Patents Represented by Law Firm Kinney and Lange
  • Patent number: 8236163
    Abstract: A method for cleaning anode media, the method comprising removing the anode media from an electroplating system, and removing scale coatings from substrates of the anode media by vibrational polishing the anode media with abrasive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Balaji Rao Garimella, Supramaniam Suppiah, Davan Gassappan
  • Patent number: 8230974
    Abstract: A pump system for lubricating a bearing in a gear system of a gas turbine engine includes a main pump, an auxiliary pump, an auxiliary reservoir, a sump, and a valve system. The main pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through a main supply passage. The auxiliary pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through an auxiliary supply passage. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the main pump to the bearing under a first set of engine operating conditions. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir to the sump and from the sump through the auxiliary pump to the bearing under a second set of engine operating conditions. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir through the auxiliary pump, bypassing the sump, to the bearing under a third set of engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Parnin
  • Patent number: 8230978
    Abstract: A system (10) continuously drives an elevator hoist motor (14) during normal and power failure operating conditions. A regenerative drive (30, 34, 36) delivers power to the hoist motor (14) from a main power supply (17) during the normal operating condition and from a backup power supply (24) during the power failure operating condition. A controller (12) operates the regenerative drive (30, 34, 36) to provide available power on the regenerative drive (30, 34, 36) to the backup power supply (24) during the normal operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Ismail Agirman, Vladimir Blasko, Frank Higgins
  • Patent number: 8230569
    Abstract: A method for repairing damaged bolt holes in a flange having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolt holes therein, with each bolt hole defining a center axis and the flange defining an outer diameter edge. The method includes removing parent material of the flange in a first pattern, and metallurgically joining a replacement detail to the parent material of the flange a location where the parent material of the flange was removed in the first pattern. The first pattern is bounded by first, second, third and fourth points. The first point corresponds to the center axis of a first of the plurality of bolt holes, the second point corresponds to center axis of a second of the plurality of bolt holes, and the third and fourth points are defined at the outer diameter edge of the flange circumferentially spaced from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ganesh Anantharaman, Gerard Dame
  • Patent number: 8232778
    Abstract: A generator controller provides independent and redundant overvoltage protection to an associated generator. The generator controller monitors the generator output at a first point of a regulation and a second point of regulation. A generator control unit (GCU) provides overvoltage protection based on the generator output monitored at the first point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a first generator control relay (GCR) to remove excitation from an exciter winding and tripping a generator line contactor (GLC) to disconnect the generator output from a bus. A overvoltage protection unit (OPU) provides independent, redundant protection based on the generator output monitored at the second point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a second GCR to remove excitation from the exciter winding and tripping the GLC to disconnect the generator output from the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Daxesh K. Patel
  • Patent number: 8229762
    Abstract: A system for testing and diagnosis of a medical condition includes a test device located at a test location and configured to perform a medical testing protocol for generating test data, and a recipient computer for receiving the patient data from the test device. The test device includes a computer and memory module for storing a patient record containing test data and a communications module for sending the patient record to a medical specialist. The test data comprises vascular test data. The recipient computer displays the test data to the medical specialist at a diagnosis center located remote from the test location. The recipient computer includes an input device configured to enter input indicative of a diagnosis by the medical specialist as a function of medical analysis of the test data. The input indicative of the diagnosis includes an electronic signature executed by the medical specialist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: BioMedix, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Romans
  • Patent number: 8226522
    Abstract: A coupling system includes a dynamoelectric device selectively operable as either a generator or an electric motor, a gas turbine engine, a main differential operably connected between the dynamoelectric device and the gas turbine engine, a rotationally powered accessory engaged with the main differential, an epicyclic start differential operatively connected to the main differential, and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is configured for selectively braking the epicyclic start differential when the dynamoelectric device operates as an electric motor to direct torque transmission to the gas turbine engine, and is further configured to cease braking the epicyclic start differential when the dynamoelectric device operates as a generator such that the main differential transmits torque to power the rotationally powered accessory and to the dynamoelectric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8226533
    Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device has a portable construction, and is geometrically optimized with arcuate and planar surfaces to allow a safe and effective workout of the abdominal muscles when attached to the feet of a user. Furthermore, the device enables a user to efficiently transition from an oblique abdominal exercise to a core abdominal exercise in a highly efficient, hassle-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Chad D. Wessels, Jerrod L. Iunghuhn
  • Patent number: 8225477
    Abstract: A fairing removal tool and a method of using the tool provide for an improved method of removing a fairing from an engine inlet case. The fairing removal tool employs a hook and notch to engage the fairing and release the bonds joining the fairing to an inner structural element of the inlet case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip Alexander
  • Patent number: 8226822
    Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a wall, a first passage, a second passage, and an oil debris monitor. The wall defines a cyclone cavity. The first passage has a first passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a first passage outlet at an exterior of the cyclone separator. The second passage has a second passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a second passage outlet at the first passage. The oil debris monitor detects debris flowing through the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Paradise
  • Patent number: 8220591
    Abstract: A near-optimal scheduling method for a group of elevators uses advance traffic information. More particularly, advance traffic information is used to define a snapshot problem (24) in which the objective is to improve performance for customers. To solve the snapshot problem (24), the objective function is transformed into a form to facilitate the decomposition of the problem into individual car subproblems (26). The subproblems (26) are independently solved using a two-level formulation, with passenger to car assignment (28) at the higher level, and the dispatching of individual cars (30) at the lower level. Near-optimal passenger selection and individual car routing (38) are obtained. The individual cars are then coordinated through an iterative process (40, 42) to arrive at a group control solution that achieves a near-optimal result for passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Otis Elevator Company, University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Mauro J. Atalla, Arthur C. Hsu, Peter B. Luh, Gregory G. Luther, Bo Xiong
