Patents Issued in June 12, 2001
  • Patent number: 6244034
    Abstract: A microturbine power generating system includes a reservoir that is pressurized with compressor air during system operation. The pressurized air in the reservoir is used to purge combustor fuel nozzles of residue after combustion in the combustor has ceased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Taylor, Patrick Lee O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6244035
    Abstract: A gas and steam-turbine plant which constructed for an especially high plant efficiency includes a heat-recovery steam generator that is connected downstream of a gas turbine on the flue-gas side and has heating areas which are connected in a water/steam circuit of a steam turbine. A condenser connected downstream of the steam turbine on the steam side can be cooled by intake air to be fed to the gas turbine. A method of operating such a gas and steam-turbine plant is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Krill
  • Patent number: 6244036
    Abstract: An emergency power unit comprises a turbine; a main combustor subsystem upstream of the turbine, with the main combustor subsystem being capable of operation at an augment power output and a main power output; a bleed air subsystem upstream of the turbine, with the bleed air subsystem capable of alternating operation with the main combustor subsystem; and a controller for controlling the operation of the said main combustor subsystem and the bleed air subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Christie, Ru-Li Kung, Lorenzo Najera
  • Patent number: 6244037
    Abstract: A method of operating a combustion turbine power generation system and derivatives thereof. The method provides at least one combustion turbine assembly including a compressor, an expansion turbine operatively associated with the compressor, a generator coupled with the expansion turbine; a combustor feeding the expansion turbine; flow path structure fluidly connecting an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the combustor; a supplemental compressor structure; connection structure fluidly connecting an outlet of the supplemental compressor structure to a point upstream of the combustor, and valve structure associated with the connection structure to control flow through the connection structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Nakhamkin, Boris Potashnik
  • Patent number: 6244038
    Abstract: A combustion plant for a combustion process is disclosed. The plant has a pressurized combustion chamber (1), which encloses a fluidized bed and in which combustion of a fuel is to take place while producing combination gases, a gasifying device (40), which is arranged to produce a combustible gas and a degassed combustible product, and a transportation device (6, 44) for discharging the product from the gasifying device (40) and supplying it to the combustion chamber (1) for combustion of the product in the combustion chamber. The transportation device has a discharge conduit (44) connected to the gasifying device (40) and is arranged to discharge the product from the gasifying device (40). The discharge conduit (44) has a cooling member (45), which is arranged to cool the product discharged from the gasifying device (40), and a pneumatic supply conduit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AB
    Inventors: Roine Brännström, Anders Lövgren, Dirk Veenhuizen
  • Patent number: 6244039
    Abstract: A combined cycle plant includes a heat exchanger (3) for recovering heat into compressed air or gas turbine fuel to be supplied into gas turbine (01). The plant is arranged such that steam is used as high temperature side working medium of the heat exchanger (3). Thus, the heating medium supply passage can be made of ordinary steam piping and piping cost is reduced. Also, gas turbine exhaust gas is led directly into a waste heat recovery boiler (02), so that gas turbine efficiency and combined efficiency can be enhanced and plant manufacturing cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Sugishita, Yoshiaki Tsukuda, Kazuo Uematsu, Eiji Akita
  • Patent number: 6244040
    Abstract: A gas generator in particular for driving liquid-propellant rockets, having, a structural envelope, an outlet pipe, a cover connected to the structural envelope from the side opposite to the outlet pipe. A bush is made on the inner side of the cover. An injector face is mounted on the bush end to form a space between the injector face and the cover. Chambers are made in the injector face and the cover. A spacer, mounted inside the structural envelope, is fastened on the outlet pipe and the bush to form an annular space there between. Mixing modules are fastened in the cover and in the injector face chambers. A propellent feed inlet pipe is fastened to the outer surface of the cover inside which a propellant space is made. An oxidizer feed inlet pipe is fastened inside the structural envelope and communicates with the annular space. The annular space communicates with the space between the cover and the injector face via ports made in the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Otkrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo “Nauchno-Proizvodstvennoe Obiedinenie ‘Energomash,’ Imeni Akademika V.P. Glushko”
