Patents Issued in October 11, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010027621
    Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable screen system for a closure assembly and improvements thereof which allows the secure sliding and subsequent retraction of the screen from a operative position to a retracted position. The invention is preferably embodied in a window assembly but finds application also in large pivoting windows and patio doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Preferred Engineering Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Robert Davies, Sean Davies, Sinnathamby Kupenthirarajan
  • Publication number: 20010027622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trim or a seal member such as an opening trim weather strip. The trim or a trim body in the seal member has a holding lip portion and modified holding lip portions. And the holding lip portion and modified holding lip portions have head portions. The head portions are made to bulge out toward a bottom wall portion at the tip ends of modified holding lip portions of the trim or the trim body of trim portion. The modified holding lip portions are formed so that projecting lengths of the head portions from the end surfaces of tip end portions of the modified holding lip portions, and the thicknesses of the head portions increase in inverse proportion to lip projecting lengths of the modified holding lip portions from an inner surface of an interior side wall portion. Alternatively, a slope inclined with respect to an extension plane of an opening-portion-side surface of a base end portion is formed at tip ends of the modified holding lip portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Kiminori Mine, Kazuo Ogawa, Keizo Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20010027623
    Abstract: Fused abrasive particles comprising eutectic material comprising Al2O3—MgO-REO eutectic. The fused abrasive particles can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, non-woven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz
  • Publication number: 20010027624
    Abstract: An access hatch reinforcement module and a method of assembling an access hatch to an existing engine compartment hood of a vehicle. The access hatch reinforcement module includes a wall engagement component for engagement to the hood outer wall of the engine compartment hood. The access hatch reinforcement module further includes a door engagement component for engagement to a hatch door of the access hatch. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component of the access hatch reinforcement module are directly fixedly engaged to one another by temporary fixed engagements. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component are also indirectly engaged to one another through operational door connecting components such as a hinge component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Craig L. Randolph
  • Publication number: 20010027625
    Abstract: A coping assembly for a parapet wall, cant dam or gravel stop resiliently maintains the coping assembly in a tight-fitting interlocking installation and has a locator member beneath the coping cap or cover for maintaining at least a portion of the outer coping cap in a predetermined cross-sectional shape and in an accurate alignment between adjacent sections of the coping cap. The preferred locator member is generally symmetrical with respect to a line normal to the face of the wall, dam stop or other raised roof protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: William C. Webb, Neil Tedder, Christopher K. McCoy, David McKinney
  • Publication number: 20010027626
    Abstract: A pole that is reinforced by a hardening compound applied to its surface, preferably in vertical strips, and an apparatus and method of anchoring the pole or another upright object. In a first preferred embodiment, the pole is welded to a base plate, with hollow metal cylinders welded to an opposite surface of the plate. In a second preferred embodiment, the base plate is polygonal, with studs extending from vertices. The studs are bent downward at right angles from the plate. In a third preferred embodiment, a sleeve is retained on the base plate, and the pole or a channel is retained in the sleeve. In the fourth preferred embodiment, studs extend downward from the bottom of the pole or channel. In all the preferred embodiments, holes are formed in a concrete surface, adhesive is inserted into the holes, and the metal cylinders or studs are inserted into the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Mario Natelli
  • Publication number: 20010027627
    Abstract: A step support method for use in the manufacturing of straight or curved stairs comprising a plurality of cutouts and a plurality of formed flanges in a contiguous sheet of metal creating a surface for stair treads and risers to be attached. The design of which allows the embodiment to serve structurally as being load bearing. With the addition of slits in the tread support flange, the embodiment can be applied to the manufacturing of curved stairs as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20010027628
    Abstract: A decorative member material, of which interior trim material is light weight, comfortable touch and can be used in spite of its low strength, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Matsuki, Yoriki Kakimoto
  • Publication number: 20010027629
