Patents Issued in October 30, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030200739
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for making a hybrid cord which may be used. The process combines and twists at least three yarns together where one of the yarns is different. The different yarn maybe of a different size (denier), or made from a different polymer, or both. The hybrid cord may be used in tires, hoses, v-belts, and conveyor belts, for example. The apparatus is a modified direct cabler machine in which at least two yarns from a creel are combined and twisted about a third yarn issuing from a spindle pot. It is contemplated that the different yarn is preferably one of the yarns on the creel. Various tensioners are employed to tightly wrap or twist the yarns together (generally at a rate of from about 5-12 turns per linear inch of the yarn issuing from the spindle pot), and to wind the cord on a bobbin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Leobardo Paulino Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20030200740
    Abstract: An internal torque balancing method of short fibre yarns related to the art of textile and the manufacturing apparatus thereof. The present invention proposes a completely new mechanical processing method of single torque-free yarns, and applies it into the process of ring spinning. Said method accomplishes a machine and a possibility of processing single torque-free yarns within one processing step by simple improvement on the existing ring spinning machine. Said technique is applicable to the production of all types of short fibre materials, and can overcome the maximum bundle yarn count of Ne limit of the torque-free yarns processed by the existing physical balancing technique. Meanwhile, said technique can process the yarns with low twist, which is unable to be processed normally by the conventional ring spinning machine. The torque-free singles ring spinning machine has good mechanical behaviour, good handle, and evenness without residual torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tao, Bingang Xu
  • Publication number: 20030200741
    Abstract: A counterrotatable booster compressor assembly for a gas turbine engine having a counterrotatable fan section with a first fan blade row connected to a first drive shaft and a second fan blade row axially spaced from the first fan blade row and connected to a second drive shaft, the counterrotatable booster compressor assembly including a first compressor blade row connected to the first drive shaft and a second compressor blade row interdigitated with the first compressor blade row and connected to the second drive shaft. A portion of each fan blade of the second fan blade row extends through a flowpath of the counterrotatable booster compressor so as to function as a compressor blade in the second compressor blade row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Ory Moniz, Robert Joseph Orlando
  • Publication number: 20030200742
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate soot from an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes a particulate filter assembly having a catalyst and a soot filter positioned downstream of the catalyst for trapping soot particles therein. Hydrogen gas is introduced into the exhaust gas at a location upstream of the catalyst. The catalyst catalyzes an exothermic oxidation reaction between the hydrogen gas and oxygen in the exhaust gas. Heat from this exothermic oxidation reaction is transferred to the soot filter thereby igniting the soot particles trapped therein. A method for regenerating a particulate filter assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolf M. Smaling
  • Publication number: 20030200743
    Abstract: A system is described for storing ammonia and injecting it into the exhaust gas stream of an engine to reduce nitrogen oxides. The ammonia is stored as a liquid mixture (70) of ammonia and water in a container (50). In one system, the mixture passes through a tube with a portion (62) in contact with the exhaust gas pipe (16) to heat the mixture and separate the ammonia from the water, with the ammonia being further heated at a nozzle (84) to activate the ammonia before injection into an upstream portion of the exhaust gas pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Lester P. Berriman, John M. Zabsky, Lionel S. Simons
  • Publication number: 20030200744
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing pollutants in engine exhaust through the use of pulsed engine compression braking. The apparatus includes a controller, a number of engine sensors connected to the controller, and connections from the controller to the exhaust valves. Bases on data from the engine sensors, the invention opens the exhaust valves during either the compression stroke, the exhaust stroke, or both. Hot fuel mixture or hot gases are then injected into the exhaust manifold, where they burn pollutants. Optionally, pressurized air can be injected into the exhaust manifold to assist in burning pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Loran Sutton
  • Publication number: 20030200745
    Abstract: A system and method are described for operating a diesel engine and particulate filter during self-sustained filter regeneration. In particular, a method is described for preventing over-temperature during filter regeneration by limiting excess oxygen supplied to the particulate filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt, Tom Alan Brewbaker
