel ratio conducive to producing molecular hydrogen and some portion of the cylinders at an air/fuel ratio conducive to producing NOx. An ammonia generation catalyst is utilized between the engine and the selective catalytic reduction device to produce ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kushal Narayanaswamy, Paul M. Najt
  • Patent number: 8931258
    Abstract: A method for metering a reducing agent from a metering device to an exhaust gas treatment device includes initially determining at least one operating parameter of the metering device. An injector pressure at an injector for feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust gas treatment device is then calculated from the at least one operating parameter. Then, an opening time for the injector is calculated, in which at least the injector pressure determined in step b) is used. The injector is then opened for the opening time calculated in step c). A method for setting up or configuring a control unit for a metering device and a motor vehicle having a metering device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jan Hodgson, Peter Bauer
  • Patent number: 8931259
    Abstract: A dosing apparatus with purging means for delivering reductant into an exhaust gas treatment system of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a first Venturi T connector with two high pressure ports and a low pressure port, and a purge control valve for switching from normal dosing to purging by controlling flow through the two high pressure ports. The apparatus may also include a second Venturi T connector and a reductant supply chamber for purging reductant residue in its pump and reductant passage lines. The apparatus may further include a purging controller that triggers a purging event according to engine oil or coolant temperature and controls the purging process after a dosing process completes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Mi Yan, Baohua Qi
  • Patent number: 8931260
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction system that can defrost urea aqueous solution without interruption of warm air of an engine or heating of a vehicle cabin. The system includes a defrosting control unit to open a tank heater valve at the time of starting the engine and close the tank heater valve when the temperature of the urea aqueous solution detected by a temperature sensor reaches a predetermined defrosting completion determination value, and a warm air priority control unit to prohibit the opening of the valve by the defrosting control unit when the temperature of the cooling water is less than a predetermined defrosting permission value and permit the opening of the valve by the defrosting control unit when the temperature of the cooling water is equal to or more than the defrosting permission value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Masanobu Minezawa, Shinji Hara, Tetsuya Murata
  • Patent number: 8931261
    Abstract: A pump component is removed from a port of a suction-side fluid cavity of a high-pressure fluid pump. The pump component performs a pump function for the high-pressure fluid pump. A primary coupler connects to the port. The pump component connects to the primary coupler. A diverter fluid passage diverts a low-pressure fluid from the primary coupler to an auxiliary fluid delivery system. The primary coupler communicates the low-pressure fluid through the pump component and primary coupler to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Carroll, III, Laszlo D. Tikk
  • Patent number: 8931262
    Abstract: A method for controlling the effective heat transfer from a storage unit (1). During gas release from storage material (3) in the storage unit the storage material is heated by a heater (2). During re-saturation of the storage material (3) with gas the heater is off. Controlling of the effective heat transfer from the storage unit (1) is performed, during gas release, by ceasing convection of a convection gas and, during re-saturation, by performing or enabling convection of a convection gas to cool the storage unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Amminex Emissions Technology A/S
    Inventors: Ulrich Joachim Quaade, Tue Johannessen, Jacob Hjerrild Zeuthen, Henning Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8931263
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe for a diesel engine is connected to a diesel particulate defuser (“DPD”). To automatically regenerate the DPD, an exhaust gas temperature is detected, a deviation of the detected exhaust gas temperature from a target regeneration temperature is evaluated, and an amount of post injection is controlled through PID control according to the deviation. When, during the automatic regeneration with a vehicle running, an exhaust brake valve is closed, the post injection is interrupted. While the exhaust brake is being closed, an operation of an integral control term is continued with the PID control, and when the exhaust brake valve is opened, the integral control term operated without interruption is used as an initial amount of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Takayuki Furukawa, Keizou Kanenobu
  • Patent number: 8931264
    Abstract: An exhaust gas processing device for a diesel engine includes a DPF, a PM deposition amount estimating unit for PM deposited in the DPF, a DPF regenerating unit, a DPF regeneration control unit, a storage unit, an acceleration regeneration request information notifying unit, an acceleration regeneration start operating unit, and a mode selecting unit. When a normal regeneration process is selected, the time at which acceleration regeneration request determination reserve period T1 elapses from the start of the normal regeneration process without the end of the normal regeneration process is time T2 for acceleration regeneration request determination, at which time, if the PM deposition amount estimation value is greater or equal to acceleration regeneration request determination value J2, it is determined that there is the acceleration regeneration request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: KUBOTA Corporation
    Inventors: Katsushi Inoue, Yuuki Ishii, Yongchol Lee, Tomohiro Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 8931265
