Patents Issued in September 13, 1994
  • Patent number: 5345733
    Abstract: A loading dock shelter with head pad assembly and hinge gap closure wherein reinforced side wing assemblies seal corner/hinge areas, as a truck/trailer backs into the loading dock, to thereby form a protective weather seal for the dock. Respective side wings for right and left portions of the shelter are cantilevered to set the wings outwardly of the door of the dock, when the dock is in use, thereby filling the gap between door jamb and truck/trailer open doors. Each attached side wing is thus extended outwardly to seal the gap between trailer and dock shelter. The semi-flexible nature of the wings permits each one to set itself against the inside of vehicular open doors, notwithstanding possible off-center positioning of the vehicle. This head pad assembly is so conformed that its effective life is extended over the norm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Fairborn USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon
  • Patent number: 5345734
    Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a sealing device for a use in a sealed double glazed window assembly consisting of a pair of glass sheets arranged in spaced parallel relationship to form an air space therebetween and of a spacing unit disposed between the inner marginal edges of the glass sheets. The device comprises a flexible plug that fits into holes made in the spacing unit to allow a gas to be injected into the space between the sheets. A blind rivet is provided within the plug and when an outward pull is exerted on the rivet, an expansion of the plug results to thereby sealingly contain the gas injected between the glass sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Rivetec Inc.
    Inventor: Luc Tremblay
  • Patent number: 5345736
    Abstract: A system and method for carpeting trench headers, including a cover plate having a support flange on the bottom of one lateral edge with a notch therein and an aligned notch in the other lateral edge, a "L" bracket on the longitudinal edges and the lateral edge where the flange is located, carpet on the cover within the "L" brackets, and a tool adapted to the inserted through the slots of adjacent covers to engage the bottom of one cover and lift the cover without disturbing the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: W. Marvin Shoenfeld
  • Patent number: 5345737
    Abstract: A modular system of coordinated, interlocking building elements for display fixtures, which include a variety of extruded metal parts, assembled by means of various connectors that attach to the extrusions by means of set screws or snap-ins and provide a framework for holding glass panels, shelves, brackets, light fixtures and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian
  • Patent number: 5345738
    Abstract: An insulating sheathing panel has an insulating core, such as foam, sandwiched between PMDI impregnated cover sheets. The resulting panels offer structural reinforcement as well as insulating qualities to a building framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Alkiviadis G. Dimakis
  • Patent number: 5345739
    Abstract: Edge protective tape, on a package consisting of two predecorated wallboards, partially adhered to the wallboard back faces, forms pockets in non-adhered areas, into which wallboard mounting clips can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: National Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Menchetti
  • Patent number: 5345740
    Abstract: The modular roof structure includes a grid system with a plurality of parallel beams and a plurality of roof tiles provided on the parallel beams in an overlapping manner. The parallel beam has an engaging protrusion that projects upward. The roof tile has a front end that is provided with a hook portion to receive the engaging protrusion of the parallel beam, and a rear end which is provided with a projection to abut with the hook portion of an adjacent roof tile and a covering member which shields the hook portion from rain and sunshine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Chien-Teh Huang
  • Patent number: 5345741
    Abstract: A silt barrier includes a main frame (10) which is disposed horizontally over a catch basin which is to have silt blocked therefrom, the main frame (10) has end frames (24, 25) rotatable from a stored flat position into a vertical working position. A pair of wooden frames (26, 27, 30, 31) are lodged between the end frames (24, 25) and porous plastic silt barrier sheeting (48) is stapled (50-55) to the wooden frames, surrounding the entire structure. The silt barrier is clamped to the catch basin (41, 70) with j-bolts (38, 39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: J. & H. Slater Construction Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Howard O. Slater, James W. Slater
  • Patent number: 5345742
    Abstract: The force transfer body comprises a first, essentially annular partial body, preferably of cast steel, and a second partial body, preferably of a castable mortar mass capable of hardening. The second partial body is cast in one piece with the first partial body. An inner conical aperture is lined with a funnel-shaped plastic part, which overlaps at least a section of the first partial body. The first partial body has an abutting surface, turned away from the part of the structure, serving the firm contact with an anchor head containing individual members. The prestressing forces arising concentratedly with the anchorage are conveyed from the anchor head via the first partial body into the second partial body, and from there into the part of the structure. The second partial body is designed essentially frustoconical, the truncated cone extending, tapering, away from the first partial body. In the area of the outer generated surface of the second partial body there is a circumferential constriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: VSL International AG
