Patents Represented by Law Firm Wood, Phillips, Mason, Recktenwald and VanSanten
  • Patent number: 5038854
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided which a generally planar heat exchanger element is bent about a central axis into a generally cylindrical shape. Brackets are attached to each of two end surfaces of the heat exchanger element. The brackets each comprise first, second and third portions which cooperate with each other to form an interlocking association that maintains the end portions of the heat exchanger in a preselected relationship. The third portions of the two brackets are each bent at a preselected angle relative to the second portion of the associated bracket. Each of the third portions of the two brackets are shaped to receive the third portion of the other bracket in an interlocking manner that is self attaching and self holding. By compressing the diameter of the generally cylindrical heat exchanger from its relaxed shape, with a corresponding decrease in the effective diameter of the heat exchanger, the third portions of the brackets are caused to move toward and past each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bernard A. Peterson, III
  • Patent number: 5038761
    Abstract: A therapeutic device for embracing each of the lower legs of a child having neurological, muscular and skeletal impairment generally caused by congential disorders such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida and the like. The structure of the device promotes proper symmetrical alignment of the child's pelvis and lower extremities to program the child into more normal positioning and movement patterns of both the lower and upper body extremities. A single pair of the devices is adapted for children of varying ages and physical sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Beverly J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5038489
    Abstract: A hand held instrument for determining the degree of angular deviation of a line between selected points on a subject from a gravity-dependent reference, including a transparent base through which the selected points may be viewed and a gravity-dependent indicator mounted on the base for free rotation under the influence of gravity. The base includes indicia complementary with the gravity-dependent indicator to provide an indication of the degree of deviation between the gravity-dependent indicator and the line between selected points on the subject when the instrument is held in a substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Novel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Muehlenbein
  • Patent number: 5037430
    Abstract: A clamping device for positioning and holding gynecological instruments, such as uterine instruments, or the like. The device is illustrated in the form of a forceps having handles located at one end, and clamps located at the opposite end for selectively clamping onto at least a portion of the cervix. A second clamp is located intermediate the ends of the forceps for releasably clamping onto the gynecological instrument to hold the instrument in proper position relative to the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Harrith M. Hasson
  • Patent number: 5036659
    Abstract: Overheating of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic motor system subject to aiding loads can be avoided without paying a weight or volume penalty by providing a return port (64) adapted to be connected to the system return (22) in fluid communication with a cavity (46) within an hydraulic motor housing (32) that houses the swash plate (34). A pressure relief valve (62) is connected to the supply port (38) of the hydraulic motor (30) as well as to the return port (64) and is operative to open when the pressure at the supply port (38) increases as a result of an aiding load so as to allow recirculation of hydraulic fluid through the motor (30). By placing the swash plate cavity (46) in the recirculation line, increased heat sink capacity is added to the system without increasing weight or volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Gillingham, Steven C. Paul
  • Patent number: 5038094
    Abstract: The problem of adusting a digital reference value without modifying a program or stored memory values in a voltage regulator (60) is minimized using an analog signal generator (114). A reference loop (110) which determines a desired point of regulation voltage level receives a trim value from the analog signal generator (114) to adjust a stored reference value (112) to offset the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Abdul Rashid
  • Patent number: 5035170
    Abstract: In order to eliminate leakage and provide a more efficient system, a variable displacement hydraulic apparatus (10) includes a cylinder block (12) having a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (14) therein. Each of the cylinders (14) has a hydraulic piston (16) disposed therein for reciprocating movement relative thereto. The cylinders (14) and pistons (16) are disposed about an axis (18) of the hydraulic apparatus (10). The hydraulic apparatus (10) also includes a shaft (20) operatively associated with the pistons (16) for relative driven movement therebetween and a valve block (22) having a hydraulic fluid inlet port (24) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the cylinders (14) together with a hydraulic fluid outlet port (26) for returning hydraulic fluid from the cylinders (14). The inlet and outlet ports (24 and 26) communicate with the cylinders (14) through a port plate (28) having at least one port slot (30) therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Stroze, William G. Durtschi
  • Patent number: 5033659
    Abstract: Dishwasher dispensing structure consisting of a reservoir for storing a supply of additive and having an outlet opening to the wash chamber, a cover movably mounted relative to the reservoir between a) a closed position wherein the cover prevents escape of additive from the reservoir outlet into the wash chamber and b) an open position permitting the reservoir outlet to be in communication with the wash chamber, a trigger mounted movably to the dishwasher between a cover block position and a cover release position, with structure on the trigger for maintaining the cover in the closed position with the trigger in its blocked position and releasing the cover to its open position with the trigger in its cover release position, a cover release member, structure driven by the timer mechanism for moving the cover release member through a first prescribed path in response to operation of the timer mechanism as the dishwasing apparatus is cycled and moving the cover release member in a first direction through a porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. Marks, Richard C. Stiles, William F. Bartloff
  • Patent number: 5033265
    Abstract: A coaxial hydraulic actuator system utilizes a vane pump close coupled to a vane actuator. The vane pump includes a rotatable housing which is perpendicularly movable by a control piston to direct fluid flow through first and second fluid conduits in a pintle port transfer shaft. The transfer shaft conduits are in communication with first and second variable volume compartments in the vane actuator. Thus, controlled movement of the vane pump housing results in corresponding resulting angular movement between the actuator vane and the actuator housing. This relative angular positioning can be used to control the relative positioning between first and second loads, such as the rotors of a dual permanent magnet generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Sugden
  • Patent number: 5033182
