Patents Issued in February 1, 1994
  • Patent number: 5282321
    Abstract: A ring of baffle plates (36) with intermediate spaces (38) in which a rising gas stream is given a twist is arranged in a vessel (10) between an entrance space (30, 50) and a fluidized bed space (60) located above the same. Nozzles (40) are disposed in individual intermediate spaces (38) between a pair of baffle plates (36) each for spraying fluidizable substances into the gas stream. The entrance space comprises a first inlet chamber (30) with which only intermediate spaces (38) without nozzles (40) between baffle plates (36) communicate. The intermediate spaces (38) with nozzles (40) are shielded from the first inlet chamber (30) and connected to a second inlet chamber (50) which is adapted to be fed separately from the first inlet chamber with process gas. This provides novel possibilities of influencing a fluidized bed, especially of rendering it more uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Herbert Huttlin
  • Patent number: 5282322
    Abstract: A solar sanitary dryer bag to be used for drying and exterminating tiny worms and insects existing in a mattress or the like, characterized by having an opening for vacuuming the bag and having a black layer therein for effectively absorbing the solar heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Shiro Kasuya
  • Patent number: 5282323
    Abstract: Apparatus for directing steam against one side of a running web of fibrous material has a housing defining one or more steam chambers and having walls which surround the chamber or chambers. One of the walls is apertured and is located at the path for the web to direct jets of steam toward successive increments of the running web. The steam is dried prior to admission into the chamber or chambers via one or more adjustable valves, and at least one wall of the housing is heated by dried and/or undried steam in order to reduce the likelihood of condensation of steam in the chamber or chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: V.I.B. Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan H. Winheim
  • Patent number: 5282324
    Abstract: A shoe is efficiently ventilated by forcing a low volume of primary air through a plurality of throttle orifices at high velocity downstream of a passage formed in a sole. A low pressure area is created within the passage. A high volume of stale secondary air from the shoe interior is accelerated into the low pressure area. The secondary air is entrained by the primary air and together form a combined jet-like air stream that is forcefully ejected from the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Peter S. C. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5282325
    Abstract: The shoe shall include at least one spring (R), notably a metal spring, set into the sole between an upper plate (2) extending as far as the back of the shoe and a lower plate (3) to cushion the shoe from shocks from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Jean Beyl
  • Patent number: 5282326
    Abstract: A removable, three quarters length, innersole for an article of footwear, adapted to provide cushioning and/or support to a foot. Said innersole comprises a forward toe portion having a radius edge, a rear heel portion having a radius edge and an intermediate arch cushion portion between said toe and heel portions. The forward toe portion, the rear heel portion and said intermediate arch cushion portion are one-piece. The innersole being resilient. The innersole including a first flat bottom surface, a second upper surface having an intermediate arch portion whose contour is generally convex-shaped and a third concave-shaped surface extending from said bottom surface to said upper surface to define with said upper surface an arched projection extending upwardly from said bottom surface and outwardly at a distance about equal to or greater than the tangent of said toe radius edge and said heel radius edge. The arched projection defining a space beneath said third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Schroer, Jr., Ronald L. Bracken
  • Patent number: 5282327
    Abstract: A shoe has a retractable heel which is normally latched in an upright position and spring biased into an inclined position. A wearer's foot, when the shoe is donned, acts on a floor member, forcing the heel section into the upright position, causing the heel section to latch to the shoe. The shoe is thus maintained in the donned state, and grips the foot without laces or other attachment devices. A release mechanism is operated by a rod projecting from the rear of the shoe. Release is actuated by moving the shoe rear end against any solid object, thus depressing the release rod. A wearer thus dons the shoe by stepping into it, and releases the heel in order to doff the shoe by manipulating the shoe by foot. Thus, a wearer does not need to use his or her hands either to don or doff the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Estel E. Ogle
  • Patent number: 5282328
    Abstract: Custom molded foot beds position the feet in balanced positions. A balanced foot position represents a referenced neutral foot position compensated for an individual's particular lower body anatomy. The foot beds and the apparatus and method for making the foot beds produce a balanced position by applying forces to the foot. First forces move the foot toward the referenced neutral position by a first foam block located under the forefoot lateral column. A composite foam block produces a rolling force in the rear foot to move the subtalar joint toward alignment. Other forces provide anatomical compensation including forces that elevate the heel and cup fatty tissue around the heel. Other forces support the remainder of the foot in this balanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Peterson Technology Trust
