Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110062782 | EXTENDING ACHIEVABLE DUTY CYCLE RANGE IN DC/DC FORWARD CONVERTER WITH ACTIVE CLAMP RESET - Novel system and methodology are provided for controlling a DC/DC forward converter having a transformer with primary and secondary windings, a reset switch, and a first switch coupled to the primary winding of the transformer. The control system involves a PWM control circuit responsive to an output signal of the converter for producing a PWM signal to control switching of the reset switch, and the first switch. A period of the PWM signal includes an on-time interval for enabling transfer of power via the transformer when the first switch is on, and a reset time interval for enabling reset of the transformer when the reset switch is on. A maximum value of the on-time interval is pre-set to provide sufficient time for the reset. The reset switch is turned off when the PWM signal goes from a first level to a second level. A first delay period is set between time when the reset switch turns off and time when the first switch turns on. A first delay control circuit is provided for reducing the first delay time when the on-time interval approaches the maximum value. Further, the converter may include a second switch coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer. A second delay period shorter than the first delay period may be set between time when the reset switch turns off and time when the second switch turns on. A second delay control circuit may be provided for reducing the second delay period when the on-time interval approaches the maximum value. | 03-17-2011 |
20110062932 | DC/DC CONVERTER HAVING A FAST AND ACCURATE AVERAGE CURRENT LIMIT - In order to overcome the three main obstacles to obtaining a fast and accurate average current limit in a DC/DC converter, three distinct improvements are provided which can work in concert to achieve the goal. Each of the three parts comprises significant new improvements, and their use together to create an average current limit is also believed to be novel. The first improvement relates to providing a bias signal control configured to apply a variable DC bias signal to the compensation ramp signal generated in the DC/DC converter so that the compensating ramp signal is biased to zero at the end of each ON-time for each cycle so that the peak current limit is independent of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal during current limit conditions. A second improvement relates to modulating the clamp voltage that establishes the peak current limit as a function of ripple of the inductor current for each cycle of the pulse width modulation signal so as to reduce or cancel the effect of the inductor ripple current on the average output current during current limit conditions. The third improvement relates to adjusting the frequency of the pulse width modulation signal during current limit conditions as a function of both the input voltage and the output voltage of the DC/DC converter. | 03-17-2011 |
20110063882 | ACCURACY OF A VOLT-SECOND CLAMP IN AN ISOLATED DC/DC CONVERTER - A novel system and methodology for providing a volt-second clamp. A DC/DC conversion system configured for producing an output voltage in response to an input voltage has a transformer with a primary winding responsive to the input voltage and a secondary winding for producing the output voltage. The conversion system has a power switch coupled to the primary winding of the transformer and controlled with a converter control signal, such as a PWM control signal. The power switch is further controlled by a comparator that compares an input value supplied to its input with a variable reference value so as to prevent magnetic flux density of the transformer from increasing to an undesired level. The input value of the comparator is produced by a comparator input circuit as a function of the input voltage and an on-time of the power switch. A reference circuit produces the reference value that varies as a function of the input voltage. | 03-17-2011 |
20110299304 | DC/DC CONVERTER WITH MAGNETIC FLUX DENSITY LIMITS - A DC/DC converter may include a power stage circuit, a pulse generator circuit, a flux density monitor, and power control logic. The power stage circuit includes an input, an output, and a transformer with a core. The power stage circuit may be configured to operate in a power transfer mode during which power is transferred from the input to the output and a reset mode during which flux density in the core of the transformer is reduced. The pulse generator circuit may be configured to generate pulses that regulate the output of the power stage circuit. The flux density monitor circuit may be configured to generate flux density information indicative of the flux density of the core of the transformer during both the power transfer mode and the reset mode. The power stage control logic may be configured to regulate the output of the power stage circuit based on the pulses and to prevent the core of the transformer from saturating based on the flux density information. | 12-08-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140109381 | FASTENER RETENTION SYSTEM - A fastening system comprises a driving tool having a driving shaft and a fastener having a fastener shaft. A sleeve is sized and shaped to create an interference fit when installed about the driving shaft of the driving tool. The sleeve is sized and shaped to create an interference fit when installed about the fastener shaft of the fastener. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114357 | SURGICAL CONSTRUCT COUPLING SYSTEM - A coupling assembly for use in surgical constructs includes a first body and a second body. One of the first body and the second body includes a male member and an other of the first body and the second body includes a female member. The male member is sized and shaped to be received within the female member and the female member has an internal bore sized and shaped to receive the male member therein. One of the male member or the female member includes one or more engagement features formed therewith or attached thereto. The engagement features are operable to provide a gripping interface between the male member and the female member to couple the male member and the female member one to another. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114359 | TRANSVERSE CONNECTOR AND RELATED METHODS - A connecting system includes a longitudinal connector having two opposite ends and at least one fastener, configured to couple at least one of the ends of the longitudinal connector to a patient's anatomy. At least one clamping assembly is operable to secure the longitudinal connector to the fastener. The clamping assembly allows adjustment of relative positions of the longitudinal connector and the fastener prior to fixing relative positions of the longitudinal connector and the fastener. | 04-24-2014 |
20140309704 | CERVICAL POP RIVET LOCKING MECHANISM - An orthopedic device includes an implant member with a thru-bore having an entry diameter, an intermediate diameter, and an exit diameter. According to one embodiment the intermediate diameter of the thru-bore is larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Additionally, the orthopedic device includes a screw assembly configured to be coupled to the thru-bore, including a thread portion and a selectively expandable head portion. The selectively expandable head portion includes both an expandable ring and a pull-lock pin configured to selectively expand the expandable ring as the pull-lock pin is pulled from said screw assembly. | 10-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100212573 | REMOTELY OPERATED UNDERWATER VEHICLE - A system for communicating with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) includes an ROV coupled to a surface buoy by a tether. A controller is coupled to a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver is attached to the surface buoy. Control signals are transmitted from the controller through the first wireless transceiver the second wireless transceiver on the surface buoy. The control signals are then transmitted through the tether to the ROV. Feedback and sensor signals are transmitted from the ROV through the wireless transceivers to the controller. | 08-26-2010 |
20100212574 | REMOTELY OPERATED UNDERWATER VEHICLE - A system for communicating with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) includes a winged ROV coupled to a surface buoy by a tether. A controller on a support ship is coupled to the tether and the control signals are then transmitted through the tether to the ROV. Feedback and sensor signals are transmitted from the ROV through the wireless transceivers to the controller. The wings of the ROV produce negative lift which is greater than the buoyant force of the ROV and the vertical tension forces on the tether. | 08-26-2010 |
20110283930 | OPTICAL FIBER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An optical fiber management system for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes a spool containing a length of optical cable, a motor coupled to the spool, a motor controller, a speed sensor and a feed mechanism. The motor controller can detect the speed of the ROV through water and control the rotational speed of the motor so that the optical cable is removed from the spool at a speed that is equal to or greater than the speed of the ROV. A feed mechanism is used to apply a tension to the optical cable so that it is removed from the spool and emitted from the ROV without becoming tangled. | 11-24-2011 |
20110299819 | OCEAN DEPLOYABLE BIODEGRADABLE OPTICAL FIBER CABLE - An optical fiber cable has a transparent core for transmitting optical data and a biodegradable protective covering. When placed in water, the protective covering dissolves in water after a few days. The raw remaining optical fiber cover is very thin, approximately 0.003 inches in diameter and very fragile. The optical core is easily broken into fine particles which becomes sand on the sea floor. | 12-08-2011 |
20110299932 | DEPLOYABLE OPTICAL FIBER CARTRIDGE - A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material. | 12-08-2011 |
20130193256 | INTERNAL WINCH FOR SELF PAYOUT AND RE-WIND OF A SMALL DIAMETER TETHER FOR UNDERWATER REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE - A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV stores the cable on a spool and releases the cable into the water as the ROV dives away from the support vessel. The ROV detects the tension in the cable and the rate that the cable is release from the ROV is proportional to the detected tension in the cable. After the ROV has completed the dive and retrieved by the support vessel, the cable can be retrieved from the water and rewound onto the spool in the ROV. | 08-01-2013 |
20140248087 | DEPLOYABLE OPTICAL FIBER CARTRIDGE - A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material. | 09-04-2014 |
