Patents Examined by Han L. Liu
  • Patent number: 6595001
    Abstract: A method of utilizing a methane-containing gas by feeding the methane-containing gas to a gas engine of a gas engine/generator assembly generating electricity comprises the step of passing combustion air containing an inert gas through a membrane separating installation to reduce the content of the inert gas before feeding the combustion air to the gas engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: G.A.S. Energietechnologie GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Rautenbach, Suleyman Yuce, Joachim Gebel, Alexander Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6589019
    Abstract: A compressor includes a front housing, a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a torque transmission mechanism, a reciprocating mechanism, and torque determination means. The torque transmission mechanism includes a pulley, a plate-shaped elastic member, a hub, a drive shaft, and a rotor. The torque determination means includes a first marker affixed to the pulley, a second marker affixed to the hub a first sensor affixed to the front housing which generates a first timing signal when the first marker is positioned within substantially the same vertical plane as the first sensor, and a second sensor affixed to the front housing which generates a second timing signal when the second marker is positioned within substantially the same vertical plane as the second sensor. Moreover, there is a time differential between the generation of the first and second timing signals corresponding to the angular offsets, and the torque of the compressor is determinable from the time differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Terauchi
  • Patent number: 6589023
    Abstract: Generally, a vacuum pumping system having efficient power usage is provided. In one embodiment, the vacuum pumping system includes a first pump, a check valve and a second pump. The check valve and second pump are coupled in parallel to an exhaust line of the first pump. The first pump and second pump have a ratio of internal volume that is about 20 to about 130. In another embodiment, the vacuum pumping system includes a first pump, a check valve and a second pump. The check valve and second pump are coupled in parallel to an exhaust line of the first pump. The first pump and second pump have a ratio of power consumption that is about 5 to about 20. In yet another embodiment, the first pump and second pump have a ratio of pumping capacity that is about 50 to about 200.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Royce, Pedram Sabouri, Peter Reimer
  • Patent number: 6582207
    Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a motor compressor that reduces noise by lessening a contact area between a stator and a shell, wherein a motor element is constituted of a stator having a stator core that contacts and is fixed to an internal wall of the closed vessel, and a rotator having a magnetic substance, which is attached to the rotating shaft and is rotatably supported in the inside of the stator construct. It is essential that H<Ho is satisfied wherein H is a dimension in a rotating shaft direction of an area in which the stator core contacts the closed vessel and Ho is a dimension in a rotating shaft direction of the stator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kenzo Matsumoto, Manabu Takenaka, Tsuyoshi Higuchi, Kazuaki Fujiwara, Keijiro Igarashi, Masaaki Takezawa, Kazuhiko Arai
  • Patent number: 6581857
    Abstract: A spindle for an electrostatic painting machine has a main spindle and a rotor coupled to the rear end of the main spindle. The main spindle and the rotor are rotatably supported through bearing gaps of externally pressurized gas bearing portions, and a paint spray head is mounted to one end of the main spindle. A current-carrying member having conductivity with the housing is brought into contact with the main spindle and floated off it via a small gap due to dynamic pressure produced by the rotation of the main spindle. With this arrangement, it is ensured that discharge occurs at gaps of externally pressurized gas bearing portions, sputtering is suppressed, and the life of the spindle is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Fujii, Yoshio Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6582203
    Abstract: The invention is based on a radial piston pump (1) with a pump body (2), in which pump body (2) are placed pistons (4), and cylinders (5) arrayed radial to a cam (14) and the pistons (4) upon an inward thrust suck in fluid by means of suction side intakes (17) and upon an outward thrust, the pistons (4) impel fluid through pressure openings (7) in the outer end walls (6) of the cylinder (5) into a plenum (10). It is proposed, that in the base of the cylinders (4) respectively a connection boring (32) is made to the cam (14), which connection boring (32) is controlled by a relief valve (18). Upon the exceeding of its opening pressure the relief valve (18) opens and pressure peaks in the cylinder (5) can be diminished by means of said connection boring. At the same time, a pressure buffer between the base of the piston (4) and the bearing shell (16) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Batavia, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Herrmann, Wolfgang Rapp
