Patents Issued in October 18, 1994
  • Patent number: 5355899
    Abstract: An arched hairclip comprises generally an elongate base piece and an elongate tongue piece in arcuate form and pivotally connected with one of their corresponding ends. The base piece has on one end a retainer and the other end a pair of hinge rings. The tongue piece has on one end a buckle member and the other end a pair of the hinge pins, an undulated spring strip integral with and underneath the tongue piece has a cylinder member on free end which displaceably stops against the inward wall of the buckle member providing a great flexibility to the hairclip. This disclosure has been characterized in the adjustable function which prevents a hair bundle therein from being broken by the shearing action and protects the hairclip from sliding off a hair bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Chou Kuo-Hua
  • Patent number: 5355900
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a chamber containing the dishes, a heater for heating the air in the chamber, a water inlet provided on the upper side of the chamber, a drain pump for draining the water from the chamber, an air circulation passage through which the air in the chamber is circulated, a fan for circulating the air in the chamber through the air circulation passage, a dehumidifying surface capable of holding water provided in the air circulation passage, and a microcomputer for controlling the drain pump, the fan and the volume of the water supplied from the water inlet. In a drying cycle, the air heated by the heater is circulated through the air circulation passage. Since the air contacts with the water spread over the dehumidifying surface, and is cooled down, the water is condensed from the air. Therefore, when the air is heated again, the evaporation of the drops of water on the dishes increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sakata
  • Patent number: 5355901
    Abstract: An apparatus for precision cleaning with carbon dioxide includes a pressure vessel having a removable cleaning drum with a sanitized work zone, a separator for regenerating spent carbon dioxide, and pressure and temperature monitoring and control devices to maintain the carbon dioxide in a supercritical state while it is circulated in contact with a part to be cleaned. The sanitized work zone is defined by an impermeable drum body having removable entry and exit filters to ensure that circulating cleaning fluid does not redeposit contaminants on the parts. The separator includes distillation means. The pressure vessel and separator form part of an overall system, including a storage vessel for carbon dioxide, a pump, a preheater, a let-down valve in communication with the pressure vessel outlet, a condenser and a bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Autoclave Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mielnik, John A. Metalonis, Richard K. Reber, Larry R. Rosio, Stephen H. Shore, Charles W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5355902
    Abstract: An umbrella comprises a collapsible cover portion and a flexible loop member attached to the cover portion. A linkage mechanism attached to the flexible loop member at first, second and third equidistantly spaced points moves the first, second and third points together such that the loop member is folded onto itself to form a plurality of smaller overlapping loops when the umbrella is in a closed position, and moves the first, second and third points away from each other such that the overlapping loops expand when the umbrella is in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Karen S. Schlangen
  • Patent number: 5355903
    Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella which converts to at least two separate canopy configurations. The umbrella has a closed position, from which it can be opened and latched into at least one middle position. Such a middle position can be used as a car window shade to shade the car from sun entering the front windshield. Alternatively, the middle position can be a partially opened position latched in place for use as an umbrella in restricted places such as a seat in an open air stadium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Joseph F. Haddad, Joseph R. Haddad
  • Patent number: 5355904
    Abstract: A stairway climbing aid having a plurality of individual adjustable half-step members fixedly connected to a rigid elongated channel member at spaced locations along the length of the latter to comprise a rigid assembly. The channel member is connected to each of the half-step members adjacent the rear end of the latter and at an elevation and angle such that the channel member will extend upon or adjacent the outer edge of the tread of each step. The half-step members are longitudinally adjustable so that their length can equal the depth of the particular steps to which they are applied. Thus, any stairway can be readily modified to facilitate travel thereover by persons having difficulty in taking full steps, by applying such an assembly to the steps along one side of the stairway, after adjusting the individual half-steps to the depth of the treads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald I. Wallum
  • Patent number: 5355905
    Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Robert K. Burgess, Thomas A. Redle
  • Patent number: 5355906
    Abstract: A mixing valve comprising a modular cartridge non-rotatably mounted in a housing. The cartridge includes inlet passages in its bottom portion, outlet passages in its top portion, and a pressure balance valve intermediate and in communication with said inlet and outlet passages. The inlet passages are in communication at their downstream ends with supply ports in the housing. The outlet passages are in communication at their upstream ends with a volume and temperature control valve plate. The volume and temperature control valve plate is rotatable to align or misalign outlet apertures in said plate with the outlet passages in the cartridge. The rotation of the plate is controlled by a stem attached to a handle. Means are provided to adjust the maximum water temperature. The temperature adjustment means include an orienting stem ring having an opening shaped to receive a complementary shaped section of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Garry Marty, Diana Smolkin
