Patents Issued in April 17, 1990
  • Patent number: 4916906
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for improving cooling of a wall in a gas turbine engine. The method and apparatus provide breach cooling of an imperforate wall, such as a combustor liner, for improving the cooling thereof. The breach cooling includes structure for channeling a cooling fluid as a jet toward an outer surface of the imperforate wall, with the jet having sufficient memontum to breach a boundary layer of the cooling fluid which forms over the wall outer surface to allow the jet to contact the wall outer surface for more effective cooling thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the breach-cooled wall is an upstream portion of the gas turbine engine combustor, and the inner surface of the combustor liner facing the combustion gases is characterized by not having a film-cooling boundary layer of air to reduce quenching of the combustion gases for reducing exhaust emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Vogt
  • Patent number: 4916907
    Abstract: A magnetocaloric inductor circuit operates either as a monostable or bi-stable device. Mirror symmetrical permanent magnets each include first and second poles. A pole shoe is connected to the first pole of each magnet. A control core with control coil is connected between the pole shoes. The opposite poles of the first and second permanent magnets are either connected to each other by a shunt or a second set of pole shoes with their own control core. A monocrystalline metamagnetic disk is connected to an end of each pole shoe or shunt. Yoke cores are connected between the disks for each permanent magnet. An induction coil is engaged around each yoke core. A leakage flux compensation core is also connected between the ends of the yoke core for accommodating leakage flux. By controlling the current through the control coil, the field intensity at the metamagnetic disk can be altered. The metamagnetic disks have a characteristic threshold field intensity above which they become ferromagnetically conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: Heinz Munk, Hans W. Stephan
  • Patent number: 4916908
    Abstract: A process for the separation of air to obtain oxygen, nitrogen and argon is disclosed which comprises: subjecting air from which carbon dioxide and water have been removed to fractional distillation in a first column to form oxygen-nitrogen vapor and argon-enriched oxygen; separating argon from the latter in a second column operating at substantially lower pressure than the first; liquefying a portion of the nitrogen vapor in a cycle including heat exchange with incoming air and compression to a pressure above that of the first column, a portion of the liquid nitrogen being taken as product and a second portion being returned to the first column as reflux. Liquid-oxygen and nitrogen vapor from the first column are mixed in a liquid-vapor contact column, impure liquid nitrogen is withdrawn therefrom and used as reflux in the first column. A remixed oxygen-nitrogen stream is withdrawn from the contact column and expanded to create refrigeration for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Lavin, David J. Layland
  • Patent number: 4916909
    Abstract: A system for controlling the HVAC system of a building to reduce overall electrical costs is disclosed. The system develops an energy usage and storage strategy which is a function predicted ambient temperatures, predicted building load requirements and the power company's rate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Anoop Mathur, Ward J. MacArthur, Steven D. Gabel, Donald Taracks, Jianliang Zhao, Donald H. Spethman
  • Patent number: 4916910
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser of the post mix type having evaporator coils configured in a particular manner to form a slab of ice within a cooling chamber, the formation of which slab of ice is controlled by a thermostat so that a vertically oriented passage is formed in the center of the slab to allow the rotation of an impeller shaft. With the cooling chamber and a passage for connecting with dispenser valves being insulated beneath and beside the compressor and other heat generating components of the cooling unit, the impeller is thus able to operate beneath the ice slab to circulate cooled water around beverage conduits that are layered in a compact configuration, the overall arrangement of the beverage dispenser being compact and resulting in a easily serviceable beverage dispenser having a low profile while also providing a relatively large ice bank and enabling optimum heat exchange between the beverage conduits and the slab of ice without causing freezing of the beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4916911
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing snow which provide a stream of pressurized air and pressurized water; combine the air stream and the water stream to cool the water and provide a first stream of a mixture of the air and water; thereafter aspirate a portion of the air in a counter-flow direction from air into the first stream and mixing therewith, to form a second stream of a mixture of air and water, the second stream being coaxial with the first stream; and disperse the second stream into freezing temperature atmosphere to freeze the water in the second stream and produce snow. In the preferred embodiment, a central stream of water of pressure of at least 300 psig is combined with air of pressure no more than about 30 psig coaxially combined and creating the first mixture. Ice crystals are utilized as a nucleating agent to promote the freezing of water in the second stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Dendrite Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Duryea, Michael S. Holden