  • Patent number: 6579070
    Abstract: A pump assembly which comprises a vane pump and a second hydraulic pump driven together with this vane pump. The vane pump has a suction region in which first pressure spaces between the vanes and second, rear pressure spaces behind the vanes become larger and a pressure region in which the pressure spaces become smaller and in which the pressure spaces are fluidically connected to a pressure outlet. This vane pump is intended particularly for supplying operating cylinders of a hydromechanical transmission of a motor vehicle with pressure fluid under relatively high pressure. The second hydraulic pump has positively driven displacement elements and is intended for supplying a circuit having a relatively low system pressure, in particular a lubricating-oil circuit of the motor vehicle, with pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Egon Birkenmaier, Günter Fischer
  • Patent number: 6579071
    Abstract: An introduction passage is formed in a rear housing. The introduction passage extends from a wall of the rear housing across a discharge chamber to a suction chamber. The introduction passage has a first portion extending from an opening portion of the rear housing along a wall of the discharge chamber and along a wall of the suction chamber to the suction chamber. A second portion of the passage bends in the suction chamber substantially perpendicularly and then extends toward a valve plate of a compressor. The outlet of the introduction passage is located closer to the valve plate than to the wall of the suction chamber. Therefore, generation of suction pulsation is suppressed without increasing the size of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tomoji Tarutani, Naofumi Kimura, Toshihiro Kawai, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6575710
    Abstract: A capacity control system has a valve which closes off the inlet to one or more of the cylinders in a multicylinder compressor. The valve is motivated by fluid at discharge pressure which reacts against a piston to close the inlet. An orifice is positioned in the flow of the fluid at discharge pressure to control the velocity of the piston to reduce impact loading and improve reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Frank S. Wallis
  • Patent number: 6574952
    Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus for controlling the flow separation line of rocket nozzles for reducing side loads. For obtaining this control it is suggested according to the invention that the inside of the nozzle (1) has circumferentially regular spaced areas (2) with increased surface roughness compared with the rest of the inside of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventor: Arne Boman
  • Patent number: 6575714
    Abstract: An electrical non-priming submersible pump including a motor assembly that has a motor coupled to a shaft. The shaft has impellers formed thereon for propelling water. Also included is a housing assembly that surrounds the motor assembly. The housing assembly has an intake area that includes a multilayer sediment protection system that prevents the introduction of debris into the housing. The multi-layer sediments protection system includes a first plurality of slots positioned around the circumference of the housing assembly and a screen position in juxtaposition in relation to the first plurality of slots. A sprinkling system is also disclosed including an electrical non-priming submersible pump that is connected to a control panel which is connected to a header pipe section. The header pipe section is connected to a zone pipe section that includes sprinkler heads for applying water to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Pace, Steve McPherson
  • Patent number: 6575712
    Abstract: An air compressor system utilized in a body of water that produces compressed air from water wave energy. The air compressor system includes floating structures in a body of water designed to receive ambient air and produce compressed air, utilizing a bellow assembly. The air compressor system converts water wave energy into storable and consumable energies, such as compressed air in a storage tank. The instant invention primarily comprises a low-wave air compressor, high-wave air compressor, and a stabilizing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Slavcho Slavchev
  • Patent number: 6572338
    Abstract: The modular timer for an air circulator comprises a timer for energizing an air circulator motor for a predetermined amount of time. A first connector connects the timer to an air circulator motor while a second connector connects the timer to a power switch. A selection switch controls the timer setting of the timer such that the time period corresponds to at least one time period of a work shift. A housing limits access to the selection switch and protects it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Dwight C. Janisse & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Janisse, Mark T. Janisse, Russell J. Tobin
  • Patent number: 6572563
    Abstract: An endoscopic tissue collecting instrument is provided, which can collect a large tissue specimen by cutting the tissue positively with a blade of an outer sheath. The blade formed at the distal end of the outer sheath is directed oblique to the circumferential direction of the outer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Ouchi