    Inventors: David Rogowsky, Erwin Siegfried
  • Patent number: 5345743
    Abstract: A true divided look is provided in an insulated two-pane window assembly through use of a resilient silicone foam internal muntin bar grid which is low in thermal conductivity to limit heat transfer between panes and is high in flexibility to allow for bending when forming curved shapes. The grid is secured by adhesive on one side to one pane of glass, thereby allowing natural expansion and contraction of the glass panes. The resilient muntin bar includes the resilient muntin bar being U-shaped with a base from which legs extend which are compressible and adapted to move laterally in response to pressure from the panes due to changing thermal conditions or bonding of external wooden muntin bars to the panes. Movement of the panes toward each other would be limited by bottoming out against the base of the resilient muntin bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Peela Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce A. Baier
  • Patent number: 5345744
    Abstract: A compost bagging machine is described including a wheeled frame having a tunnel mounted thereon which is adapted to receive the opened mouth of a bag. The inside surface of the tunnel is provided with a plurality of spaced apart flutes which create air channels in the material within the bag. An elongated perforated pipe is also positioned within the material in the bag and the bagging machine moves relative to the bag during the bagging operation. The presence of air in the channels created by the flutes and the air present in the perforated pipe ensures that sufficient air will be present in the mass to achieve complete decomposition of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5345745
    Abstract: A method of providing a decorative covering for an item wherein the wrapping material has a width and at least a first end. The first end of the wrapping material is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the item to be wrapped and the wrapping material is wrapped about the outer peripheral surface of the item while moving the wrapping material generally over the outer peripheral surface of the item until the wrapping material covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5345746
    Abstract: A method of regulating the amount of anti-bacterial agent in sterile packaging processes within the package which involves the steps of partially filling a container with any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in a solution of liquid, semi-liquid or frozen form, then placing articles into the container, so that an air space is formed within the container partially dehumidifying the air so that when the container is sealed the heating of the container and its contents to a temperature substantially below the boiling point of the solution and at a pressure of about one atmosphere, the surface within the container above and below the solution level, and the entire contents of such container, are sterilized, and have a regulated amount of anti-bacterial agent present in the air space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Richard M. Franchi
  • Patent number: 5345747
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a covering material to an outer flange of a container includes a container carrier for aligning the covering material relative to the container so that a portion of the covering material is positioned over the outer flange of the container. The apparatus also includes a sealing assembly having a horn and a mechanism for applying pressure to the outer flange and to the covering material against the horn. The apparatus further includes a conveyor for moving the container carrier relative to the sealing assembly so that the outer flange of the container and the portion of the covering material positioned over the outer flange pass below the horn. In addition, the apparatus includes a mechanism for vibrating the horn at a predetermined frequency to cause friction between the outer flange of the container and the portion of the covering material positioned over the outer flange to seal the outer flange to the covering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Raque Food Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen F. Raque, Edward A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5345748
    Abstract: A bagger for fruit or other discrete articles ensures that the bag has a minimum weight of fruit but with the lowest overage practical. A weigh pan is fed by a first conveyor having a number of singulating lanes, with an individual weigh chute at the end of each lane. The conveyor is controlled to stop filling the pan once a certain number of articles (sensed by photosensors) have passed into the pan which is less than the expected number of articles which will meet the minimum weight of articles to be bagged. Then the individual weigh chutes are loaded with one article each, and the individual or combinations of weights of one or more articles from the weigh chutes are calculated. The desired individual combination is selected which causes the weight of articles in the pan to exceed the predetermined weight by the lowest amount, and that desired individual or combination of articles is fed to the pan, the weight is confirmed in the pan, then the pan tilted to discharge the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Powell Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry C. Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5345749
    Abstract: A bundling apparatus includes a upper and lower platens, at least one of which moves vertically across a plate. The plate is preferably slightly slanted to prevent a stack of articles on the lower platen from toppling over. A continuous wrapping sheet is fed to the plate for wrapping the stack after compression between the platens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Greif Brothers Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Tendick