    Inventor: William E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5282329
    Abstract: This invention reduces the size of the solenoid section of the control valve and simplifies its mechanism. In particular, the invention is intended to enable the control of a variable capacity compressor. In the differential pressure section B.sub.1, a path is formed between a compressor's P.sub.c pressure introducing port 15c and a suction side. In this path a P.sub.c valve disc 17 is installed which engages with or disengages from a valve seat 15e.sub.2 formed in the path on the suction side of a valve opening 15e.sub.1. The P.sub.c valve disc 17 is urged by an adjust spring 20 to close the valve opening. In the solenoid proportional control section B.sub.2, a plunger chamber R.sub.3 is formed which has a P.sub.d pressure introducing port 15g. A plunger 24 is movably installed in the plunger chamber R.sub.3 and is fitted with a connecting rod 25, which passes through a through-hole 15d.sub.1 in the solenoid proportional control section B.sub.2, the P.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Saginomiya Seisakusho, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshihiro Teranishi
  • Patent number: 5282330
    Abstract: A simple, yet well-constructed illuminated sign has characters appearing as glistening ice chunks. The illuminated sign includes a light source which is surrounded by a diffusion member. This illuminated sign also includes a reflecting member disposed on one side of the light source and a diffusion panel disposed on the other side of the light source. This illuminated sign further includes a generally opaque sign panel with raised transparent characters having a chiseled ice-like configuration whereby the light from the light source, following multiple diffusion and reflection, passes through the raised transparent characters to form a lighted sign with characters which appear as if they were chiseled from blocks of ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Lakeside Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Hannula
  • Patent number: 5282331
    Abstract: A display module for attachment to the framing members adjacent a lighting fixture. The module is comprised of a light transmissive trough which is suspended beneath the lighting fixture and receives its light from the fixture without substantially impairing the illumination available to the area beneath the light fixture. The modules may be used individually or combined with other modules to create different geometric patterns of display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: M & M Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Fell
  • Patent number: 5282332
    Abstract: A stun gun that is disguised as a collapsed umbrella and includes an elongated tubular body sized in length and diameter to that of a conventional collapsed umbrella, a curved umbrella-like handle attached at one end, and electrodes disposed at the opposite end and a power supply and circuit voltage generator for providing a large voltage across the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Elizabeth Philips
  • Patent number: 5282333
    Abstract: An ice fishing hole cover comprising a box structure having two side panels, a front panel, a back panel, a hinged lid with a slit for a fishing line to pass through, and no bottom panel. A plurality of heating plates are attached to the underside of the lid, and a plurality of candleholders project from the interior sides of the side panels. The hole cover is made of transparent material and has a plurality of ventilation openings formed into the lid, front, back, and side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Michael J. Klinkhamer
  • Patent number: 5282334
    Abstract: A dry insect extermination device is disclosed herein having box-like housing interiorly supporting an inner frame in spaced relationship to the walls of the housing defining an air conducting passageway between apertures in the housing sidewall and apertures in the frame bottom. The frame supports a heater and a fan for drawing heated air past chemically impregnated packs so that a dry chemical vapor is dispensed from the housing for distribution into the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventors: Kohichiro Kimura, Michael Overturf
  • Patent number: 5282335
    Abstract: A self-watering dish garden includes a lower container section which defines a liquid holding reservoir, an upper container section which fits on the lower container section and has an open top, and a tray which fits into the upper container section. The tray receives plant material in a growing medium and has a depth such that the bottom of the tray is above the top of the lower container section. The tray includes a supporting flange for supporting a partition which includes an outer rim and retaining members. At least one water absorbing member extends from the growing medium through the bottom of the tray into the liquid holding reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Reinhold Holtkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5282336
