Patents Issued in June 27, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020078684
    Abstract: A filter used to remove particulates from a diesel engine exhaust is regenerated by increasing the exhaust temperature to achieve burn off of the accumulated particulates. Regeneration of the filter is inhibited when the sensed level of fuel in a diesel fuel tank for the engine falls below a first threshold level. Optionally, filter regeneration may be initiated when the sensed fuel level is between the first threshold and a higher threshold, and the load level of particulates accumulated in said filter is above a preselected, relatively high load level. Increase of the exhaust temperature to achieve burn off may be achieved by a variety of techniques, including throttling the intake of said engine, reducing the oxygen content in the exhaust gases delivered to said engine, closing an EGR valve of said engine, or performing post injection of fuel in the engine's combustion cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Brendan Patrick Carberry, David Arthur Ketcher, Paul Eduard Moraal
  • Publication number: 20020078685
    Abstract: An arrangement for treating exhaust emitted from an Otto engine with direct fuel injection, includes an engine-proximate catalytic converter and a NOx adsorber which is linked to the catalytic converter by an exhaust pipe. An outer tube with a flexible length portion in the form of a metallic bellows surrounds the exhaust pipe at formation of a circumferential gap therebetween. Provided in the gap is a metal powder which releases or adsorbs hydrogen gas in dependence on a temperature in the gap, wherein the gap is evacuated to provide a heat insulating atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Christian Smatloch, Walter Gross
  • Publication number: 20020078686
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure transformer for the conversion of an input hydraulic power to an output hydraulic power, and particularly suitable for use in a work machine having a hydraulic work unit requiring a hydraulic input power, has a port block with improved balanced loading which is attached to an end cap in a simplified manner. The end cap includes an opening having a peripheral surface and a first end face. The end cap further includes a plurality of ports opening at the end face and at least one actuation port opening at or near the peripheral surface. A barrel which is rotatable about an axis includes a second end face and a plurality of cylinders having respective cylinder ports which open at the second end face. A port block is disposed within the end cap opening between the first end face of the end cap and the second end face of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: John C. Endsley, Frank J. Raab, David C. Hale
  • Publication number: 20020078687
    Abstract: Apparatus converting ocean wave motion energy to electric power is comprised of a combination of prior art devices floating on catamaran-type pontoons (40) fastened by cables (44) to the floor of a body of water. An auger-type helical member (20) rotates around a horizontal shaft-pipe axle (70) at the water's surface by the force of incoming waves near shore. A multiple-blade impeller (30), with radial blades perpendicular to the shaft-pipe axle, is placed at various points on the same shaft-pipe axle simultaneously with the helical impeller. The blades of the multiple-blade impeller (32a & b) are shaped for maximum conversion of wave energy to boost the rotation of the shaft-pipe axle in high volume, low pressure waves. The common shaft-pipe axle is coupled to gear devices (50) to drive energy conversion devices (50) such as electrical generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Francis M. ?quot;Jim?quot; Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20020078688
    Abstract: A master cylinder for vehicle braking systems includes a housing having a central cavity, at least one fluid supply inlet port, at least one pressure outlet port, and a flange at one end thereof. A piston actuation mechanism within the central cavity is moveable between a first position wherein the central cavity is in fluid communication with the fluid supply inlet and a second position where the central cavity is in fluid communication with the pressure outlet. A cup-shaped end cap is fastened to the housing flange in a fluid sealing relationship wherein the cup-shaped end cap receives at least a portion of the piston actuating mechanism therein and further retains the piston actuation mechanism in an operational configuration within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. kottmyer
  • Publication number: 20020078689
    Abstract: An improved turbine engine topology, wherein the improvement comprises a repositioning, with respect to a conventional intercooled regenerative turbine engine topology, of exhaust gas output from a low pressure turbine stage to a regenerator, to an exhaust gas output from a high pressure turbine stage to the regenerator. The engine topology may additionally employ, as an intermediate stage between the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine, a feedback control system, whereby the exhaust gas output from the high pressure turbine stage to the regenerator flows through the feedback control. The engine topology may advantageously also employ an additional cooler and an additional exhaust gas output in the feedback control, whereby exhaust gas flows from the feedback control through the additional cooler to a high pressure compressor stage, or the exhaust gas can flow from the feedback control through a bottoming cycle to the high pressure compressor stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Richard R. Coleman, Thelma Coleman