  • Publication number: 20030200746
    Abstract: An engine control unit of an exhaust gas purification system of an internal combustion engine measures a pressure difference between an upstream and a downstream of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) after heating the DPF at least to a predetermined temperature and maintaining the DPF at the temperature for a while. The DPF is disposed in an exhaust pipe of the engine. A soluble organic fraction included in particulate matters in exhaust gas can be eliminated at the predetermined temperature. The ECU calculates a quantity of the particulate matters trapped by the DPF from the measured pressure difference. Thus, the quantity of the trapped particulate matters is calculated precisely, independently of a composition of the particulate matters or a state of the soluble organic fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Shigeto Yahata, Masumi Kinugawa, Kiyonori Sekiguchi, Tsukasa Kuboshima
  • Publication number: 20030200747
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic control system with preferred operating performance, response in operation and stability, and with system efficiency enhanced greatly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsumoto, Takashi Shinke, Masayuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030200748
    Abstract: An actuator having a hot-arm and a cold-arm wherein the hot-arm and cold-arm are vertically offset from one another. The hot-arm is heated to cause the actuator to move both vertically and horizontally. When used as a relay, an electrostatic force latches the actuator when the electrodes are brought in close proximity to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan C. Bromley, Bradley J. Nelson, Karl Vollmers, Arunkumar Subramanian, Eniko Enikov, Kamal Deep Mothilal
  • Publication number: 20030200749
    Abstract: A thermal microactuator is provided that can be deflected in multiple positions. The actuator has a hot arm and a cold arm coupled together at their distal ends suspended above a reference plane of a substrate. A potential difference is applied across the hot arm so that a current circulates through the hot arm but not the cold arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan C. Bromley, Bradley J. Nelson, Karl Vollmers, Arunkumar Subramanian, Eniko Enikov, Kamal Deep Mothilal
  • Publication number: 20030200750
    Abstract: A master cylinder includes a cylinder housing having a cylinder bore, a seal cup disposed inside the cylinder bore, and a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder bore in sliding contact with the seal cup and defining a pressure chamber in cooperation with the housing and the seal cup. The piston includes a connecting passage which fluidly connects the pressure chamber with an atmospheric pressure chamber when the piston is in a retracted position. The seal cup cuts off fluid communication between the pressure chamber and the atmospheric pressure chamber through the connecting passage when the piston moves in its axial direction by a prescribed distance from its retracted position. The connecting passage is a stepped hole having a first end portion with a small diameter which communicates with the pressure chamber and a second end portion with a large diameter which opens onto an outer peripheral surface of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihito Kusano, Satoshi Ishida
  • Publication number: 20030200751
    Abstract: A cryoelectric power system for use in application(s) in which a conventional internal combustion engine is used. The power system includes a source of cryogenic fuel, a cryoelectric boiler for vaporizing the cryogenic fuel, a heat exchanger for warming the vapor, and two or more turboalternators, each turboalternator generating electricity. This power system may be utilized either as the primary power source or as secondary pending the needs of the application or location of the power requirement. The Seebeck and Ettingshausen effects may be utilized in the thermoelectric boiler, thereby producing additional electricity, and the electricity produced by the cryoelectric boiler and the turboalternators is output to appropriate controls and circuitry where it may be summed and used to power an electric power system. Superconductive material may be used in the manufacture of the turboalternators and magnetic coil for additional system enhancement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Cryoelectric, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph V. Thompson, Mitty Charles Plummer, E. Charles Sterling
  • Publication number: 20030200752
    Abstract: A liner for a combustor of a gas turbine engine, including a shell having a first end adjacent to an upstream end of the combustor and a second end adjacent to a downstream end of the combustor, wherein at least one discrete region is subject to distress from impingement of hot gases, a plurality of cooling slots formed in the shell through which air flows for providing a cooling film along a hot side of the shell, and a group of cooling holes formed in the shell in the discrete region to augment the cooling film and provide convective bore cooling to the discrete region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: George Eric Moertle, Bruce Ernest Mills, James Patrick Holmes, David Albin Lind, Tariq Kay Harris