    Abstract: The gate of this invention comprises a gate panel 10, a gate hinge mounting means 12 for mounting the gate panel to a hinge post 14 or the like, a gate latching closure means 16 mounted by the gate panel 10 for latching the gate in a closed condition to a latch post 18 or the like, a vehicle-actuatable unlatching means 20 mounted by the gate panel 10 for contact by a vehicle 22 whereby closure means 16 may be unlatched to enable the gate to be swung open by bumping contact from the vehicle 22 from a closed condition 24 to one of two open conditions 26, 28, and a gate latching retaining means 30 mounted by the gate panel 10 for securing the gate to a retaining post 32 or the like in an open condition for a predetermined length of time whereby vehicle 22 may pass through the gate area before the gate is released and allowed to self-close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Walt Tucker
  • Patent number: 5282337
    Abstract: A garage door operator has a light which is turned on for a preset period by the controller each time the operator motor is operated. A pedestrian door is equipped with a magnetic switch which signals the controller when the door is opened, causing the light to be turned on for the preset period. A switch console has a vacation switch, a work light switch and a push button which, with the magnetic switch, send signals to the controller. Voltage level encoding and decoding is used to minimize the number of connecting wires between the console and the controller. The controller comprises a microprocessor subject to the switch inputs and programmed to produce output signals for operator motor control and light control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Stanley Home Automation
    Inventors: Dean C. Duhame, Daniel V. Meyvis
  • Patent number: 5282338
    Abstract: A seal (5) suitable for sealing a door (3) to an aircraft fuselage (1) and which also acts as a rain channel when the door (3) is open. In one embodiment the seal (5) is of unitary construction and made from high tear strength silicone rubber. It comprises a flange region (7) for attachment to the fuselage (1) and a hollow compressible bulb (8) which connects the flange (7) with a pair of sealing lips (9,10). The invention has the advantage of providing an effective seal for doors having uneven inner surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventor: David J. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5282339
    Abstract: An aircraft servicing pit located beneath a surface across which aircraft travel while on the ground is provided with a ladder and a pair of reciprocally retractable handrails on each side of the ladder. Each of the handrails has an inverted "J-shaped" configuration. With the lid open the handrails can be drawn up out of the pit and rotated so that their legs can rest upon the tarmac surface at the edge of the pit. Service personnel utilizing the pit are thereby provided with stabilizing hand grips which enhance their safety when entering and leaving the subsurface chamber within the pit. When the pit is to be closed the retractable handrails are lifted, rotated, and lowered to their fully retracted storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Dabico Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Devlin, Eynon Johnson
  • Patent number: 5282340
    Abstract: A snow brake has three major portions, all of which are formed together in a single mold by casting. The first part is a gripper base having a rectangular U-shaped cross-section and an elongated side elevation. A slit extends upward from a bottom of the base to receive a roof seam. Set screw openings extend inward from one side wall and to the slit. Indentations are formed in the side opposite the set screw openings, so that the set screws may press portions of the seam into pockets formed by the indentations, deforming the seam and locking the base to the seam of a standing seam metal roof. The snow retainer is a curved plate which is inclined to the base at about a 60.degree. angle. The plate is wide at the curved bottom and is curved inward toward the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Real Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger M. Cline, Lawrence W. Boehly
  • Patent number: 5282341
    Abstract: A dynamic workspace module is provided for open plan spaces, and the like, and includes a compact footprint, comprising a freestanding framework supporting a three-sided partition to form an interior workspace and a portal opening for user ingress and egress. A door partition shaped to selectively close the portal opening is movably mounted on the framework. The door partition preferably has an arcuate plan shape, and is positioned adjacent one side of the portal opening, such that shifting the door partition from the fully open position to the fully closed position both increases the amount of the interior space in the workspace module, and alters the plan shape thereof for improved freedom of user movement, while alleviating any sense of user claustrophobia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Paul B. Siebert, Marvin LaLone, David J. Luzenske, Brian B. Chambers, Michael E. Tingley, Gregg R. Draudt, Steven W. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5282342
    Abstract: A warehouse terminal building shelter defining a truck dock and seal, wherein a head pad assembly includes a head pad pivot assembly which is anchored forwardly, within the head pad assembly and secured in spring-biased relation thereto. Opposed side pads are covered and reinforced by tension tie straps secured to the blockouts forwardly thereof and in coactive sealing disposition beneath the pivot assembly. Each side pad is of L-shape configuration in cross-section, the side pads being deformable inwardly, relative to the shelter and its head pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Fairborn USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon
  • Patent number: 5282343