  • Patent number: 5355907
    Abstract: An automatic draining back flow prevention apparatus, for use with hydrant structure, comprising tubular body structure having main passage structure between flow entrance and exit ports; the body structure having a first side port communicating with the passage structure; diaphragm structure carried by the body structure to be exposed to flow in the passage structure; a stopper in the passage structure cooperating with the diaphragm structure to pass forward fluid flow from the hydrant structure, while the diaphragm structure is positioned to block exit flow of fluid through the first side port, and to block back flow of fluid through the main passage structure when the diaphragm structure moves to unblock flow of fluid through the first side port; a first seat in the body structure exposed to the passage structure, and seating the first diaphragm as it moves to block flow of fluid through the first side port; and spring structure carried by the body structure to urge the stopper toward the first diaphragm,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
  • Patent number: 5355908
    Abstract: A pipe union assembly with embodiments which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. Embodiments of the invention also include structures to automatically check the flow of fluids from the components of the pipe union upon disassembly of the union. The pipe union generally comprises one or more fitting members and a sealing member. The sealing member receives a ridge formed on each fitting member in a sealing fashion. One or more external sleeves hold the fitting member and the sealing member in sealing engagement. The materials from which each fitting member and sealing member are fabricated may be chosen so as to exhibit the proper hardness characteristics and thermal expansion coefficients. A compensating washer is also provided to increase compensation for thermal contractions at low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hiltap Fittings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin H. Berger, Leo L. Krywitsky, Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Patent number: 5355909
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling have a pair of hollow metal seals which are pressure energized to seal between the male and female members of the coupling. One of the hollow metal seals is configured to expand radially while the second hollow metal seal is compressible along the longitudinal axis of the coupling. These seals provide a fluid tight sealing arrangement upon pressurization of the coupling, without the need for external pre-load devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 5355910
    Abstract: A flap valve apparatus and an improved flap valve element which uses integrally bonded layers comprising a first soft flexible layer of an elastomer and a second layer of a rigid plastics material. The method of forming the flap valve element by a two component extrusion process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Gies, Keith J. Nardone
  • Patent number: 5355911
    Abstract: A shed formation apparatus having increased flexibility and speed. The shed formation apparatus is comprised of a plurality of movable heddles which are connected to a plurality of heddle selectors by a first plurality of control leads. The heddle selectors are movably connected to a plurality of heddle selector controllers which include stoppers to retard the movement of the heddle selectors. A second plurality of control leads are attached to the heddle selectors. A repeat pattern output apparatus determines the movement of the second plurality of control leads and the attached heddle selectors, and selectively activates the stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Asten Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz Kuster, Stephan Kuster
  • Patent number: 5355912
    Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the warp yarn tension in a loom in which the fixed deviation bar for the fabric under formation is supported only at its ends. A deformation sensor, moreover, is directly supported on the deviation bar. The deformation sensor is electrically connected to a comparator to which an adjustable set-value unit is also connected, the output of the comparator being used to drive the geared motor of the warp yarn feed beam to control the warp yarn tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Nuovopignone-Industrie Meccaniche e Fonderia SpA
    Inventors: Luciano Corain, Roberto Spanevello, Marco Novella
  • Patent number: 5355913
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for tightening a strap loop to a predetermined tension about split tissue portions includes a frame, an advancing mechanism for tightening the strap loop, a linkage mechanism which severs excess strap material not used in securing the tissue portions together and a control mechanism for controlling operation of the apparatus. The advancing mechanism includes a tensioning lever and a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism includes a tensioning hub and a clutch which releases when the tension in the strap loop exceeds a predetermined value. The control mechanism includes a safety feature for preventing inadvertent activation of the linkage mechanism. A buckle and a method for use with the surgical apparatus is also disclosed. The invention is particularly contemplated for repair of the human sternum when the sternum has been split during surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Green, Henry Bolanos, Thomas W. Alesi, Jr., Kenneth E. Toso