  • Patent number: 4916912
    Abstract: The present invention is an adaptive method and apparatus for detecting the formation of frost in a heat pump. The compressor cycle is interrupted and a defrosting operation is begun if the difference between the exterior ambient temperature and exterior heat exchanger temperature exceeds a difference function of the exterior ambient temperature. The length this defrosting cycle is measured and the difference function is altered if the measured length deviates from a predetermined length of time. The frost formation difference function is initially set as a linear approximation. Thereafter the difference function value at the particular exterior ambient temperature is increased if the length the defrosting is greater than an upper limit value of six minutes and decreased if the length the defrosting is less than a lower limit value of four minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Levine, James Russo, Victor Rigotti, Nicholas Skogler
  • Patent number: 4916913
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes two different refrigerating circuits in one central unit for supplying a conditioned air into a defined space through an air duct. Each refrigerating circuit has an air exhausting damper for exhausting internal air from the defined space, and an external air intake damper for taking the external air into the defined space through the central unit. One of the refrigerating circuits forcibly carries out the heating operation, and the external air intake damper thereof is maintained in a closed state while the other refrigerating circuit carries out the defrosting operation to prevent temperature of the conditioned air fed from the central unit into the defined space from decreasing below a desirable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Narikiyo
  • Patent number: 4916914
    Abstract: A rotary displacement compression heat transfer system and method for improving its efficiency includes a rotary displacement compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condensor connected with the outlet of the compressor, an evaporator connected with the inlet of the compressor, an oil pump for injecting oil into the compressor, an oil separator for separating out the oil and recirculating it to the compressor, a non-chlorinated fluorinated refrigerant, and a synthetic oil providing an inverse solubility characteristic where a mixture of the refrigerant and oil has two immiscible phases in the compressor's operating temperature range at a weight concentration of oil in the range of about 10-60% and has only one dissolved liquid phase at a temperature in the evaporator's operating range at a weight concentration of oil less than about 5%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: CPI Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn D. Short
  • Patent number: 4916915
    Abstract: A system for and method of measuring refrigerant-to-lubricant ratio of liquid within a conduit having a wall and forming part of an enclosed air conditioning refrigerating apparatus which includes a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. The system involves a first transducer for generating at least one pulse of ultrasonic energy which is coupled via the wall into a path of substantially predetermined length within the liquid. The least one pulse of ultrasonic energy is coupled from the end of the path via the wall and received by a second transducer. Circuitry responsive to the at least one ultrasonic pulse as transmitted and received determines velocity of the ultrasonic pulse within the liquid as a measure of the refrigerant-to-lubricant ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Murray Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Flinchbaugh
  • Patent number: 4916916
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for storing energy and for utilizing the stored energy. The apparatus includes a storage container which holds a phase change energy storage material such as water. A plurality of coils are disposed in the storage container and carry a refrigerant material. At least one evaporator is connected to the coils. A self pumping apparatus is connected to a condensing unit, to the evaporator and to the coils, and is operated by the adiabatic conversion of refrigerant from its liquid state to a vapor plus liquid state. The self pumping apparatus thus moves the refrigerant fluid to the evaporator without the need for additonal energy input. The self pumping apparatus includes a pair of tanks each of which alternately operate as a pumper and as an accumulator during ice melting. During ice freezing, both containers operate as accmulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Harry C. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4916917
    Abstract: A display case extender adapted to be mounted upon and in front of the front case wall of an existing refrigerated grocery case, including a display bin for displaying groceries in front of the grocery case and an air intake duct system for drawing cool air from the refrigerated case behind the front case wall to a discharge outlet for discharging cool air at the rear and above the display bin, and an exhaust duct system for drawing the warmer air from the front of the display bin back across the front case wall to a return air intake in the front case wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: McSwain L. Jackson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4916918
