Patents Issued in October 21, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040206075
    Abstract: In an assembly including a diesel engine, a fluid coupling connected to the flywheel of the diesel engine, a comminuting machine and a conveyor for feeding the comminuting machine, a fluid coupling module is common to various output power train assemblies. Slip speed of the fluid coupling between impeller input and runner output shafts is measured, and modulates or regulates the process feed rate of the conveyer. An electrically actuated control valve acts as an oil flow diverter valve directing oil into the fluid coupling impeller when a signal to engage the coupling is given, and in response to a signal from an over-temperature sensor when the temperature of circuit oil leaving the element exceeds a preset set point value, diverts the oil to a reservoir, thereby permitting the impeller and runner cavity to evacuate, which separates the engine from the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Melbourne F. Giberson, Mark T. Simonelli, Frederick C. Wiesinger, Gerald L. Abrams
  • Publication number: 20040206076
    Abstract: A fluid pressure control circuit includes a fluid pressure device which is operated by a fluid pressure; a control valve which is connected to the fluid pressure device via a connecting passage, and which changes a flow rate of predetermined fluid that is to be supplied to the fluid pressure device or that is to be discharged from the fluid pressure device according to a position of a valve element; and a pressure difference reflecting device which moves the valve element based on a difference in the fluid pressure between predetermined two different portions in the connecting passage and which changes the flow rate of the fluid that is to be supplied or to be discharged through the control valve according to the fluid pressure difference. With this fluid pressure control circuit, it is possible to obtain excellent responsiveness during supply/discharge of the fluid, change in the fluid pressure or the like, without increasing the amount of the fluid to be consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaru Morise, Hideki Miyata, Akio Sugawara, Yuji Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20040206077
    Abstract: A hydraulic continuously variable transmission includes a swash plate plunger pump, a swash plate plunger motor, and a closed hydraulic circuit for connecting them to each other, wherein a motor pivoting member is supported by a motor casing so as to be pivotally movable, with the swash plate angle being variably adjustable, to simplify the configuration of a swash plate as much as possible and to widen the swash plate angle range. An inner race of a ball bearing for supporting a transmission output shaft, to which a pump cylinder and a motor cylinder are connected, so that the transmission output shaft is rotatable relative to the motor casing is formed by cutting off an end face portion in the axial direction, on the side of facing the motor pivoting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Saitou, Yasushi Fujimoto, Katsuhiko Ito
  • Publication number: 20040206078
    Abstract: To reduce the projection of a swash plate servo mechanism in the radial direction, and to make a hydraulic continuously variable transmission compact, a swash plate plunger pump includes a pump casing provided with an input driven gear. A pump cylinder and a motor cylinder are connected to a transmission output shaft, and a motor pivot member provided with a motor swash plate member is supported to be pivotally movable. A motor servo mechanism includes a ball screw shaft, a ball nut to which an end portion of the motor pivot member is connected, and a swash plate control motor to rotate the screw shaft. A swash plate control motor, located on the side of a hydraulic pump relative to the input driven gear, is mounted to the outside surface of a transmission housing close to the center axis side of a transmission output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ito, Shinya Koyama, Kazuhiro Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20040206079
    Abstract: A hydraulic continuously variable transmission with a fixed displacement type swash plate plunger pump and a variable displacement type swash plate plunger motor are connected to each other through a closed hydraulic circuit. A motor pivot member is supported to be pivotally movable in a support member. The motor pivot member includes an upwardly extending arm portion. The tip end of the arm portion is movable in the axial direction by a motor servo mechanism, to pivotally move the motor pivot member. A transmission housing is provided with an auxiliary portion surrounding the motor servo mechanism and the tip of the arm portion, and a servo motor is mounted to a side surface on one end side, in the direction of the axis of rotation of an output shaft. A side of the housing auxiliary portion, opposite the servo motor, includes an identification number display portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ito, Masaaki Negoro
  • Publication number: 20040206080