  • Patent number: 5355915
    Abstract: A vapor recovery fuel dispenser includes a liquid fuel pump for pumping and blending liquid fuels from fuel reservoirs along a fuel delivery line to an outlet. A vapor pump returns fuel vapors from proximate the outlet along a vapor return line to a repository. An electric motor drives the pump in response to a signal. An electrically-activatable valve is provided in the vapor return line. A first sensor generates a first pulse train representative of the flow rate of the liquid fuel pump and a second sensor generates a second pulse train representative of the flow rate of the vapor pump.A controller is operably interposed between the liquid fuel pumps and the vapor pump. The controller monitors whether the liquid pumps are operating, whether the vapor pump motor is operating, and the electrical current to the vapor pump motor. It also outputs an electrical signal to open the valve when the motor or liquid fuel pump is operating and to close the valve when motor operation or liquid pumping is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Gilbarco
    Inventor: Edward A. Payne
  • Patent number: 5355917
    Abstract: A pre-conditioned air adapter chute for attachment to an aircraft. The chute has a body which is cylindrical at the top and the bottom, handles on either side of the body, a clamp attached to each of the handles, and a hook attached to each of the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: David F. Kofflin
  • Patent number: 5355918
    Abstract: The tree stump grinder assembly (12) includes a drum (176) with end flanges (178 and 180) and a central flange (182). A left hand stub shaft (102) is journaled in the drum (176) by spaced apart roller bearings (122 and 124), a bearing hub (126), and a circular plate (160) attached to an end flange (178). A right hand stub shaft (212) is journaled in the drum (176) by spaced apart bearings (218 and 222), a bearing hub (224) and a circular plate (258) attached to an end flange (180). The central spindle (114) of a hydraulic motor (116) is nonrotatably secured to the left hand stub shaft (102). The housing 144 of the hydraulic motor (116) is journaled on the central spindle (114) and is rotated relative to the spindle when hydraulic fluid is supplied through supply passage 306 and is returned to the sump ( 328) through a return passage (310). Rotation of the housing (144) drives the drum (176) through keys (202, ring member (194) and the central flange (182).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: William J. Lang
  • Patent number: 5355919
    Abstract: A wood splitting device comprising a body element, a splitting blade or wedge horizontally mounted in the body element, a mechanism for holding and guiding a piece of wood that is slidably mounted to the body element, a system for reciprocating the slidably mounted wood guiding mechanism, and a mechanism associated with the body element for adjusting the thickness of the split portions of the wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Paul V. Knox
  • Patent number: 5355920
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a felling and delimbing apparatus having a head for felling and delimbing trees; a frame, at least two grasping jaws and, delimbing knives mounted on said frame and/or on said grasping jaws, and first/and second cutters for cutting the trunk of a tree, a platform which is pivotally mounted on a frame of the vehicule for movement around a vertical pivoting axis; a first and second booms pivotally connected together by a first pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, the first boom being also pivotally connected with the platform by a second pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, the second boom being also pivotally connected with a first supporting member by a third, pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis; the frame of the head and the first supporting member are pivotally connected together by a fourth pivot defining a pivoting axis that is substantially not parallel with aforesaid horizontal axis, that means are pro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Jacques Tanguay
  • Patent number: 5355921
    Abstract: A process for selectively abrading one surface of a veneer knife at a higher rate that the other face and includes a novel way of providing lubricating and cooling fluid to the faces of the knife wherein the majority of the lubricant is provided to the face which abrades slower to further enhance the self sharpening of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5355922
    Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for passenger cars having a plurality of grooves formed in the tread and extending at least circumferentially of the tire, the tread being provided with two belt plies therein. The grooves have a depth in the range of 6.0 to 8.5 mm, with the thickness of the under-groove rubber layer from the bottom of the grooves to the outer belt ply being fixed within the range of 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The belt plies are both made from aramid fiber cords, or either belt ply is made from aramid fiber cords and the other ply from steel cords. The both edge portions of at least one of the belt plies are folded back toward the center of the tread at a fold percentage of 8 to 100 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Kogure, Yoshiaki Hashimura
  • Patent number: 5355923