  • Patent number: 6572341
    Abstract: A variable displacement type compressor has a tiltable swash plate and pistons in cylinder bores. The displacement of the compressor is controlled by changing an inclination angle of the swash plate. A first valve is arranged to open and close the suction passage in response to the pressure in the discharge chamber. The valve element of the first valve is arranged to face the end of the suction passage, and can hermetically close the suction passage when the refrigerant gas is introduced into the pressure chamber from the discharge chamber. The refrigerant gas can be also introduced into the crank chamber when the refrigerant gas is introduced from the discharge chamber into the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6572347
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid apparatus in which two or more kinds of chemical liquids can be rapidly stirred and mixed in a pump to a uniform concentration. A barrier membrane such as a bellows or a diaphragm that is reciprocally moved in the axial direction is disposed in a pump body so as to form a liquid chamber between the barrier membrane and an inner wall of the pump body. A suction port and a discharge port are disposed in the inner wall of the pump body. Supply pipes for the two or more kinds of chemical liquids are pipe-connected to an inlet portion of the suction port so as to join together. An outlet portion of the suction port is disposed in a side face of a protruding forward end of a suction check valve which is fixed to protrude from the inner wall of the pump body into the liquid chamber, whereby the outlet portion is opened so as to eject the two or more kinds of chemical liquids toward a circumferential wall in the liquid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio
  • Patent number: 6568926
    Abstract: A pump (10) includes a chamber (14) communicating with a fluid inlet (12) and a fluid outlet (13) above the centerline thereof to minimize dead air space where air bubbles might form. A connector (21) having a bend or elbow (26) is formed at the fluid inlet (12). Upon actuation of a solenoid (37), a plunger (39) carrying a diaphragm (42) is moved to draw fluid around the elbow (26), through a valve (19) positioned at the fluid inlet (12), through the chamber (14), and out of the pump (10) through a valve (30) positioned at the fluid outlet (13). The energy of the fluid which might otherwise create a water hammer effect is absorbed by the elbow (26) prior to reaching the pump (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: The Gorman-Rupp Company
    Inventor: Mason B. Mount
  • Patent number: 6568916
    Abstract: A variable delivery fixed displacement pump is provided which has a rotating drive plate with a fixed angle. The drive plate has a fill passage extending between its radial outer surface and its drive surface, which allows fluid to be supplied to a fluid journal bearing. The drive plate also has a series of bearing supply passages which fluidly connect the drive surface of the drive plate with a base surface, allowing fluid to be supplied to a fluid thrust bearing. A method of pumping fluid is also provided which is comprised of the steps of reciprocating a plurality of pistons at least in part by rotating the drive plate, and by fluidly connecting a pumping chamber of the pistons to an annular groove that is part of the drive plate fill passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Eric S. Keyster
  • Patent number: 6568925
    Abstract: An abrasive liquid pump having a pump housing and a piston component configured for slidable movement within the pump housing. The pump housing has a bottom housing portion with a bottom end and a bottom mid-pump end and a top housing portion with a top end and a top mid-pump end. The top portion is removably attached to the bottom portion. The piston component has a top piston assembly on one end having at least one sealing component for sealable engagement against an inner surface of the top housing portion and a bottom piston assembly on the other end having at least on sealing component for sealable engagement against an inner surface of the bottom housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Eric Gunderson
  • Patent number: 6565332
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a high-efficiency linear compressor in which even if a compression chamber is defined utilizing an inner space of the linear motor to reduce its size, an amount of heat transmitted from the linear motor to the compression chamber can be reduced by forming a space between the linear motor and a cylinder which defines the compression chamber. The linear compressor comprises a cylinder having a flange and a cylindrical portion supported in a hermetic vessel by a support mechanism, a piston movably supported in the cylindrical portion along an axial direction thereof, a spring member applying an axial direction to the piston, and a linear motor having a stator fixed to the flange of the cylinder and disposed around an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and a moving member coupled to the piston, wherein a space is formed between the stator and the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Kawahara, Teruyuki Akazawa