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system for a diesel engine includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device and a diesel oxidation catalyst upstream of the SCR device. A method for warming-up the SCR device includes monitoring a plurality of combustion input parameters during an SCR warm-up strategy, monitoring a first temperature and a second temperature within the aftertreatment system, providing a feedback adjustment term as a function of a deviation in the first temperature from a desired temperature only when the monitored first and second temperatures are within a predetermined adjustment range, and initiating an adjusted SCR warm-up strategy based on the feedback adjustment term to converge the first temperature toward the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Ravishankar Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 8931266
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a top having a first hole; a plate having a second hole and attached to the top with the second hole in alignment with the first hole; an exhaust pipe having an internal path and a flange projecting outward and abutting against and thus attached to the plate; and a tail pipe having a portion positioned in the first and second holes, and an end in the internal path of the exhaust pipe. The plate is disposed between the top and the flange and serves as a reference in attaching the flange to the top. Thus, a work vehicle that can facilitate disposing an exhaust pipe and a tail pipe concentrically and provide better workability in disposing the exhaust pipe and the tail pipe concentrically, and a method for manufacturing the work vehicle, can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiko Uchida
  • Patent number: 8931267
    Abstract: A pump for use in pumping hydraulic well control fluid expelled from a control device of a well, comprises means for accumulating such hydraulic well control fluid and means for using the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the well to pump accumulated hydraulic well control fluid into a production flowline of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventor: Simon David Gill
  • Patent number: 8931268
    Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating fluid expansion and contraction within an axle housing or axle support structure of a hydrostatic transaxle is provided. A partitioning element separates the hydraulic fluid from an air chamber created at least partially by the partitioning element and the partitioning element extends around a portion of the axle and at least a portion of the partitioning element is movable along the longitudinal axis of the axle to expand the volume of the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 8931269
    Abstract: An actuator is provided having a temperature activatable actuating member comprising an inductively couplable material. The actuator has an electrical heating element for electrically heating the actuating member. The heating element is configured to inductively couple with said material when an AC current is passed through the heating element such that an opposing electromotive force is induced in the heating element. A detector is provided for detecting activation of the actuating member by sensing a change in the AC impedance of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Christopher G. Bright, John E. Anthony
  • Patent number: 8931270
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic brake booster. A relative movement structure of a control plunger and an output shaft is modified in such a manner that the output shaft operates in the control plunger, thereby reducing the overall length of the booster and the manufacturing cost. An inner circumferential surface of a guide of the control plunger does not make contact with an outer circumferential surface of the output shaft, so that the vibration and the impact caused by the contact between the control plunger and the output shaft are not delivered, thereby improving brake pedal feeling. The control plunger includes a guide having a groove, and an inner diameter of the guide is greater than an outer diameter of the output shaft. The control plunger and the output shaft perform relative movement in the overlap state therebetween, thereby reducing the overall length of the booster and the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Cheol Soo Kim, Kyu Man Lee, Yoo Sang Kim
  • Patent number: 8931271
    Abstract: A method for a turbocharger of a heat engine including a turbine, a compressor, and a by-pass actuator that can be used to control an air flow that does not pass through the turbine. The method includes determining a position set point of the by-pass actuator as a function of a compression ratio set point, a compression ratio measurement, a measurement of the rate of flow through the compressor, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the turbine, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the compressor, a measurement of the temperature upstream from the turbine, and a measurement of the temperature upstream from the compressor. The method can be used to control a supercharging device with a single or dual turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Fontvieille, Arnaud Guinois, Philippe Moulin, Olivier Grondin
  • Patent number: 8931272
    Abstract: A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, during a first condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a first limit and during a second condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a second limit that differs from the first limit. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopal Krishna Chamarthi, Dean Pennala, David Ives, David Robert Nader, Paul Martin Niessen, Jason Ronald Smith
  • Patent number: 8931273
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for raising an exhaust temperature to spin a turbocharger turbine and reduce turbo-lag. Pressurized air is discharged from a boost reservoir into an intake manifold while spark retard is increased to expedite exhaust heating while also increasing a net combustion torque. By expediting turbine spin-up in response to a tip-in, turbo-lag is reduced and engine performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Julia Helen Buckland, Robert Andrew Wade