    Inventors: Alexei Pogosovich Adzhian, Vladimir Jurievich Bogushev, Valentina Dmitrievna Kolesnikova, Alexandr Mikhailovich Samsonov, Jury Anatolievich Tjurin, Boris Ivanovich Katorgin
  • Patent number: 6244041
    Abstract: The invention relates to rocket engine manufacturing, and may also be used in aircraft engine manufacturing. A chamber comprises a casing, ignition means and a mixing head. The mixing head consists of an internal injector face, a middle bottom, an external bottom. Bipropellant injectors are fixed in the internal injector face and the middle bottom. A portion of the bipropellant injectors are mounted projecting from the internal injector face, while another portion are recessed in the internal injector face. The ignition means are made from jet injectors mounted in a structural casing behind the internal injector face. Axes of diverging ports of jet injectors are positioned at an acute angle to an outlet from the structural casing and deflected in a circle in a lateral plane from the longitudinal axis of the structural casing in an identical direction. The chamber casing comprises a combustion chamber and a nozzle, made from an external structural envelope and an internal fire wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Otkrytoe Aktsioneroe Obschestvo “Nauchao-Proizvodatveabnoe Obiedianie Nauchao-Proizvodatvesnoe Obiediane “Energomash” Imeni Akademika V.P. Glushko”
    Inventors: Alexandr Alexandrovich Vasin, Stanislav Dmitrievich Kamensky, Boris Ivanovich Katorgin, Alexei Ivanovich Kolesnikov, Viktor Petrovich Nosov, Anatoly Ivanovich Stavrulov, Vladimir Vladimirovich Fedorov, Vladimir Konstantinovich Chvanov
  • Patent number: 6244042
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the regulation of smooth running of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The smooth running is regulated using at least one manipulated variable, which can be controlled by a control device, to influence the smooth running behaviour, and in which the measurement signals which correspond to temperatures on the catalytic converter are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guido Dickers, Patrick Phlips, Klemens Grieser, Johann Himmelsbach
  • Patent number: 6244043
    Abstract: A nitrous oxide trap temperature control system for desulfating the trap uses and engine with some cylinders operating with lean combustion and some cylinders operating with rich combustion. The lean and rich combustion gases are combined to form an mixture which is fed to the trap to provide an exothermic reaction. The desired lean and rich air/fuel ratios of the respective lean and rich cylinders are determined based in part on the difference between the trap temperature and a desired trap temperature. The desired lean and rich air/fuel ratios of the respective lean and rich cylinders are also determined from the desired mixture air/fuel ratio entering the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David George Farmer, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jerry Dean Robichaux, Salomone Castro
  • Patent number: 6244044
    Abstract: A partial oxidation catalyst is interposed between an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter in the exhaust system of a gasoline, natural gas, or propane fueled engine. The engine is started from a cold-start and the exhaust gas stream emitted during an initial period of operation after the cold-start has a &lgr; value <1 as a result of a rich combustion mixture provided to the engine during cold-start operation. Hydrocarbons passing through the partial oxidation catalyst during the initial engine operating period are partially oxidized and hydrogen produced as a result of the oxidation process is used to promote faster light-off of the catalytic converter in the exhaust system. Also, hydrocarbon emissions discharged into the surrounding environment are reduced during the initial period following cold-start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Gordon J. Bartley
  • Patent number: 6244045
    Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring efficiency of a catalytic converter (14) present in an exhaust system (12) of an internal combustion engine (10) which has a closed loop control system (15, 23, 24) which in normal use of the engine controls richness of fuel/air charge supplied to a combustion chamber of the engine (10). The closed loop control system uses a feedback signal an output signal of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor (15) located in the exhaust system (12) downstream of at least a part of the volume of the catalytic converter (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Lotus Cars Limited
    Inventor: Ralph Purvis
  • Patent number: 6244046