  • Patent number: 5345750
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying flat, disc-like articles, such as pharmaceutical compacts and similarly configured technical small parts, in particular tablets (1), and for sealing the articles in hot-sealing sheet (5, 105) comprises a conveyor for supplying the articles and two hot-sealing rollers (30, 130), one of which is arranged on either side of a conveying path (3). A hot-sealing sheet (5, 105), is supplied from each roller so that the rollers receive the articles in seal wells (32, 132) between the hot-sealing sheets and seal the articles between the sheets. A finger roller (10) for positioning the articles is arranged on the conveying path (3) in front of the hot-sealing rollers (30, 130). Between the finger roller (10) and the hot-sealing rollers (30, 130) on both sides of the conveying path (3) there is a respective polygonal roller (20, 120) for geometrical constrained guiding and separating of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: PVT Piepenbrock Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Gries, Roland Klein
  • Patent number: 5345751
    Abstract: A horse mask or halter manufactured by folding a single piece of screen material according to a pattern that ensures the formation of rigid darts in the portion of the mask corresponding to the eyes of the horse. The mask incorporates poll-protection padding that minimizes the risk of injury to the head of the horse during transportation in a horse trailer. A separate opening in the mask is provided for each ear to create an anchoring support that prevents the mask from shifting position over the head of the horse. Sheep skin is used to pad the edges of the mask and prevent the intrusion of insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: William L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5345752
    Abstract: The harvester has a transverse cutter bed provided with a series of rotary cutting units that rotate about individual upright axes. Those cutting units located outboard of the discharge opening behind the cutting bed are provided with specially configured impeller plates that assist in the proper delivery of cut materials into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Hay & Forage Industries
    Inventors: Martin E. Pruitt, Cecil L. Case, H. Keith Garrison
  • Patent number: 5345753
    Abstract: In a silent chain, guide link plates are installed in a row along the sides of the link plates. The guide link plates are provided with central openings having rounded corners. The width of the inner beam portion of the central opening is limited by the inner edge of the central opening and the inner edge of the guide link. The width of the outer beam portion of the central opening is limited by the outer edge of the opening and the outer edge of the guide link plate. The width of the inner beam portion is equal to or less than the width of the outer beam portion. Alternatively, the guide link plates are provided with slits extending from the inner edge, and the inner edges of said slits are curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, K.K.
    Inventors: Tomonori Okuda, Tetsuji Kotera, Kouji Morishige
  • Patent number: 5345754
    Abstract: A process for assembling two facing extremities of members of detachable links and the detachable link formed by the process wherein two facing extremities of members are assembled using two half-shells joined by assembly components according to the following steps:forming reliefs either on the inside surface of the half-shells, or on the outside surface of the member extremities with the other surface remaining smooth;mounting the two half-shells on the member extremities;forging reliefs on the initially smooth components by direct stamping onto the components displaying the reliefs;joining the two half-shells by the said assembly components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Des Forges De Fresnes
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Deramaux, Bernard Caron
  • Patent number: 5345755
    Abstract: A gas and steam turbine plant includes a steam turbine having a water-steam loop. A waste heat boiler which is connected downstream of a gas turbine includes a high-pressure preheater connected in the water-steam loop, a high-pressure heater connected downstream of the high-pressure preheater, a low-pressure heater connected upstream of the high-pressure preheater, and an evaporator of a medium-pressure heater. A coal gasification plant is connected upstream of the gas turbine. An outflow line leads into the coal gasification plant and is connected to the water-steam loop downstream of the high-pressure preheater, as seen in water flow direction. A water-steam drum communicates with the outflow line and is connected to the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Bruckner, Werner Emsperger
  • Patent number: 5345756
    Abstract: A highly efficient partial oxidation process with the production of power comprising the steps of producing fuel gas by the partial oxidation of hydrocarbonaceous fuel, cooling said fuel gas at high pressure by quenching in water to produce quenched fuel gas and by indirect heat exchange with BFW to maximize the production of IP and MP steam, cleaning said fuel gas, preheating scrubbing water comprising process condensate and make-up water by direct contact and direct heat exchange with clean fuel gas and using said preheated scrubbing water in the cleaning of said fuel gas, reducing the pressure of said cooled fuel gas stream prior to heating water for fuel gas saturation, cooling the process fuel gas stream in stages and condensing water for use as said scrubbing water, purifying the process fuel gas and saturating it with water, and burning said purified and saturated fuel gas in the combustor of a power-producing gas turbine along with saturated nitrogen to produce exhaust gas with a reduced NO.sub.x.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick C. Jahnke, Paul S. Wallace, Pradeep S. Thacker