    Abstract: An insulated roof panel comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced parallel web trusses secured to an inner sheathing and an outer sheathing. Each of the web trusses comprises at least one top cord, a bottom cord and a plurality of webs joining the cords together. A vapor barrier is sandwiched between the bottom cords of the web trusses and the inner sheathing. Insulation extends upwardly from the vapor barrier to a height less than the height of the insulated roof panel in order to allow air to flow over the insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Leo V. Ojala
  • Publication number: 20010027630
    Abstract: A concrete structure formed using an extender that connects to a web member at least partially disposed within a side panel. The extender may be used to extend the length of a connector that interconnects opposed side panels, used to provide additional surface area to which concrete can bond if, for example, forming a tilt-up wall, or used as a strapping location with a flexible linking member. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: James Daniel Moore, John A. Spragge, Brian L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010027631
    Abstract: A concrete structure formed using a web member that includes a latching system to frictionally hold connectors or the like in position. The latching system preferably has less frictional resistance to attaching the connector than for removing the same connector. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: James Daniel Moore, John A. Spragge, Barry Hiscock
  • Publication number: 20010027632
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved package wrapping machine which produces a wrapped product having a good seal and a favorable appearance for packages of varying sizes and shapes. More particularly, these improvements are obtained by utilizing a novel film gripper having sections that are separately disengageable to release tension on lateral sections of the film web during the wrapping of smaller than average packages, thereby preventing unwanted stretching of the film so as to promote a good seal for the packaged goods and avoid the formation of unsightly film tails. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel package pusher is utilized to convey the package to be wrapped from a package infeed location to a registration position on the package wrapping elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Michael A. Whitby, Philip Anthony Ratermann
  • Publication number: 20010027633
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a case housing a product and a lid made of material that transmits a laser beam are fixed to each other with a bonding member interposed between them, and thereafter, a laser beam is focused onto the bonding member through the lid so that the bonding member is melted. By doing so, the case and the lid are welded together via the bonding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Amako, Kazushige Umetsu, Hideo Tanaya
  • Publication number: 20010027634
    Abstract: A system is provided for automatically dispensing prescriptions according to a patient's order. The system includes at least one line of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid medication under the control of an appropriate control system. The system includes containers provided to store the oral solid medication. One or more medication-containing containers are detachably coupled to a vibratory dispenser according to a patient's order. The vibratory dispenser automatically vibrates the container to dispense a predetermined amount of medication from the container into the vial according to the patient's order. Labeling and capping apparatus may be provided to apply a patient-specific label to the vial and to apply a cap or closure to the vial. Vials containing medication according to the patient's order may be collected in accumulation receptacles prior to delivery to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance J. Hebron, Douglas L. Vandy Bogurt
  • Publication number: 20010027635
    Abstract: Apparatus for multiply bundling stacks of cuts, comprising a plurality of band stock wrapping devices placed side by side, a move away unit for individualizing said rows and for moving rows of said stacks away from said ream and towards the wrapping devices, and an upstream feed pusher unit, all located on an alignment table for receiving a ream of cuts to be individualized and wrapped with band stock, the ream of cuts consisting of a plurality of rows of stacks of cuts, wherein the stack depths of rows of stacks in each ream of cuts are variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Burkhardt Busch
  • Publication number: 20010027636
    Abstract: In a relaxation-heating method and an apparatus therefor, relaxation-heating is performed by a heating apparatus which is provided between a yarn supply roller (5) and a take-up roller (7) having a speed lower than that of the supply roller (5) and which is constituted by a heating roller (6a) and an auxiliary bobbin (6b). In the relaxation-heating method and an apparatus therefor, the size is compact, the heat conductivity is high and yarn can be made to run at a high speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunzo Naito, Takashi Ikeuchi, Tetsuya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010027637