  • Publication number: 20020078690
    Abstract: A premixer for an industrial type gas turbine engine wherein the premixer includes a diffuser ring assembly made up of annular concentric rings and upstream of the diffuser ring assembly in the airflow path is a corresponding fuel manifold ring assembly, each ring in the manifold ring assembly corresponding to a passageway formed between the diffuser rings, and each manifold ring includes a downstream channel for feeding the fuel to the air as the air passes by the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Stuttaford, Stephen Oliver Oikawa, David Edwin Cowburn
  • Publication number: 20020078691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for the cooling of a component, in particular of the combustion chamber of a turbo machine, wherein at least one cooling duct (5) is provided between a wall (1) to be cooled and a plate-shaped element (2) spaced apart from the wall. The plate-shaped element (2) has a number of through openings (4) for a cooling medium and is arranged such that the distance to the wall (1) increases in the flow direction of the cooling medium through the cooling channel (5). The arrangement is characterized in that the size of the through openings (4) in the plate-shaped element (2) increases with increasing distance between the plate-shaped element (2) and the wall (1). In this way a homogeneous cooling over the length of the cooling channel is achieved with simple measures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Rainer Hoecker
  • Publication number: 20020078692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a turbo-machine in case of failure of the main burn fuel flow calculator. The apparatus receives at least information from various sensors as well as from the main burn fuel flow calculator. The method and apparatus, herein disclosed, provides a smooth and secure transition between the last burn fuel flow value before the failure of the main burn fuel flow calculator and the future burn fuel flow values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandre Jay, Jim Robert Jarvo, Daniel Claude Gratton
  • Publication number: 20020078693
    Abstract: In a turbomachine whose speed of rotation is controlled by means of a throttle control lever acting via an electronic control circuit, a system is provided to provide protection against excess speed, the system comprising means for limiting the fuel feed of the turbomachine to a predetermined fixed flow rate Wps when the speed of rotation exceeds an authorized maximum speed, means for maintaining said fuel feed at said predetermined fixed flow rate while the speed of rotation drops below the authorized maximum speed, and means for reducing said fuel speed to a flow rate Wr corresponding to an idling speed when the throttle control lever issues an idling control to the turbomachine via the electronic control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURS
    Inventors: David Maillard, Alain Garassino, Claude Maillard, Caroline Dessenne, Isabelle Vegiotti
  • Publication number: 20020078694
    Abstract: A method is provided for atomizing fuel in a turbine engine having a compressor, turbine, recuperator, and combustor. The steps include flowing a compressed air to the combustor and passing a fuel to the combustor. A compressed air pressure from the compressor is sensed, as well as sensing a first pressure of an assist air. The first pressure is compared to the compressed air pressure. Then, the first pressure is adjusted to a desired pressure that is a function of at least one of the operating parameters such as turbine speed and the compressed air pressure. The assist air at the desired pressure is next moved to the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Waseem A. Nazeer, Samir S. Ahmad
  • Publication number: 20020078695
    Abstract: A storage unit is provided for selectively heating and/or cooling items placed therein. The storage unit has a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment. A thermoelectric module is positioned in between the first and second storage compartments. The thermoelectric module regulates and maintains various desired temperatures within the storage compartments. Particularly, the thermoelectric module is capable of heating the first storage compartment and cooling the second storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Eric C. Hughes, Richard Allen Merrifield
  • Publication number: 20020078696
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid heat pump system. The system includes (i) a membrane permeator having a permselective membrane capable of selectively removing vapor from a vapor-containing gas to yield a dry gas, (ii) a heat pump having (a) an internal side for exchanging thermal energy with a process fluid, (b) an external side for exchanging thermal energy with an external environment, and (c) a thermodynamic mechanism for pumping thermal energy between the internal side and the external side in either direction, (iii) means for conveying the vapor-containing gas into the membrane permeator, and (iv) means for routing the dry gas to either of the internal side or the external side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Amos Korin
  • Publication number: 20020078697