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an improved hydraulic transmission system is provided which includes a fluid supply adapted to supply a variable pressure hydraulic working fluid. Hydraulic users are connected to the fluid supply. A control is adapted to generate a control signal indicative of a desired flow rate of the hydraulic working fluid, and a second connection control is responsive to the control signal and is adapted to selectively connect the hydraulic users in series or in parallel according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Riccardo Mares
  • Publication number: 20040206081
    Abstract: This invention relates to a master cylinder (10), inside a bore (14) of which two axial primary and secondary pistons (16, 18), are slidingly fitted, and in which at least one sealing means (48, 50) is disposed in contact with each piston, defining a supply chamber (56, 60) and a pressure chamber (58, 62). Each piston (16, 18) comprises a bore (78, 80), open in the direction of the front pressure chamber (58, 62), and the piston (18) comprises a valve-forming through-hole (88), opening into its periphery and into its bore (80), in order to isolate the front pressure chamber when it passes beyond the sealing means so as to produce a braking pressure, characterised in that the front pressure chamber (62) associated with at least one piston (18) comprises at least one tubular cylindrical element (90) extending axially outside the piston (18) and rearwards of the sealing means (50) for the obturation of the through-hole (88) according to a reduced stroke (Cm2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Philippe Bourlon, Pierre Lebret
  • Publication number: 20040206082
    Abstract: Turbochargers comprise a compressor housing having an air inlet passage for receiving inlet airflow, an air outlet passage for passing pressurized air to an engine combustion system, and a compressor impeller rotatably disposed within the housing for receiving air from the air inlet passage, pressurizing the inlet air, and passing the pressurized air to the air outlet passage. An air flow conditioner is placed into air flow communication with the compressor housing air inlet passage, and can be disposed within an air inlet section of the compressor itself, or can be placed within a vehicle air ducting positioned upstream from the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Steven P. Martin, Scott G. Aguilar, Glenn F. Thompson, John M. Wilson, Steve Coleman
  • Publication number: 20040206083
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which is mounted in a vehicle and has a supercharger that is located along an intake passage of the internal combustion engine and driven by a motor, includes a controller which drives the motor to perform supercharging during warm-up of the internal combustion engine, and supercharges a plurality of times intake air to be supplied to the internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the intake air is supercharged a plurality of times during warm-up of the internal combustion engine, so the temperature of the intake air is raised sufficiently to warm up the engine, thus enabling the engine to be warmed up effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihide Okuyama, Chika Kanba, Osamu Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20040206084
    Abstract: A natural thermo-carrier heat release system that provides open or closed temperature regulation on an object with temperature delta to receive the heat release based on the work principle of descending of a flow at lower temperature and ascending at higher temperature of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20040206085
    Abstract: The present invention features geothermal systems with improved control strategies for efficient operation of multiple geothermal wells. In many embodiments, each well in a geothermal system of the present invention is operated in cycles. Each cycle includes a heat exchange phase followed by a thermal recovery phase. During a heat exchange phase, the well is engaged in exchanging heat with a heat pump. During a thermal recovery phase, the well is kept inactive for establishing thermal equilibrium with the earth. On many occasions, the geothermal system simultaneously operates a group of wells in a heat exchange phase to serve the building HVAC load, while maintaining other wells inactive for thermal recovery. The switching between different operational stages is regulated for each well to improve the overall performance of the system while satisfying the building demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Albert A. Koenig, James E. Harrell
  • Publication number: 20040206086
