Patents Issued in August 15, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020108361
    Abstract: Bands of rubber are geared in series to form a cell. The number of band of rubber and the size of the bands (length and width) will vary depending on power and duration needed. A controllable speed governor controls the RPM output of the energy storage cell. The output of the cell can be geared to match the power needed. The cell uses a disc type brake that is normally on and needs mechanical or hydraulic pressure to release it. The cell is charged with a high speed, auto shut off, worm drive motor. This type of drive stops the motor assembly from being turned backwards from the winding motor output gear. This stops the energy cell from unwinding when the charging motor has stopped. In the absence of electrical power the cell can be manually charged with an operator-powered crank connected to a power transfer gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth Lawrence Kihlman
  • Publication number: 20020108362
    Abstract: A mechanical harvester and harvesting method for harvesting crops grown on an overhead trellis system including a harvester frame having a top portion and opposing sides forming an open frame to allow crop bins or gondolas to pass under the top portion and through the harvester so that the harvester can continuously harvest an entire row of crops. The top portion of the harvester has crop separating mechanisms to dislodge the crop from the overhead plant canopy. The crop falls downward onto a conveyor belt assembly that transports the crop to the front of the harvester where it is deposited onto a pair of cross conveyor belts that conveys it to a central opening for depositing into the bin. A fan is utilized to blow air across the crop material to separate any plant debris from the crop prior to depositing the crop into the bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Premier Mechanical Orchard Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Vernal A. Amaro, John Paboojian
  • Publication number: 20020108363
    Abstract: A rotary cutting deck for a mower includes a cutting deck supported by wheels at three of the four corners of the deck. The other corner of the cutting deck, namely a corner of the deck that is close to the mower, is supported by a corner suspension that lifts upwardly with a biasing force sufficient to elevate that corner of the deck above the ground. This corner suspension takes the place of the caster wheel that would normally support this corner of the deck, and thus permits the deck to be moved closer to the side of the mower, thus reducing overall mower width without decreasing the width of the cutting swath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Rex R. Bergsten, Michael N. Zenner
  • Publication number: 20020108364
    Abstract: The invention allows to increase the cracking corrosion resistance of a wire under stress by introducing, through surface treatment by brushing, compressive stresses on the apparent surface of the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Longaygue Xavier, Boudou Christian
  • Publication number: 20020108365
    Abstract: An energy guiding chain comprises chain links that are open at the end face and connected to one another in articulated fashion, each of which comprises two side elements connected by at least one cross-member and has a connector in the areas adjacent to the end faces for articulated connection to a chain link adjacent to the end face about an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain. In order to simplify the insertion of, and access to, the lines inside the chain, at least one chain link is provided, whose side elements are connected by a cross-member (center web) located roughly in the middle and which have openable cross-members (outside webs) on the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Igus Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Dirk Monikes
  • Publication number: 20020108366
    Abstract: A combined cycle power generation plant includes a gas turbine operating in response to a turbine control signal and a speed control apparatus which outputs the turbine control signal to the gas turbine based on a speed governor control signal for a first time period after an operation of the plant is switched to a system isolated operation. The speed governor control signal is a signal for speed control of the gas turbine, and a switching signal is generated when the operation of the plant is switched to the system isolated operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiko Saitoh, Takashi Sonoda, Shouichi Nagata, Teruo Tateishi
  • Publication number: 20020108367
    Abstract: A method for estimating the amount of NOx stored in a lean NOx trap. The method includes determining a change in the oxygen concentration between an exhaust air/fuel ratio entering the lean NOx trap and exiting the lean NOx trap to determine the amount of NOx absorbed in the trap and correcting such determination for water gas shift reaction effects in such change in oxygen concentration determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Grant Alan Ingram
  • Publication number: 20020108368
    Abstract: The device is configured to catalytically reduce internal combustion engine exhaust gases which contain nitrogen oxides. The device has an exhaust pipe, one end of which can be connected to at least one exhaust outlet of the internal combustion engine. A reducing agent, in particular urea, is introduced into the exhaust pipe with a feed device. At least one mixer is arranged downstream of the reducing agent injection, as seen in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The mixer has a multiplicity of passages through which the fluid can flow. At least one catalytic converter is arranged downstream of the mixer. At least one diffuser is located between the mixer and the converter. The diffuser which has a multiplicity of passages through which the exhaust gas can flow and which have a cross section which increases in the flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jan Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20020108369