    Abstract: A gas-turbine engine combustion system has a combustor with a burner head having both pilot gas and pilot liquid-fuel injection arrangements, the pilot gas arrangement comprising an annular gallery communicating with a downstream face of the head and a deflecting arrangement adjacent the gallery for directing the pilot gas-fuel towards a longitudinal axis of the combustor and over a central part of the downstream face. The combustion system is designed so that, during both gas- and liquid-fuel operations, the flame front face is located close to the burner head and, during liquid-fuel operation, air is forced across the downstream face to cool the head. Advantageously, the cooling air is made to replace the pilot gas-fuel in the annular gallery, so that it is deflected, like the gas-fuel, and contacts the central part of the downstream face. The burner head also features main gas and liquid-fuel injection arrangements, these communicating with one or more passageways in a radial swirler attached to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: ERIC ROY NORSTER, SIMON DEPIETRO, MAHMOUD KOWKABI, HOGER GUNTER HEINRICH HESSE
  • Publication number: 20010027638
    Abstract: In a method of minimizing thermoacoustic vibrations in gas-turbine combustion chambers, a modulated spraying of liquid or gaseous premix fuel into a premix burner is carried out. The premix fuel is fed by means of two fuel lines (13, 14), and the modulation of the quantity of fed fuel is effected in each case by one fuel valve per fuel line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN OLIVER PASCHEREIT, WOLFGANG WEISENSTEIN, EPHRAIM GUTMARK, WOLFGANG POLIFKE
  • Publication number: 20010027639
    Abstract: In a staged gas turbine combustion engine, each combustion chamber of an annular array of chambers includes at least a pilot and a main combustion stage each having an fuel injection nozzle; the method includes feeding fuel continuously in operation to the pilot stage nozzle and controlling the fuel flow to the main stage nozzle through a pulsing and dosing valve to control the fuel flow delivered to the main stage fuel nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Deutschland GMBH
    Inventor: F. Richard Emmons
  • Publication number: 20010027640
    Abstract: A fuel control system for supplying metered quantities of fuel from a fuel supply (11), through a fuel pump (13), a metering valve (15) and a pressurizing valve (17) to a plurality of engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) includes an ecology valve (43) for withdrawing fuel from the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) during cessation of engine operation and for returning fuel to the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) to be burned during normal engine operation. The ecology valve (43) includes a valve housing (44) having a plurality of ecology ports (50, 52, 54) adapted to be coupled to corresponding ones of the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) and a control port (46) adapted to be connected to a corresponding control port (45) of the fuel pressurizing valve (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Paul W. Futa, Steven F. Fisher, Kevin R. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20010027641
    Abstract: A bypass valve (22) and vent valve (24) are connected in parallel with the normal flow path between a low-pressure fuel pump (12) and a high-pressure fuel pump (16). When a low fuel inlet pressure is detected the bypass valve (22) and vent valve (24) are opened. Gas is vented out of the fuel system and bypasses a heat exchanger (14) between the low and high-pressure pumps (12 and 16), thus avoiding the need to overcome vapor lock between the two pumps. The vent valve (24) passes gas to a drain tank (26) and then closes to prevent the escape of fuel as the high-pressure pump (16) primes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew Clarke, Russell A. Loxley
  • Publication number: 20010027642
    Abstract: In an intake-air refrigeration system of intake-air cooling type gas turbine power equipment, heat discharged to the atmosphere heretofore is recovered for further utilization. A refrigerant vapor discharged from an evaporator (05) of the refrigeration system is compressed by a refrigerant compressor (02) to be transformed to pressurized refrigerant vapor. Heat carried by the pressurized refrigerant vapor is supplied to a heat utilization system (80) to be recovered therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: TADASHI TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20010027643
    Abstract: A cylinder injection type internal combustion engine includes a fuel injection valve for directly injecting a fuel into a cylinder and a catalyst for cleaning up an exhaust in an exhaust gas and has at least two combustion control patterns for activating rapidly the catalyst. The combustion control patterns are switched over based on a temperature of the catalyst. Furthermore, a stratified combustion is provided at the time of starting by making a configuration of the combustion engine optimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Noboru Tokuyasu, Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Yoichi IIhoshi, Minoru Ohsuga
  • Publication number: 20010027644
    Abstract: An exhaust control system for a cylinder fuel injection engine having a cylinder injection injectors directly injecting a fuel into combustion chambers and a catalytic converter provided in an exhaust passage from said combustion chambers for purifying an exhaust gas, air/fuel ratio in the combustion chambers is periodically made rich for quicken activation of catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Yoichi Iihoshi, Minoru Ohsuga, Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Noboru Tokuyasu
  • Publication number: 20010027645
