Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090305008 | SURFACE COLOR PATTERNING WHILE DRAWING POLYMER ARTICLES - Prepare an oriented polymer composition having a decorative appearance by a process including extruding an orientable polymer composition from an extruder, directing the orientable polymer composition through a calibrator and then drawing the orientable polymer composition, optionally through a drawing die, at a drawing temperature to form an oriented polymer composition wherein the process further includes disposing a colorant onto a surface of the oriented polymer composition prior to the calibrator, prior to the drawing die or both prior to a calibrator and prior to the drawing die in a pattern having a width of at least five millimeters and that preferably so that the colorant is at least partially located on a recessed portion of the resulting oriented polymer composition's surface and/or extends to a depth of at least one millimeter below the oriented polymer composition's surface. | 12-10-2009 |
20120100355 | SOLID STATE DRAWING LAMINATED POLYMER BILLETS - Solid state draw a laminated polymer billet containing two or more polymer compositions laminated to one another to prepare an oriented polymer composition. | 04-26-2012 |
20120118349 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV arrays and/or locate these arrays upon a building or structure. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the serviceability of the array. | 05-17-2012 |
20120118361 | MULTI-LAYER LAMINATE STRUCTURE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD - The present invention is premised upon a multi-layer laminate structure and method of manufacture, more particularly to a method of constructing the multi-layer laminate structure utilizing a laminate frame and at least one energy activated flowable polymer. | 05-17-2012 |
20130276854 | SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES ON A STRUCTURE - The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV devices and/or locate these devices upon a building or structure in two rows/columns with opposing current flows. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the service-ability of the device. | 10-24-2013 |
20150318427 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV arrays and/or locate these arrays upon a building or structure. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the serviceability of the array. | 11-05-2015 |
20150360809 | PALLET AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - A pallet has a top deck coupled with a bottom deck through a plurality of spacer members. The bottom deck is provided as a sub-assembly comprising at least two lead bottom deck boards and at least one intermediate bottom deck board, each bottom deck board coupled with at least one other bottom deck board by a bottom deck joint, and wherein each board of the bottom deck sub-assembly is further coupled with at least one of the plurality of spacer members to couple the bottom deck sub-assembly with the top deck. At least one of the bottom deck lead boards are made from a fiber filled thermoplastic or oriented plastic composite material. | 12-17-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090217916 | ENHANCED CATALYST PERFORMACE BY ENGINE LOAD ADJUSTMENT - A method comprises operating an engine of a vehicle to provide output torque to an input of a torque converter, determining whether the engine is in a cold start condition, fixing an input shaft of a transmission when the engine is in the cold start condition, and coupling the input shaft of the transmission to an output of the torque converter. A control module comprises a combustion control module that operates an engine of a vehicle to provide output torque to an input of a torque converter, a NPD module that determines whether the engine is in a cold start condition, and a transmission control module that fixes an input shaft of a transmission when the engine is in the cold start condition, wherein the input shaft of the transmission is in communication with an output of the torque converter. | 09-03-2009 |
20100057325 | TORQUE RESERVE AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR COORDINATED TORQUE CONTROL - A coordinated torque control system includes a catalyst module that generates a multi-mode enable signal based on a catalyst light off enable signal. A torque reserve module generates a torque reserve signal based on the multi-mode enable signal, an engine speed signal and an air per cylinder signal. The torque reserve module operates in a multi-pulse mode that is associated with injecting N pulses of fuel into a combustion chamber during a combustion cycle of the engine based on the multi-mode enable signal. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057329 | MULTI-PULSE SPARK IGNITION DIRECT INJECTION TORQUE BASED SYSTEM - A control system is provided and includes a catalyst module that generates a multi-mode enable signal based on a catalyst light off enable signal. A transition control module controls transitions between a single pulse mode and multi-pulse mode based on the multi-mode enable signal. The transition control module receives a first torque signal and generates a second torque signal based on the first torque signal. The engine torque control module generates an air per cylinder signal, a throttle area signal, and a spark timing signal based on the second torque signal. The single pulse mode is associated with a single fuel injection pulse per combustion cycle. The multi-pulse mode is associated with multiple fuel injection pulses per combustion cycle. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057330 | MULTI-PULSE ENABLE DETERMINATION AND TRANSITION CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A coordinated torque control (CTC) system is provided that includes an engine capacity module, a multi-pulse enable module, and a catalyst light off torque reserve module. The engine capacity module determines a torque capacity of an engine and generates a maximum engine torque capacity signal. The multi-pulse enable module enables a multi-pulse mode that includes the injection of at least two pulses of fuel into a cylinder of the engine during a combustion cycle. The multi-pulse enable module generates a multi-pulse desired signal to operate in the multi-pulse mode based on the maximum engine torque capacity signal, a catalyst light off signal, and a brake torque request signal. The catalyst light off torque reserve module generates a torque reserve corrected signal based on the multi-pulse desired signal. | 03-04-2010 |