    Abstract: A gravity-actuated motor apparatus (20) includes a frame (22) rotatably supporting a horizontal shaft (24) connected to a power generator (G). A plurality of circumferentially equally spaced apart elongated supports (30) extend radially away from and connect to the shaft (24). Each support (30) carries a weight (32) that radially moves relative to the shaft (24) along a closed path (33), thereby providing variable torque to the shaft (24) under gravity and induce its rotation. A track member (40) guides the displacement of the weights (32) relative to the shaft (24) along at least a tracking portion (41) of the closed path (33). The track member (40) is releasably engaged by the weights (32). An active guiding means (42) mounted on the track member (40) actively guides the weights (32) along the tracking portion (41) of the closed path (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Arel
  • Publication number: 20020108370
    Abstract: Apparatus for supplying high pressure gas to an engine, to operate the engine, comprising in combination a gas pressurizer having a low gas pressure inlet to receive inlet gas, as for example discharge gas from the engine, and a high gas pressure outlet to deliver supply gas at high pressure to the engine, the pressurizer including a rotary body defining a gas flow channel that extends about an axis in a spiral of decreasing radius, and a drive operatively connected with the body to rotate the body about an axis, at high velocity, thereby to effect gas flow and pressure increase, along the channel, for supply to the engine via an outlet from the pressurizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Don M. Yancey
  • Publication number: 20020108371
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a turbogenerator system may be combined with other heat/energy sources. A simple cycle or recuperated cycle turbogenerator have a variety of fuel options and grid connect or stand alone capability that can be combined with one or more external heat sources such as a Solar Collector/Receiver Heat Energy System, a Bio-mass Gasifier/Combustor Heat Energy System, a Fuel Cell Heat/Energy System, a Nuclear Heat/Energy System, a Waste Heat/Energy System, or some other suitable Heat/Energy System. The above external heat systems can be used to provide all of part of the heat/energy input to operate the turbogenerator and achieve electrical output, as well as a turbogenerator hot exhaust flow that has potential for other uses. Using an integral turbogenerator low emission combustor and fuel control as part of these combined systems has additional advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory C. Rouse, William Treece, Jeff Willis
  • Publication number: 20020108372
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing uninterruptible power according to the present invention comprises a hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine system. No batteries are needed in the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention apparatus for producing uninterruptible power according to the present invention includes a high-speed flywheel; and a single hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine system. In another embodiment of the present invention apparatus for producing uninterruptible power according to the present invention includes two hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine systems operating in parallel. In this embodiment both hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine systems include a sonic nozzle for ensuring that the pressure in the boiler of the hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine system operates at relatively high pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Lucien Y. Bronicki
  • Publication number: 20020108373
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive includes an internal-combustion engine, at least one electric machine, and a clutch device by which the electric machine can be connected in a drive relationship with the internal-combustion engine. At least one auxiliary device (34, 36) can be connected in a drive relationship with the electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Juergen Frey
  • Publication number: 20020108374
    Abstract: A combustor liner for use in a gas turbine engine includes a first annular panel section having a forward end, an aft end and a first cooling nugget located at the forward end thereof, and a second annular panel section having a forward end, an aft end and a second cooling nugget located at the forward end thereof. The second panel section is joined at its forward end to the aft end of the first panel section. A first row of cooling holes is located in the first cooling nugget, and a second row of cooling holes is located in the second cooling nugget. A group of dilution holes is located in the first panel section. The dilution holes are located at the aft end of the first panel section, immediately upstream of the second cooling nugget. Furthermore, each one of the dilution holes defines an aftmost edge, and all of the aftmost edges are axially aligned, even if the dilution holes have different hole diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Craig Douglas Young, Ella Christine Kutter
  • Publication number: 20020108375