    Abstract: A high altitude construction including a buoyant device, a base installed on the ground level, a conduit connecting the buoyant device and the base, and an air raising device is provided. The air raising device includes a heating device for heating air. Air heated by the heating device passes through the conduit from the base to the buoyant device, and the heated air provides buoyant force to the buoyant device so that the buoyant device floats in the atmosphere and the conduit is suspended between the buoyant device and the base. The base also includes a turbine and an electricity generator connected to the turbine. The turbine is rotated by air flow in the conduit from the base to the buoyant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Dong Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20040206087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat shield arrangement for a hot gas conducting structure, in particular a metal component of a gas turbine unit or combustion chamber, with the heat shield elements anchored adjacently on a support structure to cover a surface. Said heat shield elements each comprise a lateral groove, arranged in the region of the edge of the surface thereof facing the hot gas, at least two adjacent shield elements are connected by at least one seal element mounted in the groove. The seal element is embodied as a sealing flap, which may be displaced from a first position to a second position and vice versa, whereby the first position is an open position without a sealing effect and the second position is a closed position with a sealing effect. According to said method the sealing flap is moved from the first to the second position by the movement of a heat shield element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Publication number: 20040206088
    Abstract: A combustion air delivery system comprising a compressor operable to provide a stream of compressed air and a bypass duct positioned to divide the stream of compressed air into a bypass flow stream and a primary flow stream. A recuperator is operable to preheat the primary flow to produce a flow of preheated compressed air. A premix chamber receives the bypass flow stream and mixes the bypass flow stream with a flow of fuel to produce a fuel-air flow. A can member at least partially defines a primary zone that receives the fuel-air flow and includes an aperture sized to admit a predetermined portion of the flow of preheated compressed air. The fuel-air flow and predetermined portion of the flow of preheated compressed air mix in the primary zone to produce a combustible flow. An igniter is operable to ignite the combustible flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Dolak, Jeffrey Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20040206089
    Abstract: A pulse detonation system for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough includes a rotatable cylindrical member having a forward surface, an aft surface, and an outer circumferential surface, where at least one stage of spaced detonation passages are disposed therethrough. The pulse detonation system further includes a shaft rotatably connected to the cylindrical member and a stator configured in spaced arrangement with the forward surface of the cylindrical member and a portion of the shaft. The stator has at least one group of ports formed therein alignable with the detonation passages as the cylindrical member rotates. In this way, detonation cycles are performed in the detonation passages so that combustion gases exit the cylindrical manner in a substantially tangential direction with respect to the outer circumferential surface to create a torque which causes the cylindrical member to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Kattalaicheri Srinivasan Venkataramani, Lawrence Butler, Ching Pang Lee, Harvey Michael Maclin
  • Publication number: 20040206090
    Abstract: A method of controlling a catalytic combustion system comprising a flame burner or a heat exchanger, a fuel injector positioned downstream of the flame burner or heat exchanger and a catalyst positioned downstream of the fuel injector, wherein a portion of the fuel combusts within the catalyst and the remainder of the fuel combusts in the region downstream of the catalyst comprising: measuring the exhaust gas temperature; and adjusting the catalyst inlet gas temperature to a preferred value based upon a predetermined schedule that relates the catalyst inlet gas temperature to the difference between the measured exhaust gas temperature and the calculated exhaust gas temperature at full load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: David K. Yee, Marco A. Velasco, Sarento G. Nickolas, Ralph A. Dalla Betta
  • Publication number: 20040206091
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a method of controlling a multi-combustor catalytic combustion system is provided for determining a characteristic of a fuel-air mixture downstream of a preburner associated with a catalytic combustor and adjusting the fuel flow to the preburner based on the characteristic. The characteristic may include, for example, a measurement of the preburner or catalyst outlet temperature or a determination of the position of the homogeneous combustion wave in the burnout zone of the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: David Yee, Dag Reppen
  • Publication number: 20040206092
    Abstract: A gas turbine plant comprises an air compressor, gas turbine including at least one high temperature section, a driven equipment, which are operatively connected in series, a gas turbine combustor arranged between the air compressor and the gas turbine, a fuel system disposed for supplying a fuel to the gas turbine combustor, and a heat exchange section for heating the fuel from the fuel by means of a high pressure air as a heating medium fed from the air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tadashi Kobayashi, Takanari Okamura, Shokou Ito, Takashi Sasaki, Akinori Koga
  • Publication number: 20040206093