    Abstract: A NOx catalyst is attached to an engine exhaust pipe, an A/F sensor is disposed upstream of the NOx catalyst, and an O2 sensor is disposed downstream of the NOx catalyst. A CPU in an ECU executes a lean combustion control so that NOx in exhaust gases discharged at the time of the lean combustion is occluded by the NOx catalyst. The CPU further executes a rich combustion control temporarily, so that the occluded NOx to be discharged from the NOx catalyst. The CPU checks if the NOx catalyst deteriorates. When occurrence of deterioration is detected, the CPU increases the proportion of the rich combustion to the lean combustion, thereby increasing the temperature of the NOx catalyst. After the catalyst temperature increases, the air-fuel ratio is controlled to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio to regenerate the NOx catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6244047
    Abstract: A method of purging a NOx trap, located in the exhaust passage of a direct injection engine, is proposed that provides transition from a lean fuel mixture to a rich fuel mixture in a single engine cycle without substantial change in the engine air flow. This is accomplished by substantially increasing the fuel flow rate, while retarding the spark in order to avoid any noticeable change in torque. The increased amount of fuel delivered during purge emits substantially more reducing species than in previous strategies and accordingly the required duty cycle may be substantially reduced while still obtaining the same reduction of NOx without any fuel economy penalty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Dawn Brehob, Todd Arthur Kappauf, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn
  • Patent number: 6244048
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a supersized hydraulic working machine such as a hydraulic excavator includes hydraulic pumps connected to main lines through a delivery line and a supply line. Branch portions from the main line include flow control valves for allowing a hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic pumps toward hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic reservoir is connected to the main lines through a reservoir line and a drain line. Other branch portions for the drain line include flow control valves for allowing a hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic cylinders toward the hydraulic reservoir. A line branched for the delivery line includes a bypass valve for supplying the hydraulic fluid delivered from the hydraulic pumps to the supply line at a desired flow rate and returning the remaining hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sotaro Tanaka, Gen Yasuda, Masami Ochiai, Yusaku Nozawa, Hideyo Kato
  • Patent number: 6244049
    Abstract: A counter-force mechanism (37), which produces a counter force when a brake booster is operated, is made up of an input-side member (38) slidably disposed within a valve body (3), a second constant-pressure chamber (39) formed on the rear side of the input-side member and into which a pressure is introduced from a constant pressure chamber (A), and a second constant-pressure chamber (39) formed on the front side of the input-side member and into which a pressure is introduced from a variable pressure chamber (B). The counter force from the counter-force mechanism (37) is reduced by an orifice passage (43) as a counter-force reducing means in rapid operation of the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignees: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd., Denso Corp.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Oka, Michio Kobayashi, Hidefumi Inoue, Yoshiyasu Takasaki, Isao Kobayashi, Masahiro Shimada, Mamoru Sawada, Yuzo Imoto
  • Patent number: 6244050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus regulates the pressure in the intake duct of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine has a control unit, in which a desired pressure value is determined. The current pressure in the intake duct is adjusted to the desired value by a valve device, and the valve device is acted upon by an actuating signal from the control unit. In order to build up the pressure in the intake duct with a suitable dynamic response for each load state, particularly when using a number of valve devices, the actuating signal is used as a control signal, as a function of a relative desired pressure valve, from a control characteristic map stored in the control unit. A controller signal produced in a controller is superimposed on the control signal if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Werner Aschner, Ralf Binz
  • Patent number: 6244051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a burner for combustors of gas turbines, the burner having an atomizer nozzle for atomisation of fuel in the combustion air and having a primary and secondary flow channel. In the burners, mostly used in aircraft engines, an extensively homogenous distribution of the air-fuel mixture is to be achieved in the combustor to reduce emissions. The flow channels opening into the combustor are separated from a first component arranged concentrically in relation to the burner axis and having a sleeve-shaped atomizer lip extending cylindrically or conically, and the external secondary flow channel is bounded externally and radially by a second annular component arranged concentrically and having an internal wall extending to converge and diverge. The second component forms an area with the most narrow flow cross-section, and the first component is arranged radially inwards and ends with the atomizer lip at the axial height of the cross-section or upstream thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Nikolaos Zarzalis, Thomas Ripplinger, Bernhard Glaeber, Burkhard Simon