    Abstract: Just before shutdown, or at least prior to a significant pressure equalization in a refrigeration system, an accumulator containing oil is isolated from the rest of the refrigeration system in such a way that oil is at a pressure that is higher than the pressure of the rest of the system. The oil in the accumulator is maintained in a state of higher pressure while the refrigeration system is shutdown with the aid of a spring-loaded piston. Preliminary to start up of the refrigeration system, the pressurized oil is placed in fluid communication with structure requiring lubrication which is thereby lubricated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Lifson
  • Publication number: 20020078698
    Abstract: A fluid collector of a cooling device, which collects fluid carried along by the coolant in a reservoir, is arranged upstream of the compressor. The return of the fluid coolant, which can also contain oil, into the section leading to the compressor takes place via an inlet conduit. A control device regulates the reintroduction of the fluid via a regulating valve in such a way, that the vapor conveyed to the compressor does not contain any large fluid particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Bert Leisenheimer, Holger Ullrich
  • Publication number: 20020078699
    Abstract: A hot gas defrost system for a refrigeration cycle, including at least a compressor, reversing valve, condenser and evaporator. During defrost, the reversing valve directs the superheated refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator. The hot gas traverses the evaporator coil which, in turn, causes the ice or frost to melt. The hot gas defrost refrigeration system may also include a receiver to store the refrigerant during the refrigeration and defrost cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Vogel, Robert G. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20020078700
    Abstract: An electric air conditioner sustain system is disclosed. The electric air conditioner sustain system includes a compressor, an engine and an electric motor. The engine and the electric motor selectively rotate the compressor. When the engine is rotating the compressor and the engine stops, the electric motor is synchronously activated to maintain continuous rotation of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Brian Robert Kelm, Danny Lee Berg, Robert Joseph Mohan, Richard Eric Luken
  • Publication number: 20020078701
    Abstract: A freezer/refrigerator car equipped with a freezer/refrigerator having a carry-in/out opening formed at a rear end thereof for carrying the goods in and out, and a door mechanism for opening and closing the carry-in/out opening, wherein the door mechanism includes a first door pivotably mounted on the one side wall of the freezer/refrigerator, a second door pivotably mounted on the other side wall of the freezer/refrigerator, and a third door pivotably mounted on the other side of the second door, and an air curtain unit is disposed on the inside surface of the first door and blows out the air toward the other side wall across the carry-in/out opening in a state where the first door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishi, Minori Higuchi, Masato Doi, Etsuo Kamijo, Masanobu Tomomura, Hiroshi Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20020078702
    Abstract: When the first pressure reducing device 161 is fixed to the accumulator tank 140 and the internal heat exchanger 150 is housed in the accumulator tank 140, the accumulator, the first pressure reducing device 161 and the internal heat exchanger 150 are integrated into one body. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to eliminate parts for piping to connect the first pressure reducing device 161 with the internal heat exchanger 150. The mass of the vibration system of the first pressure reducing device 161 including the accumulator tank 140 and the internal heat exchanger 150 is increased. Therefore, even if the valve body 413 in the first pressure reducing device is vibrated, it becomes difficult for other portions to vibrate. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce noise (vibration) generated when refrigerant is decompressed by the first pressure reducing device 161.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuya Makizono, Toshio Hirata, Yasutaka Kuroda, Yoshiyuki Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20020078703
    Abstract: A reinforced structure of the front lower panel for a package air conditioner may comprise a front lower panel, which is mounted on the front lower portion of the indoor unit of the air conditioner having a blower device for air circulation, evaporator coils for heat exchange, permitting the air inside the interior space to flow into the indoor unit for passing across the evaporator coils through the air inlets 12 and 12′, and includes the reinforcement means formed on the inner corner portion between a front frame 11a and a side portion of the frame 11a having air guides 20 of the front lower panel 11, to strengthen the structural rigidity of the frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Jung-suk Kim
  • Publication number: 20020078704
    Abstract: A two-phase versatile evaporative cooling heat exchange apparatus 2 for use to produce cool air for homes, factories or for use in vehicles both stationary and moving. The vessel 4 contains the components needed so ambient air 6 is drawn or forced into the evaporative pad 32 to begin the cooling process. The evaporative pad 32 is wetted by thermal liquid 26 being distributed by pump 20 for the first phase cooling 8. The evaporation process uses a portion of the thermal liquid 26 with the remaining, now cooled, excess thermal liquid 36 being returned to the base of vessel 8. The cooled thermal liquid 26 is pumped through the heat exchanger 40 for the second phase cooling 10. The cooled air 12 is delivered into the occupant space 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: John L. Stich