    Abstract: A cryostat (1), having a cryostat chamber (2) in which a microtome for cutting frozen specimens is arranged, is described. An illumination device (4) for illuminating the cryostat chamber (2) is provided, the illumination device (4) comprising at least one LED (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Claudia Dorenkamp, Stefan Kuenkel, Gerhard Oppl, Peter Scheck
  • Publication number: 20040206094
    Abstract: A dehumidifying air-conditioning apparatus comprises a pressurizer (4) for raising a pressure of a refrigerant, a condenser (5) for condensing the refrigerant to heat a high-temperature heat source fluid, and an evaporator (1) for evaporating the refrigerant to cool process air to a temperature lower than its dew point. A first heat exchanging portion (21) is disposed in a refrigerant path between the condenser (5) and the evaporator (1) for evaporating the refrigerant under an intermediate pressure between the condensing pressure of the condenser (5) and the evaporating pressure of the evaporator (1) to cool the process air by evaporation of the refrigerant under the intermediate pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Kensaku Maeda
  • Publication number: 20040206095
    Abstract: The invention concerns a low-temperature dryer, especially a compressed air low-temperature dryer, for drying of a gaseous working fluid with cooling of the gaseous working fluid by use of a refrigerant. It comprises a pre-heat exchanger section (11) and a main heat exchanger section (12), in which the pre-heat exchanger section (11) and/or the main heat exchanger section (12) comprises at least one, preferably elongated heat exchanger element. Cooling of the working fluid introduced to the low-temperature dryer occurs here in the pre-heat exchanger section (11) from the dried and cooled working fluid. Additional cooling of the precooled working fluid passed through the low-temperature dryer occurs in the main heat exchanger section (12) from the refrigerant, so that moisture is condensed from the working fluid. All flow channels (21, 22) of the pre-heat exchanger section (11) and/or the main heat exchanger section (12) are formed essentially by hollow chamber profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Kaeser Kompressoren GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Feisthauer
  • Publication number: 20040206096
    Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a cooling system includes a first sensor for sensing a first operating parameter, a second sensor for sensing a motor operating parameter, a controller in communication with the sensors for receiving a signal from each of the sensors, and a computer in communication with the controller. The computer includes a memory storing normal operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems, and is operable to compare the first and motor operating parameters with the normal parameters of one of the plurality of cooling systems to diagnose the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Nagaraj Jayanth
  • Publication number: 20040206097
    Abstract: An air conditioning system cools air within an area. An air conditioner controller defines information based on input data from door and window open status sensors and a return air monitor sensing the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature or relative humidity of the air within the area being cooled by the air conditioning system and shuts down the system when specific conditions exist. The defined information is transmitted to a remote host device which retains and presents the transmitted information or information derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Wade W. Smith, David A. Saar
  • Publication number: 20040206098
    Abstract: In the air conditioner of the present invention, both the normal cooling mode operation, in which refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is made to flow in the condenser 2, and the heating mode operation conducted by the hot gas bypass, in which refrigerant is made to bypass the condenser and directly flow in the evaporator 4 via the throttle 17, can be conducted. Before this heating mode operation, after the compressor is turned on for a predetermined period of time in the cooling mode, the compressor is turned off for a predetermined period of time, so that refrigerant residing in the condenser can be recovered into the hot gas cycle, and then a hot gas operation, which is the heating mode, is conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Satoshi Izawa, Shun Kurata
  • Publication number: 20040206099
    Abstract: A driving load of a cooling fan unit is selectively determined from a plurality of predetermined loads corresponding to vehicle parameters including a coolant temperature and a vehicle speed. Also, on the basis of a plurality of coolant temperature ranges and a plurality of vehicle speed ranges. The cooling fan unit is driven with the determined driving load. The vehicle parameters preferably further include a refrigerant pressure and a state of an air/con switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20040206100