    Abstract: An exhaust purifying method and apparatus of an internal combustion engine is provided with an exhaust switch valve for switching a flow of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust filter. By switching the exhaust switch valve, the exhaust gas is fed from one side and the other side of the filter, thereby stirring the soot (particulates) in the exhaust gas deposited on the filter having a NOx absorbent and an active-oxygen discharging agent supported thereon. Thus, the soot in the exhaust gas is continuously burned. Moreover, the switching of the exhaust switch valve and the rich spike are inhibited from being conducted simultaneously. In the case where the rich spike is conducted in order to discharge and reduce NOx absorbed in the NOx absorbent, the exhaust gas containing a large amount of HC and CO can be prevented from being discharged into the atmosphere without being purified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Itoh, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Koichi Kimura, Koichiro Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20010027646
    Abstract: A reversal device reverses upstream and downstream sides of a particulate filter. First and second collecting surfaces of a collecting wall are used alternately to collect particulates. In order to ensure that a portion of exhaust gas bypasses the particulate filter while a valve body is switched from one position to the other position to reverse the upstream and downstream sides of the particulate filter, the reversal device switches the valve body as soon as the amount of particulates discharged from a combustion chamber of an engine becomes equal to or smaller than a set discharge amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Kimura, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shinya Hirota, Kazuhiro Itoh, Takamitsu Asanuma, Koichiro Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20010027647
    Abstract: A device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The device comprises a particulate filter arranged in the exhaust system on which the trapped particulates are oxidized, and a reversing mechanism for reversing the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the particulate filter. The particulate filter has a trapping wall. The trapping wall has a first trapping surface and a second trapping surface. The reversing mechanism reverses the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the particulate filter so that the first trapping surface and the second trapping surface are used alternately to trap the particulates. The device can improve the amount of particulates that can be oxidized and removed on the particulate filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Hirota, Toshiaki Tanaka, Koichiro Nakatani, Kazuhiro Itoh, Takamitsu Asanuma, Koichi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20010027648
    Abstract: An exhaust control valve has a valve housing and a valve body rotatably contained within the valve housing. The valve body cooperates with the valve housing for controlling the flow of exhaust gas. A transmission member rotationally drives a valve shaft of the valve body. The valve body is formed in a cylindrical shape and coaxially with an axis line of the valve shaft. The valve body and the valve shaft are made from a one-piece body by casting. This arrangement provides an exhaust control valve for an engine having a valve body that provides excellent sealing properties, demonstrates high response to driving torque and is easy to manufacture through casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakayasu, Mikio Sagara, Kyo Takahashi, Noritoshi Iwase, Hajime Yamada, Atsushi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20010027649
    Abstract: A freewheel unit intended especially for the stator of a hydrodynamic torque converter, allows first and second elements to rotate relative to each other around a rotational axis essentially in only one direction. A locking element carrier extends in the circumferential direction around the rotational axis and comes at least one first locking element which extends away from this carrier toward the first element in a first circumferential direction. At least one first locking element can come to rest against at least one blocking surface provided on the first element to prevent any relative rotation between the first element and the locking element carrier in one direction of relative rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Edgar Reinhart, Dietrich Bechmann, Andre Meyer, Friedrich Schramm, Christoph Sasse, Erwin Wack
  • Publication number: 20010027650
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected with each other, being immersed in an oil sump formed in a housing. A pair of oil passages for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump with the hydraulic motor are formed in a center section on which the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are mounted. The center section is provided on an outer surface thereof with a pair of openings of the respective oil passages. A control arm is disposed in the housing so as to interlock with a pump capacity changing member like a movable swash plate, thereby enabling the pump capacity changing member to be moved to various actuation positions including a neutral position in association with rotation of the control arm rotated to various actuation positions including a neutral position. A contact member having a surface abutting against the pair of openings of the center section is formed integrally with the control arm. A pair of oil passages are provided in the contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroaki Shimizu, Ryota Ohashi, Masaru Iida