    Abstract: A tubular wall member useful for the erection of building structures comprises an end connector inserted into the open ends of a hollow tubular member. The end connector provides a flat, substantially circular front end portion and a rearward extending body portion comprising two spaced, matchingly notched, parallel plates. Tabs rearwardly extending from the periphery of the circular front end of the connector are provided with the rear end portion thereof bent upwardly and forward so that when the front of the end connector is inserted into the open end of the tubular member, the bent tabs contact the end of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Alejandro Stein
  • Patent number: 5282344
    Abstract: A flexible J-channel for masking marginal portions of siding on buildings. The J-channel has a relatively rigid base wall and relatively flexible rear and retainer walls which allow flexing when the J-channel is bent in an arc. The uncut flexible rear wall provides excellent resistance to moisture penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Sylvia E. Moore
  • Patent number: 5282345
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for disposing a sheet adjacent a flexible member. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transporting the sheet to a loading position and a mechanism, located adjacent the loading position, for receiving and holding the sheet. The receiving and holding mechanism is capable of moving the sheet into juxtaposition with a surface of the flexible member so that the sheet contacts the surface of the flexible member upon being released by the receiving and holding mechanism. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for wrapping the flexible member about itself with the sheet interposed between opposed surfaces of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Darcy, Boris Haritonoff, Edouard E. Langlois, Karl V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 5282346
    Abstract: An unwrapping apparatus for unwrapping a palletized and stretch-wrapped load, including at the front side thereof lower grippers and upper grippers to grip the lower edge and upper edge of a stretchable film of the load, respectively, and a cutter unit for vertically cutting the stretchable film. The unwrapping apparatus includes at the rear side thereof a carriage having a platen to press the top of a load, a pair of swing arms carrying the upper grippers, and a pair of auxiliary film separating swing arms to separate the stretchable film from the rear corner portions of the load when the film is removed from the load by the main swing arms. The main swing arms and the auxiliary swing arms prevent the articles from being pulled and moved by the stretchable film in contact with the articles and thus falling down from the separate sheet in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Oji Seitai Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Masuda, Masahiro Tsukuda, Shigeru Doiura, Kaoru Kawanishi, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Katsumi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5282347
    Abstract: A wrapping apparatus applies a wrapping medium to an annular article such as a coil of a metal strip, to cover the inner surface as well as the outer surfaces thereof. The apparatus includes a rigid loop structure defining an endless T-sectioned track, and extends as a cantilever extending from a free standing columnar support. The support includes an elevator device for raising and lowering the loop structure. The loop structure includes a hinged gate portion that may be moved to an open position to enable the track to be linked with the annular article, and then reclosed. A self-propelled shuttle moves around the track and carries a dispensing device and a prestretching device that hold wrapping medium and enable the medium to be removed from the coil. A trolley with two power driven rollers continuously reorients the article as wrapping proceeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignees: John Lysaght (Australia) Limited, K.C. Metal Products Proprietary Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Cleine, John G. Venturin
  • Patent number: 5282348
    Abstract: A clip-type carrier is provided with an outer wrap having a top panel overlying and adhered to the support body of the carrier. Side panels of partial or full height are connected to the top panel of the outer wrap and either end panels or a bottom panel or both connect the side panels. Other package variations are formed by wrapping a plurality of carrier units together, including packages formed by wrapping stacked carrier units. The basic carrier unit may be formed in a first module or packaging station from which the units are sent by conveyor to one of a plurality of other wrapping modules, depending on the style of package desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Clayton Dampier, Octavio Orta
  • Patent number: 5282349
    Abstract: A horizontal form fill packaging and sealing apparatus comprises a film dispenser and a film forming plow which, together with a roller guide, forms the film to be sealed into a tube with the free edges at the side. The object to be packaged is inserted into the film tube. The free edges of the film are longitudinally sealed together at the side of the package by a rotary heat sealer and immediately cooled to approximate impulse sealing, and a cross seal is made at the front and back of the object to be packaged. The excess gas in the package is pressed out by a presser before the back cross seal is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Weldotron of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Siegel