  • Patent number: 8931274
    Abstract: An engine system may include an electric or mechanical supercharger and an LP-EGR, basically with a turbocharger, an EGR valve, a channel control valve, and a bypass valve, which control the flow rate of external air and exhaust gas, may be integrally operated, and a operation section may be divided into a turbo-lag and low torque section, a mid-load section, and mid/high-load section such that the open amount of EGR valve, channel control valve, and bypass valve may be optimally controlled, such that it may be possible to improve availability for a low-speed/high-load section with turbo-lag reduced, using supercharger and considerably increase the ratio of fuel efficiency improvement in the low-speed/high-load section, using LP-EGR operating with supercharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Donghee Han, Dongho Chu, Yoonjoo Kim, Jongil Park, Hongjip Kim, Seungkook Han, Hyuk Im
  • Patent number: 8931275
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system that efficiently converts waste heat from an engine coolant and an engine exhaust in a vehicle. The system includes a coolant heat exchanger that receives heat from the engine coolant, an exhaust heat exchanger that receives heat from the engine exhaust and an economizer heat exchanger. A plurality of valves control the flow of the fluid in different modes as determined by a power ratio between the heat provided by the exhaust heat exchanger and the heat provided by the coolant heat exchanger, including an economizer heat exchanger after coolant heat exchanger mode at low power ratios, where the fluid from the pump flows to the economizer heat exchanger after the coolant heat exchanger and an economizer heat exchanger before coolant heat exchanger mode at high power ratios, where the fluid from the pump flows to the economizer heat exchanger before the coolant heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Glover, John R. Bucknell, Norman K. Bucknor, Dongsuk Kum
  • Patent number: 8931276
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Dongho Kim
  • Patent number: 8931277
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system for storing and providing electrical energy are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a system for purifying fluid, as well as embodiments of a system in which energy storage and fluid purification are combined. One disclosed embodiment of the system comprises a latent heat storage device, a sensible heat storage device, a vapor expander/compressor device mechanically coupled to a motor/generator device, a heat-exchanger, and a liquid pressurization and depressurization device. The devices are fluidly coupled in a closed-loop system, and a two-phase working fluid circulates therein. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to store and generate energy also are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to purify fluid, as well as embodiments of a method for operating a combined energy storage and fluid purification system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University
    Inventors: Richard B. Peterson, Robbie Ingram-Goble, Kevin J. Harada
  • Patent number: 8931278
    Abstract: A steam generation system delivers heats water and carbon dioxide at high temperatures in the presence of one or more plasma arc torches and converts the materials into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The converted gas is delivered to a heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) to produce steam, which may be used to power a steam turbine. Depending on the amount of steam and/or power desired, the system may use a control system to vary the flow, temperature and pressure of the gas delivered to the HRSG. The control system may do this by bringing additional torches on-line or off-line in the processing chamber, by adding unheated gas directly from a supply source, shunting the gas from the HRSG, and varying the flow of water delivered to the HRSG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Powerdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hirson, Gus F. Shouse
  • Patent number: 8931279
    Abstract: A switchable solar heating device for a gas turbine with a compressor, having a valve for electively bypassing a solar heater arranged between a compressor stage and a turbine stage of the gas turbine. The valve is constructed as a 4-way valve with a compressor port that can be connected to the compressor stage, a turbine port that can be connected to the turbine stage, a solar input port that can be connected to an input of the solar heater, and a solar output port that can be connected to an output of the solar heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Man Diesel & Turbo SE
    Inventor: Hans-Otto Jeske
  • Patent number: 8931280
    Abstract: A venturi assembly for a turbine combustor includes a first outer annular wall and a second intermediate annular wall radially spaced from each other in substantially concentric relationship. The first outer annular wall and said second intermediate annular wall shaped to define a forward, substantially V-shaped throat region, and an aft, axially extending portion. A third radially innermost annular wall is connected to the second intermediate annular wall at an aft end of said throat region. A first plurality of apertures is provided in the first outer annular wall in the substantially V-shaped throat region, and a second plurality of apertures is provided in the aft, axially extending portion of said second intermediate annular wall so that cooling air flows through the first and second pluralities of apertures to impingement cool the third radially innermost annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karthick Kaleeswaran, Kodukulla Venkat Sridhar, James Butts, Bhaskara Rao Atchuta, Prabhu Kumar Ippadi Siddagangaiah
  • Patent number: 8931281
    Abstract: An external flap connection assembly for a turbine engine nozzle has a track frame, a slider track, and an external flap. The external flap is removably connected to the slider track via a retaining member which has a slider block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose E. Ruberte Sanchez, David C. Schuppert