    Abstract: This air conditioner stand is designed to support an air conditioner within the opening of a fireplace instead of a window opening, and the hot air produced by the air conditioner's condenser will be blown up the fireplace chimney by a fan in the circuit of the stand. Primarily, the stand consists of a base that supports the air conditioner, and the base is sloped rearward and is provided with a stop member that includes the mounted fan. Provision is also provided in the stand for water to drain through a flexible hose that may extend into the ash trap opening in the floor of the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Douglas A. Marelli
  • Patent number: 4916919
    Abstract: A plastic primary pan assembly for use in conjunction with an air conditioning system, wherein a channeled supporting bracket is utilized to tightly engage and effectively support a plastic pan which includes a drain plastic pan and a plastic support plate which contains a C-shaped circumferential portion and a C-shaped extending portion thereof, the channeled supporting bracket having a plurality of elongated apertures being mounted on a motor and a fan cover, whereby the plastic primary pan assembly can be easily associated with and separate from the air conditioning system and easily adjusted to incline the plastic primary pan for drawing condensate water through an outlet disposed in the plastic primary pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Il Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 4916920
    Abstract: Rotor body assemblies for use in a cold temperature cylinder to produce frozen confectionary made from fruit juices or similar liquids. Each assembly comprises a shaft on which are mounted hard plastic blades. The blades may be force fitted within a slot in the shaft, the slot being diagonally oriented from top to bottom with respect to the vertical orientation of each shaft surface. The blades may be formed as one piece with the shaft. Also mounted on the shaft are a conically-shaped top liquid distributor, also of hard food-grade plastic and a bottom ejector of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Fruit-E-Frost Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Weis, Michael R. Weis
  • Patent number: 4916921
    Abstract: An ice maker employing a relatively thin ice tray with sealed ice cube receptacles and having a freezing chamber of relatively small volume cooled by a high capacity cooling plate. The ice cube receptacles are sealed by a frangible cover to keep liqid water therein and to maintain frozen water in a sanitary state until the frangible cover is ruptured for the ice cubes to be used. The ice maker housing also may include other chambers for holding containers of food and drink. The cooling surface of the freezing chamber may be sloped for drainage and the ice maker provided with a spring loaded device for ejecting the ice tray when a housing door is opened. Detection switches and indicator lights may be actuated by insertion and removal of the tray. Multiple freezing chambers may be jointly cooled by a single cooling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Charles J. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 4916922
    Abstract: A rapid freezing apparatus utilizes a flexible bag surrounding a cooling chamber for containing solid carbon dioxide formed in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Patrick L. Mullens
  • Patent number: 4916923
    Abstract: A beverage cooler insert is set forth wherein a first support tray is reciprocatably mounted relative to a second support tray with each support tray provided with an individual "U" shaped suppport bracket to be received within an associated container cooler arrangement. The first and second support trays are reciprocatably mounted relative to one another utilizing support posts telescopingly received within support sleeves and biased outwardly relative to one another to effect engagement of the sides of the beverage cooler container by the support trays. Each support tray 12 is provided with series of cylindrical cavities provided with slots through side walls of the cavity to effect contact of a cooling medium with containers positioned within the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: Carol A. Adams, James D. Adams
  • Patent number: 4916924
    Abstract: A finger ring guard in combination with a continuous circular finger ring for reducing the inside circumference of the ring. The guard consists of an elongated U-shaped attachment member with two arms having circular pads at the ends thereof, which pads have small holes in their centers and which pads slip over and pinch onto the ends of a small peg soldered on and sticking out perpendicularly from both sides of the ring. On the opposite outer side of the ring is soldered a small amount of gold or other metal creating a circular opening through and under which the guard is located and kept in place on the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Mark Borgenicht
  • Patent number: 4916925