  • Patent number: 5345757
    Abstract: A combustor apparatus is provided for a gas turbine engine including a circumferential ring of injectors. A fuel manifold provides a source of fuel for the injectors. The combustor apparatus includes a plurality of first fuel flow paths between the manifold and all of the injectors. Fuel is provided to all of the injectors via these first flow paths. At least one second fuel flow path including an electronically switchable valve is coupled between the manifold and a selected one of the injectors to provide additional fuel thereto at certain times when special engine operating conditions, such as demand for initial ignition, crossfire and altitude relight are sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. MacLean, Richard W. Stickles
  • Patent number: 5345758
    Abstract: A pulse detonation engine is provided with several detonation combustors selectively coupled to an air inlet and fuel source by a rotary valve. The rotary valve isolates the steady operation of the air inlet and fuel system from the unsteady nature of the detonation process, and allows the fueling of some of the detonation chambers while detonation occurs in other detonation chambers. The fuel system may use a solid fueled gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Adroit Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Bussing
  • Patent number: 5345759
    Abstract: An internal combustion and internally cooled steam engine and powering method to be used to more efficiently and effectively power steam turbines and like drive sources. The steam engine includes an insulated pressure chamber having a boiler concentrically located therein, and a combustion chamber concentrically positioned within the boiler, into which fuel and air pass, through inlet conduits, and are ignited to form hot gasses, thereby heating water within the boiler such that steam emerges from the boiler through a plurality of apertures in the boiler and mixes with the hot gasses. The gasses emerge into the pressure chamber through at least one flue gas line connected to the combustion chamber, and extending into the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Maxwell P. Awon
  • Patent number: 5345760
    Abstract: A booster-compressor for a high flow coefficient turboprop aircraft engine increases engine thrust by supercharging the air into the inlet of the gas generating core engine. The flow of supercharged air from the booster-compressor is split between the core engine and the ambient to allow for the use of standard size rotor blades and stator blades and to provide supplemental thrust. The rotor blades are designed as impulse rotors and the stator vanes are arranged in an axially converging annular flowpath in order to limit to a minimum any increase in the static pressure of the supercharged air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Rollin G. Giffin, III
  • Patent number: 5345761
    Abstract: An energy management system for a hybrid vehicle having wheels drivingly connected to traction motors, which motors are alternatively energized by an internal combustion engine generator or an electrical storage battery. The system comprises an electrical storage battery, a high voltage electrically heated catalyst (300-400 volts) for treating the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a generator driven by the selective operation of the internal combustion engine to energize the traction motors and to sometimes produce electrical energy in excess of that consumed by the traction motors, and a high voltage controller for selectively transferring electrical energy generated by the internal combustion engine generator and the electrical energy produced by the traction motors when driven by the wheels to preferentially the electrically heated catalyst and secondarily to the storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Edward T. King, Larry R. Brandenburg, Yitshak I. Henig
  • Patent number: 5345762
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas conduit of an internal combustion engine with a starting catalyser which is arranged near the engine and in whose casing a central passage surrounded by a catalyser body is provided. The central passage is controllable by means of an exhaust gas butterfly valve in such a way that the exhaust gas flows through the catalyser body when the butterfly valve is closed and is led through the central passage when the butterfly valve is open. In order to prevent overheating of the starting catalyser after the main catalyser starts, a pipe section of the exhaust gas conduit is provided which starts from an inlet flow end casing section, protrudes into the central passage so as to form an annular passage and ends at an upstream distance from the exhaust gas butterfly valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Roland Lutze
  • Patent number: 5345763
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter incorporated in an exhaust passage thereof, there is provided a secondary air control system. The control system comprises an electric air pump by which secondary air is fed to the exhaust passage. An intake air amount detecting device is provided for detecting the amount of air fed to the engine through an intake passage of the engine. A control unit is provided for controlling the voltage applied to the air pump in accordance with the amount of air detected by the intake air amount detecting device. The control is so made that the amount of secondary air fed to the exhaust passage by the air pump is substantially proportional to the amount of air detected by the intake air amount detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 5345764