  • Publication number: 20030200753
    Abstract: A pulsed detonation engine having improved efficiency has a detonation chamber for receiving a detonable mixture, an igniter for igniting the detonable mixture, and an outlet for discharging detonation products. A diverging-converging nozzle is provided at the outlet of the detonation chamber. The geometry of the diverging-converging nozzle is selected to enable a relatively short nozzle to significantly improve efficiency of the pulsed detonation engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Shmuel Eidelman, Dmitri Charov, Irina Charova
  • Publication number: 20030200754
    Abstract: A purge air and fuel flow divider module (15) independently directs fuel flow to a plurality of manifolds (25, 27 and 29) and independently purges fuel from these manifolds with air when they are not flowing fuel. A secondary manifold (29) is filled with fuel before flowing metered burn flow to it and fuel flow is apportioned between a primary manifold (27) and the secondary manifold (29) during secondary manifold metered burn flow. Three manifolds are disclosed, a primary manifold (27), a secondary manifold (29) and a start or pilot manifold (25), each containing fuel nozzles (31, 33). A manifold main housing (61) contains a purge valve (41) and two three-way solenoids (37, 39) controlling respectively a secondary transfer valve (43) and a pilot nozzle transfer valve (45). Depending on the requirements, the solenoids position the valves to either provide manifold fill fuel, burn flow fuel or purge air to their respective manifolds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Paul W. Futa, David W. Rice, Thomas A. Nieter
  • Publication number: 20030200755
    Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerator comprises a fixed pressure casing (3) containing cold parts and a removable pressure casing (2) containing serviceable parts. The fixed pressure casing (3) and the removable pressure casing (2) are coupled together via a joining member (1). During cooling operation the joining member (1) is arranged such that refrigerant fluid flows between the fixed and the removable casings. During servicing the joining member is arranged to cut off flow of refrigerant fluid between the fixed and removable casings, such that refrigerant in the fixed casing is trapped and parts in the removable casing are accessible for servicing. After servicing, substantially pure refrigerant fluid is pumped into the removable casing (2), the fixed and removable casings are re-joined and the joining member (1) is arranged such that refrigerant fluid flows between the casings again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Roger Artindale Heron, Peter Derek Daniels, David Michael Crowley
  • Publication number: 20030200756
    Abstract: A device for reducing the permeability of tubing in climate control, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, comprising elements for recovering gas escaped by permeation from at least one tube that is at a first temperature and pressure, adapted to convey the permeated gas to a region of the system that is at a second temperature and pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: MANULI AUTOMOTIVE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Piero Mancinelli, Gianluca Dolente, Vincenzo Salvia
  • Publication number: 20030200757
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a cooling chamber filled with a bath of cooling fluid for cooling beverage fluids. A cooling unit, including an evaporator coil extending from the cooling unit into the cooling chamber, freezes the cooling fluid into a frozen cooling bank about the evaporator coil. Sensor units positioned at desired locations about the evaporator coil provide output corresponding to the size and shape of the frozen cooling bank. Also, a control unit reads the output from the sensor units and operates the cooling unit to regulate the growth of the frozen cooling bank. In addition, the control unit may read output from temperature sensors attached to dispensing valves or monitoring ambient temperature conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: John T. Hawkins, Stephen K. Versteeg
  • Publication number: 20030200758
    Abstract: A semiconductor cooling device includes at least one cold plate for cooling a semiconductor element, a condenser adapted to be cooled by a fan, and a refrigerant pump. The refrigerant pump is electrically connected to an inverter controller that controls the number of revolutions of the refrigerant pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Masao Nakano, Hiromasa Ashitani
  • Publication number: 20030200759