  • Publication number: 20010027651
    Abstract: An improved compact design for a hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor mounted on a center section in a housing, wherein the pump and motor are mounted at generally right angles to one another, and the longitudinal axis of the input shaft is located between a first and second parallel planes located at respective ends of the motor shaft and the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft is located between a third and fourth parallel planes located at respective ends of the pump shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Ray M. Hauser, Alan W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20010027652
    Abstract: A turbine system has a turbine that uses an aeromatic hydrocarbon as a working fluid. The turbine discharges the fluid in vapor form against a boundary layer on the inside of a rotor where it condenses as it loses its energy. The outside of the rotor is formed to define chambers which are divided into suction and discharge or pressure cavities by stationary and rotating seals. Apertures connect the boundary layer to the pump chambers and apertures are positioned as discharge ports so that as the rotor rotates, it also pumps the working fluid into a closed loop system in which it is reheated and reintroduced into the turbine through a nozzle. The fluid is heated by a fluid heater that may be positioned in the interior of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: William P. White
  • Publication number: 20010027653
    Abstract: A combustor of a gas turbine includes a combustion tube acting as a combustion chamber. In the combustion tube, a cylindrical heat insulating member is disposed and forms a wall of the combustion chamber. Numerous cooling air passages are formed in the heat insulating member and extending in the axial direction between cooling air inlet disposed at one end of the heat insulating member and cooling air outlet disposed at the other end of the heat insulating member. The heat insulating member is attached to the inner surface of the combustion tube at its cooling air inlet side end and a seal ring is disposed around the outer circumference of the heat insulating member at a portion between the cooling air inlet side end and the cooling air outlet side end. The seal ring is made of heat resistant material and prevents cooling air flowing through the annular space between the inner surface of the combustion tube and the outer surface of the heat insulating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Shigemi Mandai, Kiyoshi Suenaga, Katsunori Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20010027654
    Abstract: An icemaker assembly is disposed within a refrigerator having a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment and respective freezer and fresh food door assemblies. The icemaker assembly comprises a conveyor assembly positioned within the freezer compartment having a flexible conveyor belt with a multiplicity of individual ice cube molds for creation of individual ice cubes. An ice cube storage bin is positioned below the conveyor assembly for storing the ice cubes and a fullness sensor is positioned for determining the fill level of ice cubes within the ice cube storage bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew Philip Shapiro, Jerome Johnson Tiemann, Walter Whipple, Timothy Scott Shaffer, William Merritt Nall, Eayre Bruce Voorhees, Steven Paraszczak
  • Publication number: 20010027655
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator oil composition comprising a refrigerant that comprises carbon dioxide (CO2) as the essential component, and an ester-based lubricating oil composition; wherein the ratio of refrigerant/lubricating oil composition falls between 99/1 and 10/90 by weight. The refrigerator oil composition has good lubricity and sealability and can be stably used for a long period of time in a compression refrigeration cycle in which is used a refrigerant comprising CO2 as the essential component. Also provided is a method of using the composition for lubricating a compression refrigeration cycle equipped with an oil separator and/or a hot gas line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshinori Tazaki
  • Publication number: 20010027656
    Abstract: In an expansion valve the pressure vessel of which is constituted by a reduced number of parts and which does not require seal members a valve unit is surrounded by first and second half shells which in turn are surrounded by a pressure vessel formed as a one-piece body by molding resin by an insert molding process. Since the resin constituting the resin molded one-piece pressure vessel simultaneously form internal sealing member structures no additional seal members are required to be positioned and mounted. The first and second half shells are shaped such that the necessary refrigerant passages for the valve unit are defined in communication with connection holes of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisatoshi Hirota, Shinji Saeki, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20010027657
    Abstract: A variable restrict valve is disposed at the upstream side of a refrigerant flow, a fixed restrictor is disposed at the downstream side of the variable restrict valve, an intermediate space is provided between the variable restrict valve and the fixed restrictor, a passage sectional area of the intermediate space is set to be larger than the fixed restrictor and passage length L of the intermediate space is set to be larger than a predetermined length required when the flow of refrigerant injected from the variable restrict valve expands more than the passage sectional area of the fixed restrictor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Kurato Yamasaki, Shigeki Ito, Teruyuki Hotta, Yasushi Yamanaka, Atsushi Inaba