20160023733 | POSITIVELY BUOYANT, VERTICAL THRUST, MANNED SUBMERSIBLE - The present invention is directed towards a fixed positively buoyant manned submersible that includes a plurality of vertical thrusters and a sealed enclosure(s) that can support one or more human passengers. The vertical thrusters can include vertically aligned propellers that are coupled to motors that control the rotational velocity of the propellers. The vertical thrusters to generate a negative vertical thrust to allow the submersible to dive within a body of water. Horizontal movement can be achieved through horizontal thrusters or directing the thrust vectoring of the vertical thrusters. | 01-28-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090105335 | POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACID MONOVALENT AND DIVALENT METAL SALT SYNTHESIS - Disclosed herein are methods for the preparation of a free-flowing, storage-stable fatty acid metal salt product by forming a reactive admixture comprising (a) an unsaturated fatty acid glyceride feedstock; and (b) from about 1 mol to about 3 mol of at least one monovalent metal hydroxide or at least one divalent metal hydroxide; and heating the admixture to a temperature at which said fatty acid glycerides saponify to form fatty acid metals salts; wherein said monovalent metal is potassium; and wherein said divalent metal is selected from the group consisting of calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc. The fatty acid glycerides may be saponified in an atmosphere in which the partial pressure of oxygen has been reduced by an amount effective to provide an improvement in storage stability until a free-flowing, storage-stage product is obtained, or prior to saponification, the fatty acid glycerides may blended with a stabilizing oil that promotes storage stability, or both. Storage stable metal salts of unsaturated fatty acids prepared by the inventive methods are also disclosed. | 04-23-2009 |
20110039932 | POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACID MONOVALENT AND DIVALENT METAL SALT SYNTHESIS - Methods for the preparation of a free-flowing, storage-stable fatty acid metal salt product by forming a reactive admixture of (a) an unsaturated fatty acid glyceride feedstock; and (b) from about 1 mol to about 3 mol of at least one monovalent metal hydroxide or at least one divalent metal hydroxide; and heating the admixture to a temperature at which said fatty acid glycerides saponify to form fatty acid metals salts; wherein said monovalent metal is potassium; and wherein said divalent metal is selected from the group consisting of calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc. The fatty acid glycerides are saponified in an atmosphere in which the partial pressure of oxygen has been reduced by an amount effective to provide an improvement in storage stability until a free-flowing, storage-stage product is obtained. Storage stable metal salts of unsaturated fatty acids prepared by the inventive methods are also disclosed. | 02-17-2011 |
20140205723 | STABILIZATION OF OXIDIZED FATS - A method for improving the palatability of a livestock feed or companion animal food product comprising a basal composition containing unsaturated fatty acids that oxidize to form aldehydes or ketones by contacting the basal composition with a source of bisulfite anions so that any aldehydes or ketones present form organosulfite salts. Bisulfite-treated livestock feed and companion animal food products, and palatability enhancing composition containing a source of bisulfite anions are also disclosed. | 07-24-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100300910 | Method and System for Medical Instrument Sterilization Containers - The system contains a base with a plurality of base ventilation holes and a plurality of side walls. The base includes a base instrument holder fixed to the base. At least one stage with a plurality of stage ventilation holes is positioned within the base. The stage includes at least two legs fixed to the stage, at least one stage instrument holder fixed to the stage, and a stage notched member fixed to the stage and positioned to engage a medical instrument beneath the stage. A fixed or removable cover having a plurality of cover ventilation holes is included to surround the base. | 12-02-2010 |
20140110288 | LIGHT REFLECTION AND GLARE PREVENTING MEDICAL INSTRUMENT HOLDING APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - A medical instrument holding apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a medical instrument container. A medical instrument holding platform is positioned within the medical instrument container, wherein the medical instrument holding platform has a textured surface. At least one marking is positioning on the textured surface. When a quantity of light emitted from a lighting fixture is applied to the textured surface, a reflection from the quantity of light may be prevented. | 04-24-2014 |