  • Publication number: 20020078705
    Abstract: An ice making machine has a water system, including a pump, an ice-forming mold and interconnecting lines therefore; a refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator in thermal contact with the ice-forming mold, and a receiver. The receiver has an inlet connected to the condenser, a liquid outlet connected to the expansion device and a vapor outlet connected by a valved passageway to the evaporator. In a preferred embodiment, two interconnected receivers are used. A cabinet housing the evaporator is preferably less than 18 inches deep. The pump is preferably mounted so that the pump motor is located outside of the water compartment, but can still be removed from the front of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Cary J. Pierskalla, Scott J. Shedivy, Michael R. Lois, Richard T. Miller, Brian A. Ebelt
  • Publication number: 20020078706
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes separable cold plate and dispenser units. The cold plate unit includes a coolant system, a fluid system and a metallic unit. The coolant system defines a cold plate portion and a tower portion. The cold plate portion of the coolant system has a primary inlet manifold and a primary outlet manifold, and the tower portion has a secondary inlet manifold and a secondary outlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a first plurality of coolant line segments connecting the primary and secondary inlet manifolds and a second plurality of coolant line segments connecting the secondary and primary outlet manifolds. The fluid system also defines a cold plate portion and a tower portion, the portions being in heat exchange relationship with the coolant system. The metallic unit includes unitary cold plate and tower portions which respectively incorporate the cold plate and tower portions of the coolant system and fluid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin D. Kyees
  • Publication number: 20020078707
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a configurable jewelry closure is disclosed. The configurable jewelry closure comprises a series of common jewelry fasteners on links. The fasteners are easily opened and designed for continual opening, by the wearer. These easy opening fasteners provide the wearer the ability to attach jewelry strands of varying color, number and length to provide the wearer with a customizable piece of jewelry. These jewelry closures can be removed from the jewelry strand by the wearer over and over again rendering it still usable and customizable by the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Daryl Lea Walker, David Alan Baer
  • Publication number: 20020078708
    Abstract: A bezel setting for a ring or other jewelry item is provided. The bezel setting is mounted along the jewelry item and includes a first bezel element and a facing second bezel element for defining an opening therebetween in which a jewelry stone is received. The bezel elements are movable with respect to one another in order to be able to selectively adjust the distance between the bezel elements, and thus the size of the opening. As a result, the bezel setting can accommodate jewelry stones of varying size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Jerome D. Butler
  • Publication number: 20020078709
    Abstract: An opaque silica glass article comprising a transparent portion and an opaque portion, wherein the opaque portion has an apparent density of 1.70-2.15 g/cm3 and contains 5×104-5×106 bubbles per cm3, said bubbles having an average diameter of 10-100 &mgr;m; and the transparent portion has an apparent density of 2.19-2.21 g/cm3 and the amount of bubbles having a diameter of at least 100 &mgr;m in the transparent portion is not more than 1×103 per cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: TOSOH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroya Nagata, Masayuki Kudo, Koji Tsukuma, Yoshikazu Kikuchi, Tomoyuki Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20020078710
    Abstract: A silica glass substrate is obtained by polishing, cleaning, drying and etching a silica glass substrate slice. When the substrate on one surface is treated with a reactive reagent, defects having a size of at least 0.3 &mgr;m in a direction parallel to the substrate major surface are absent on the substrate surface. The silica glass substrate, in which no submicron defects manifest on the substrate surface even when treated as by cleaning or etching, serves as a reticle for use in photolithographic IC fabrication, achieving an improved manufacturing yield in the semiconductor device fabrication and microelectronic system fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Takeuchi, Atsushi Watabe, Tetsushi Tsukamoto, Yukio Shibano
  • Publication number: 20020078711
    Abstract: A glass panel includes a pair of glass sheets opposed to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and having peripheral edges thereof bonded with a metal material to seal the gap air-tightly. The glass sheets are disposed relative to each other with a displacement of 2 mm or less in maximum at respective corresponding end faces thereof along the glass panel surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Shinjiro Domi, Koichi Sakaguchi, Shigeki Nakagaki, Toru Futagami
  • Publication number: 20020078712
    Abstract: A fused silica production furnace and methods of producing fused silica are disclosed. The furnace and the methods involve using a foamed refractory having a network of interconnected pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Michael D. Harris, Robert S. Pavlik
  • Publication number: 20020078713