    Abstract: A composite auxiliary machine for a vehicle has proper startup performance in starting an engine. The composite auxiliary machine has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant inside a refrigeration cycle device, a rotary machine connected to the compressor and rotated together therewith, a drive pulley for operating the rotary machine in response to a driving force from the vehicle engine, and a clutch device for transmitting and terminating the driving force of the drive pulley. The rotary machine functions as a generator and an electric motor. A variable displacement mechanism is provided in the compressor to vary an amount of discharge per revolution. A control unit controls to engage the clutch device in starting the vehicle engine, and actuates the rotary machine as an electric motor to actuate the vehicle engine. Then, an amount of discharge of a refrigerant is controlled to become smaller than that necessary in the refrigeration cycle device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa
  • Publication number: 20030200760
    Abstract: A composite auxiliary machine for a vehicle and an accompanying control unit to control a compressor. The composite auxiliary machine for a vehicle includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, a rotary machine that acts as an electric motor and a generator, and a torque and power distributing mechanism for distributing engine torque and power from a drive shaft to a compressor shaft and a rotary machine shaft, and from the rotary machine shaft to the drive shaft and compressor shaft. An intermittent mechanism is provided to the torque and power distributing mechanism so as to connect and disconnect any two of the drive shaft, the compressor shaft, and the rotary machine shaft. A locking mechanism is provided for restricting rotation of the compressor shaft. The compressor includes variable displacement mechanism for varying the amount of discharge per turn of the compressor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Tsuneyuki Egami, Takuo Sakai, Hironori Asa
  • Publication number: 20030200761
    Abstract: A bus-bar integrated plate and outer frame section, arranged into a double-deck structure and having numerous bus bars molded with a resin molding plate portion, is provided as a wiring for connecting power switching elements and a smoothing capacitor, fixed on an outer surface of a cylindrical wall of a motor housing, to a printed circuit board serving as a control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Funahashi, Ken Hamada, Hiroyuki Kawata, Yasuyuki Ohkouchi
  • Publication number: 20030200762
    Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a semiconductor element includes at least one cold plate utilizing a copper plate for cooling a semiconductor element, a condenser utilizing a plurality of flat micro-tubes, a refrigerant pump for circulating a refrigerant, and a fan for cooling the condenser. The cold plate, the condenser, and the refrigerant pump are fluid connected to define a refrigerant circulating circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Masao Nakano, Hiromasa Ashitani, Masafumi Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20030200763
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an exterior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and outside air, an interior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and air to be blown into the compartment, a decompression unit for decompressing high-pressure refrigerant, and a heater that heats air using high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor as a heating source. In a dehumidifying and heating operation, refrigerant in the interior heat exchanger absorbs heat from air so that the air is cooled and dehumidified, and the heater heats air having been dehumidified and cooled by using the heating source, so that low-humidity and high-temperature air is supplied into the compartment. The heater can be disposed to indirectly heat air by heating a fluid flowing through a heater core for heating air, or to directly heat air to be blown into the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20030200764
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an exterior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and outside air, an interior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and air to be blown into the compartment, an ejector for decompressing high-pressure refrigerant, a heater core for heating air using a high-temperature fluid as a heating source, and a fluid-refrigerant heat exchanger that heats the fluid flowing to the heater core using high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor as a heating source. In a dehumidifying and heating operation, refrigerant in the interior heat exchanger absorbs heat from air so that the air is cooled and dehumidified, and the dehumidified and cooled air can be further heated in the heater core by indirectly using the heating source from the high-temperature refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Shin Nisida
  • Publication number: 20030200765
    Abstract: A decorative ear enhancement article and a method of installing and retaining the article on an ear are provided. The article has an integrated body with a relatively thin curved support portion shaped to be fitted behind an ear of a user and concealed by the ear when the article is worn and a decorative portion extending from an end of the curved support portion for placement in front of the ear and visible when the article is worn. The decorative portion cooperates with the curved support portion to retain the integrated body on the ear and keep the curved support portion behind the ear. The decorative portion has a floating appearance without apparent support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: DECIBELLE INC.