  • Publication number: 20010027658
    Abstract: A controller controls a displacement of a compressor which is installed in a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning system. The controller has a pressure difference detector. An air conditioning switch turns the air conditioning system on. A temperature detector detects the temperature in a compartment. A control valve controls the displacement of the compressor such that the pressure difference detected by the pressure difference detector approaches a target value. A computer determines the target value. The computer changes the target value, depending on the detected temperature. The computer limits the target value to a target value limit. After a predetermined time expires from when the air conditioning switch is turned on, the computer changes the limit. This permits the displacement of the compressor to be promptly and reliably changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara, Taku Adaniya
  • Publication number: 20010027659
    Abstract: An improved control apparatus for controlling the displacement of a variable displacement compressor. A control valve includes an operating rod, which is urged by a force based on a differential pressure between two pressure monitoring points, which are located in a refrigeration circuit. The control valve causes the compressor to seek a target displacement. A computer limits the target displacement when the demand for cooling is decreasing to improve fuel economy and to extend the life of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara, Taku Adaniya
  • Publication number: 20010027660
    Abstract: The invention has the object of providing an air-conditioning system for motor vehicles or the like, with two separate and independent refrigerating circuits having heat exchangers on the same air flow line, one of the two circuits having its compressor that receives mechanical power from the vehicle engine and thereby can be used when the motor vehicle itself is running, and the other circuit has the relevant compressor that receives mechanical power from an electrical motor which in turn receives power from the mains current and is instead usable during the stop when the vechicle is parked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Autoclima S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Moffa
  • Publication number: 20010027661
    Abstract: An air conditioner which can be installed easily at a corner of a room is presented. This is an air conditioner which can be installed at a corner between a first wall and a second wall of a room. It has a frame body having an upper part, a lower part, and side parts, a blower for circulating air, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the air, an air diffuser for blowing out the air into the room, a space positioned at an edge of the corner, and a piping connected to the heat exchanger. The connection port of the piping is placed at least at one of (a) a position projecting into the space and (b) a place near the space. This is an installation tool for installing an air conditioner main body having a first side surface and a second side surface at a corner of a first wall and a second wall of a room. The tool includes a first installation board having a first base part and a first stopping part, and a second installation board having a second base part and a second stopping part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishikawa, Hirozumi Ito, Hiroharu Kurisutani, Yasuhiro Nakamura, Kenji Shirai
  • Publication number: 20010027662
    Abstract: A power element portion 36′ mounted on the upper portion of an expansion valve body comprises an upper cover 36d and a lower cover 36h, and is divided into an upper pressure chamber 36b and a lower pressure chamber 36c by a diaphragm 36a. A heat sensing drive shaft 101 is formed of a large radius portion 105 and a heat conducting shaft 103 integrally formed thereto. The stopper portion 104 contacting the lower surface of the diaphragm 36a is a member which is formed separately from the heat sensing drive shaft 101, and supported within the lower cover 36h. When the expansion valve is taken apart, the heat sensing drive shaft 101 is pulled out from the inside of the mounting seat 362 of the power element portion 36′, and the refrigerant remaining inside the upper pressure chamber 36b is taken out and collected from the side of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: FUJIKOKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masamichi Yano
  • Publication number: 20010027663
    Abstract: A modular air conditioning system comprises a self-contained refrigeration power cell and a remotely located heat exchanger coupled by a low-pressure refrigerant circuit. The refrigeration power cell comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, which are serially coupled to form a high-pressure closed refrigeration circuit. The low-pressure circuit thermally interfaces with the condenser to remove heat from the high-pressure circuit. This heat exchanger is adapted to mount in proximity to or be integrated with the radiator. Alternatively, this circuit thermally interfaces with the evaporator to remove heat from the low-pressure refrigerant. This heat exchanger is adapted to mount in the cabin of the vehicle. When the low-pressure circuit thermally interfaces with the evaporator, the low-pressure circuit may further include a cool box for storing items to be refrigerated. Preferably, the cool box and heat exchanger may each be operated either alone, or in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Zeigler, William David Gavin, Phillip Carew Evans