    Abstract: A glass-forming mold comprising an intermediate layer 2 and a platinum layer 3 is provided. The intermediate layer 2 of thickness 3 &mgr;m which is formed from an alloy comprising 40 wt % of platinum and 60 wt % of iridium is provided over the surface of a mold substrate 1. This substrate is formed from a cemented carbide material having tungsten carbide as principal constituent. The platinum layer 3 of thickness 0.05 &mgr;m is furthermore provided over the intermediate layer 2. By applying the above process, a surface roughness within the range 0.01 &mgr;m to 0.05 &mgr;m is provided to the mold substrate and a surface roughness within the range 0.2 &mgr;m to 1.2 &mgr;m is provided to the platinum layer 3 which corresponds to the surface S1 of the most external layer. The surface roughness of the platinum may be achieved by using sputtering to deposit a platinum film and thereafter promoting platinum grain growth by heat treatment at 500° C. for 1 hr in a nitrogen atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Matsumoto, Masashi Fukuyama, Akiyoshi Ide
  • Publication number: 20020078714
    Abstract: A method an apparatus for continuously producing optical waveguide fiber and preforms. A continuous supply of core cane is provided to a walled deposition chamber upon which glass soot is deposited to form a soot preform. The preform is passed through an aligned drying, consolidation and draw chambers from which an optical fiber may be drawn. In one embodiment, a plurality of burners are positioned at different radial distances from a longitudinal axis of the cane in the deposition chamber. One or more environmental seal(s) are provided to prevent process gasses or contaminants from flowing into or between the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Lindwood A. Bird, James H. Faler, Dale R. Powers, Bruce W. Reding, Manivannan Ravichandran
  • Publication number: 20020078715
    Abstract: A drawing apparatus 1 has a drawing furnace 11 for heating and drawing an optical fiber preform 2, and a carbon heater 13 is disposed in this drawing furnace 11. The carbon heater 13 has a heating portion the length of which in a drawing direction is set to not less than 280 mm. The carbon heater 13 heats the preform so that a maximum temperature on the surface of the optical fiber preform 2 in the drawing furnace 11 becomes below 1800° C. The optical fiber preform 2 is drawn in a state in which the temperature of the muffle tube 12 of the drawing furnace 11 is kept below 1800° C., so that atomic arrangement in the optical fiber preform 2 becomes relatively aligned in a state of reduced randomness of atomic arrangement. This permits the optical fiber 3 to be drawn as reflecting the reduced randomness state of atomic arrangement, whereby the optical fiber 3 can be obtained with reduced Rayleigh scattering intensity and lowered transmission loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ishihara, Tatsuhiko Saitoh, Yuichi Ohga
  • Publication number: 20020078716
    Abstract: The tip (26a) of a rear-end mount (26) that fastens the piezoelectric element (6) is tapered. The rearmost part (26b) of the rear-end mount (26) that fastens the piezoelectric element (6) is indented in a U shape. An eccentric pin (30), which extends in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element (6), is fitted in this indentation. The rear-end mount (42), which fastens one end of the finger (8), is provided with a pin (46) that extends in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element (6). This pin (46) is provided with a spiral groove (48) over practically its entire length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Mitsu Tec Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Toyoji Machida, Wataru Awata, Makio Miyamoto, Sumikazu Tsuchitani, Kazuyuki Zenio
  • Publication number: 20020078717
    Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for absorbing forces on an input shaft of a washing machine is described. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing assembly is located at an upper end of the input shaft just below a pinion gear coupled to the shaft. The thrust bearing assembly includes a cage and bearing assembly positioned between washers. The thrust bearing assembly is supported on a bronze flange bearing having a bore, and the input shaft extends through the bore. The flange bearing is supported by the transmission housing, and a lubrication reservoir is formed by the transmission housing. The reservoir typically is filled with a lubricant. In operation, when the machine operates in the spin cycle, axial forces are transferred through an actuator cam, a pulley hub, and the shaft to the thrust bearing assembly. The thrust bearing assembly cooperates with the transmission housing to absorb the downward axial forces on shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Bernard Froelicher, David Edward Norton
  • Publication number: 20020078718
    Abstract: For a laundry treatment machine, a diaphragm includes an emptying orifice free of obstruction for liquid. The diaphragm connects a housing orifice of a front-loading laundry treatment machine and a filling orifice into a laundry drum to one another at the feed orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Horst Wiemer, Edwin Bolduan, Alexander Schlitzer
  • Publication number: 20020078719