    Abstract: A combustor liner is provided on its backside cooling surface with a braze alloy coating and cooling enhancement material, preferably metallic particles to enhance the heat transfer between the liner and the cooling medium. The surface area of the backside coated area is increased substantially by the coating and particles in relation to the uncoated surface areas. Consequently, the life of the liner is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Alan Johnson, Anthony Joseph Loprinzo, Ching-pang Lee, Nesim Abuaf, Wayne Charles Hasz, Harmon Lindsay Morton
  • Publication number: 20020108376
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine thermal management system. In one form an atomized cooling agent is delivered into a non primary gas flow path. A portion of compressor bleed air is passed into the non primary gas flow path. The compressor bleed air and atomized cooling agent function to cool components within the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Eloy C. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20020108377
    Abstract: According to this process, here is supplied with air, with a variable flow rate, the air distillation unit both by a compression apparatus and by a branch of the output of a compressor that supplies air to the gas turbine unit, and the supply flow rate of the distillation unit is varied by varying the flow rate through this branch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Alain Guillard
  • Publication number: 20020108378
    Abstract: The liner supporting structure for the annular combustor of the present invention has a flexible connection member of connecting a structural body constituting a part of the combustor to a liner, the connection member having a first end positioned on a side of the structural body and a second end positioned on a side of the liner, the second end being disposed on an outer surface of an end part of the liner positioned on the side of the structural body; a first fixing means of fixing the first end of the connection member to the structural body; and a second fixing means of fixing the second end of the connection member to the end part of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Ariyoshi, Yoshihiro Matsuda, Hiroaki Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20020108379
    Abstract: A heat shield pipe portion 12a formed in an air layer 21 to protect a bearing member metal 16 from the heat of a cooling medium 16 and a seal shaft portion 12c for forming a labyrinth seal 14 to prevent a leakage of the cooling medium are formed with one piece and they form a heat shield seal pipe 12. A component number for installing the components to a rear portion shaft 105 can be arranged as one and also a bolt connection portion can be deleted. Namely, the bearing member metal 16 can be constituted to protect the bearing member metal from the heat of the cooling medium and the construction of the gas turbine can be simple and the manufacture thereof performs easily and further during the operation time the generation of the vibrations according to the centering displacement can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Ryo Akiyama, Shinya Marushima, Manabu Matsumoto, Masami Noda
  • Publication number: 20020108380
    Abstract: To counteract condense dew on a transparent cover film (3) covering each well (2) in an array of wells which forms a test plate (1) having a lower side formed by the bottoms of the wells (2) and an upper side formed by the upper edges of the wells (2) onto which edges the cover film (3) is sealingly attached, the test plate (1) is for a set time placed with its lower surface contacting a cooling plate (5), which is by a cooling element (8) kept at a set temperature below the room temperature, and with its upper surface in a distance from a heating plate (4) which is by a heating element (7) kept at a set temperature higher than the room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Per Nielsen, Flemming Stig Larsen
  • Publication number: 20020108381
    Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system operates the thermoelectric elements in the system in a non-steady state manner. The thermoelectric elements are powered for predefined periods of time to obtain increased efficiency. This benefit can be improved by also altering the resistance of the thermoelectric elements during the power-on period such that resistive heating is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Lon E. Bell
  • Publication number: 20020108382
    Abstract: The gas storage method comprises a step of keeping a gas to be stored and an adsorbent in a vessel at a low temperature below the liquefaction temperature of the gas to be stored so that the gas to be stored is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in a liquefied state, a step of introducing into the vessel kept at the low temperature a gaseous or liquid medium with a freezing temperature that is higher than the above-mentioned liquefaction temperature of the gas to be stored, for freezing of the medium, so that the gas to be stored which has been adsorbed onto the adsorbent in a liquefied state is encapsulated by the medium which has been frozen, and a step of keeping the vessel at a temperature higher than the liquefaction temperature and below the freezing temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Okazaki, Naoki Nakamura, Takuya Kondo, Masahiko Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20020108383
    Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold having at least one cavity configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the at least one mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the at least one mold cavity. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold for sensing a temperature of the mold. A heat transfer member is metallurgically coupled with the auger and extends downwardly from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Dekko Heating Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei Tchougounov, Robert G. Cox, Donald E. DeWitt
  • Publication number: 20020108384
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor for receiving a refrigerant gas and for compressing the refrigerant gas, and a condenser for condensing a portion of the compressed refrigerant gas into a liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit also includes an expansion valve for reducing a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the condensed liquid refrigerant. Moreover, the compressor is driven by an electric motor which controls a rotational speed of the compressor via an inverter, and a temperature of the inverter is decreased by the refrigerant circuit. The system also includes an electric circuit for determining whether a temperature of the inverter is greater than a first predetermined temperature, and an electric circuit for controlling a rotational speed of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Higashiyama
  • Publication number: 20020108385
    Abstract: Unit for conditioning and distributing air in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with front and rear seats, comprising: a cold air flow collection chamber (26) downstream to the evaporator (14) with reference to the direction of movement of the air flow, an air flow heating unit (18, 20), a hot air flow collection chamber (28), arranged downstream to the heating unit (18, 20), a longitudinal separation wall splitting the front seat unit into two separate areas for the driver and the front seat passenger, respectively, a rear seat air flow mixing chamber (54) communicating with the hot flow collection chamber (28) and a cold flow collection channel (60) extending under said heating unit (18, 20) and communicating with a first end of said cold flow collection chamber (26) and with a second end of the rear seat mixing chamber (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS Spa
    Inventors: Giovanni Toscano Rivalta, Massimo Nalon, Andrea Carbone
  • Publication number: 20020108386
    Abstract: An air conditioning cooling apparatus and method which includes the steps of supplying cooling air generated from a cooling apparatus into an air passageway formed below a floor; guiding the cooling air in a controlled manner within the air passageway into an equipment assembly disposed on the floor through an opening located in the floor; communicating the cooling air introduced into the equipment assembly in a controlled manner into a plenum and introducing the air released from within the equipment into the plenum and communicating the released air through the cooling apparatus for cooling the released air. The method can permit temperature differential between the air supplied to the air passageway and the air introduced into the plenum from the equipment assembly to be 45° F. to substantially 40° F. so as to reduce the power necessary for operating on the fan of the blowing apparatus, and can also permit a controlled, uniform flow of air to and from the equipment in the equipment assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: TOC TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: R. Stephen Spinazzola, Dennis L. Peltz
  • Publication number: 20020108387
    Abstract: An all electric transport refrigeration system receives its compressor electric drive motor power and all other electrical power from a single on-board engine driven permanent magnet generator. A dual winding three phase electric motor powers the compressor. The incorporation of the dual winding three phase electric motor energizing system in the transport refrigeration system results in a system that can use a smaller generator while at the same time achieves the start up torque necessary to operate the compressor. This is due to the activation of each one of the dual windings with respect to one another, which utilizes start up motor torque to an advantage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Barrett, James C. Wilson, Robert A. Chopko
  • Publication number: 20020108388
    Abstract: An all electric transport refrigeration system receives its compressor drive motor power and all other electrical power from a single on-board engine driven non-synchronous power system consisting of an engine driven synchronous generator. The generator is able to power refrigeration system electrical components at varying predetermined controlled output frequencies that are regulated by an electronic control system and independent of engine speed and generator output frequencies. The incorporation of the non-synchronous power system in the transport refrigeration system results in a system that meets space limitations while at the same time flexibly achieves the desired system performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Wilson, Kenneth B. Barrett, Robert A. Chopko
  • Publication number: 20020108389
    Abstract: An all electric transport refrigeration system that receives its compressor drive motor power and all other electrical power from a single on-board engine driven generator that is of the axial air gap design type. The incorporation of the axial air gap type generator in the transport refrigeration system results in a system that meets space limitations while at the same time achieves the desired level of power output. This is due to the inherently slim profile of the axial air gap type generator which also promotes greater accessibility and ease of service to generator elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Chopko, Kenneth B. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20020108390