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydro-mechanical or electro-hydro-mechanical control system utilized for positioning a mechanical device. The control system incorporates an open-center control valve for selectively controlling the differential pressure applied to and the differential flow between input ports of a power output transducer in response to a mechanically applied rotational inputs. The power output transducer is then utilized to position a mechanical device. The control system is a closed loop circuit adapted to supply hydraulic fluid at a desired supply pressure to the control valve. The supply pressure is varied in relation to the absolute value of the pressure differential or load pressure exerted across the input ports of the power output transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Techco Corporation
    Inventor: Edward H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5345765
    Abstract: A stirling engine with mechanical output through a main shaft (71) has piston(s) (44) reciprocable in cylinder bore(s) (41). Each piston is guided on a fixed piston guide (52) which extends into but not through the piston. This guidance holds the piston clear of mechanical contact with the cylinder bore (41). A separate seal is provided between the piston and the bore. Internal guidance of the piston permits a guidance arrangement where clearances change very little or not at all with changes in temperature of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: ESD Engines Limited
    Inventor: Richard F. Kinnersly
  • Patent number: 5345766
    Abstract: An arrangement for carrying out a two-stage linear movement with a stationary and a movable constructional unit, comprises a hydraulic cylinder and an hydraulic piston preferably in the form of a plunger. The hydraulic piston has a hollow volume which houses a plunger piston which, in turn, rests on a spindle rotated by a servomotor in the movable construct-ional unit. The plunger piston can be displaced axially in the hydraulic piston and also in the hydraulic cylinder by use of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Heinz Leonhartsberger, Stefan Eppich, Werner Kappelmuller
  • Patent number: 5345767
    Abstract: A vibration motor comprises a first member for receiving an external vibration, a second member set to be brought into collision with the first member as a result of the receipt of the external vibration, and a converting mechanism provided at the first member and/or the second member and having an asymmetric configuration for establishing a relative movement of the second member upon collision of the first member thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Ando, Tomokimi Mizuno, Yoshihiro Naruse, Iwao Fujimasa
  • Patent number: 5345768
    Abstract: The burner assembly includes a flow body 12 having a central liquid fuel injection nozzle 14, inner and outer concentric passages 24 and 26, respectively, and a flow duct comprising a venturi downstream of the liquid injection nozzle. The inner passage 24 communicates air and gaseous fuel into the flow duct 16. Swirlers 30 and 38 are provided at the exit ends of the inner and outer passages, respectively, to create counterrotating flows which form a shear layer at the exit of the burner assembly body. The extent of the flow duct 16 facilitates liquid fuel atomization and vaporization, while affording sufficient time for gaseous fuel/air pre-mixing. The arrangement creates a recirculation zone 40 and a shear layer 42 at the exhaust of the burner assembly body which affords flame stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roy M. Washam, Robert A. Corr, II
  • Patent number: 5345769
    Abstract: A system for providing a cold environment which has a number of cooling stages with variable displacement volumes into which input fluid from a compressor flows in an input channel to and from the displacement volumes and output fluid flows in an output channel to the compressor. Volume changers vary the volumes of the displacement volumes and input fluid flowing to a first set of displacement volumes is pre-cooled by regenerative heat exchange and counterflow heat exchange and input fluid flowing to the final displacement volume is pre-cooled primarily by counterflow heat exchange. The volume changer at at least one of the stages is thermally decoupled from the input and output channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Boreas, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Liepert, James A. Crunkleton, Gregory R. Gallagher, Joseph L. Smith, Jr., Frederick J. Cogswell
  • Patent number: 5345770
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low-temperature regenerative type refrigerator installed in a low temperature environment, in which a cooling water flow rate controller for adjusting the flow rate of cooling water automatically in accordance with the temperature of gas fed to an expansion unit from a compressor, is provided in a water cooling type cooler for cooling the compressor, to keep the temperature of the gas discharged from the compressor high to the extent of not deteriorating the function of a seal due to shrinkage or not causing convection or deflecting flow in a regenerator, whereby it is made possible to prevent the deterioration in the cooling efficiency of the regenerator which is caused by a lowering of the ambient temperature in the refrigerator installed place, and hence possible to prevent the deterioration of the refrigerating capacity as the entire refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Inaguchi
  • Patent number: 5345771