    Abstract: A strap and lock assembly for luggage for preventing luggage from breaking open. The strap and lock assembly for luggage includes a strap assembly including an elastic strap member being adapted to wrap about a piece of luggage; and also includes ring assemblies including ring members being securely attached to ends of the elastic strap member; and further includes a hook member being securely attached to one of the ring members and being adapted to removably engage about the other of the ring members; and also includes a padlock member for locking the elastic strap member about the piece of luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Tommie L. Mitchell, Juanita Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20020078720
    Abstract: A padlock is provided, including a coupler between a cam and the barrel of a cylinder to facilitate operable coupling between the cam and the cylinder, the coupler being configurable to provide a Type 1 padlock characterized by an unlocked, open configuration where a short leg of a shackle is free of a casing and a longer leg of the shackle is supported in the casing and the key is removable, and the coupler being configurable to provide a Type 2 padlock characterized by an unlocked, open configuration where the short leg is free of the body, the longer leg is supported in the body casing and the key and barrel cannot be rotated to an undisplaced position to enable key removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: John Russell Watts
  • Publication number: 20020078721
    Abstract: A security lock assembly for a shut-off valve consisting of a valve body and an exterior engageable portion secured to a gate stem so as to rotate the stem. The body has a flange with a hole therein. The security lock assembly comprises a lock disk having a central opening for receiving the engageable portion. Abutment edges are formed integrally with the disk for engagement with the engageable portion so as to rotate therewith. Indentations are formed in a bottom surface of the lock disk at a predetermined position. A pin-lock assembly is retained in the hole of the flange of the valve body. The pin-lock assembly has a pin portion upwardly biased against the lock disk. The pin portion is aligned with the indentation so as to engage therein when the valve stem is rotated to a predetermined closed position, whereby the valve is locked in the predetermined closed position by the pin portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Michel Vellette, Frederick Le Page, Didier Leconte, Carl Lapointe, Marc St-Pierre, Samir Akel
  • Publication number: 20020078722
    Abstract: Snack and drink dispensers include a lockable pivoting door that provides access to the interior for refilling dispensed items and for retrieving cash collected. A lockable T-handle having key operated locking lugs extending from the T-handle penetrably engage slots in an encircling sleeve to prevent partial withdrawal of the T-handle from a recess in the door and thereby prevent rotation of the T-handle to unlock the door. Inserts of steel or the like are located in the opposed arms of the T-handle to prevent destruction of the locking lugs by drilling through the arms into contact with the locking lugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Jan's Iron Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashley M. Corey
  • Publication number: 20020078723
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for preventing unauthorized use of an automobile by prohibiting rotation of the steering wheel. The device including first and second telescopic members with a lock for securing the members in an extended locked condition. The device further including opposing hooks for engaging the rim of the steering wheel and at least one stand off element for spacing the telescoping members from the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Winner International Royalty LLC
    Inventor: Robert V. Vickers
  • Publication number: 20020078724
    Abstract: A tail gate locking apparatus whose operational modes can be selectively switched to make an opening of the tail gate possible or impossible from inside the vehicle is disclosed to prevent the tail gate from being dangerously opened by children's wrong manipulation, the apparatus comprising: a base plate; a latch lever rotatively installed at the base plate in connection to a latch device by a latch rod; a control lever rotatively installed at the base plate to rotate the latch lever; an inside lever rotatively installed at the base plate with one side thereof being connected with an inside cable; and rotational force controlling means coupled between the control lever and inside lever to selectively switch a state of unblocking or blocking transmission of rotational force of the inside lever to the control lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Jin-Su Choo
  • Publication number: 20020078725
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device for vehicles for preventing a user's vehicle from being stolen. The anti-theft security device for vehicles includes a tubular member being removably and securely and lockingly fastened about a steering wheel column; and also includes a shield/support member being integrally attached to the tubular member; and further includes an arm locking mechanism being securely attached to the shield/support member; and also includes an arm member being movably and lockingly attached to the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Dalton Thompson
  • Publication number: 20020078726
    Abstract: A vehicle safety device for insuring that occupants of a vehicle are wearing a seat belt that includes a gear shift interlock mechanism including a locking mechanism for engaging the gear shift lever of a vehicle which is controlled by a controlling having a sensor provided on each of the seats of a vehicle. When the sensor generates a signal indicating that a person is seated on the seat, the controller waits to receive a buckling signal from the seat belt before allowing the user to move the gear shift. If the buckling sensor does not detect a buckling after the weight sensor is triggered then the locking mechanism does not unlock until the seat belt unbuckled and then rebuckled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Lynthia A. Muller