  • Patent number: 6244052
    Abstract: A phase change ice particulate perfluorocarbon slurry and a method and apparatus are provided for producing phase change particulate perfluorocarbon slurries. A known amount of perfluorocarbon liquid is provided. A set percentage of a phase change liquid and optionally other additives, such as oxygen or other cell protectants are added to the known amount of perfluorocarbon liquid. The phase change liquid and the perfluorocarbon liquid are mixed to produce an emulsion of small droplets of the phase change liquid in the perfluorocarbon liquid. The emulsion is cooled to produce the phase change particulate perfluorocarbon slurry. A phase change ice particulate perfluorocarbon slurry comprises a known amount of perfluorocarbon liquid and a set percentage of a phase change liquid added to the known amount of perfluorocarbon liquid. An emulsion is formed by the set percentage of a phase change liquid and the known amount of perfluorocarbon liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Kasza
  • Patent number: 6244053
    Abstract: A system and a method for transferring cryogenic fluids (LNG) between a first LNG storage tank and a second LNG storage tank wherein the transfer system includes a means for cooling the transfer lines when the system is not in use. The system has two transfer lines which extend between the tanks and which are fluidly connected together to form a closed loop when the system is not in use. LNG is circulated at high pressure through the closed loop during idle intervals to keep the lines at a temperature at which LNG will remain in a single phase, i.e. liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Kailash Chandler Gulati, John J. Buckles
  • Patent number: 6244054
    Abstract: A device for cooling material chunks or grains, especially material consisting of multiple components, which are subsequently fed to a device for crushing said material, preferably on a selective basis. An example is electronic waste material intended for recycling. According to the invention, the material is placed into a cooling tank in a discontinuous manner and in separate portions. In at least part of the cooling tank, the material is cooled by means of a liquefied gas having a low boiling point and then removed from the cooling tank in a discontinuous manner. The invention notably allows for the targeted setting of the optimal temperature for the selective crushing of the material in question while at the same time optimizing the required quantities of cooling gas and energy and minimizing both manual labor and processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Joerg Melchinger, Ralf Jakob, Michele Melchiorre, Joachim Pfitscher
  • Patent number: 6244055
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and recycling refrigerant from an air conditioning unit. The apparatus includes a combined oil separator and heat exchanger for condensing purified refrigerant and for vaporizing contaminated refrigerant. The combined oil separator and heat exchanger includes a canister having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a substantially cylindrical side wall. The canister further includes a high pressure region comprising heat exchange coils and having high pressure inlet for providing purified refrigerant vapor and high pressure outlet for removing purified refrigerant liquid, and a low pressure region having low pressure inlet for introducing contaminated refrigerant proximate the heat exchange coils, low pressure outlet through the top wall for removal of refrigerant vapor, and condensed oil outlet for removal of condensed oil. By introducing the contaminated refrigerant proximate the heat exchange coils, improved separation efficiency is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Arnold M. Hanson, Thomas Donald Chandler
  • Patent number: 6244056
    Abstract: Improved methods for the controlled generation of ammonia from an ammoniated metal salt at substantially ambient temperature by applying microwave energy to the salt. The ammoniated salts have the formula MAn.X(NH3), wherein M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, scandium, ytterbium, the lanthanides, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, technetium, rhenium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum, copper, silver, gold, zinc, cadmium, mercury, tin, and aluminum; A is at least one ion selected from the group consisting Cl−, Br−, F−, I−, ClO3−, ClO4−, BF4−, AlCl4−, PF6−, SbCl6−, and SbF6−; and SbF6− n is from 1 to 6; and X is from 1 to 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6244057