    Abstract: The temperature of air discharged from first and second passages are adjusted by adjusting the proportion of a flow rate of cold air with respect to that of hot air by means of a first cold air door 26 and a first hot air door 24, and by means of a second cold air door 27 and a second hot air door 25. Discharged air flow rates are controlled by changing the areas of the first and second passages while the proportion of the flow rate of cold air with respect to that of hot air is maintained to be constant by means of the first cold air door 26 and the first hot air door 24, and by means of the second cold air door 27 and the second hot air door 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Takahiro Tokunaga, Koji Ito, Yoshihiko Okumura
  • Publication number: 20040206101
    Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Cullen E. Bash, Chandrakant D. Patel, Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Ratnesh K. Sharma
  • Publication number: 20040206102
    Abstract: In an air conditioner, a target compressor rotation speed is determined based on a target air temperature, which represents an air conditioning load, when an electric compressor is started from a stop state. Thus, an evaporator air temperature can be approximated to a target evaporator air temperature, more quickly as compared with a control method where an incremental rotation speed is added to a present rotation speed of the electric compressor, that is, 0 rpm. Accordingly, a large cooling capacity can be obtained for a short time period. Thus, an air temperature in a compartment can be quickly reduced to a comfortable temperature, when the air conditioner is started, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Toshinobu Homan, Mitsuyo Oomura, Makoto Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040206103
    Abstract: A sub-surface direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, which can be placed in sub-surface ground and/or water, consisting of at least one smaller interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line with an optional vertically oriented U bend at the bottom, operatively connected to at least one larger interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line, with at least one refrigerant flow metering device, designed to the system's compressor's BTU design capacity, which is optionally accessible, installed in the liquid/fluid line at one of an above-surface location and at the sub-surface point near to where the liquid/fluid line connects with the vapor/fluid line, for use when the system is operating in the heating mode, together with a refrigerant flow metering device by-pass means so as to enable additional refrigerant fluid flow at least one of around and past the refrigerant metering device when the system is operating in the cooling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Publication number: 20040206104
    Abstract: In a compressor having a noise reducing apparatus capable of minimizing noise propagated to the outside of a casing, by constructing a bottom cap of a casing as a double wall structure and naturally filling oil inside the casing into the double wall, high frequency noise occurred at the bottom cap side can be efficiently excluded, and accordingly a noise absorption efficiency can be maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Young-Jong Kim, Byung-Ha Ahn
  • Publication number: 20040206105
    Abstract: Refrigerator including a machinery chamber in a cabinet of the refrigerator having components provided therein, the components including a valve for connecting to a hose to supply water to the refrigerator, a cover attached to the cabinet to cover the machinery chamber, an opening provided to the cover to opposite to the valve, and a protection cap detachably fastened to the cover to cover the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Lim Lee
  • Publication number: 20040206106
    Abstract: Dispenser assembly in the refrigerator having a body and a door for opening/closing a front surface of the body, including a dispenser in the front surface of the door for supplying water, a hinge coupled between the door and the body, a water supply pipe passed through insides of the hinge and the door, and connected to the dispenser, and a curved holding member above the hinge to surround and hold the water supply pipe, thereby holding the water supply pipe securely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Lim Lee
  • Publication number: 20040206107
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fan assembly for a refrigerator. The fan assembly of the present invention is used in a refrigerator which includes a refrigerating chamber formed at a relatively lower portion of a main body of the refrigerator, a freezing chamber formed at a relatively upper portion of the main body and a heat exchange chamber partitioned behind at least the freezing chamber for producing cold air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Min-Bon Koo
  • Publication number: 20040206108
    Abstract: A cold-storage appliance includes an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface; an insulating lid adapted to close the open top of the container; a cooling means adapted to cool the interior of the container; and a structure supporting the container, the lid and the cooling means; wherein the container is mounted to the structure for movement relative to the structure and the lid to open the container and afford access to its interior or to close the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ian David Wood