    Abstract: There are provided a conduit 9b for transferring a refrigerant to the evaporator 9, a conduit 7b for transferring an absorbent solution to the regenerator 3, and a branch conduit 9a. A check valve 17 is provided for communicating the branch conduit 9a to the conduit 7b. A check valve V3 is provided for allowing the flow from the absorber 2 to the regenerator 3. The valve 17 and the valve V3 are communicated at downstream side to each other. Those check valves maybe assembled in a single unit where a valve is arranged of a (free) ball shape and can be shifted by a pressure difference to switches each valve port, acting as a three-way valve. At the start-up or full condensation mode, the check valve 17 remains open while the check valve V3 is closed. This permits the refrigerant to flow from the condenser 9 via the branch conduit 9a to the regenerator 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuma Ichikawa, Gou Mutou
  • Publication number: 20020108391
    Abstract: A ceiling-embeded cassette type air conditioner has a driving fan, a heat exchanger, a cabinet, and a deflector. An air is controlled to have desired temperature and humidity while passing the driving fan and the heat exchanger. The cabinet and the heat exchanger define a fluid channel guided to exhaust ports between the cabinet and the heat exchanger. The deflector extends straight and inclined to the heat exchanger, so as to enable the air to smoothly flow toward the exhaust ports without a secondary air-flow. By the fluid channel, the quantity of blown-air is increased with the same motor while the noise is reduced with the same quantity of blown-air. Consequently, the performance and the efficiency of the air conditioner are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Sung Chun Kim
  • Publication number: 20020108392
    Abstract: A highly efficient and compact ammonia refrigerator, whose safety is further improved, is obtained. The ammonia refrigerator uses ammonia as refrigerant and has an ammonia refrigerating cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are connected through piping. The refrigerator comprises a casing in which the compressor and a motor for driving the compressor are accommodated and the refrigerant flows, a stator winding of the motor made of an aluminum wire, and a brine cooled by the refrigerant which is compressed in the casing and then evaporated in the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Ichikawa, Makoto Ohtahara
  • Publication number: 20020108393
    Abstract: An energy transfer system is provided for a household or commercial refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a fluid passage disposed in the housing of the appliance for enabling the transfer of a fluid into, through, and out of the housing. The fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger which can be disposed outside of a home or commercial building or underground so that the fluid is cooled by the outside air or by the ground. The fluid may also be groundwater that is circulated throughout the system in a semi-open loop arrangement. The cooling fluid is also utilized to cool the compressor of an air conditioning unit. A heat exchanger is also utilized for transferring heat from the cooling fluid to an interior of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Edward R. Schulak
  • Publication number: 20020108394
    Abstract: A sippy cup or other spill-resistant container including a cold plug for cooling liquids placed therein. The sippy cup includes a cup body that surrounds a beverage storage chamber. A bottom wall of the cup body defines an opening. In one embodiment, a support flange extends upward from the bottom wall into the fluid storage chamber and surrounds the opening. In another embodiment, a support flange extends upward through the opening into the fluid storage chamber from a sleeved cap. The cold plug structure includes a tube-shaped body enclosing a refrigerant and having a closed end that extends through the central opening into the fluid storage chamber. A base of the cold plug structure is secured to the bottom wall of the cup body, and is supported by the support flange to prevent displacement of the cold plug caused by dropping or otherwise jarring the sippy cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: James W. Holley
  • Publication number: 20020108395
    Abstract: A liquid injection type scroll compressor is used to a refrigerating apparatus using hydrocarbon fluoride refrigerant which does not contain chlorine (HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a) as an operating fluid and an amount of an injected liquid is controlled according to a discharge temperature of the compressor. Further, ester oil and/or ether oil is used as refrigerator oil and a dryer is disposed in a refrigerating cycle. With this arrangement, a refrigerating cycle operation can be stably realized in a wide range without almost changing the arrangement of a conventional refrigerating apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Fujita, Yoshikazu Amo
  • Publication number: 20020108396
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fixed orifice expansion device for use in connection with couplings, such as refrigerant couplings. The novel device includes a body having first and second ends, and an orifice therethrough. At least one end of the body includes a sealing mechanism for sealing the device within a bore of a cooperative coupling or the like, while the opposing end includes means for installing the body within the cooperative coupling. By use of the disclosed expansion device, a service valve for refrigerant expansion may be accomplished with three standard ARI fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: David Wiser