    Abstract: An air conditioner comprising a refrigerant forward path branching on a discharge side of a compressor in an outdoor unit, one of the branched portions being defined by connecting a first four-way valve, a first outdoor heat exchanger and a first outdoor expansion valve to one another in this order, and the other of the branched portions being defined by connecting a second four-way valve, a second outdoor heat exchanger and a second outdoor expansion valve in this order, the path extending to an indoor unit from the respective outdoor expansion valves through a liquid-side piping, and returning to the outdoor unit from the indoor unit through a gas-side piping to branch, one of the branched portions being connected to the first four-way valve via a check valve placed in communication in a forward direction and the other of the branched portions being connected to the second four-way valve, the air conditioner being controlled such that, when heating operation is switched to defrosting operation, the second f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Yoshida, Susumu Nakayama, Koji Naito, Satoru Yoshida, Hiroshi Takenaka
  • Patent number: 6244058
    Abstract: A tube and shell evaporator operable at near freezing includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of chilled water discharging from one or just a few of the very coldest tubes, whereby the sensed temperature is less than the average leaving chiller water temperature (LCWT). The result provides an exceptionally low LCWT, which can be especially desirable in district cooling systems where the chilled water is usually piped a great distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. Duga, Steven J. Pitts, John H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6244059
    Abstract: In a compression type refrigeration system having a volatile refrigerant circulating along with lubricating oil, member for causing oil to flow from a first location to a second location, where the member comprises an educator connected to receive the oil from the first location, a high pressure source within the system connected to the educator, and a connection from the eductor to the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Herbert L. Hill
  • Patent number: 6244060
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle for a vehicle air conditioner has a bypass passage between a compressor and an evaporator. In a heating mode, high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directly introduced into the evaporator through the bypass passage while bypassing a condenser to improve a heating performance of the air conditioner. When a refrigerant recovery mode in which refrigerant staying in the condenser is forced to be discharged and introduced into the evaporator is set, a passage between the condenser and the evaporator in which a thermostatic expansion valve is disposed is controlled to be opened a predetermined amount. As a result, refrigerant staying in the condenser is securely returned to the evaporator even when a temperature of outside air is extremely low and the expansion valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Satoshi Izawa, Hajime Ito
  • Patent number: 6244061
    Abstract: When inverter control is implemented in a refrigerator or the like, the rotating speed of a compressor motor is often operated at the preset minimum rotating speed. At this time, there has been a problem that when the DC voltage is boosted, the efficiency of the circuit drops due to switching loss in the power element. Still more, when the DC voltage is boosted even at the minimum rotating speed, the lowest voltage of the DC voltage must be controlled at 163 V or more including the fluctuation of the voltage. Therefore, there has been a problem in that the efficiency of the compressor motor also drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Takagi, Makoto Ishii, Noriaki Arakawa, Takeshi Wakatabe, Hideki Yoshida, Hideyuki Nakamura, Hideo Kumakura
  • Patent number: 6244062
    Abstract: A solar collector system for converting solar radiation to thermal energy and electricity has an upper cover with a material that is transparent to solar radiation. A solar energy absorbing structure is disposed under the upper cover and has a heat conducting material such as metal. In addition, a first heat transfer system is disposed in contact with the solar energy absorbing structure and has a material that transfers heat from the solar energy absorbing structure to a first substance flowing within the first heat transfer system. The solar collector system also has electric cells that absorb solar radiation and convert it into electricity. The cells are configured and disposed on at least a portion of the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: David Prado
  • Patent number: 6244063
    Abstract: A refrigeration wall system including interlocking panels having fastening mechanisms coated with a backing material, and a method for making the fastening mechanisms. The fastening mechanisms are embedded within insulating material inside of the interlocking panels. The backing material improves the adherence of the fastening mechanisms to the insulating material and thereby increases the overall strength of the refrigerator wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Group Inc.