  • Publication number: 20040206109
    Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus including a compressor of compressing carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigerant, a radiator of cooling the refrigerant pressurized by the compressor, a pressure reducing valve that is arranged more downstream of the radiator along the refrigerant flow and depressurizes and expands the cooled refrigerant, and an evaporator that heats the refrigerant depressurized by the pressure reducing valve, wherein the refrigerant flow path of the radiator and/or said evaporator is has a diameter of 1 mm or less; and a refrigeration lubricant of which main component is a polar oil miscible with the CO2 refrigerant is utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Nishiwaki, Masami Funakura, Noriho Okaza
  • Publication number: 20040206110
    Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a main circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator serially connected by main refrigerant lines, the compressor having a suction port, a discharge port and an intermediate pressure port; an economizer circuit having an auxiliary expansion device and economizer refrigerant lines connected between said condenser and at least one of said intermediate pressure port and said suction port of said compressor; a bypass circuit having bypass refrigerant lines connected between the intermediate pressure port and the suction port; and a heat exchanger adapted to receive a first flow from the main refrigerant lines and a second flow from at least one of the economizer circuit and the bypass circuit, the first flow and the second flow being positioned for heat transfer relationship within the heat exchanger, wherein the system is selectively operable in a first mode wherein the economizer circuit is active and the bypass circuit is inactive, and a
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20040206111
    Abstract: In an ejector, a nozzle is provided within a housing to defining a passage portion around the nozzle, and a suction port is provided in the housing to draw a refrigerant by entrainment of a driving refrigerant jetted from the nozzle. Further, a wall portion is provided in the housing such that the refrigerant drawn from the suction port into the passage portion is prevented from flowing toward an inlet side of the nozzle from a position of the suction port in an axial direction of the nozzle. Therefore, all of the refrigerant flowing from the suction port flows toward an outlet side of the nozzle without flowing toward the inlet side of the nozzle from the position of the suction port in the axial direction. Thus, it can prevent a large pressure loss from being caused in the refrigerant sucked from the suction port, and ejector efficiency can be effectively increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Makoto Ikegami, Haruyuki Nishijima, Tooru Ikemoto, Yukio Ogawa, Hisatsugu Matsunaga, Takeharu Asaoka, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20040206112
    Abstract: An NGL recovery plant includes a demethanizer (7) in which internally generated and subcooled lean oil absorbs CO2 and C2 from a gas stream (11), thereby preventing build-up and freezing problems associated with CO2, especially where the feed gas has a CO2 treatment at ethane recoveries above 90% and propane recoveries of at least 99%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: John Mak
  • Publication number: 20040206113
    Abstract: A method of making jewelry (10) incorporating a used part (12) of a musical instrument (14). The method broadly includes the steps of: obtaining a used part (12) of a musical instrument (14); and making at least one item of jewelry (10) making the used part (12). The performance is preferably by a famous musician, such that association of the used part (12) of the musical instrument (14) with the musician increases the value of the resulting jewelry (10) incorporating the used part (12). In a first preferred embodiment, the musical instrument (14) is a string instrument (14), and the used part (12) is a used string (12). In a second preferred embodiment, the used part (12) is a used pick (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Molly M. Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20040206114
    Abstract: A tongue jewelry clip and method for wearing the clip is provided. The tongue jewelry clip includes a substantially thin, narrow, and rigid strip of metal bent to include at least one U-shaped section for wrapping around at least one edge of the tongue. The U-shaped section may be at one or both ends of the strip or in the middle. One or more tongue ornaments may be removably mounted to a first wall of the clip and a fastening assembly through the second wall of the clip member fastens the clip member onto the tongue. The one or more tongue ornaments may be non-pierced or pierced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Lee Underwood
  • Publication number: 20040206115
    Abstract: Ornament wearing portions are to be elaborated to improve the beauty of a person who wears the ornament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: JEWEL KARATI INC.