  • Patent number: 8221830
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel cellulose electrode having high performance, which is capable of substituting for carbon paper used as a conventional fuel cell electrode. A method of manufacturing the cellulose electrode includes cutting cellulose fibers to a predetermined length and binding the fibers, or directly weaving the fibers, thus producing a cellulose sheet, directly growing carbon nanotubes on the cellulose sheet, and supporting a platinum nano-catalyst on the surface of the carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition. An electrode including the cellulose fibers and use of cellulose fibers as fuel cell electrodes are also provided. As a novel functional material for fuel cell electrodes, porous cellulose fibers having micropores are used, thereby reducing electrode manufacturing costs and improving electrode performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institue of Energy Research
    Inventors: Hee Yeon Kim, Seong Ok Han, Hong Soo Kim, Nam Jo Jeong
  • Patent number: 8225272
    Abstract: An architecture for developing a distributed information system comprises a service definition tool for generating service protocols as a service definition. Each service protocol includes a plurality of messages. The messages include incoming messages and outgoing messages. Each message carries a plurality of data fields. A component development tool generates a first and second plurality of components that implement and consume services. Each component in the first plurality of components represents a physical entity in the distributed information system. Each component in the second plurality of components represents a logical entity in the distributed information system. A system development tool generates a plurality of component instances based on the first and second plurality of components. An engine software program runs on each of a plurality of networked nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Savigent Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Feldman
  • Patent number: 8220590
    Abstract: A regenerative elevator system operates in three modes: motoring, idle and regeneration. During the regeneration mode, the elevator motor operates as a generator, and electrical energy is stored in an energy storage system for later use. The energy storage system may be located in a machine room or hoistway where temperature can vary widely. A thermoelectric thermal management system provides thermoelectric cooling or heating to maintain the energy storage system within a desired operating temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Lei Chen, Jean Yamanis
  • Patent number: 8223478
    Abstract: A field device assembly includes a housing body, a first circuitry subassembly mounted to the housing body and positioned at least partially within the housing body, a first cover chassis having a shoulder, mating flame path restricting structures positioned on the first cover chassis and the housing body, a first threaded collar configured to fit about the first cover chassis and to permit rotation relative to the first cover chassis, and a second circuitry subassembly secured to the first cover chassis. The first threaded collar is threadably engaged with the housing body, and includes an engagement structure engaged with the shoulder of the first cover chassis to secure the first cover chassis to the housing body. The second circuitry subassembly includes an electrical connector configured for linear insertion engagement with a mating electrical connector within the housing body to electrically connect the first and second circuitry subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Andrew Perrault, Daniel Justin Herzog
  • Patent number: 8220150
    Abstract: A method of repairing a vane cluster for a gas turbine engine includes attaching a first registration block to a salvageable airfoil segment of the vane cluster, machining a face of the first registration block relative to datum surfaces of the vane cluster, removing a damaged airfoil segment from the vane cluster, adding new material to the salvageable airfoil segment, joining a replacement airfoil segment having a second registration block to the salvageable airfoil segment to replace the damaged airfoil segment, removing the first registration block, and removing the second registration block. The respective first and second registration blocks of the salvageable airfoil segment and the replacement airfoil segment are aligned in a configuration substantially identical to a configuration of the vane cluster prior to undergoing repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Pellet, David J. Hiskes
  • Patent number: 8215902
    Abstract: A variable vane arm has a hook portion comprising a radially inner leg connected to a radially outer leg by an arcuate connection, and an actuation lever extending from the hook portion. The hook portion and actuation lever are formed from a singular piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. Major, Bernard W. Pudvah
  • Patent number: 8216429
    Abstract: A method comprises sensing a differential pressure signal, filtering the differential pressure signal, generating a flooding indicator as a function of the filtered differential pressure signal, and indicating the onset of flooding. The differential pressure signal is sensed along a distillation flow path. The filtered differential pressure signal is responsive to a phase inversion along the flow path, and the flooding indicator is responsive to an onset of a flooding condition, based on the phase inversion. The onset of the flooding condition is indicated based on a change in the flooding indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Kenneth Pihlaja, John Philip Miller
  • Patent number: 8215919
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a miniature gas turbine propulsion system comprises a centrifugal compressor wheel, a turbine wheel, a shaft and a tie bolt. The centrifugal compressor wheel includes a first curved tooth coupling, and the turbine wheel includes a second curved tooth coupling interconnected with the first curved tooth coupling. The shaft extends from the centrifugal compressor wheel, and the tie bolt extends between the shaft and the turbine wheel to bring the first curved tooth coupling into compression with the second curved tooth coupling. As such, the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel are assembled and remain, over the operational envelope of the propulsion system, in a reliably robust aligned configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon F. Jewess, Tuan H. Nguyen, Tammy L. Lane, Reginald G. Keetley
  • Patent number: 8215522
    Abstract: A hand-held flow metering device for dispensing a pressurized fluid comprises a valve, a flow meter, a trigger lever, a trigger release mechanism and meter electronics. The valve is connected to the pressurized fluid to regulate flow of the pressurized fluid through the device. The flow meter is disposed within the flow of pressurized fluid to measure volumetric flow of the pressurized fluid. The trigger lever is configured to be manually displaced to mechanically open the valve. The trigger release mechanism is connected to the trigger lever and is selectively actuated to mechanically prevent the trigger lever from opening the valve when the trigger lever is displaced. The meter electronics is connected to the flow meter and the trigger release mechanism to actuate the trigger release mechanism based on output of the flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Breeser, Mark L. Bauck, John C. Holman