    Abstract: A locking insert device for a tire chamber adapted to be fitted to a vehicle wheel provided with a tubeless tire mounted on a well or drop center rim, the device being designed to oppose the coming off of the beads of the tire from the rim in the event of a puncture of said tire, said device comprising a strip of rigid material shaped as a ring that is split parallel to the axis of the rim equipped therewith with an abutment member for a bead on one at least of its circumferential borders, the ring having a cross-section that correspond at least in part to the shape of the rim against which it is pressed and held stationary by fastening devices rendered operative after the ring has been placed on the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Bernard Boni, Bruno Pelletier
  • Patent number: 5355924
    Abstract: A reservoir is formed in a wheel of a vehicle for storing high pressure air for inflating a tire mounted on the wheel. A regulating valve communicates the reservoir with the tire when the air pressure in the tire drops below a predetermined value to maintain the tire fully inflated. A mechanism for automatically replenishing the high pressure air in the reservoir includes a radially extending bore formed in the wheel, and a piston which is sealingly movable in the bore. A variable volume compression chamber is defined in the bore between the radially outer ends of the bore and the piston. When the vehicle is stopped, a relatively weak spring urges the piston to a radially innermost position in which an inlet check valve opens to allow communication of the chamber with the atmosphere so that the chamber can be filled with fresh air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Ross D. Olney
  • Patent number: 5355925
    Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire to be fitted on a wheel in which a position wherein a disc is joined to a rim is offset from the center of the width of the rim toward the outer surface of said wheel, characterized in that the tire comprises an asymmetric structure in which a belt layer is provided between a tread and a carcass layer, an outer circumferential portion of the belt layer being covered with at least one belt covering layer, the at least one belt covering layer being disposed so that an average position of the center(s) of the width(s) thereof from the equator of the tire is deviated toward the opposite side of the offset side of the disc, a ratio e/w of the deviating distance e to the width w of a ground contacting portion of the tread being set to 0.05-0.13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Katsura, Tomohiko Kogure, Zenichiro Shida, Yoshiaki Hashimura, Yusaku Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5355926
    Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for a two-wheeled vehicle, including a carcass constituted by at least one carcass ply composed of cords extending at an angle of 75.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire, and a belt constituted by at least two belt plies. The belt plies is arranged radially outwardly on an outer peripheral side of a crown portion of the carcass, and composed of cords extending substantially in a circumferential direction of the tire. The number of the cords per unit width of an outermost belt ply is in a range of 30% to 80% of that of a belt ply adjacent radially inwardly to the outermost belt ply as considered on the average over the entire width of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takase
  • Patent number: 5355927
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of a door comprising a speed reduction means for reducing a rotational speed. A high speed shaft is connected to the speed reduction means and is connectable to a means for rotating the input shaft, and a low speed output shaft is connected to the speed reduction means. A governor is mounted on the input shaft for limiting the rotational speed thereof, to also regulate the rotational speed of the output shaft. A brake is provided for preventing rotation of the output shaft, and a self-closing mechanism is operatively connected to the door. The self-closing mechanism is adapted for storing energy when the door is opened to an open position, and a connecting means operatively connects the output shaft to the self-closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: McKeon Rolling Steel Door Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James McKeon
  • Patent number: 5355928
    Abstract: A Roman shade having a plurality of rearwardly extending vertically spaced horizontal pleats uses plastic retaining means adhesively bonded to the outer surfaces of the pleats and eyelets to precisely and durably maintain the pleats. The shade includes bodies of flexible facing and backing materials integrally segmented by folding portions of the material into pleat segments to form the pleats. Plastic strips having vertically aligned openings are adhesively secured to the outside surfaces of the pleats and interconnected by eyelets extending through the openings. Engaging surfaces of the eyelets engage the plastic strips further securing strips to the pleat outer surfaces. Edge borders of facing and backing material formed of back folded edge portions of said facing and backing material adhesively secured to itself, combined with disclosed pleat design, obviate need for sewing during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: D.S.C. Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5355929
    Abstract: A mould chamber including at least one pressing plate is filled by blowing mould sand in through a blowing-in tube ascending at high speed, in which at least some of the blowing-in apertures are adapted to blow the sand in substantially transversely to the ascending movement of the blowing-in tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S
    Inventor: Erik N. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5355930