  • Publication number: 20010027664
    Abstract: A passive desuperheater for a vapor compression refrigeration system is disclosed. The passive desuperheater includes a chamber having two inlets and an outlet, the first inlet for introducing superheated gas into the chamber, the second inlet for introducing cool liquid refrigerant into the chamber and the outlet for outputting the desuperheated gas. The flow of cool liquid refrigerant into the chamber is generated by a gravity drop, resulting in the mixing of the liquid refrigerant with the superheated gas, such that desuperheated gas is output at the outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the hot discharge gas is input through the bottom of a shell and tube condenser and then exposed to the cool liquid refrigerant in the condenser. The desuperheater according to the present invention also can be used to remove oil from the hot discharge gas during desuperheating. Desuperheating can also be obtained by passing the superheated gas through a pipe immersed in the cool liquid refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: James Ross
  • Publication number: 20010027665
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pile sock which can lighten a sense of tiredness and improve the air permeability. Said pile sock is further provided with a function for preventing slippage as well as excellent cushioning properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Souich Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20010027666
    Abstract: A locking device for use in connection with an energy controlling apparatus, such as a valve, or regulator, to prevent unauthorized persons from changing the position of a rotatable shaft of the apparatus that controls the amount of energy that flows through the apparatus. The locking device includes a handle used to manually set the position of the shaft. It also includes a gear that is rotatably mounted in the handle and is fixed to the shaft of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Rocky E. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20010027667
    Abstract: A rotary-action heavy-duty slam-to-close latch for closing a panel or door and securing the same, wherein actuation means articulates a sliding locking member into and out of engagement with a lock plate, thereby moving the lock plate from a closed position to an open position, thereby releasing a pawl into and out of latching positions with a corresponding keeper. Several embodiments of actuation means are provided such as a rotatably mounted handle, a motor-driven cam assembly, and a rod-driven handle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher J. Pinkow, Robert Straka
  • Publication number: 20010027668
    Abstract: A device for blocking the turnability of the steering spindle 3 of a motor vehicle contains a movable interlocking element 14 that is situated in a lock chamber 12 and engages into the steering spindle 3 in its locked position, as well as an actuating device 9 for actuating the interlocking element 14. This device is characterized by the fact that the lock chamber 12 is passively secured against manipulative access by electric/electronic operating components K required for driving the motor vehicle. This is realized by arranging these operating components K in such a position relative to the lock chamber 12 that the function of at least one operating component K is terminated if manipulative access is attempted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Harald Donner, Werner Volmer, Dipl.-Ing Jorg Welschholz, Bernhard Schambeck
  • Publication number: 20010027669
    Abstract: The present invention is a remote control lock device that is used with any type of rotating lock typically associated with residential homes, offices, or the like. This device is a singular unit utilized with a combination dead bolt mechanism and a key operated lock. The locking device comprises a gear assembly having an adapter coupled to the gear assembly and the conventional lock mechanism. A motor assembly is coupled to the gear assembly. Activation of the motor assembly will cause the rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly will force the adapter to move, causing the conventional lock mechanism to rotate to a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Tod Warmack
  • Publication number: 20010027670
    Abstract: In a locking system constituted by a housing, a slider provided in the housing and including magnetic lock pins, and a pair of plates provided in the housing so that a magnetic card key can be inserted between the plates, a lock setting changing unit is cunfigured such that a disc rotatable to change magnetic lock setting is inserted into at least one circular recess portion of a slider, the disc is provided with engagement means for preventing a setting tool from being relieved in the middle of changing the magnetic lock setting, the setting tool is inserted into a center hole of the rotatable disc, and after the disc is rotated by the setting tool so that the magnetic lock setting can be changed into a new magnetic lock setting position, the setting tool is allowed to be relieved from the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Nobuyo Sakai, Osamu Ishikawa