  • Publication number: 20020108397
    Abstract: A process for producing an item of jewellery, in which a set stone (1) is fitted into a previously produced recess (9) in a cast metal body (5), wherein a part of the setting (2) is deformed and the stress produced by deformation holds the setting (2) together with the stone (1) fast; the recess (9) of the metal body (5) acquires in the casting operation its shape which causes deformation of the setting (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Klaus Muller, Michael Becker
  • Publication number: 20020108398
    Abstract: In order to produce on the table of a diamond gemstone, an information mark which is invisible to the naked eye using a x10 loupe, an ultraviolet laser having a wavelength of 193 nm is used in association with a mask irradiate the surface of the stone at a fluence of less that 2 J/cm2 per pulse and with not fewer than 100 pulses, in the presence of air which reacts with the diamond and causes the mark to be formed without any darkening which is visible when viewing a microscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: James Gordon Charters Smith, Martin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20020108399
    Abstract: A silica sol-gel fabrication process is provided which allows improved control of the shrinkage that takes place during the drying of a gel body. In particular, the invention makes it possible to attain extremely low shrinkage through the completion of the drying stage, e.g., below 1% linear shrinkage, in relatively large sol-gel bodies of (dry weight) 1 kg or more, typically 10 kg or more, or even 40 kg or more, compared to the much higher shrinkages typically encountered. Specifically, use of a particular polymeric additive makes it possible for a gel body to experience linear shrinkage at least 55% less than an identical process without the polymeric additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Suhas Bhandarkar, Debra Anne Fleming, David Wilfred Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020108400
    Abstract: There are provided a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for information recording media that allows the inner and outer peripheral edge surfaces of the glass substrate for information recording media to be smoothed easily and inexpensively, a glass substrate for information recording media manufactured using this method, and an information recording medium using this glass substrate. A donut-shaped glass disk for information recording media having an outer peripheral edge surface and an inner peripheral edge surface is prepared. At least one of the outer peripheral edge surface and the inner peripheral edge surface of the glass disk is smoothed by melt-heating to a temperature at or above the softening point of the glass by irradiating with at least one laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Takeo Watanabe, Takao Miwa, Satoshi Jibiki, Masamichi Kezuka, Kensuke Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20020108401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a collectible souvenir from a melted wine bottle that can be used as a wall hanging, a trivet, a cheese tray or a spoon rest. The method comprising the steps of melting (or “slumping”) a wine bottle and gluing a support such as a self-leveling hanger to a back surface of the slumped bottle, affixing a vineyard's label to the front of the bottle, and treating the vineyard label with a spray or brushed acrylic to protect it from deterioration. By featuring a vineyard's label, the invention makes available to wine enthusiasts a unique and useful gift item that commemorates a vineyard's brand name and identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Eric L. Horne
  • Publication number: 20020108402
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display is disclosed, the face plate having integral spacer support structures. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jason B. Elledge
  • Publication number: 20020108403
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for making optical fiber preforms and optical fiber. The method includes the steps of positioning an overclad tube around a preform core rod, heating the overclad tube along the length thereof in the presence of a pressure gradient to collapse onto the preform core to form the overclad optical fiber preform, and adjusting the radial size of a heated portion of the preform core rod and/or the overclad tube to actively match the radial dimensions of the preform core rod along the length thereof with corresponding portions of the overclad tube. The active matching reduces variations in the physical dimensions of the preform core rod and/or the overclad tube, which improves transmission and other performance characteristics of fiber drawn from the created preform, e.g., by maintaining a relatively constant D/d ratio of the preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Xiaoyuan Dong, Siu-Ping Hong
  • Publication number: 20020108404
    Abstract: The disclosed invention includes an inventive drying agent. The drying agent includes at least one halide and at least one reducing agent. Preferably, the reducing agent includes a compound that will react with an oxygen by-product of the reaction of the halide and water, or the reaction of the halide and an impurity in the preform. The invention also includes a method of drying a soot preform. The method includes disposing the soot preform in a furnace. The furnace is charged with the drying agent which includes the halide and the reducing agent. Heat is then supplied to the furnace. Suitable drying agents for use in the disclosed invention include a mixture of Cl2 and CO; a mixture of Cl2, CO and CO2; and POCl3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald E. Burke, Lisa F. Chang, Steven B. Dawes, Gary P. Granger, Michael T. Murtagh, Chukwuemeka B. Onuh, Susan L. Schiefelbein, Jeanne L. Swecker, Ji Wang, Joseph M. Whalen