    Abstract: An improved process for recovering one or more condensable compounds from inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is provided. The inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is flowed through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby the condensable compounds are removed from the mixture and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially condensable compound-free inert gas is produced and disposed of, e.g., vented to the atmosphere. A second bed of solid adsorbent is evacuated by vacuum pumping using a cooled liquid seal vacuum pump. As the resulting inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is contacted with the cooled seal liquid of the liquid seal vacuum pump, a major portion of the condensable compounds are condensed. The condensed compounds are recovered and a portion thereof are cooled and recycled as cooled seal liquid for the vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: John Zink Company, A Division of Koch Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold L. Dinsmore
  • Patent number: 5345772
    Abstract: A method for the distillative separation of hydrocarbon feed stream such as a carbon dioxide-containing feed stream in a single distillation column into a vapor carbon dioxide product stream and a side column product stream such as a liquid propane stream employing a recycled C4+ bottom additive stream. The method comprises: Introducing a feed stream into a single cryogenic distillation column; withdrawing a C4+ bottom additive stream from the bottom of the column; recycling the C4+ stream into the single column above the feed point of the feed stream, and withdrawing from a side point in the column above the introduction of the feed stream a vapor product stream enriched in C3+, and cooling the vapor stream to produce a C3 liquid product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Process Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard B. Hopewell
  • Patent number: 5345773
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating air by low temperature liquefaction and fractionation wherein feed air is compressed and cooled and supplied to the high pressure stage of a two-stage fractionation column from the bottom of the high pressure stage of which liquid is expanded and introduced at an intermediate level of the low pressure stage and a gaseous nitrogen product is removed from the top of the high pressure stage of the column, and wherein an oxygen product is removed from the bottom of the low pressure stage and a gaseous nitrogen product is removed from the top of the low pressure stage. Both stages contain solid material providing solid surfaces on which mass transfer takes place to effect fractionation over a substantial vertical distance. The improvement comprises removing a liquid from the high pressure stage intermediate the height of the solid material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Teisan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Nagamura, Takao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5345774
    Abstract: An external fluid circuit capable of being connected between service valves provided on a closed system containing a refrigerant. The external fluid circuit is provided with a testing tube and testing tube holder. A flow meter and flow regulator are connected in series in the external fluid circuit. The flow meter is provided with a transparent chamber containing a float indicator member to indicate when a desired rate of refrigerant flow through the circuit has been achieved. A three-way toggle valve is provided between the flow meter and testing tube holder allowing the refrigerant to be directed through the testing tube or through a bypass loop. A hand-held compressor downstream of the testing tube holder induces sufficient flow pressure difference where there is insufficient system pressure to cause proper flow through the external fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon L. Mount
  • Patent number: 5345775
    Abstract: A detection assembly is for a refrigeration system which has a cooling unit subject to frost build-up and defrost-to-drain. The assembly includes a first thermal sensor normally exposed to air but also to frost on the cooling unit or water in a plugged drain. A frost or water detection circuit has an input from the first thermal sensor, the detection circuit detects build-up of frost around the first thermal sensor and generates a defrost initiate DI signal which is connected to terminate the refrigeration to the cooling unit and then to initiate a defrost cycle wherein heat is applied to defrost the cooling unit. A second thermal sensor is in good thermal contact with said cooling unit, and a defrost terminate circuit has an input from said second thermal sensor to terminate the defrost cycle. A similar detection circuit determines the existence of ice or water in a plugged drain and terminates the refrigeration or indicates an alarm, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour
  • Patent number: 5345776
    Abstract: An air conditioner having a compressor, an outdoor fan, and two indoor heat exchangers which are connected by an electric expansion valve. During a dehumidifying operation, the opening of the electric expansion valve is decreased, thereby decompressing the refrigerant flowing from the first indoor heat exchange into the second indoor exchanger. The first and second heat exchangers thereby function as a reheater and an evaporator, respectively. The second indoor heat exchanger cools and dehumidifies the indoor air, and the first indoor heat exchanger heats the indoor air again. The indoor air, first cooled, then dehumidified, and finally re-heated, is supplied into the room. During the dehumidifying operation, a deviation (T) of the indoor temperature (Ta) from a preset indoor temperature (Ts), and a change (.DELTA.T) in the deviation (T) are detected, and the deviation (H) of the indoor humidity (Ha) from a preset indoor humidity (Hs), and a change (.DELTA.H) are also detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Megumi Komazaki, Hideaki Suzuki, Hideaki Motohashi, Keiichi Morita