    Inventor: Anouck Lepere
  • Publication number: 20030200766
    Abstract: A mold has a moling surface of a material containing silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride as a main component and a carbon thin film formed on the molding surface to prevent fusion sticking. A glass substance which has a sag point not higher than 565° C. and a predetermined composition free from arsenic oxide is introduced into the mold. The glass substance is press-formed in a heated and softened condition into a glass optical element of high precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shin-Ichiro Hirota, Yu Oogami, Kazuaki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20030200767
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a curved sheet of glass which includes a heating furnace for heating a sheet of glass therein, the heating furnace having an outlet opening for discharging a curved sheet of glass, and an array of beds housed in the furnace for transferring a sheet of glass successively over the beds in the furnace in a first direction toward the outlet opening while shaping the sheet of glass complementarily to an upper surface of the beds, each of the beds having a plurality of hot air ejecting holes for ejecting hot air to keep the sheet of glass out of contact with the beds, the beds including a final bed disposed near the outlet opening and inclined upwardly toward the outlet opening, the final bed having an upper panel including at least a portion curved in the first direction near the outlet opening to curve the sheet of glass in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Hirotsu, Kazuyoshi Ohtani, Teruji Nagaoka
  • Publication number: 20030200768
    Abstract: The specification describes a VAD method for dynamically controlling the reaction temperature at the tip of a soot preform by controlling the flow of hydrogen gas to the core torch. This method provides a wide latitude of control over the temperature range necessary to produce uniform composition of the preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Donald P. Jablonowski, Thomas E. McDonald, Fengqing Wu
  • Publication number: 20030200769
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of processes for manufacturing optical fiber preforms. This is a process for manufacturing optical fiber preforms that includes a step of drawing the preform with a draw ratio that remains constant for the same preform and may vary from one preform to another depending on their respective mean diameters so as to reduce the variation in mean diameter between preforms or else a process for manufacturing optical fiber preforms that includes a step of compressing the preform with a compression ratio that remains constant for the same preform and may vary from one preform to another depending on their respective mean diameter so as to reduce the variation in mean diameter between preforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Jacques Jolly, Jean-Florent Campion, Virginie Herchuelz, Remi Fauche, Eric Tutin
  • Publication number: 20030200770
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of making a fluorine doped soot particle. One method of the invention includes the steps of (1) delivering a silicon containing precursor to a first opening in a burner face; (2) delivering a source of oxygen to a second opening, wherein the second opening is spaced apart from the first opening such that the silicon precursor and oxygen source react to form a soot particle having a surface area of more than about 20 m2/g; and (3) delivering a fluorine precursor to a third opening, said third opening is spaced apart from the first opening. A second method of the invention includes the steps of (A) delivering a silicon containing precursor to a first opening in a burner face; (B) delivering a fluorine precursor to a second opening, wherein said second opening is spaced apart from said first opening; and (C) delivering a fuel to a third opening, said third opening is spaced apart from said first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: William W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030200771
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cane suitable for forming an optical fiber, and a method of forming an optical fiber from the cane. A core composition having about 20% to 30% by weight of P2O5 is formed. An inner cladding composition is formed on an outer surface of the core composition and the core composition and the inner cladding composition are consolidated into a preform having a core and an inner cladding while substantially closing a center line hole of the preform. An outer cladding composition is formed on the preform to define a cane. The cane can then be transformed into an optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald E. Burke, Steven B. Dawes, Gary P. Granger, Michael T. Murtagh, Pushkar Tandon, Carlton M. Truesdale, Ji Wang
  • Publication number: 20030200772
    Abstract: A method for forming a doped optical fiber includes drawing the optical fiber from a doped glass supply at a draw speed and a draw tension sufficient to introduce a heat aging defect in the optical fiber. The optical fiber is treated by maintaining the optical fiber within a treatment temperature range for a treatment time while preferably maintaining the optical fiber within a treatment tension range to reduce the tendency of the optical fiber to increase in attenuation over time following formation of the optical fiber. Apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Foster, Daniel W. Hawtof, Claude E. Lacy, Daniel Mieczkowski, Ying Lisa Peng, Dale R. Powers, Richard A. Quinn, Jennifer L. Tarplee, Wanda J. Walczak