    Abstract: The needle latch cushioning member is formed of resilient material and includes an elongate body portion with a free end portion. The elongate body portion is supported in a groove on a yarn feed finger so that the free end portion is positioned to be engaged by and interrupt the swinging movement of the latches of the needles to the closed position as the needles are lowered to stitch loop forming position. The engagement of the latches of the needles with the free end portion of the resilient cushioning member serves to reduce the impact force of the latches against the hooks of the needles and thereby increases the wear life of the needles, without interfering with the feeding of the yarn into the hooks of the needles. When properly positioned, the free end of the resilient cushioning member can be used to guide the yarn into the hooks of the needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Monarch Knitting Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce M. Pernick
  • Patent number: 4916926
    Abstract: A locking apparatus includes a following member secured to a pivotal axis, a braking piece capable of preventing the member from rotating in a first direction in a first position and of freeing the member in a second position, and a locking device having a tumbler body capable of engaging with the piece in the manner that the braking piece is in the first position when the locking device is in a locking state and when in an unlocking state, the tumbler body can urge the piece to be in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Jin R. Shieh
  • Patent number: 4916927
    Abstract: Relative movement of members (10,11) of a lock is normally obstructed by an element (14) which can be moved by a solenoid (18) entirely into a recess in one of the members so that the one (11) and the obstructing element (14) can turn together relative to the other member (10) and solenoid. The arrangement may be used to prevent turning of a key-receiving member relative to a housing or as a clutch between two members mounted rotatably in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: John O'Connell, Roy S. Jefferies, Hugh Trevor-Jones
  • Patent number: 4916928
    Abstract: The process for forming a metallic sandwich structure having a curved surface, particularly a surface curving about more than one axis, such as a quadric surface partially by direct displacement and partially by a fluid interface. Additionally, means to restrain the work sheets being formed with respect to the shaping fixture which allow a portion of the work sheets to flow into the forming cavity before absolute restraint is applied and the restraining means function independently of the clamping force of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Ecklund, Masashi Hayase, Robert J. Walkington
  • Patent number: 4916929
    Abstract: For the production of arc elements of disc form a metal strip of wedge form is rolled on edge around an axis of curvature, the metal strip side faces, which converge on one another in wedge form, being rendered parallel.The invention relates to a method for the production of a part-circular arc element the cross-sectional area of which--considered in a section containing the axis of curvature--possesses a, preferably longer, extent in the radial direction and a, preferably shorter, extent in the axial direction and the side faces of which, which are perpendicular to the axis of curvature, are substantially plane-parallel, especially of a check flange for a plain bearing shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Otto Bihler
  • Patent number: 4916930
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for realigning vehicle body and frame members including a movable platform on which a vehicle may rest and a movably supported carrier member connected to such platform and carrying force-exerting means for applying force to vehicle elements at various selected angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Richard J. Belgarde
  • Patent number: 4916931
    Abstract: In apparatus according to the present invention, re-forming takes place in a single operation. The forming device contains a die extended by a hollow cylindrical die area and includes a punch which is surrounded by an outer punch which is advanced under the tension of a spring and fits into the hollow cylindrical die area. A conical centering area is located upstream of the hollow cylindrical die area. Used spot welding electrodes of different lengths and pronounced deformation can be restored several times with this forming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Werner Kaeseler
  • Patent number: 4916932
    Abstract: A press for performing a work operation on a workpiece including a yoke defining a central bore, a ram mounted for reciprocal movement in the bore and carrying a fabricating tool on one end of the ram, an air cylinder secured to an end wall of the yoke and having a piston rod passing through the end wall of the yoke into the bore, and a force multiplying mechanism interconnecting the free end of the piston rod and the ram and operative to move the ram to a working position and thereafter multiply the force applied to the ram to facilitate the performance of the work operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Lamb Robo, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Obrecht, Edward J. Waltonen
  • Patent number: 4916933
    Abstract: The installation includes a straightening device whose front end is mounted on feet and whose back end is associated with a lift. The back end of the straightening device is equipped with detachable ramps, as well as detachable platforms extending the ramps. On the upper face of the straightening device is mounted longitudinally movable between platforms and the front end, a carriage intended to receive the front axle assembly of the vehicle. The installation is applicable to loading and unloading of the vehicle on a straightening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Celette, S.A.