    Inventor: Gaylon O. Yates
  • Patent number: 6244064
    Abstract: A tool box section and a cooler section are integrally formed as one device. The toolbox portion is a typical tool box having a plurality of stacking tool trays with a latching means for securing said trays together. The stacked and latched tool trays thereby form the upper portion of the toolbox section. The lower portion forms a rectangular box having an open face and a half open top. Carried by approximately half of the lower portion, in the open top area, are a plurality of sliding tool drawers that slide open through the open face of the lower portion of the toolbox section. Carried by approximately the other half of the lower portion is the cooler section. The cooler section comprises a hinged lid having a cavity opposite the hinged end for inserting fingers to facilitate lifting of the lid. The cooler section slides in and out of the lower portion via a well known means such as a tongue-and-groove, protrusion-and-track, or wheel-and-track arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Arthur Powell, Melvin T. Willis, Sr., Maurice L. Monroe, Timothy L. Jackson, Benjamin Scandrett
  • Patent number: 6244065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for containing and a method of refrigerating, heating, and storing. The device comprises at least two containers each having a continuously formed rounded surface running from a bottom plane to a medial perimeter. The continuously formed rounded surface of one of the containers laterally extends beyond the medial perimeter of at least the two containers and extends over and laterally at opposite ends of the containers in a parallel relationship for suspending the one container within one of the other containers. A notched cap is sized for placement over and for substantially encapsulating the two containers. The continuously formed rounded surface of the one container laterally extends through and laterally beyond the notched cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Penny M. Wuestman
  • Patent number: 6244066
    Abstract: A floating cooler includes a container, a first lid, and a second lid. The container includes a bottom and a peripheral wall extending upward from the bottom. The bottom includes an inside layer, an outside layer, and an insulating layer is disposed between the inside and outside layers. The peripheral wall includes an inside wall, an outside wall, and a combination insulation/air bag layer disposed between the inside and outside walls. A water drain is preferably attached to the peripheral wall at an end, near the bottom thereof. A pair of free swinging handles are disposed on each end of the peripheral wall at substantially a top thereof. The first lid is pivotally attached to the top of the peripheral wall. The first lid is retained against the top of the peripheral wall with a pair of locking latches. An opening is formed through the first lid, the opening is sized to receive the second lid. The second lid is pivotally attached to the top of the first lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Aaron J. LaRose
  • Patent number: 6244067
    Abstract: A refrigerated serving device is disclosed. The refrigerated serving device is portable. It includes a food chilling area. A compressor is operatively connected to an evaporator coil and a condenser coil forming a refrigeration unit which maintains the food chilling area at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: DeLau Innovations, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin P. Roth, David E. Roth, James D. Woltz
  • Patent number: 6244068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost coolant container that is easy to produce without decreasing its ability to maintain a coolant. The coolant container 1 comprises an outer container 11 and an inner container 12 wherein the cylindrical members 111 and 121 and the plate members 112 and 122 of the outer container 11 and the inner container 12 are engaged at the peripheral end such that even if an external force acts on the flat surface of the plate members 112 and 122 the stopping means 111a and 121a of the engaging portions A and B prevent the plate members 112 and 122 from sinking toward the hollow portion 13 side by supporting the plate members 112 and 122 and resisting the external force and as a result the container has the required structural strength and its ability to maintain a coolant is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuoki Nagaishi
  • Patent number: 6244069
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for producing carbon dioxide blocks is disclosed having a formation unit (14) which forms carbon dioxide blocks from carbon dioxide pellets conveyed to the formation unit (14). The formation unit includes a cylindrical hopper (17) having a floor (18) with a pair of openings (19) therein, a reciprocating sizing plate (23) positioned directly below the hopper (17) having a pair of sizing chambers (33) therein, a reciprocating forming plate (25) positioned below the sizing plate having a pair of forming chamber (38) therein, a flooring plate (26) positioned below the forming plate, and a conveying trough (27) positioned below the flooring plate. Furthermore, the unit also includes a hydraulic forming press (29) and a hydraulic ejection press (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: CO2 Air Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Hyde, Jr., N. Allen Wood, Daniel J. Rosewall
  • Patent number: 6244070