  • Patent number: 5345777
    Abstract: An electric automobile comprises a wheel driving motor (8, 10, 15, 21, 50, 80) and a refrigerating system for air-conditioning the interior of an electric automobile. The refrigerating system has a compressor (7, 22, 57), an outdoor heat exchanger (6, 25, 53), an expansion valve (3a, 3b, 13, 27, 28, 55, 58), and an indoor heat exchanger (4, 29, 54) connected in series by a refrigerant pipe. The wheel driving motor (8, 10, 15, 21, 50, 80) is provided within the refrigerating system, and the wheel driving motor is cooled directly by the refrigerating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Sekino, Issei Yamakoshi
  • Patent number: 5345778
    Abstract: A low temperature food merchandiser having a cabinet with an open front product area, a primary cold air system for maintaining substantially constant low temperatures of at least 0.degree. F. in the product area including the formation of plural primary low temperature air curtains across the open front, a secondary air system protecting the primary air curtains, and the primary system also including primary evaporator cooling means constructed and arranged to operate at elevated coil temperatures in the range of -5.degree. F. to -2.degree. F. to maintain the 0.degree. F. product area temperature, and including reverse air cycle defrost means for periodically defrosting the primary cooling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Harold L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5345779
    Abstract: A modular floor sub-structure is provided wherein discrete floor modules having bottom surfaces and sides extending upwardly to support paired floor tile are interconnected to sit upon a floor surface and, in turn, support rack-mounted computer components. Select ones of the floor modules contain air cooling coils and blowers, while others are provided with uninterrupted power supplies and still others retain power distribution networks. The cooling system of a given module as well as the UPS components of another given module are provided having a capacity for supporting one computer component. Where more than one computer component is to be supported by the system, then additional modules are provided to develop an expanded elevated floor surface with power and heat removal servicing specific to each computer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventor: Edward K. Feeney
  • Patent number: 5345780
    Abstract: A bi-flow expansion device for a heat pump or other apparatus where fluid avel is reversed with different required flow rates in each direction. The device comprises a tubular member mounted in a refrigerant line and having non-symmetrical entrance-exits at the ends of the tubular member for changing the mass flow rate of refrigerant through the expansion device when the direction of refrigerant flow is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: David A. Aaron, Piotr A. Domanski
  • Patent number: 5345781
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the cooling of edible foams, where a cooling or freezing system for pre-freezing of the foam is directly outlet-connected to an aeration system, a motor driven extruder device designed as combined deep freezing and transport device is outlet-connected to the cooling and freezing system, in which the pre-frozen foam can be cooled down to storage temperature, and the aeration device, the cooling or freezing system and the extruder device are connected together by means of pipes. The device of the present invention is characterized in that the extruder device has at least one double screw system with two screws positioned parallel to each other with their rotational axes. The lands of the screws of the double screw system scrape against the inner cylinder mantle surface of the housing surrounding it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventors: Ulrich Fels, Erich Windhab, Ralf Hoffmann, Peter von Holdt, Lutz Hahn
  • Patent number: 5345782
    Abstract: A flow-type ice manufacturing machine includes substantially vertical ice making panels and equipped with a cooling pipe secured on the back of the ice making panels for cooling circulating water that flows on the ice making surfaces. The ice manufacturing machine comprises an ice storage chamber for storing ice, the chamber having a front door, a machinery room for accommodating a condensation unit, the machinery room mounted on the upper front end of the ice storage chamber, and an ice making portion mounted behind the machinery room, so that the ice produced drops into the ice storage chamber and heaps deeply in the chamber, thereby preventing the ice from spilling from the door when it is opened or forcing the door to open unexpectedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takahashi, Yoshiharu Abe, Hideyuki Katayanagi
  • Patent number: 5345783
    Abstract: A vibrating device for an electric refrigerator contains an ice making tray for making an ice from a water which is supplied to the ice making tray; a fulcrum member mounted on the ice making tray rotatable about the fulcrum member; an ice storing chamber for storing the ice which has been made in the ice making tray by rotating the ice making tray about the fulcrum member; rotation device for rotating the fulcrum member to perform an ice removing operation applied to the ice making tray; reciprocation device for supporting the fulcrum member in a horizontal direction which is orthogonal to an axis direction of the fulcrum member and for reciprocating the fulcrum member in the horizontal direction which is orthogonal to the axis direction of the fulcrum member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kazunori Nishikawa