    Inventor: Germain Celette
  • Patent number: 4916934
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor is disclosed, which includes a planar sensor element and a metallic cover. The planar sensor element is provided with a detecting section at least at one of outer side surfaces thereof for detecting a gas to be measured. The detecting section is protected with the metallic cover. The metallic cover is provided with gas introduction openings for introducing the gas into the metallic cover. The gas introduction openings are arranged so as not to be opposed to the detecting section of the oxygen sensor element. Guide plates are provided at the gas introduction openings, respectively for swirling the gas inside the metallic cover in a given direction. The metallic cover is provided with a gas discharge opening at the bottom face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagata, Atsushi Iino, Nobuhide Kato, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Yasuhiko Hamada
  • Patent number: 4916935
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a low power, solid state gas sensor and method of making the same. The sensor comprises a heating element formed from a wire coiled about an axis, a sensing whisker placed inside the heating coil substantially in plane with said axis, and a metal oxide semiconductor material whose resistance varies with the object gas concentration. The gas sensors of this type operate at less than 150 mA. In addition, gas sensors of the present invention exhibit a substantially linear response over a significant concentration of the object gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Bacharach, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Novack, John E. Tozier
  • Patent number: 4916936
    Abstract: A device for testing a package having, a device for passing a fluid inside the package, and a device for selectively controlling the rate of pressure increase inside the package by the passing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: Earl Wilson
  • Patent number: 4916937
    Abstract: A pressure barrier liner is an assembly of low permeability membranes disposed on above the other. A region is encapsulated between each adjacent pair of membranes. A pressurized fluid such as air or water is introduced into a selected group of the encapsulated regions to pressurize them to a selected pressure or pressures, thereby ensuring that any flow through the membranes or through disruptions in the membranes will be from within the pressurized regions to the regions outside the membranes which encapsulate the pressurized regions, rather than from the fluid storage region above the membranes, through the membranes and into the region beneath the membranes which is to be protected by the linear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Robertson Barrier Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew M. Robertson, Walter Van Woudenberg
  • Patent number: 4916938
    Abstract: A valve maintenance process is described that allows for the inspection and testing of valve stem packing and back-seat leakage. The process uses the characteristics of incompressible fluid flow to check the integrity of the valve back-seat, to allow the controlled removal of the complete packing set and to confirm the newly installed packing set is not leaking. The process is designed to reduced down-time and to improve the engineering quality of valve repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
    Inventors: John A. Aikin, Derek Angus, John W. Reinwald, Jack Schankula
  • Patent number: 4916939
    Abstract: A protective lining arrangement, which is intended for use in industrial halls, especially in large-area storage halls, and, on the one hand, is to be capable of being loaded to a high degree by vehicles, machines and stored goods while, on the other hand, is to provide excellent protection against undesirable seepage of hazardous liquid substances into the ground, consists of a plurality of protective lining components which are connected to one another by welded joints. Each of such protective lining components includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a distancing layer of expanded metal which is interposed between the upper and lower plates and keeps them apart by a predetermined distance, while simultaneously providing between the two plates a gap space having a width corresponding to the predetermined distance. The gap spaces of the protective lining components can be evacuated and are connected via a measuring conduit to a leakage monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Helmut Mogel
  • Patent number: 4916940
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous measurement of water volume in oil in which a dielectric capacity probe is placed inside the main pipeline, to measure the average dielectric constant (E) of the flowing mixture. This `in situ` sampling, will account for the entire cross-sectional area of the pipe or duct and its contents. The `in situ` probe will have a high intrinsic capacitance approaching that of air, which has a dielectric constant equal to "1". The probe placed within the pipeline shall offer a minimal impedance to flow of the crude oil and the oil's normal impurities and sediments. The probe will automatically self-calibrate, `in-line`, at selected time intervals and shall be fully automated for the overall routine operation. Additionally the present invention to continuously corrects the measured capacitance as the temperature fluctuates throughout delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Marcel L. Mougne
  • Patent number: 4916941