  • Publication number: 20020078727
    Abstract: Equipment and methods for the rapid and easy cleaning of metal forming dies while in a press and operating at elevated temperatures. The invention features the physical removal of excess lubricant collecting on the hot surface of the forming dies under operating conditions so that no lubricant-induced flaws occur on the show surface of the formed part for optimized production of high quality parts. Special and effector tooling is supplied with high velocity air which draws in solid CO2 which sublimes into pressurize streams of gaseous CO2 that is discharged through nozzles onto the forming surfaces of hot forming dies after a number of lubricated parts have been formed therewith to physically sweep foreign matter including lubricants from the die surfaces. A robot is employed to move the activated end effector in predetermined paths across the dies for fully sweeping and cleaning the forming surfaces. The gas then dissipates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Arianna T. Morales, Edward Frank Ryntz, Nelson T. Brinas
  • Publication number: 20020078728
    Abstract: A roll changing apparatus for a four-high rolling mill comprises rails, provided in a rolling mill stand and on a work side of the rolling mill, for incoming and outgoing of a work roll assembly and a backup roll assembly, and a pusher, provided on a drive side or the work side of the rolling mill, for roll admission and withdrawal for both of work rolls and backup rolls. The roll changing apparatus can be modified into a side shift type roll changing apparatus with ease, at a low cost, and in a short time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Satoshi Mukaigawa, Mikio Yamamoto, Osamu Yoshihara
  • Publication number: 20020078729
    Abstract: A multi-high roll stand has several driven support rolls and several working rolls frictionally driven by the support rolls. The support rolls form a roll gap defining a thickness of rolling stock guided between the working rolls in a rolling direction. The working rolls are moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the rolling direction for adjusting the gap width of the rolling gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Rolf Bunten
  • Publication number: 20020078730
    Abstract: A hemming press that includes a crown and a base plate separated by four corner posts. A press ram is slidably mounted on the posts between the crown and base plate. A first die is mounted to a lower surface of the press ram and a second die is mounted to an upper surface of the base plate. Workpieces to be hemmed are placed in the second die, and the press ram is moved from an upper home position to a lower hem position to perform the hemming process. Pre-hemming and final hemming steps are performed by one continuous stroke of the press ram. A pre-hem pressure is provided to the press ram by at least one electric servomotor and roller screw assembly, and a final hem pressure is provided to the press ram by at least one hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hatty
  • Publication number: 20020078731
    Abstract: A sheet metal dent removing device for combining a drill and a slide hammer used for removing dents. The sheet metal dent removing device includes an electric drill. The electric drill includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a peripheral wall extending between. A handle extends from the peripheral wall and is positioned generally adjacent to the proximal end. An actuating means turns the electric drill on and off. A shaft is elongate and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the shaft extends into the distal end of the body. The electric drill is adapted to rotate the shaft. A drill bit has a first end and a second end. The first end tapers to a point and the length of the drill bit is threaded. A coupling means removably couples the drill bit to the second end of the shaft. A slide hammer comprises a tubular member having an aperture extending therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Clarence Peters
  • Publication number: 20020078732
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of using of a programmable circuit to calibrate a transducer. The programmable circuit is coupled to or communicates with a computer and to a testing station. The computer automatically varies the conditions of the testing station and programs the programmable circuit to produce a desired response. In another embodiment, a system is presented that can be used to measure various parameters that includes a programmable that may be mounted in the same package as a sensor. Such a system may include pressure sensors that are optimized to measure very low pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Ian N. Bentley
  • Publication number: 20020078733
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for sensing the absolute humidity of gases where the relative humidity of gases are measured, the humidity transducer is heated, the resulting temperature measured and the absolute humidity calculated (based on the power to heat said transducer, the temperature of said transducer and the relative humidity).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Paul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Kaumali Prasangika Abeysinghe