    Abstract: A simple, efficient, and cost effective process for separating components of a feed gas, e.g., containing methane and heavier hydrocarbons has been devised. First, feed gas is condensed to provide a vapor component and a liquid component. The vapor component is divided into at least a first, major portion a second portion, and a remaining portion. The second portion is directed to a lean reflux absorber, and the remaining portion is condensed and fed to the top of the lean reflux absorber. A bottom fluid stream, generally a liquid intermediate product, is recovered from the bottom of the lean reflux absorber, and lean vapor is recovered from the top of the lean reflux absorber. The liquid component, the first, major portion of the first vapor component, the liquid product from the bottom of the lean reflux absorber, and the lean vapor from the top of the lean reflux absorber are all fed to different feed points on a cryogenic distillation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: IPSI, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Rong-Jwyn Lee, Jame Yao, Jong Juh Chen, Douglas G. Elliot
  • Patent number: 6244071
    Abstract: A process for purifying a cryogenic fluid, especially argon, helium or oxygen, containing N2O, CnHm or NOx impurities, in which the impurities are removed by bringing the cryogenic fluid to be purified into contact with particles of an adsorbent having an average size of less than or equal to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm. A purified cryogenic fluid is then recovered which contains less than 100 ppb of impurities, preferably less than 10 ppb of impurities. This process can be used for producing ultrapure gases intended especially for the electronics field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Daniel Gary, Serge Moreau, Dominique Fournis
  • Patent number: 6244072
    Abstract: Air is separated in a double rectification column comprising a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column, the latter operating at pressures of less than 2 bar absolute. An oxygen product is withdrawn from the column by a pump. A first vaporous nitrogen stream is taken from the top of the higher pressure column, is compressed in a compressor and is used in a gas turbine. Feed to the lower pressure column is derived from a stream of the bottom oxygen-enriched liquid fraction obtained in the higher pressure column. To this end, this stream is subjected to further separation (typically in further rectification column) to form a vaporous nitrogen fraction (a flow of which is condensed and is used as reflux in the lower pressure column) and an oxygen-containing feed to the lower pressure column which flows via an outlet and a condenser to the column. At least 60% of the nitrogen product flowing to the gas turbine is taken from the higher pressure column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Thomas Rathbone
  • Patent number: 6244073
    Abstract: A cap for body piercing jewelry has a retention member for resisting passage through a pierced passageway. The retention member is composed of a plastic material. An enlarged end of a shank is anchored into the retention member with a threaded stud extending therefrom. The process to make the cap includes positioning viscous plastic material in a mold to produce the desired retention member shape. The enlarged portion of the shank is inserted and embedded into the plastic material. The enlarged portion of the shank has a pointed tip which enables the enlarged end of the shank to be inserted into the plastic material without producing visible unsightly air bubbles. As the shank is inserted into plastic material, the plastic material flows into anchors on the enlarged portion of the shank to assist in securing and locking the shank to the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis John Kaping, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6244074
    Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a glass plate with a light-transmissive colored film using a coating solution including a metal salt and a metal alkoxide, the light-transmissive colored film having a coloring effect due to a metal oxide which will not be impaired even if the amount of the added metal alkoxide is increased, and being highly resistant to wear and chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Noguchi, Hideki Okamoto, Takashi Muromachi
  • Patent number: 6244075
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing fibrous insulation includes a porous conveyor mounted for transporting fibrous material in a machine direction in the form of pack. A pack lift blower is positioned beneath the porous conveyor, in a direction transverse to the machine direction, to direct gases upwardly through the porous conveyor to fluff the fibers within the pack. The pack lift blower has a nozzle that is readily removable and replaceable for cleaning without requiring interruption in the motion of the conveyor. The nozzle may also include slots which allow the passage of air and a reciprocal member which cleans the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mayur M. Patel, Timothy A. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6244076
    Abstract: An optical position monitor for determining the position of a latch needle (104) in a knitting machine is provided that comprises: at least one fiducial (102) at a known fixed cation on the body of the latch needle; a fiducial imager that produces at least one optical image (262) of the at least one fiducial on at least one light sensitive surface (260) wherein the at least one optical image changes with changes in position of said at least one fiducial; and a controller that receives at least one signal responsive to the changes in the at least one image and uses the at least one signal to determine the position of the at least one fiducial (102) and thereby of the latch needle (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Nanomotion Ltd.