20100269791 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A PRESSURE SENSOR DURING IDLE CONDITIONS - A diagnostic system for a pressure sensor includes a fuel pump module and a diagnostic control module. The fuel pump module activates a first pump and deactivates a second pump when an engine is operating in a diagnostic mode. The first pump supplies fuel to the second pump and the second pump supplies fuel to fuel injectors of the engine via a fuel rail. The diagnostic control module receives a measured pressure signal from a pressure sensor that indicates a pressure of the fuel rail during the diagnostic mode. The diagnostic control module detects a fault of the pressure sensor based on a comparison between the measured pressure signal and the commanded pressure signal for the first pump. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274462 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A PRESSURE SENSOR DURING DRIVING CONDITIONS - A diagnostic system includes a fuel pump module and a diagnostic control module. The fuel pump module activates a first pump when an engine is operating in a diagnostic mode. The first pump supplies fuel to fuel injectors of the engine via a fuel rail. The diagnostic control module receives a measured pressure signal from a pressure sensor that indicates a pressure of the fuel rail during the diagnostic mode. The fuel pump module sends at least one of a first and a second commanded fuel pressure signal to the first pump based on a predetermined relief pressure of a pressure relief valve. The diagnostic control module detects a fault of the pressure sensor based on an engine speed and a comparison between the measured pressure signal and at least one of the first commanded fuel pressure signal and a corrected relief pressure of the pressure relief valve. | 10-28-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080271440 | Vehicle-Based Strategy for Removing Urea Deposits from an SCR Catalyst - A method is provided for operating an aftertreatment device coupled downstream of an internal combustion engine, the aftertreatment device including a urea-based selective catalyst reduction (SCR) catalyst. The method comprises establishing a threshold urea deposit accumulation for regeneration of the SCR catalyst; determining that the threshold urea deposit accumulation in the SCR catalyst has been met; and in response to the determination, regenerating the SCR catalyst by maintaining the SCR catalyst at a predetermined regeneration temperature for a predetermined time interval. | 11-06-2008 |
20090056310 | Multi-Stage Regeneration of Particulate Filter - A method of regenerating a particulate filter in an apparatus comprising an internal combustion engine and a catalyst that employs urea as reductant for NOx is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the catalyst and particulate filter to a first, lower elevated exhaust temperature to remove urea deposits and/or stored hydrocarbon from the catalyst, and then exposing the catalyst and particulate filter to a second, higher elevated exhaust temperature to heat the particulate filter to decompose particulate matter in the particulate filter. In this manner, damage caused to the catalyst due to the decomposition and reaction of urea deposits and/or oxidation of stored hydrocarbon during particulate filter regeneration may be avoided. | 03-05-2009 |
20120216510 | Vehicle-Based Strategy for Removing Urea Deposits from an SCR Catalyst - A method is provided for controlling regeneration of an SCR catalyst. The method includes coordinating the regeneration duration and temperature (e.g., longer/shorter regenerations and/or lower/higher temperatures) to the urea deposit loading. In this way, improved regeneration may be achieved due to the particular nature of urea deposits on SCR catalysts. | 08-30-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090118858 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FORASSEMBLING A COMPLEX PRODUCT INA PARRALLEL PROCESS SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of the components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the complex product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the complex product is not defective. | 05-07-2009 |
20100107789 | Elevator Assembly for Robotic Positioning of a Workpiece - An elevator assembly includes a carrier, a first arm, and a second arm. Each arm has a primary portion pivotally connected to the carrier and a secondary portion pivotally connected to the primary portion. A first gear system interconnects the first arm and the second arm for synchronous rotation with respect to the carrier in opposite directions. A pair of second gear systems establish a geared relationship between the secondary portions of the arms and the carrier. A support member is connected to the secondary portions of the arms, wherein rotation of the primary portions of the arms with respect to the carrier drives the support member between a neutral position and at least a first extended position. | 05-06-2010 |
20100126293 | ROBOTIC RADIAL TOOL POSITIONING SYSTEM - A robotic tool positioning system for positioning a first tool and a second tool. The system includes an inner shaft, a first tool arm and a first drive assembly. The first tool arm is connected to the lower portion of the inner shaft at the lower end thereof and extends radially outward therefrom, and has a first tool supporting surface disposed at a tool elevation for supporting the first tool thereon. The system further includes a tubular outer shaft, a second tool arm and a second drive assembly. A lower portion of the inner shaft extends through the tubular outer shaft. The second tool arm is connected to the tubular outer shaft at the lower end thereof, and has a second tool supporting surface disposed at the tool elevation for supporting the second tool thereon. | 05-27-2010 |