  • Patent number: 8931282
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which the power output is controlled by modulating at least one of the compression ratio, expansion ratio, ratio of expansion rate to compression rate, air to fuel ratio, and steam to air ratio. Continuous isobaric catalytic combustion followed by isothermal expansion and the use of separate compressor and expander devices are used. Control dynamically maximizes fuel efficiency for the given power demand conditions. Power output is controlled by modulating flame temperature and/or pressure instead of by throttling. Lean combustion, high compression ratio, exhaust heat recuperation, and high power density and fuel economy are provided. External cooling is minimized or eliminated. Insulation of the engine effectively reduces energy losses to friction. Interchangeable use of gasoline, hydrogen and ammonia at high fuel efficiency is made possible for transitional periods of fuel availabilities. An injector suitable for isothermal expansion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan Jay Feinstein
  • Patent number: 8931283
    Abstract: A reformer for use in a gas turbine engine specially configured to treat a supplemental fuel feed to the combustor that includes a reformer core containing a catalyst composition and an inlet flow channel for transporting the reformer fuel mixture, air and steam (either saturated or superheated) into a reformer core. An outlet flow channel transports the resulting reformate stream containing reformed and thermally cracked hydrocarbons and substantial amounts of hydrogen out of the reformer core for later combination with the main combustor feed. Because the catalytic partial oxidation reaction in the reformer is highly exothermic, the additional heat is transferred (and thermally integrated) using one or more heat exchange units for a first and/or second auxiliary gas turbine fuel stream that undergo thermal cracking and vaporization before combining with the reformate. The combined, hydrogen-enriched feed significantly improves combustor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdul Rafey Khan, Hasan Karim, Jonathan Dwight Berry
  • Patent number: 8931284
    Abstract: A flow discharge device, such as a compressor bleed outlet discharging into a bypass duct of a gas turbine engine, comprises an outlet panel 46 which is perforated by openings 48, 50 disposed in an array which tapers in the downstream direction with respect to the flow B in the bypass duct. The configuration of the array of openings 48, 50 creates a plume 60 of tapering form, which enables the bypass flow B to come together downstream of the plume 60 with minimal wake generation, to provide a shield of cooler air so as to avoid contact between the hot gas plume 60 and a wall of 27 of the bypass duct 22. The resulting aerofoil-shaped cross section of the plume 60 also reduces any blocking effect in the bypass duct 22, with consequent performance benefits for the engine fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Zahid M Hussain, Jonathan G Bird
  • Patent number: 8931285
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a fan, a speed reduction device driving the fan, and a lubrication system for lubricating components across a rotation gap. The lubrication system includes a lubricant input. A stationary first bearing receives lubricant from the lubricant input and has a first race in which lubricant flows. A second bearing for rotation is within the first bearing. The second bearing has a first opening in registration with said first race such that lubricant may flow from the first race through the first opening into a first conduit. The first bearing also has a second race into which lubricant flows. The second bearing has a second opening in registration with the second race such that lubricant may flow from the second race through the second opening into a second conduit. The first and second conduits deliver lubricant to distinct locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8931286
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device 1 for improving heat exchange efficiency is provided which has a first stack 3a including stack constituent elements 3eL and 3eH laminated together, and a first high-temperature side heat exchanger 4 and a first low-temperature side heat exchanger 5, which are provided at two ends of the first stack 3a, in which a self-excited acoustic wave is generated by a temperature difference between the first high-temperature side heat exchanger 4 and the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 5 and is then converted to thermal energy in a stack 3b provided between a second high-temperature side heat exchanger 6 and a second low-temperature side heat exchanger 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Doshisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Watanabe, Shinichi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8931287
    Abstract: A water-going liquefied carbon dioxide (LCD) transport vessel having a pressurized and refrigerated LCD container, a cargo discharge pump within the container for pumping LCD out of] the container along a conduit, a booster pump for pumping LCD along the conduit to a platform, a first backflow line downstream of the cargo pump to the container, a second backflow line from downstream of the booster pump to the container, and optionally a heater arranged to heat LCD flowing from the vessel along the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Audun Aspelund, Henrik Krogstad, Tor Erling Sandvik, Jan Einar Fivelstad, Roar Frode Henningsen, Leif Roar Wongraven, Tor Erik Hilden, Narve Oma
  • Patent number: 8931288
    Abstract: In various implementations, air conditioners may include a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion. A bypass line may divert a portion of the refrigerant from the high pressure portion to the low pressure portion to reduce the pressure of at least a part of the high pressure portion. The bypass line may be opened automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Qu, Der-Kai Hung