    Abstract: A method of producing a casting utilizing an expendable polymeric foam pattern along with unbonded sand having specific thermal properties. The pattern, formed of a material such as polystyrene, has a configuration corresponding to that of the article to be cast. The pattern is placed with an outer flask and unbonded sand surrounds the pattern as well as filling the cavities in the pattern. The sand has a heat diffusivity greater than 1500 J/m.sup.2 /.degree.K./s1/2. The molten hypereutectic aluminum silicon alloy is fed into the flask in contact with the pattern causing the pattern to vaporize with the vapor being entrapped within the interstices of the sand while the molten metal fills the space initially occupied by the foam pattern to produce a cast article. The thermal properties of the sand reduces the particle size of the precipitated primary silicon particles in the casting, thereby increasing the machinability of the casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Donahue, Terrance M. Cleary, William G. Hesterberg, Terry C. Holmgren
  • Patent number: 5355931
    Abstract: A method of producing dimensionally predictable metal castings utilizing an expendable polymeric foam pattern along with unbonded sand having specific thermal properties. The pattern, formed of a material such as polystyrene, has a configuration corresponding to that of the article to be cast. The pattern is placed with an outer flask and unbonded sand surrounds the pattern as well as filling the cavities in the pattern. The sand has a linear expansion of less than 1% from 0.degree. C. to 1600.degree. C., a heat diffusivity greater than 1500 J/m.sup.2 /.degree.K/S1/2, an AFS grain fineness number of 25 to 33, and an AFS base permeability number of 450 to 500. A molten metal, such as an aluminum alloy or a ferrous alloy, is fed into the mold in contact with the pattern causing the pattern to vaporize with the vapor being entrapped within the interstices of the sand while the molten metal fills the space initially occupied by the foam pattern to produce a cast article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Donahue, Terrance M. Cleary, William G. Hesterberg, Terry C. Holmgren
  • Patent number: 5355932
    Abstract: The compound roll having a shell portion made of a hard, high-alloy cast steel or iron having excellent wear resistance and resistance to surface roughening and a core portion made of a tough cast iron or cast steel, the cast iron of the shell portion having a composition consisting essentially, by weight ratio, of 1.0-3.0% of C, 2.0% or less of Si, 2.0% or less of Mn, 2.0-15.0% of Cr, 10.0% or less of Mo, 2.0-8.0% of V, the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities, an average diameter of crystal grains constituting a matrix of the metal structure of the shell portion being 100 .mu.m or less in a range from a surface to a depth of 50 mm when determined by an image analysis method on the crystal grains having diameters exceeding 30 .mu.m, and the crystal grains satisfying the formula: m.sub.2 .ltoreq.1.2 m.sub.1, wherein m.sub.1 is an average diameter of the crystal grains at the surface of the shell portion, and m.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosaku Nawata, Kenji Date, Toshiyuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 5355933
    Abstract: A melt-out zinc core is coated with insulating mica material and a graphite release agent and supported within a die cavity of a high pressure squeeze casting apparatus. Molten casting metal having a melting temperature above that of the core is injected into the die and then pressurized to about 15,000 psi to squeeze form the article in the die and around the core. The resultant article and core are then heated to above the melting temperature of the core and the core extracted from the article through cast-in outlet openings formed by the core. The insulating material and release agent are also extracted from the cast article by rinsing the cored passages of the cast article with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: CMI International Inc.
    Inventor: Karl D. Voss
  • Patent number: 5355934
    Abstract: A suction casting apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a ventilating casting die, a chamber box and a surface peat for supporting the casting die and chamber box. The surface plate has a a through hole for passing a stalk therethrough, and its surface is formed with grooves which extend from the through hole to an area outside a die mounting area and inside a chamber box mounting area. External air entering through a sealed clearance between the surface plate and the stalk and combustion gas generated from the casting die are quickly led through the grooves into the chamber inner space to be quickly exhausted to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Uozumi, Mituyoshi Sato, Kunio Shimizu, Masao Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5355935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous casting of metals of the type according to which ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the wall of the ingot mould, characterized in that the vibrations comprise both a component which is oriented parallel to and a component which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the ingot mould. This method is preferably implemented by applying at least one ultrasound emitter against a surface integral with one of the ends of the ingot mould and with an angle of inclination relative to the axis of the latter. The invention is principally applicable to the continuous casting of steel products of all sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Institut de Recherches de La Siderurgie Francaise (IRSID)
    Inventor: Michel Nogues
  • Patent number: 5355936