  • Patent number: 5282350
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective high-speed insertion of sheets from a plurality of webs into envelopes provides a mechanism for folding and inserting sheets into preformed envelopes. Preformed envelopes are provided for folding and inserting from a source that may be a roll. A plurality of sheets are fed for folding and inserting into an envelopes. A leading sheet from each of the webs is selectively driven and cut at a collection point for folding and inserting. The selecting of sheets for feeding and cutting may be accomplished by means of a CPU that may include a bar code detection system disposed along each of the webs. A system for widening the openings of envelopes to facilitate insertion of contents may also be included. This system may comprise a strip along each of the envelopes is a stream that includes a folded section within each opening or may comprise tabs disposed along an opening side of each envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 5282351
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making, filling and sealing sacks from a tubular film web of thermoplastic material preferably provided with side folds and printed in format print, where the leading end of the tubular film web is each provided with a transverse weld, and from the tubular film web a section constituting an open sack is cut off, and where the sack is then filled and the open end of the sack is sealed by a transverse weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher
    Inventor: Konrad Tetenborg
  • Patent number: 5282352
    Abstract: A corn head with a pair of parallel counterrotating harvesting rolls is disclosed. Each roll has primary flutes and secondary flutes extending longitudinally which oppose flutes of the other type on the other roll. Improved ear stripping and stalk processing by crushing result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald E. Schoolman
  • Patent number: 5282353
    Abstract: A strander for generating a multi-strand cable including at least one pay-off station which is spaced radially from a common rotational axis along which the cable is formed. Each station includes a reel for paying-off a strand to be used in the cable, and each reel s disposed with its axis in a plane normal to a radial line from the common axis. Furthermore, each pay-off station includes a mechanism for causing the axis of the reel to rotate in the plane normal to the radial line. A stabilizer mechanism is provided for a flywheel disposed coaxially with the product reel, and a torque differential device is coupled to be driven by the reel and to drive the flywheel in a direction opposed to the rotational direction of the reel, wherein any change in the angular momentum of the reel is opposed by a change in the angular momentum of the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Gary E. Kellstrom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5282354
    Abstract: This gas turbine arrangement has a gas turbine which can be divided into a high-pressure part and a basic part and has a compressor (1) and at least one energy exchanger (7). In addition, it has a combustion-chamber arrangement and a separate combustion chamber (18) connected upstream of the energy exchanger (7). The intention is to provide a gas turbine arrangement in which an increased efficiency is achieved by simple means and which can be regulated more simply. This is achieved by providing at least two combustion chambers (9, 10) for the combustion-chamber arrangement. The first (9) of the combustion chambers cooperates with the high-pressure part of the gas turbine arrangement. The second (10) of the combustion chambers cooperates, via the interposed energy exchanger (7) having the upstream combustion chamber (18), with the basic part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventor: Jakob Keller
  • Patent number: 5282355
    Abstract: An improved exhaust gas NO.sub.x removal system removes NO.sub.x from exhaust gas through a catalytic reduction process making use of ammonia or its precursor as a reducing agent. The system includes a vaporizer in which ammonia or its precursor is vaporized, and one or a plurality of nozzles provided in a flue upstream of an NO.sub.x removal catalyst layer. The number of nozzles corresponds to a cross-sectional area of the same flue. These nozzles eject the ammonia or its precursor, vaporized by superheated steam within the vaporizer, into the flue. The superheated steam to be used in the vaporizer for evaporating ammonia or its precursor can be taken from the exhaust gas boiler itself in which NO.sub.x removal is to be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5282356
    Abstract: A flywheel engine includes a flywheel body made up of laminated disks, pressed one into another on a central drive shaft. Individual ones of the disks are stamped with recesses which accommodate jet or rocket propulsion housings, electrical wiring, and fuel delivery passages. The propulsion housings are removably mounted in the flywheel body to permit interchange with other propulsion devices according to thrust requirements. The propulsion housings are oriented to produce thrust on thrust axes that are substantially tangential to the rotational path of the flywheel body edge surface. Fuel and combustion supporting oxygen are delivered to the individual propulsion housings through the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Irwin R. Abell
  • Patent number: 5282357