    Inventor: Masatsugu Hara
  • Publication number: 20040206116
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass article comprises the steps of heat softening a glass material that has been preformed and press molding the glass material with a pressing mold. A glass material having a surface free energy of greater than or equal to 60 mJ/m2 is fed to the heat softening step, and then fed to the press molding step. Alternatively, a surface layer is formed on a preformed glass material having a surface free energy of greater than or equal to 60 mJ/m2, and then the preformed glass material is fed to the heat softening step and press molding step. Provided is a method of manufacturing glass products capable of easily obtaining glass products without surface fogging, clouding and cracking without large scale facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichiro Shiraishi, Shigeaki Ohmi
  • Publication number: 20040206117
    Abstract: A mold (1) for press-molding glass optical articles with high precision includes a mold base (2) having a press surface, and a thin film (3) of diamond like carbon material deposited on the press surface. A thickness of the thin film is in the range from 50 to 200 angstroms. The mold base is made of a hard metallic alloy or a ceramic material. The mold does not adhere to glass material, and is resistant to oxidization. A method for making the mold is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ga-lane Chen
  • Publication number: 20040206118
    Abstract: A mold (1) for press-molding glass optical articles with high precision includes a mold base (2) having a press surface and a thin film (3) of (ZrO2)x(Y2O3)y material deposited on the press surface, wherein x is in the range from 0.85 to 0.95 and y is in the range from 0.05 to 0.15. A thickness of the thin film is in the range from 100 to 500 angstroms. The mold base is made of a hard metallic alloy or a ceramic material. The mold does not adhere to glass material, and is resistant to various acids, alkalis and other harmful gases. A method for making the mold is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ga-Lane Chen
  • Publication number: 20040206119
    Abstract: A system and method for preparing chalcogenide glass are provided that allow for larger quantities of glass to be produced with lower production costs and less risks of environmental hazards. The system includes a reaction container operable to hold chalcogenide glass constituents during a glass formation reaction, a stirring rod operable to mix the contents of the reaction container, a thermocouple operable to measure the temperature inside the reaction container, and a reaction chamber operable to hold the reaction container. The method includes placing chalcogenide glass constituents in a reaction container, heating the chalcogenide glass constituents above the melting point of at least one of the constituents, promoting dissolving or reaction of the other constituents, stirring the reaction melt, maintaining an overpressure of at least one atmosphere over the reaction melt, and cooling the reaction melt to below the chalcogenide glass transition temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Athanasios John Syllaios, William David Autery, Gregory Stewart Tyber, Marissa Marie Barnard, Donald Bryan Christian, Allan Leroy Buehler, Andre Deon Walker
  • Publication number: 20040206120
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a smaller-sized glass rod by elongation of a glass matrix comprises providing a glass matrix, applying steam to surfaces of said glass matrix, and heating the thus applied glass matrix to soften the glass matrix to an extent sufficient for subsequent elongation. The softened glass matrix is elongated to provide a glass rod having a substantially dirt-free, clean surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Waichi Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20040206121
    Abstract: A system and method for forming infrared glass optical components are provided. The system includes first and second mold halves having first and second respective faces. The first and second mold halves are configured to be removably coupled such that the first face and the second face form an interface that defines a lens-shaped cavity. A tapered surface of the first face cooperates with a tapered surface of the second face to enhance centering of the first face with respect to the second face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: William David Autery, Gregory Stewart Tyber, Donald Bryan Christian, Marissa Marie Barnard
  • Publication number: 20040206122
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for the automated casting of infrared glass optical components is provided. The system includes a mold for casting infrared glass into lenses, a mold chamber operable to heat the mold to a temperature above the melting temperature of the infrared glass, and a casting chamber operable to fill the mold with molten infrared glass. The method includes heating a mold in a mold chamber to a temperature above the melting temperature of infrared glass, casting molten infrared glass into the mold in a casting chamber; and cooling the mold to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the infrared glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: William David Autery, Gregory Stewart Tyber, Donald Bryan Christian, Allan Leroy Buehler, Athanasios John Syllaios
  • Publication number: 20040206123
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the forming of bodies (2) made from glass or glass ceramic in order to produce a three-dimensional end product. A short-wave IR radiation (3) is thus used, furthermore a mould (1) for forming a three-dimensional body (2) made from glass or glass ceramic. According to the invention, the mould (1) is made from a material with a high reflectivity and a high degree of remission thus cooling the mould (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Ulrich Fotheringham, Hauke Esemann, Bernd Hoppe, Andreas Hirach, Dirk Weidmann, Thoralf Johansson
  • Publication number: 20040206124
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for melting and refining vitrifiable materials, such that all or part of the thermal energy necessary for melting the said vitrifiable materials is supplied by the combustion of fossil fuel(s) with at least one oxidizer gas, the said fuel(s)/gas or the gaseous products resulting from the combustion being injected below the level of the mass of vitrifiable materials (7). The refining of the vitrifiable materials after melting comprises at least one step of subjecting them to subatmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Pierre Jeanvoine, Tanguy Massart, Anne Berthereau