20140162207 | Apparatus for Retaining Medical Instruments and Related Methods - An apparatus and method for retaining medical instruments is disclosed. The apparatus includes a medical instrument tray having a substantially planar, rigid interior section, wherein the interior section has a plurality of holes formed therein. A flexible grommet sheet is positioned abutting a first side of the medical instrument tray, the flexible grommet sheet having a plurality of openings therein, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of openings are substantially axially aligned with the plurality of holes formed within the interior section. A substantially rigid back plate is removably attached to the medical instrument tray, wherein the flexible grommet sheet is positioned between the first side of the interior section and the back plate, and wherein the back plate has a plurality of holes positioned therein, wherein the plurality of holes are substantially axially aligned with the plurality of holes formed within the interior section. | 06-12-2014 |
20150129524 | Tray and Bracket System and Related Methods - A bracket and tray connection system includes a tray with a plurality of connector holes positioned therein, wherein the tray has an upper surface. A bracket has a base surface positioned proximate to an upper surface of the tray. At least one fastening tab is formed on the base surface of the bracket, wherein the fastening tab extends away from the base surface and through at least one of the connector holes within the tray. An interior corner pocket is formed by the fastening tab and located at least partially between the base surface and the fastening tab. An exterior corner of at least one of the connector holes is positioned with the interior corner pocket. A retainer structure is formed on the base surface of the bracket, wherein the retainer structure engages with the tray to retain the exterior corner positioned within the interior corner pocket. | 05-14-2015 |
20160030617 | Sterilization Container with Movable and Nestable Lid - A sterilization container includes a floor. A first sidewall is connected to a first side of the floor and a second sidewall is connected to a second side of the floor wherein each of the first and second sidewalls has an elongated blind cavity formed along a length thereof. A first hinge is positioned partially within the blind cavity of the first sidewall, and a second hinge is positioned partially within the blind cavity of the second sidewall, wherein each of the first and second hinges are movable along a length of the first and second blind cavities, respectively. A lid is connected between the first and second hinges and is positionable between a first position substantially parallel with the floor on a third side of the floor, and a second position substantially parallel with the floor on a fourth side of the floor. | 02-04-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100117263 | MODULAR HANDRAIL CONSTRUCTION FOR A PASSENGER CONVEYOR HANDRAIL - A method of making a passenger conveyor handrail includes forming a drive member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced drive surfaces. The drive member has a longitudinal stiffness for maintaining a desired spacing between the drive surfaces. The drive member is inserted into a molding device. A gripping surface portion of the handrail is formed using the molding device such that the gripping surface portion and the drive member are secured together. Another method includes forming a belt drive member having a plurality of teeth that establish a plurality of longitudinally spaced drive surfaces. The belt has a longitudinal stiffness for maintaining a desired spacing between the drive surfaces. Each of the teeth extends across an entire width of the belt. The belt is secured to a gripping surface portion of the handrail. | 05-13-2010 |
20100209800 | FUEL CELL REPEATER UNIT - An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path. | 08-19-2010 |
20110275006 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL HAVING METAL SUPPORT WITH A COMPLIANT POROUS NICKEL LAYER - A fuel cell includes a cell having a solid oxide electrolyte between electrodes. The cell has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A metallic support is in electrical connection with one of the electrodes. The metallic support includes a metal substrate and a compliant porous nickel layer that is bonded to the metal substrate between the cell and the metal substrate. The metal substrate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that nominally matches the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the cell. The metal substrate has a first stiffness and the compliant porous nickel layer has a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness such that the compliant porous nickel layer can thermally expand and contract with the metal substrate. | 11-10-2011 |
20120045701 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL SYSTEM - A system and method satisfies temperature and pressure requirements of solid oxide fuel cell system | 02-23-2012 |
20130101915 | COMPOSITE SEAL FOR FUEL CELLS, PROCESS OF MANUFACTURE, AND FUEL CELL STACK USING SAME - A seal is provided for use in a solid oxide fuel cell, wherein the seal is formed of alternating adjacent layers of a fiber tow material and a foil material. A solid oxide fuel cell stack is also disclosed and is formed of repeating cell units, each cell unit having a plurality of fuel cell stack components defining opposed component surfaces, and the seal as described above positioned between the opposed component surfaces. A process is also provided for manufacturing a composite seal for a solid oxide fuel cell, and the process including the steps of: (a) feeding a quantity of spooled fiber tow material through an inert bonding agent to form a coated fiber tow material; (b) winding the coated fiber tow material about a mandrel to form a wound layer of fiber tow material; (c) feeding a quantity of spooled foil material about the wound layer of fiber tow material to form a wound layer of foil material; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) until forming a composite seal having desired thickness and width. | 04-25-2013 |