  • Publication number: 20020108405
    Abstract: A knitted therapeutic medical compression stocking made from courses of bi-component fibers inlaid courses of spandex yarn. The use of bi-component yarns, in particular, crimped yarns having an elastomeric core preferably of a polyurethane and a thermoplastic sheath preferably of a polyamide when knit with inlaid courses of bare spandex, covered spandex, or spandex covered with a bi-component yarn forms therapeutic medical stockings that provide excellent compression control. In addition, these therapeutic stockings are more transparent than conventional therapeutic stockings. The therapeutic stockings of the present invention may be knit on a conventional circular hosiery knitting machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Simon Myron Yakopson
  • Publication number: 20020108406
    Abstract: The invention provides a pair of cuff locks joined by a universal joint and linkage system which provides for 360 relative rotation between the cuffs as well as allow the cuffs to be folded together into a compact position. The invention further provides for a push button cylinder lock which includes a rotatable plug and a fixed plug each having a plurality of aligned bores for receiving one or more tumbler pins. The push button cylinder lock further includes a non-rotatable push button shaft which is sildably mounted within the housing. One or more retaining pins engage locking indents of the push button shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy Makos, Joseph Elliott, Kenneth N. Grandy, Victor Yip
  • Publication number: 20020108407
    Abstract: A locking device for locking one or more objects together includes a lock stud defined by an elongated shaft having a head at a first end and an annular recess at a second end, and a lock body that slides over and locks onto the second end. The lock body includes an outer housing having an aperture for receiving the second end of the elongated shaft. A cylinder lock mechanism is positioned in the outer housing, and the cylinder lock is rotatable between a locked an unlocked position. The cylinder lock is rotationally coupled to a locking disc that is eccentrically disposed in the outer housing with respect to the aperture of the outer housing. The locking disc has an aperture therein that engages the annular recess in the elongated shaft when the cylinder lock is rotated to the locked position. The locking device also includes a sleeve that is dimensioned to slide over the elongated shaft to allow the locking device to be used for locking through several different sized apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: John B. Zapushek
  • Publication number: 20020108408
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device to protect a deadbolt assembly from tampering. A deadbolt assembly comprising a deadbolt reciprocable along a longitudinal axis, and a deadbolt actuating mechanism having an axis transverse to that of the deadbolt, is protected from intrusion and tampering by a pair of protective shells which encircle the actuating mechanism. The shells are generally cylindrical and of like structure and opposite orientation. Each shell comprises a ring and a circumferentially extending protective structure which extends axially toward the ring of the other shell. A preferred protective structure comprises a plurality of projections, including an arcuate tongue. A gap or opening in the protective structure permits actuation and movement of the deadbolt without interference with the shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Nathan Beatty
  • Publication number: 20020108409
    Abstract: The deadbolt thumbturn assembly of the present invention includes a thumbturn including a thumbturn extension, which is inserted through a bushing collar and rose bearing, then secured with a retaining ring such that the thumbturn extension is able to rotate within the bushing collar. The threaded bushing collar is then inserted through the aperture of the deadbolt rose and secured with a retaining ring forming a deadbolt thumbturn assembly such that the threaded bushing collar is able to rotate with respect to the deadbolt rose. The thumbturn assembly is then attached to the inside housing of a single cylinder deadbolt lock by fastening the bushing collar to the threaded boss of the inside housing such that the extension of the deadbolt actuator is inserted into a receptacle of the thumbturn. This design of the thumbturn assembly allows for attachment to the inside housing while still allowing rotation of the thumbturn to extend or retract the deadbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher N. Beatty
  • Publication number: 20020108410
    Abstract: A lock system for a horizontal tool box wherein the latching mechanism for the lid may be operated from the proximal end of the toolbox and locking is achieved by means of a single padlock which is likewise located at the proximal end of the toolbox. An elongated latch rod is slidably disposed adjacent a front wall of either the body or lid components of the box. Latching portions of the latch rod are disposed to slidingly engage flanges that extend from the opposite component of the box to latch the components together at multiple locking points, the elongated latch rod being slidably disposed to engage or disengage each locking point substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Freddie C. Webb, Gerald Draffkorn