    Abstract: A propulsion system in which pure hydrazine is used as the fuel for both a bipropellant rocket engine for high-thrust performance and in multiple monopropellant thrusters for station keeping and attitude control functions. Use of a common fuel for both modes of operation significantly reduces propellant weight and inert propulsion system weight for any given mission requirements, and therefore increases the payload that can be delivered to and maintained in a desired orbit. Further, for station-keeping, the monopropellant thrusters can be augmented in performance by employing either electrothermal or additional direct chemical energy, arc jet operation, or force field acceleration, to provide increased specific impulse values up to 2,000 seconds or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sackheim
  • Patent number: 5282358
    Abstract: A dual inner central drive shaft in a gas turbine engine includes rearward and forward shaft portions which overlap and interengage with one another. The rearward shaft portion includes an elongated cylindrical inner middle portion and a rear conical end portion, whereas the forward shaft portion includes an elongated cylindrical outer middle portion and a front conical end portion. The respective opposite ends of the inner and outer middle portions of the rearward and forward shaft portions have intermeshing rear and front sets of radially projecting and circumferentially spaced splines which extend parallel to the shaft axis so as to rigidly secure the outer and inner middle portions of the rearward and forward shaft portions together for concurrent rotary motion of the rearward and forward shaft portions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jan C. Schilling
  • Patent number: 5282359
    Abstract: A jet engine having no moving parts includes a toroidal combustion chamber formed in a thickened cylindrical side wall of an engine housing and a toroidal exhaust port that directs exhaust gases radially inwardly and towards an outlet of the engine. The escaping exhaust gases travel at a high velocity and thus induce a secondary air flow through the engine. The entrained secondary air enters the engine inlet, cooling and slowing the exhaust gases. In a second embodiment, the trailing end of the housing is frusto-conical and the exhaust port directs the exhaust gases to converge toward one another so that entrained air also flows in a converging pattern. In a third embodiment, the housings of the first two embodiments are positioned in axial alignment with one another so that converging air entrained by the second housing augments the mass of air entrained by the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Robert G. Chester
  • Patent number: 5282360
    Abstract: An exhaust gas oxygen sensor is used to control the air/fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine in combination with an electronic engine control. The exhaust gas oxygen sensor is positioned in the exhaust stream flow from the engine. The electronic engine control utilizes different air/fuel ratio feedback strategies depending upon whether the signal output from the exhaust gas oxygen sensor is saturated indicating a rich air/fuel ratio, saturated indicating a lean air/fuel ratio or operating in a linear region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Hamburg, Thomas R. Culbertson, Judith M. Curran
  • Patent number: 5282361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for facilitating exhaust action of an internal combustion engine being used as a power-transmitting source of a vehicle, using a depression phenomenon resulted from induction and acceleration of air resistance due to forward movement of the vehicle (motor cars, vessels, airplanes or the like), thereby an output and a combustion efficiency of the internal combustion engine. To overcome problems of the forced exhaust method in the conventional internal combustion engine and improve the output and the combustion efficiency of the internal combustion engine, the present invention provides a device for facilitating exhaust action of the internal combustion engine comprising a guided flow depression device and a forced exhaust device, wherein combustion gases are exhausted by working fluids when the vehicle moves at a constant speed or more, and are exhausted by the forced exhaust device with the motor when the vehicle moves at a constant speed or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Lee D. Sung
  • Patent number: 5282362
    Abstract: A torque converter has a turbine and a pump with elastomeric linings on its core and shell surfaces proximate to the blades. The elastomeric linings are deformed where the blades engage the core and shell surfaces. This localized deformation effects a seal between the blades and the core and shell surfaces. This seal eliminates leakage between the blades and the cores and the shells, thereby increasing torque converter efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Renneker, Joel M. Maguire
  • Patent number: 5282363
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for running a crawler vehicle which comprises a running frame portion provided with motors for running the crawler vehicle and an upper swivel portion turnably disposed on the running frame portion via a swivel joint. Electro-magnetic proportional flow directional control valve (a directional control valves) (15) for controlling the running motors are disposed between the swivel joint (41) and the running motors (19). The number of the high pressure passages in the swivel joint (41) can be reduced, because of increase of pressure resistance, the size of the swivel joint can be small, and accordingly, the hydraulic circuit for running a crawler vehicle can be inexpensive, and possibility for leakage of pressure oil becomes low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Ogawa, Takuma Endo, Hisashi Nakashima, Yoji Asano