    Abstract: An adjustable mold for a horizontal continuous casting apparatus includes an airtight cylindrical-shaped mold tube and an adjustable mold divided into a plural number of cooling plates in the direction of the periphery of the casting section and arranged after the airtight cylindrical-shaped mold tube. The plural number of cooling plates of the adjustable mold are able to move in the direction of the casting section radius. The inlet ends of each of the cooling plates of the adjustable mold are supported by support shafts that can have their position determined so that an inner diameter of an outlet end of the airtight cylindrical-shaped mold tube and an inner diameter of an inlet end of the adjustable mold can be brought into agreement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hastuyoshi Kumashiro, Taizou Kiyosuke, Jiro Arashi, Toshihiro Kosuge, Kazuaki Sueoka
  • Patent number: 5355937
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the continuous manufacture of a metal strip (1) with near net shape. The metal melt (6) is fed from a melt distributor (5) through a casting nozzle (15) onto a rotating, cooled conveyor belt (2) and solidified. In the operating condition, the melt level is controlled in the melt distributor (5) as a function of the desired strip thickness d of the metal strip (1). In the melt distributor (5) there is initially adjusted a fill level (A), which corresponds at a maximum with the conveyor belt plane (E). Such a fill level (B) then is adjusted such that the melt (6) completely displaces the air from the area (11, 14) in front of the casting nozzle (15) and from the casting nozzle (15). In the operating condition, the fill level (C) is controlled some millimeters above the level (D) of the liquid metal on the conveyor belt (E) so that the melt (6) flows out of the casting nozzle (15) according to the pipette principle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Wieland-Werke AG
    Inventors: Hilmar R. Mueller, Georg Kehse
  • Patent number: 5355938
    Abstract: A temperature control device with high accuracy and stability comprising a heating device and a cooling device which are controlled by separate control circuits for performing proportional control, integral control, derivative control and the like. A ratio of energy supply periods to predetermined control periods is thereby varied, on the basis of a controlled variable calculated from direction, size, change velocity and the like of deviation of actual temperature of a controlled medium from desired set temperature so as to control heating and cooling energy supplies for the heating and cooling devices. The heating energy and cooling energy supplies for the heating and cooling devices can be separately controlled by means of different proportional bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Hosoya, Katsuhiro Inaba, Toru Akiyama, Shigeru Fujita
  • Patent number: 5355939
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for a motor crane includes a heating circuit and a refrigerating circuit. The heating circuit comprises a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, a radiator and a valve mechanism causing a pressure difference in the hydraulic oil flowing therethrough. The refrigerating circuit includes a compressor connected to the hydraulic motor and a condenser having a fan for forcing air thereover. The heating circuit is at least partially disposed in an air path in which the condenser is disposed. When the hydraulic oil bypasses the valve mechanism, a control device turns the fan on if the refrigerating circuit is not operating, and the temperature of the hydraulic oil sensed by the sensor reaches a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Yorikazu Aoki
  • Patent number: 5355940
    Abstract: A heat radiating conduit having heat radiating fins is arranged in adjacency to a pneumatic tube receiving pressurized air in cooperation with a thermostatic switch to actuate pressurizing of the tube upon obtaining predetermined ambient air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Gene P. Snider
  • Patent number: 5355941
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle comprising a manifold assembly, a plurality of tubular elements, a plurality of fin elements is described. The heat exchanger further includes a sealing apparatus for sealing the manifold assemblies and for providing a mounting attachment for securing the heat exchanger in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gary J. Blankenberger, Richard G. Gibbons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5355942
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for cooling a multi-chip module using embedded heat pipes. Semiconductor chips are disposed into the multi-chip module through cavities in the module substrate. The semiconductor chips engage heat pipes embedded within the substrate. The heat pipes conduct heat away from the semiconductor chips through a heat conductive bonding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred S. Conte
  • Patent number: 5355943
    Abstract: A condensing plant (10) comprises a steam receiving inlet manifold (11) connected to one end of tube nests (14) externally grazed by air for therein achieving the at least partial steam condensation. At their opposite end the tubes (14) are gathered into at least one outlet manifold (15) for the condensed liquid. Each outlet manifold (15) is connected by a vertically-extending duct (17) to a vertical rain-fall element (19, 20) opening at the lower part thereof into a collection tank (21). The collection tank (21) is supplied with steam from the inlet manifold (11) so that said steam moves up along the vertical element (20) for heating of the liquid falling thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: FBM Hudson Italiana S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Gonano, Giovanni Murgia, Giovanni Ricci
  • Patent number: 5355944