20130302716 | FUEL CELL REPEATER UNIT - An example interconnector of a fuel cell repeater unit includes a dimpled interconnector of a fuel cell repeater unit. The dimpled interconnector establishes at least a portion of an interconnector flow path operative to communicate airflow through the fuel cell repeater unit, the dimpled interconnector having a plurality of dimples. | 11-14-2013 |
20150357665 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL SYSTEM - A system and method satisfies temperature and pressure requirements of solid oxide fuel cell system in a manner that increases the overall efficiency and decreases the overall weight of system. The system and method include a secondary blower for boosting air stream pressure level sufficient for operation of a reformer that is designed to minimize pressure drop; an integrated heat exchanger for recovering heat from exhaust and comprising multiple flow fields for ensuring inlet temperature requirements of a solid oxide fuel cell are met; and a thermal enclosure for separating hot zone components from cool zone components for increasing thermal efficiency of the system and better thermal management. | 12-10-2015 |
20160053380 | HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HIGH PRESSURE PORTABLE GAS HEATER - A portable gas heater includes a housing, a pressure vessel arranged in the housing, a layer of thermal insulation disposed on an interior wall of the pressure vessel, a heating element arranged within the layer of thermal insulation, and a gas diffuser arranged upstream from the heating element. A cold spray system including the portable gas heater and a method of heating gas are also disclosed. | 02-25-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100172724 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED DISPENSING OF MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS - A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in registration with the transfer station. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174552 | SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR FILLING PRESCRIPTIONS - An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into med pass orders per patient and delivered to the long-term care (LTC) facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process according to one embodiment of this invention begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged med pass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The various safeguards and measures built into this system increase patient safety eliminate waste and increase labor efficiency by reducing and/or minimizing the disposal of unused medications and supplements. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system. This process is automated and does not rely upon manual sorting. The med pass bags are consolidated into the final shipping container and do not require manual sorting and packing. | 07-08-2010 |
20100176145 | PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSING SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. | 07-15-2010 |
20130097975 | PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098501 | PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101377 | PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system. | 04-25-2013 |
20140017044 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED DISPENSING OF INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED PRODUCTS - A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in registration with the transfer station. | 01-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120085305 | POSITIVE CONTROL (DESMODROMIC) VALVE SYSTEMS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc. | 04-12-2012 |
20120085309 | SEALING OF SLEEVE VALVES - A sleeve valve with a valve body that at least partially encircles at least one piston that moves in a reciprocating manner can, at least partially define with the at least one piston a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A valve actuation mechanism can move the sleeve valve between an open position and a closed position to control flow through a port of the internal combustion engine. The sealing edge of the sleeve valve can be urged against a valve seat by an urging force generated by the valve actuation mechanism when the sleeve valve is moved to the closed position. At least one of the sleeve valve and the valve seat can include a valve assistance feature that assists the valve actuation mechanism in resisting forces generated by the internal combustion engine in opposition to the urging force. Related articles, systems, and methods are described. | 04-12-2012 |
20120085319 | CONTROL OF COMBUSTION MIXTURES AND VARIABILITY THEREOF WITH ENGINE LOAD - An internal combustion engine can be operated in response to a received first throttle control input in a first operating regime that includes delivering a first air-fuel mixture having a first air/fuel ratio to a combustion volume to deliver a first output power in a first output power range between zero and a transition output power level. The engine can be operated in response to a received second throttle control input in a second operating regime that includes delivering a second air/fuel ratio richer than the first air/fuel ratio to the combustion volume to deliver a second output power in a second output power range between the transition output power level and a maximum output power level. Related methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described. | 04-12-2012 |