20120260482 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING A CLUTCH - A method and apparatus for automatically assembling a clutch of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The method and apparatus includes providing an assembly station having an assembly table with a clutch fixture connected to the assembly table and adaptable to receive a clutch housing. At least one tray is connected to the assembly table and is adaptable to receive clutch components of the clutch. At least one robotic arm is engageable with the clutch housing and the clutch components for loading and unloading the clutch housing onto and from the clutch fixture and the clutch components from at least one tray. A manipulator connected to and in communication with the at least one robotic arm automatically engages an appropriate tool for assembling the clutch components into the clutch housing. At least one assembly fixture is removably connected to the clutch fixture and connectable to the clutch housing for assisting in the assembly of the clutch components to the clutch housing. | 10-18-2012 |
20130000550 | Thermal Metal Spraying Apparatus - A thermal metal spraying apparatus for use with a thermal metal spraying torch for applying a metal coating to a workpiece through a torch spraying nozzle having a spraying orifice. The thermal metal spraying apparatus provides a substantially tubular shroud having a first end and a second end adaptable to concentrically receive the torch spraying nozzle. The shroud has an opening at the second end, wherein the opening is selectably alignable with the spraying orifice. A drive mechanism is connected to the shroud and is operable to translate the shroud between a first position, wherein the opening at the second end is not aligned with the spraying orifice, thereby preventing the spraying of the metal coating on the workpiece, and a second position, wherein the opening at the second end is aligned with the spraying orifice permitting the spraying of the metal coating toward the workpiece. | 01-03-2013 |
20130074584 | FLEXIBLE LEAK TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD - A flexible leak test apparatus and method for leak testing a variety of workpieces having various multiple configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom. The flexible leak test apparatus and method provide a plurality of leak test fixtures adaptable to receive the workpieces. Each leak test fixture has a bottom portion and a top portion that engage one another when the workpieces are loaded in the bottom portion of the leak test fixture. The leak test fixtures are shuttled in and out of the workstation, and a manipulator loads and unloads the workpieces into and out of the bottom portion of the leak test fixtures. The leak test fixtures seal the apertures in the workpieces so that the workpieces can be leak tested by pressurizing the internal cavity of the workpiece. | 03-28-2013 |
20130158696 | Method and Apparatus for Assembling a Complex Product in a Parallel Process System - A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective. | 06-20-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090222047 | Implant for correcting skeletal mechanics - Deformities present on the end of a bone, for example the end of the metatarsal bone making up part of the metatarsocuneiform joint, can lead to deformities such as bunions. These deformities are treatable with an implant that comprises a plate with a wedge extending perpendicular from the plate. Following removal of cartilage from the joint, deformed portions at the end of the bone are removed and the wedge is inserted in the joint and held in place when the plate is attached to the bones flanking the joint. This effectively fuses the two bones together. The wedge can be shaped in various ways depending on the particular deformity present. | 09-03-2009 |
20100114138 | Nerve Decompression Scissors - A surgical instrument and method for freeing tissue in a nerve decompression operation. Tissue is freed from the area surrounding a nerve with use of the blunt tip on one jaw of the instrument. The freed tissue is then cut with the bladed region of the instrument and removed from the area surrounding the nerve while leaving the nerve untouched. The instrument includes a pair of pivotally connected arms. Each of the arms is elongated and has a free end and a handle end, the free end of each having a blade, the handle end of each having a finger loop for the surgeon to grasp. One of the free ends is longer than the other, with a blunt, rounded tip and edge for freeing tissue without cutting. The pivot between the two arms separates the two sections and allows the arms to move with respect to each other within a plane of pivotal movement so that the tissue is selectively cut along the extent of the overlap of the arms. | 05-06-2010 |
20150157350 | Nerve decompression scissors - A surgical instrument and method for freeing tissue in a nerve decompression operation. Tissue is freed from the area surrounding a nerve with use of the blunt tip on one jaw of the instrument. The freed tissue is then cut with the bladed region of the instrument and removed from the area surrounding the nerve while leaving the nerve untouched. The instrument includes a pair of pivotally connected arms. Each of the arms is elongated and has a free end and a handle end, the free end of each having a blade, the handle end of each having a finger loop for the surgeon to grasp. One of the free ends is longer than the other, with a blunt, rounded tip and edge for freeing tissue without cutting. The scissors are curved, to the right or left, to further insure against the nerve being nicked during the operation. The pivot between the two arms separates the two sections and allows the arms to move with respect to each other within a plane of pivotal movement so that the tissue is selectively cut along the extent of the overlap of the arms. | 06-11-2015 |