  • Publication number: 20030200773
    Abstract: An aeration apparatus for a combination drier and washer is disclosed, which comprises an air circulation duct connected from one portion of a tub to the other portion for circulating air in the tub; and an aeration means provided in the middle of the air circulation duct for preventing exterior air being introduced to the tub in a drying process, and for aerating exterior air in the tub in an opened state when the drying process is finished. Therefore, in a drying process, a drying space is closed, and when the drying process is finished, exterior air is introduced in a drum, thereby improving a drying efficiency and preventing accidents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung-Seop Hong, Young-Hwan Park, Choon-Myun Chung
  • Publication number: 20030200774
    Abstract: A pulsator includes a metallic upper pulsator having an inlet at a center of the pulsator and upwardly protruding upper washing ribs radially around the inlet and a synthetic resin lower pulsator having upwardly protruding lower washing ribs and contacting a lower surface of the upper washing ribs, a guidance surface spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper pulsator and defining a flow passage for channeling water introduced through the inlet, and an outlet at an end of the guidance surface discharging water channeled through the flow passage. The lower pulsator rotates with and is fixed to a driving shaft of a washing machine. A pulsator includes a synthetic resin pulsator body having a washing rib and a metal plating layer on an outer surface of the pulsator body includes the inlet. The outlet and the flow passage are provided in the pulsator body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Jong Ho Kim, Jong Sun Yoon
  • Publication number: 20030200775
    Abstract: Shielded window structure of numeral lock. A window member is disposed on one side of the housing of the lock. The window member is formed with a row of windows through which the numerals of a row of numeral wheels are shown. The linking member is drivingly connected with an internal driving plate for driving internal components to control locking/unlocking of a hook member at one end of the housing. The window member is synchronously horizontally displaceably or deflectably connected with the linking member. When moving the linking member to unlock the lock, the window member is synchronously displaced to disalign the windows from the unlocking number of the numeral wheels so as to shield the unlocking member and prevent an unauthorized person from seeing the unlocking number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Publication number: 20030200776
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a vandal resistant coupled T-handle assembly for a T-handle locking assembly commonly used in vending machines. The coupled T-handle assembly comprises a hardened sleeve secured over a face element of the T-handle assembly. The hardened sleeve is formed from a tamper resistant, high strength material capable of resisting attempts by thieves and vandals to gain access to interior compartments of a vending machine by drilling through, battering or otherwise destroying the face element of the T-handle assembly and thereafter breaking the locking assembly. The T-handle assembly also includes additional lock holes at the base of the T-handle body to provide additional element passages for increased security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Woodrow C. Stillwagon
  • Publication number: 20030200777
    Abstract: An operating device for doors, windows, etc. comprises a rosette (20) for holding a rotating handle (10) whose head (12) contains a lock cylinder (18) with an axially displaceable locking bolt (44) that is axially spring-loaded and automatically assumes an engaging position at a defined angle of rotation of the handle (10) by sliding over a stepped locking sleeve (30) of the rosette (20). The lock cylinder (18) has a core (40) with a radial opening (50) in a non-rotating wall (58) for controlled movement of a spindle (48) that radially extends from the locking bolt (44) which engages the locking sleeve in defined angular positions of the handle (10). The opening (50) extends over a peripheral angle of e.g. 180° to 220°, and is a contoured window having a lower flat segment (52), a depression (54) and a steeper segment (flank 56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Waschgler
  • Publication number: 20030200778
    Abstract: A biometric electronic key for use with an electronic lock is programmable to contain data representative of the fingerprint of the user. When so programmed, successful use of the key requires that a fingerprint of the user, as sensed by a fingerprint identification sensor installed in the handle of the key and touched by a user in the course of gripping the key, match an electronic template of an authorized key user's fingerprint that has been programmed into memory within the key's on-board electronics. Otherwise the key will fail to operate the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: INTELLIKEY CORPORATION
    Inventor: K.N. Singh Chhatwal
  • Publication number: 20030200779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a key chain for retaining objects comprising a rigid curved member with two ends, a chain attached to each of the ends of the curved member, a stop carried on the chain for preventing movement of the object past the stop, and a removable retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: John S. Fitch