20120089316 | SINGLE PISTON SLEEVE VALVE WITH OPTIONAL VARIABLE COMPRESSION RATIO CAPABILITY - An internal combustion engine can include a piston moving in a cylinder and a junk head disposed opposite the piston head in the cylinder. The junk head can optionally be moveable between a higher compression ratio position closer to a top dead center of the piston and a lower compression ratio position further from the top dead center position of the piston. At least one intake port can deliver a fluid comprising inlet air to a combustion chamber within the cylinder. Combustion gases can be directed out of the combustion volume through at least one exhaust port. One or both of the intake port and the exhaust port can be opened and closed by operation of a sleeve valve that at least partially encircles the piston. Related articles, systems, and methods are described. | 04-12-2012 |
20120111293 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VALVE ACTUATION AND ADJUSTABLE LIFT AND TIMING - A cam can rotate on a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. A rocker arm that actuates a valve of the internal combustion engine can include a rocker pivot connection point located on a distal side of a valve component from a proximate end of the rocker arm that is deflected by action of the cam. The rocker arm can include a contact point located between the rocker pivot point and the proximate end. The contact point can act on the valve component to actuate the valve. The rocker pivot connection point can be translated such that it is closer to or further from the cam. This translation can be used to vary valve lift and/or valve timing. The cam can have a three-dimensional profile to provide different actuation distance of the rocker arm. Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture consistent with one or more of these features are described. | 05-10-2012 |
20140158093 | DECELERATION FUEL SHUT OFF FOR CARBURETED ENGINES - Fuel efficiency of small carbureted engines can be improved through the use of a fuel shut off valve that ceases fuel flow in the carburetor upon determination that the engine throttle has been closed and the engine is not at or near an idle condition. | 06-12-2014 |
20150059694 | CONTROL OF COMBUSTION MIXTURES AND VARIABILITY THEREOF WITH ENGINE LOAD - An internal combustion engine can be operated in response to a received first throttle control input in a first operating regime that includes delivering a first air-fuel mixture having a first air/fuel ratio to a combustion volume to deliver a first output power in a first output power range between zero and a transition output power level. The engine can be operated in response to a received second throttle control input in a second operating regime that includes delivering a second air/fuel ratio richer than the first air/fuel ratio to the combustion volume to deliver a second output power in a second output power range between the transition output power level and a maximum output power level. The first throttle control input can include activation of a throttle control device against a first control resistance provided by the throttle control device, and the second throttle control input can include activation of the throttle control device against a second control resistance provided by the throttle control device and that is greater than the first control resistance. Related methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described. | 03-05-2015 |
20150096514 | POSITIVE CONTROL (DESMODROMIC) VALVE SYSTEMS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc. | 04-09-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080282711 | Ice Management Apparatus - An ice making, and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein. | 11-20-2008 |
20080282721 | Ice Distribution Device For An Ice Retaining Unit With Optional Sensor Control Therefor - An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit is provided, whereby a nozzle of the distribution device is adapted to be rotated in an eccentric rotation when installed at an upper end of an ice retaining unit, such that, when it is rotated about its axis, forces acting inside an eccentrically mounted nozzle will produce both axial and lateral components, with the lateral components of force providing a controlled “wobble”, that will deliver a substantially uniform distribution of ice within the retaining unit. A sensing device, which may be ultrasonic, mechanical or some other means, may be used to sense the level of build-up of ice within a retaining unit, for discontinuing the flow of ice to the distribution device, or diverting it to another ice retaining unit, as may be desired. The distribution and sensing devices are mounted on a top wall of the ice retaining unit and are adapted to accommodate top walls of such units of various thicknesses. | 11-20-2008 |
20100236271 | Ice Management Apparatus - An ice making and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein. | 09-23-2010 |
20100250005 | Ice Management Apparatus - An ice making and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein. | 09-30-2010 |