    Inventors: Ze'ev Ganor, Izhak Rafaeli, Nir Karasikov
  • Patent number: 6244077
    Abstract: A multilayer knitted structure includes two knitted webs which are interconnected by a third thread system. The two knitted webs are held together by at least one bundle of warp threads, and is suited for use in producing semi-finished structures for fiber composites. The thickness of the multilayer knitted structure can be increased by further warp thread bundles and additional weft threads. The warp and weft threads are advantageously configured to run according to the stress applied, for example, in the fiber composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Technische Universitaet Dresden
    Inventors: Peter Offermann, Gerald Hoffmann, Uwe Engelmann
  • Patent number: 6244078
    Abstract: Bearing fretting conditions are eliminated in washing machines by providing a drive system in which the bearings are not loaded during the spin mode. The drive system includes an input shaft and first and second hubs rotatively mounted about the input shaft. The second hub is movable along the input shaft between a first position adjacent to the first hub and a second position displaced from the first hub. The drive system spins the washing machine's basket when the second hub is in its first position and oscillates the agitator when the second hub is in its second position. A brake disk is mounted to the second hub for movement therewith, and a brake surface is fixedly mounted to the washing machine adjacent to the brake disk so that the brake disk contacts the brake surface when the second hub is in its second position. Separation of the two hubs is accomplished by ball bearings which are unloaded when the second hub is in its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Alan Thompson, Sudhir Dattatraya Savkar
  • Patent number: 6244079
    Abstract: A brake assembly of a washing machine is comprised of a brake drum rotating together with a spin basket, a brake band disposed on an outer side of the brake drum, and a brake lever for driving the brake band. A brake spring elastically pushes the brake lever so that the brake band is contacted with the brake drum. A brake link is installed on the brake lever so as to be capable of pivoting. A link spring elastically pushes the brake link in a pivoting direction thereof. A bolt is screwed to the brake lever. The screwed end of the bolt is contacted with the brake link against an elastic force of the link spring, and the relative pivoting position of the brake link with respect to the brake lever is adjusted according to a screwed position of the bolt. Thus, the error of the braking operation caused by the assembly tolerance of the brake assembly or the abrasion of the brake band can be amended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Chul Bae
  • Patent number: 6244080
    Abstract: With an antitheft lock assembly, the extreme anchor section projecting from the lock main body of the lock assembly is inserted into the corresponding engaging slot of an object to be protected against theft and the cylinder lock of the lock assembly is operated by a matching key to protect the object against theft when the wire rope extending from the lock main body is wound around an immovable pillar. The lock main body may not be obstructed for its operation by the desk top if the object is placed on it and the engaging slot located at a lower position of the object. In the unlocked state, the rotary hook shaft and the single anti-revolution arm axially and eccentrically extending from the lock main body 1 are introduced into the vertically arranged engaging slot H of the object B to be protected against theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Sugatsune Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6244081
    Abstract: A security device, for a backpack 51, comprises a cover in the form of a wire netting 50 that is held snugly to the backpack by a draw line 53. The draw line is taughtened and locked tight with a locking mechanism 54. The cover prevents tampering with or removing the backpack from the wearer, and especially the slicing open of backpack to remove its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Schlipper
  • Patent number: 6244082
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for securing portable computers and the like against theft including a cable (40) with a cable head (36) extended by a first stem portion (42), a collar portion (38) and a free end second stem portion (44) all in axial alignment. A prismatic lock body (10) includes a push-in, keyoperated locking device (24) having a releasable locking detent (26′). The body (14) has front (12), rear (18) and two side surfaces (14; 16). First, second and third bores (30; 32; 34) are formed respectively at the front and two side surfaces, in a common plane, passing each other and being of a diameter slightly larger than that of the collar portion (38). The locking detent (26′) is insertable behind the collar (38) and above the first stem portion (42) thus precluding the extraction of the cable head (36) when inserted into any of the bores. Also, the rear side surface of the lock body can be secured to a portion of the computer, e.g., by gluing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Meir Avganim
  • Patent number: 6244083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for scooters, motorvehicles, snowmobiles, outboard motors, helicopters and other vehicles provided with a fuel control twist grip, which affects the fuel control twist grip. This twist grip is realised in two co-axial consecutive parts, which can be rigidly coupled together, of which the first part is a removable tubular element (1; 501), covered on the outside with an integral grip (10) and the second part is a non-removable tubular element (2; 200; 502), present in the handlebar and engaged with flexible transmission means of the fuel supply control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: ADFRA S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rosario Salvatore Carcarino