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improvement for an automotive engine cooling testing system wherein a coolant reservoir is connected to the instrument module by means of two quick disconnect fittings; each such fitting is provided with an internally located shut-off valve that is actuated to close when a disconnection is made. The improvement provides a convenient way to bleed air out of the cooling system prior to commencement of a testing routine, therefore providing a more accurate test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Stephen W. Briggs
  • Patent number: 4916942
    Abstract: A tool and method for measuring turbine blade outer shroud notch wear in situ in a turbine having multiple stages of turbine blades, each stage being arranged in a circular array. The tool comprises a longitudinal member having first and second ends. A gauge pin for applying a separating force between two adjacent turbine blades is affixed adjacent the first end. A positioning member is mounted about the longitudinal member intermediate the first and second ends and a driving site is located adjacent the second end. The tool is used by inserting the first end of the longitudinal member through a first outer stage of blades and into the interior of the turbine such that the positioning member abuts the first outer stage of blades to place the gauge pin between two adjacent blades of an interior stage of blades. A torque force is applied to the tool at the driving site to separate the adjacent blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Leonard W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 4916943
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the tire inflation pressure in a tire testing machine comprises first and second measuring rim portions for mounting a tire therebetween, and a pressure sensor operable to detect the inflation pressure of the tire. The pressure sensor has a pressure-receiving surface which is arranged to directly detect the pressure in the interior of the tire. The pressure sensor rotates with the tire in a tire testing run. A spindle connected to the measuring rim portions and rotatable therewith has conduit means for supplying compressed air to inflate the tire. A control means is operable to close off the conduit means, thereby constituting a closed volume of air defined by the space within the tire, the space between the measuring rim portions holding the tire, and the conduit means in the spindle, that volume of air rotating as a unit with the components defining same, during a tire testing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Gebr. Hofmann GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Gunther Himmler, Werner Lehr
  • Patent number: 4916944
    Abstract: Tire air pressure and tire tread depth are measured by a single gauge provided with an air inlet for engaging the tire valve, whereby air pressure from the tire moves a spring-biased piston and causes a free end of a sliding bar to extend outwardly from the gauge, with the pressure reading being displayed on a scale by an indicator needle mounted on a shaft that is rotated by the sliding bar. Measurement of tire tread depth is accomplished by inserting the free end of the sliding bar into the tread space and engaging an outlet end of the gauge against the tread surface to retract the sliding bar and provide a tread depth reading on the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: King Ho-Chuan
  • Patent number: 4916945
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a whole core sample having a first end and an opposing second end from the interior of an inner barrel comprising:a split receiving tube having an interior surface sized and adapted to receive the whole core sample from the inner barrel;a liner made of heat shrink material extending over a substantial portion of the interior surface of the split receiving tube;first and second discs sized and adapted to be placed on the first and second ends, respectively, of the whole core sample; anda force assembly for forcing the whole core sample from the inner barrel into the liner in the split receiving tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Kirk R. Weisbrod
  • Patent number: 4916946
    Abstract: A method of flowing a high viscosity substance, such as a delayed cross-linked fracturing gel, through a conduit or well fracture at a low apparent viscosity comprises selecting a cross-linkable fluid having nonhomogeneous flow properties and flowing the fluid through the conduit or well fracture at fluid conditions which produce nonhomogeneous flow of the fluid at low apparent viscosity, and preferably at a minimal apparent viscosity. Also included is a method of determining the fluid conditions at which the fluid flows nonhomogeneously at a low or minimal apparent viscosity. The method may further comprise crosslinking the fluid while inputting shear energy to the fluid and determining the ranges of shear energy input to the fluid which produce nonhomogeneous flow of the fluid at a low apparent viscosity. The fluid may then be flowed at flow rates which create fluid shear energies within the ranges which produce nonhomogeneous flow at a low or minimal apparent viscosity in a conduit or well fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4916947
    Abstract: An improved speed detecting device for a marine propulsion unit that includes a drilled passageway integrally formed in the lower unit housing and which cooperates with a two part flexible conduit to transmit the signal of water pressure to a remotely positioned speed detector contained within the hull of the associated watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4916948