    Abstract: A typical plastic liner refrigerator includes an outer shell of sheet metal, an inner liner of plastic and polyurethane insulation foamed in place between the inner liner and the outer shell. In order to counter stresses which can cause large unsightly cracks to form in the liner, the liner is provided with stress control slots, slits or cuts at locations where they can be covered up, such as the mullion panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvester A. Winterheimer, Kenneth L. Hortin, Harry L. Tillman
  • Patent number: 5033376
    Abstract: A moisture distribution roller assembly for use in a moisture feeding system of a printing, duplicating or like machine includes a shaft with a plurality of roller sections slidably mounted thereon. The roller sections are selectively positionable on the shaft at varying axial positions thereon to vary the effective surface area of the distribution roller assembly and, therefore, the amount of moisture carried by the composite roller assembly. As illustrated, the assembly has a central roller portion with stub shafts projecting axially outwardly from opposite ends therof, with the roller sections positionable on the stub shafts. Therefore, the central roller portion can be dimensioned axially to be substantially equal to the narrowest paper intended to be used in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: AM International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Witczak
  • Patent number: 5033273
    Abstract: An ice dispenser switch actuator includes three parts--a rectangular base or frame, and two movable slides. Each slide is provided with a finger knob for moving the respective slide longitudinally within the frame to actuate respective switches, one to energize a light, and one to energize a solenoid. The slides are individually molded with runners on each of the four corners to fit into slide tracks formed in the top and bottom of the base. The slides also include tangs formed between the runners at the top and bottom to provide a more snug fit between the slides and the tracks of the base or frame. The slides are snapped into place within the frame with the runner slidably mounted in the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Buchser, Charles C. Burger
  • Patent number: 5033381
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for receiving and positionally adjusting the shaft end of a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine. A pin head structure is mounted on a framework of the machine. A triangular array of pins project inwardly of the pin head axially of the roller for receiving the shaft end of the roller in a position of engagement between the pins. At least one of the pins is adjustable generally in a radial direction to take up any radial play between the roller shaft end and the pin array. At least one of the pins includes means adjustable in an axial direction to take up any axial play between the roller shaft end and the pin head structure. At least one of the pins is retractable to allow for insertion of the roller into position between the pins. The entire pin head structure is rotatable about a given axis generally parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation of the roller to effect movement of the roller bodily in a radial direction relative to an adjacent roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: AM International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Witczak
  • Patent number: 5033263
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine 10 having a rotor 12 with turbine blades 14 and a nozzle 16 adjacent the turbine blades 14 for directing hot gases of combustion at the turbine blades 14. The engine 10 also includes an annular combustor 18 about the rotor 12 and an annular combustor housing 30 substantially surrounding the combustor 18 in generally concentric spaced relation. A fuel injection system is operatively associated with the combustor 18 for injecting fuel into a combustion space 28 to be combusted with air from a compressor 34. The fuel injection system may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced fuel injectors 68 disposed in an outer wall 20 of the combustor 18 together with a generally oval shaped manifold 70 in fluid communication with a primary fuel source and the fuel injectors 68. A turbine shroud 36 is provided to extend radially outward from the rotor to the outer wall of the combustor on the side of the nozzle 16 opposite the combustion space 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jack R. Shekleton, Melvin K. Lafferty
  • Patent number: 5031399
    Abstract: Unequal flow rates of dilution air about an annular combustor and the resulting hot spots and thermal stresses are avoided in a structure wherein a vane assembly (66) made up of ring (76) and integral vanes (76) is mounted to the rear turbine shroud (42) for limited movement with respect thereto sufficient to accommodate unequal thermal growth of the rear turbine shroud (42) and the vane assembly (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Batakis, Jack R. Shekleton
  • Patent number: 5031649
    Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus having a wash chamber, a timer, an additive reservoir and a dispenser for selectively closing and opening the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. Marks, Richard C. Stiles, Ray W. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 5031266
    Abstract: A wand seal assembly for a vacuum cleaner wand provides an improved seal between the telescopic connecting elements of the wand. The seal comprises a two-piece, dual durometer seal having a rigid portion with locking tabs for securing to the wand portion, and a flexible sealing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ennis L. Tillman, Gregg A. Greulich
  • Patent number: 5031725
    Abstract: In order to provide lubrication of the bearings (16) and clutch (22) of an output shaft (14), even when the output shaft (14) is driven externally, a gear box (10) has a primary lubrication system (24) for circulating a lubricant (26) from a sump (28) into a lubricating flow path (30). The lubricating flow path (30) extends into and through a cavity (20) containing the bearings (16) and clutch (22) which support the output shaft (14) which is selectively operably interconnectable with a rotary input (12) and the primary lubrication system (24) is operable only with the rotary input (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Millar
  • Patent number: 5029689
    Abstract: Difficulties in positively engaging and disengaging helical spring clutch mechanisms are avoided in a construction including a driven shaft (10) with a gear (18) rotatably mounted on the shaft (10). A helical spring (40) is disposed about part (24) of the gear (18) and the driving shaft (12) and a reaction collar (28) is located adjacent to the spring (40) and is splined to the driving shaft (12). A friction collar (52) is engagable with the helical spring (28) and is carried by the driving shaft (10). Ball actuators (62, 64) are provided for selectively engaging the friction collar (52) with the helical spring (40) thereby causing the spring (40) to engage the reaction collar (28) and rotate with the driving shaft (12) to drive the gear (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Duane H. Grimm
  • Patent number: 5029421
    Abstract: A structural element (10) which can be used to modify the loading characteristics of a gantry module (18). The element (10) is securable between legs (22) so that for a standardized roof assembly (19) the gantry module (24) constructed using the structural element can span a greater distance with comparable loading characteristics with modules (18) which have a greater number of supporting legs. The structural element (10) has particular application is modifying a standard gantry module (18) into a vehicle access module (24) without compromising loading characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Speedy Gantry Hire Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Deniel M. Nielsen