  • Patent number: 5282364
    Abstract: The invention concerns thermoelectric coolers/heaters of the kind comprising at least one thermoelectric block and heat-exchanging means consisting, at least on one side of the block, of metallic convector elements over which sweeps a fan-generated current of forced air. In accordance with the invention the convector element is formed by squarely cut, extruded profile members having longitudinally extending portions forming fins and channels The fan is an axial fan the impeller (22) of which spans most of the cross-sectional area of the convector element (7), and the convector profile member has means (9; 23) to secure the fan unit in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Pavel Cech
  • Patent number: 5282365
    Abstract: An improved packed column distillation system, which may be particularly advantageous for use with cryogenic distillation such as the cryogenic distillation of air, wherein external heat is provided at the column wall, especially at a stripping section of the column, to vaporize liquid formed on the inner surface of the column wall resulting in improved separation efficiency with lower packed bed height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Victor, Dante P. Bonaquist, Robert A. Beddome
  • Patent number: 5282366
    Abstract: A hand-transportable unit for transferring refrigerants between containers includes a pump to remove refrigerant from a first container The pump is driven by a pneumatic motor. The pump is capable of transferring refrigerant in liquid form, vapor form, or simultaneously in both forms. A condenser for cooling refrigerant is in fluid communication with the pump. The unit also includes a compressor for driving the pneumatic motor to operate the pump. Optionally, the pump may be powered from an external source of compressed gas. The other components of the unit are mounted to a handcart including a frame and wheels to facilitate movement of the unit. In a preferred embodiment, unit is configured for self-evacuation by use of the pump in order to avoid cross-contamination of different refrigerants during subsequent use of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: National Refrigeration Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Reilly, Jr., Michel J. Maniez, George R. Loose
  • Patent number: 5282367
    Abstract: A refrigerated food preparation table having an evaporator cooling coil and heat transfer fins which are baffled to create two air flows which are cooled to different temperatures. One air flow passes through a laminar air screen and across an open top of a food container, and the other f low passes along the outer surfaces of the food container, thereby cooling the food container and a volume defined therein. This configuration preferably cools the entire volume within the food container to a temperature below 40' F., yet remaining above 32' F. The laminar air screen may be disassembled and separated for the purpose of cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Delfield Company
    Inventors: Earl Moore, Thomas Frick, Wayne Smith, James Lyon
  • Patent number: 5282368
    Abstract: A beverage cooling device for quick chilling beverages. The device rotates the beverage in a hollow receptacle such as an ordinary commercially available ice chest while positioning it vertically and at an angle such that it can be used with receptacles having a wide range of sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Raymond D. Ordoukhanian
  • Patent number: 5282369
    Abstract: The capacity control range of an interior unit of a multiple type absorption air conditioning system is increased, and turning on and off of cooling/heating and switch over between the cooling and heating can be readily and safely performed. The capacity control range is increased by reserving a liquid refrigerant in an absorption cool/warm water unit. An interior unit is connected to the absorption cool/warm water unit by a communication device. The operation of the cool/warm water unit caused by turning on and off the system and switch over between cooling and heating are automatically controlled by an operation control device. Consequently, the operation is simplified, and safety is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomihisa Ohuchi, Akira Nishiguchi, Seiichiro Sakaguchi, Daisuke Hisajima, Michihiko Aizawa, Takashi Nakao, Yasuo Koseki, Kyoji Kohno
  • Patent number: 5282370
    Abstract: An accumulator for use in an air-conditioning system wherein a refrigerant fluid is circulated. The accumulator embodies an enclosed housing defining an internal vapor chamber, an inlet tube, an outlet tube having a vapor inlet end in an upper portion of the vapor chamber, and a baffle member located within the housing between the upper and lower portions and within the vapor chamber to impede the flow of incoming partially vaporized fluid causing it to circulate within the chamber and allowing the refrigerant vapor to rise to the upper portion of the vapor chamber and to flow through the outlet tube. The baffle member is an integral part of the housing, being formed at the open end of one of two cup-shaped housing members and turning inwardly to provide a generally ring-shaped baffle member, with the cup-shaped members being joined at their open ends to complete the enclosed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Fayette Tubular Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel F. Kiblawi, Dean M. Christie, Todd R. Kelpin