    Abstract: A thermal flow sensor has a housing through the inside of which a fluid is allowed to flow, and a supporting pipe passage disposed within and substantially in the center of the housing. A plurality of thermosensitive resistors are supported on the outer periphery of the supporting pipe passage and are disposed within substantially the same plane normal to the flow of the fluid. A fluid temperature sensor is provided within the supporting pipe passage. The flow rate can be detected correctly even when the flow rate of the fluid varies within that same plane, since the sensor is adapted to detect the average flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Inada, Hichiro Ohtani, Tomoya Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 4916949
    Abstract: A meter is mounted inside a housing where the meter is designed for low pressure gas flow measurement and the housing is designed to withstand high pressure differentials. The meter itself includes a plurality of divided chambers and one chamber includes moving elements to measure the flow of gas between the inlet and the outlet. The moving elements inside the gas transmission chamber are supported in place in bearings mounted in dividing walls. Chambers on each side of the dividing walls which define the gas transmission chamber include oil slingers which dip into puddles of oil in the bottom of the chambers and fling a fan of oil upward to lubricate the bearings and other moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph P. Lofink
  • Patent number: 4916950
    Abstract: A gauge is disclosed which is particularly suitable for use on stand-alone liquid storage tanks typically found outdoors or on worksites. Fluid from the lower portion of the tank is allowed to flow into a chamber bounded on one side by a resilient deformable diaphragm. The pressure exerted by the fluid deforms the diaphragm displacing it outward, which displacement is mechanically transmitted to cause pivotal displacement of an indicator needle. The amount of displacement of the needle depends upon the magnitude of the fluid pressure, which itself is proportional to the depth of the liquid in the tank, thus providing a reading of that depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: James D. Bergeson, Marion D. Bergeson, James C. Bergeson, Gary W. Dorin
  • Patent number: 4916951
    Abstract: A press, in particular a high-speed punch press (1), has a substructure (7) which is elastically mounted by means of springs (14). This makes it possible for the press (1) to assume various heights depending on the applied weight (for example that of the tool). In order to ensure cooperation with a handling device (31) of as simple a design as possible, a locking means (42) is provided, by means of which the substructure (7) can be fixed at a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Bruderer AG
    Inventor: Helmut Messner
  • Patent number: 4916952
    Abstract: A pipe supporting mandrel for use in connection with a mandrel rod of a pipe bending machine includes a hose-like part of flexible material hermetically sealed at both ends thereof and being provided at one end with a connecting piece attachable to the mandrel rod. The mandrel rod and connecting piece having a throughgoing passage for admitting a pressure medium into the flexible hose-like part. Before the start of the bending process, the flexible hose-like part is inserted into the region of the pipe to be bent and after inflation by the pressure medium it firmly engages against the inner wall of the pipe. After completion of the bending the hose-like part is deflated and the entire mandrel is withdrawn from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Benteler Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Thielmann, Egon Olszewski
  • Patent number: 4916953
    Abstract: A device for measuring the movement of a motor vehicle with a speedometer (11, 13) which produces a control signal when it is determined that the speed has exceeded a predetermined limit. A distance gauge (11, 15) is equipped with a release mechanism (14) which is activated by the control signal so that a record can be made of the distance driven only when such a control signal is received from the speedometer. The distance gauge (11, 15) is preferably equipped with a connecting device (14) which permits a stepwise or continuous increase in the weighting of distance registration following increased speed above the first, predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Jon Lie
  • Patent number: 4916954
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for obtaining a single crack in fatigue loading which emanates from a predetermined starting notch in a test specimen. This crack propagates in a direction in line with that of the applied Mode II load. The loading may be performed either monotonically or in a cyclic fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Robert J. Buzzard
  • Patent number: 4916955
    Abstract: A load measuring device for measuring the pulling up load of a monocystalline rod (38) grown by the Czochralski method utilizes a strain gauge (20). The monocrystalline rod (38) is pulled up by wire rope (36) consisting of multiple strands. The pulley (34) guiding the wire rope between a drum (36) and a crystal holder (44) has a guide groove which has a cross-sectional shape which is substantially identical to a semicircle circumscribing the wire rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Company, Limited
    Inventors: Nobuo Katsuoka, Kouji Mizuishi, Yoshihiro Hirano, Kenichi Sato, Seiichiro Otsuka