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a bundle of finned tubes, with each tube having an end portion which is sealingly mounted in a hole formed in a header plate on which a casing of a water header of the heat exchanger is secured. The heat exchanger has at least one locating or immobilising member interposed between the tube bundle and the water header. This locating member has a first portion which bears on the header and a second portion which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubes in the bundle, and which bears against the longitudinal edges of a group of several fins adjacent to the header plate. In this way any relative displacement of the tube bundle with respect to the header plate, in particular in a pivoting or torsional mode, is resisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Michel Potier
  • Patent number: 5355945
    Abstract: Heat exchange apparatus (10) for use in large vessels exposed to high thermal expansion and prone to acoustical noise and tube bundle resonance associated with high gas velocity comprises a shell (12) having a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (16). A plurality of heat exchange tubes (18, 20) are housed in the shell and extend parallel to each other substantially the length of the shell. The tubes are arranged so there is a central core (22), an inner layer (24) of tubes surrounding the central core, and an outer layer (26) of tubes surrounding the inner layer. The inner and outer layers of tubes are all in a common tube pattern. The tubes in one layer are rotated with respect to the tubes in the other layer. This results in tubes in both layers being arranged in different tube patterns in different portions or segments of each layer. That is, the pattern (34) of the tubes in one segment (28A) differs from the pattern (32) in adjoining arcuate and radial segments (28B, 28L, 30A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Delio Sanz, Gary M. Sanz
  • Patent number: 5355946
    Abstract: A matrix of heat exchange tubes in a heat exchanger in which a first fluid flows in the heat exchange tubes and undergoes heat exchange with a second fluid flowing externally on the heat exchange tubes. The tubes have a teardrop shape and are arranged in the matrix in parallel relation in rows in which each tube has a rounded surface at one end and a tapered narrow surface at the other end. The tubes in each row all face in the same direction and the tubes in alternate rows face in opposite directions. The tubes have alternate unequal spacing of distances a.sub.1 and a.sub.2 in successive rows. The tubes can be bent to form a U-shape matrix or a semi-circular matrix. The tubes are each manufactured by filling the space between an inner channel and an outer shell of the tube with a ceramic or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventors: William Wei, Gerhard Pellischek
  • Patent number: 5355947
    Abstract: A multi-pass U-flow type evaporator for an air conditioning system provided with a flow control insert which allows the inlet port and the outlet port to be located on the same face of the evaporator core and in close proximity to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Rasso, Jr., Stephane Petit, Jean P. Herve
  • Patent number: 5355948
    Abstract: A well liner having a selective isolation screen with a limited or less restrictive seal. The well liner includes an elongate base pipe having openings therethrough; surrounded by circumferentially spaced, longitudinal extending spacer bars for forming an inner annulus; one or more annular cylindrical sleeves secured to the exterior of the base pipe; and a continuous wire wrapping surround the spacer bars except at interrupted areas where the isolated permeable seal sections are placed. These seal sections are located at predetermined vertical locations corresponding to specific well requirements of varying lengths and production formations within the wellbore. The continuous wire wrapping and spacer bars are inverted within the permeable seal sections so that the wire wrapping substantially fills the inner annulus and a multitude of spacer bars spaced approximately equal to or slightly larger than the spaces between the wire wrapping form the outer most surface of the seal sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Derry D. Sparlin, Tadayoshi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 5355949
    Abstract: A well liner having dual concentric half screens for filtering sand and undesirables from fluids, gases, and toxic extractions. The well liner provides concentric half bodied screens of opposite orientation to provide a tortuous flow of path for the production fluids. The screens are manufactured by techniques well known in the art in the preferred embodiment. Two screen members are provided each comprising two annular portions: a screen portion and a solid pipe portion. The inner screen member is inserted in the outer screen member and both members are welded at each end. Additionally, an apertured base pipe may be provided. In the alternate embodiment, an apertured base pipe is surrounded by two full screen tubular members. A tortuous flow path is created in the alternative embodiment by the placement of shield members along a portion of the inner and outer screens. Additionally, the shields may be varied depending upon the placement of the apertures along the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Derry D. Sparlin, Tadayoshi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 5355950
    Abstract: A centralizer (1) is used for passing assemblies and tools through bores and tubular ducts in a centralized condition, especially in downhole operations in oil work. The centralizer comprises a body (2) including carrying means (3) pivotally supporting swinging arms (4) for effecting centralization. Each arm (4) is pivotally located (14) at one end while a roller (15) or other implement is carried at or adjacent the other free end. Actuating means (6,5) including force means (7), such as a spring, load the swung-out arms (4) so that the arms (4) act against the force means (7) when pushed inwardly. The arms (4) are preferably located tangentially on the carrying means (3) and an adjuster (8) for the force means (7) can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Klaas Zwart