  • Publication number: 20030200780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises: supplying oxygen while the waste material is stirred, and supplying water so that the water content of the waste material is 60±5%, and to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises, after begining of the fermentation, adding sugars to the waste material in a divisional manner before a main fermentation is transferred to the amine/ammonium metabolic system. Further, according to the present invention, an apparatus for producing compost is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Sapporo Breweries Limited
    Inventors: Shinji Yagihashi, Toshio Kurihara, Shinji Yamashita, Fujio Kobayashi, Yasukazu Nakakita
  • Publication number: 20030200781
    Abstract: A method of flow forming in a tensile direction. More particularly, it comprises flowing the metal on the surface of a sheet (or plate) metal blank from a center radially outwards. A roller is initially engaged near or at the center of a rotating metal blank. The roller is then moved radially outward to the edge of the metal blank, gathering the metal as it moves. A mandrel tool surface is used to accumulate the gathered metal to form a predetermined shape at the edge of the workpiece, such as v-belt or multi-ribbed v-belt profile, or gear or sprocket tooth profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Yahya Hodjat
  • Publication number: 20030200782
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20030200783
    Abstract: A hollow metal tubular blank is provided in the wall with one or more reinforcing ribs which are formed by extrusion of the wall. The reinforcing ribs have an inner ridge and an outer ridge. The reinforcing ribs serve to enhance the structural strength of a retaining slot which is formed in the reinforcing portion of the wall of the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Dean Shai
  • Publication number: 20030200784
    Abstract: A sensor monitoring system and associated methods are provide that preferably include a plurality of sensors connected in parallel across a single pair of wires that include resistances of equal value placed in series between each sensor. This allows each sensor to measure the voltage dropped between itself and the monitoring system to determine its relative placement on the bus to autonomously assign itself a number to delineate to the monitoring system its relative location on the equipment or item being monitored. The sensors modulate their internal resistance to change the current on the bus to transmit their status to the monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Marshall E. Smith, Richard W. Stettler
  • Publication number: 20030200785
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a MEMS sensor using a passive temperature compensation technique may provide an uncompensated sense output. Additionally, a circuit coupled to the MEMS sensor may include a diode having a voltage drop. A compensated sense output may be formed by combining the uncompensated sense output with a diode output that is proportional to the voltage drop across the diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Wiliam P. Platt
  • Publication number: 20030200786
    Abstract: Passive and active methods for anticipating problems with electrical wiring are provided. An insulative material in contact with an electrical conductor has at least one impurity that is impregnated in the insulative material and/or disposed thereon. An environment around the electrical conductor is monitored for the presence or the level of the impurity(ies) emanating from the insulative material in the form of a gaseous effluent. An alarm signal is generated when a predetermined level of the gaseous effluent is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William T. Yost, K. Elliott Cramer, Daniel F. Perey
  • Publication number: 20030200787
    Abstract: Particulate collector is carried onto airplane and collects suspended particulate matter in the atmospheric air in such a manner that suspended particulate matter is electrically charged by single-pole ions generated by a discharge electrode and the thus electrically charged particulates are attracted to a collecting electrode having an electric potential difference with respect to the discharge electrode so that the particulates are collected by the collecting electrode. The particulate collector is conveyed to an arbitrary altitude and driven so as to collect suspended particulate matter contained in the atmospheric air at the arbitrary altitude. Particulate collector is recovered onto the ground so as to make various measurements or the thus collected particulate collector is subjected to various measurements on airplane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichiro Totoki
  • Publication number: 20030200788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adsorbing surface-active compounds, such as corrosion inhibitors and water, from pressurized gas streams utilizing existing gas pipeline sampling valves. The apparatus includes an adsorption trap assembly containing an adsorption material packing, such as silica gel, fixedly positioned to selectively adsorb any surface-active compound(s)or water in the gas stream passing through the trap. After sampling, the adsorption material packing is removed and treated to desorb any entrained compound(s) for recovery, testing and identification. The method and apparatus have particular utility in determining the presence of corrosion inhibitors that have been added to petroleum pipelines upstream of the sampling point(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy Dale Newbound