Patents Issued in August 22, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020112422
    Abstract: A fenestration system including a glass unit, attachment member and decorative member is provided. The decorative member includes a rotatable coupler for easy attachment of the decorative member to the attachment member. An attachment system including a decorative member having a rotatable coupler is also provided. A rotatable coupler is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: David Plummer, Robert L. McMullen
  • Publication number: 20020112423
    Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20020112424
    Abstract: A ceiling support system for a suspended ceiling is provided that includes resilient clamps for attachment to the undersigned surface of a structural ceiling and interengaging ceiling runners that are shaped to be fitted into and be grasped by such clamps. The engagement edge of the runner is shaped to allow the runner to maintain a bistable positions: a normal, ceiling panel supporting orientation, and a canted orientation for installation of ceiling panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: VIB Inc.
    Inventor: Stanislaw Zaborowski
  • Publication number: 20020112425
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for maintaining a composite glass pane. Glass components are assembled and a fixing element is provided for fixing by force or positive engagement to a support structure. The safety elements form a receiving plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Klaus Wildenhain, Ralf Linden
  • Publication number: 20020112426
    Abstract: Broadly, there is disclosed herein in accordance with a first aspect of the invention a safety system for use with linearly arranged reinforcement bars. The safety system includes a plurality of safety covers and a plurality of adapters. Each safety cover includes a cover plate and a collar operatively associated with and extending downwardly from the cover plate for mounting to an upper end of a reinforcement bar. Each adapter has a center section and opposite upwardly turned side sections defining a channel. The center section is adapted to removably receive one of the safety covers to secure the adapter to the reinforcement bar. The channel receives an elongate body extending between two or more of the adapters on linearly arranged reinforcement bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Workman
  • Publication number: 20020112427
    Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20020112428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member and a process for producing a structural member with at least one layer of plastic and with a layer inside the structural member of a material that has a substantially higher modulus of elasticity than plastic. The member also has at least one system plane that is part of the structural member and along which the structural member has substantially homogenous properties and a substantially homogeneous structure. The invention is characterized in that along the system plane, at least one inner layer and a respective outer layer consisting of plastic are provided between which two layers each separated from each other and traversing the system plane with the second higher modulus of elasticity are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Mr. Robert Kestenbaum
    Inventor: GERHARD DINGLER
  • Publication number: 20020112429
    Abstract: A wood floor system comprises a plurality of parallel rows (10a, 10b . . . 10z) of floorboards (10) laid end-to-end, and each of the floorboards (10) includes a compression nub (20) extending along a side surface (13) thereof, adjacent the top surface ( ). These compression nubs (20) affirmatively engage an opposing side surface (14) of an adjacent floorboard row (10a), thereby sealing, or isolating, the top surface of the floor from the side surfaces (13, 14) of the floorboard rows (10a, 10b . . . 10z). This uniformly distributes expansion and contraction forces throughout the floor, due to uniform spacing between the floorboard rows (10a, 10b . . . 10z). The isolation of the floorboard upper surface from the side surfaces (13, 14) also prevents undesired downward migration or flow of liquid finishing solution (28), which can have serious adverse affects for a wood floor. The invention reduces the total volume of finishing solution necessary for finishing the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Niese, Paul Elliott
  • Publication number: 20020112430
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mould side system for concrete casts. The magnet unit according to the invention has no movable parts, but the magnet is a fixed component of the unit and detachment is carried out using a simple lever tool. The fastening of the mould side to the magnet unit takes place by a known slanted-notch principle. According to an advantageous embodiment, the magnet unit has two faces for fastening mould sides, whereby parallel sides of separate, adjacent moulds may be fixed using the same magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Kari Vappula
  • Publication number: 20020112431
    Abstract: Supporting element of spring steel or plastic for separable fastening of cover strips (2) in the transition region between wall and floor panel (4). The supporting element is constructed as a one-piece clip which is clipped onto the floor panel from the front face, whereby the supporting element has a wall plate (5) and a clamping plate (6) projecting generally at right angles from the wall plate which, in the installed state of the supporting element, lies on the underside of the floor panel (4). Whereby the wall plate (1) has at least one first support section (7, 8) which in the installed state of the supporting element is braced on the upper side of the floor panels such that the upper and central part of the wall plate is acted upon in the direction of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Ernst Rusch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Rusch, Norbert Rusch
  • Publication number: 20020112432
    Abstract: An improved and strengthened wide board composed of multiple edge joined narrow boards for use in commercial and residential construction is disclosed. These wide boards are typically used for purposes such as shelving, stair treads, or other purposes where they may be appropriate. The improved wide board is made by drilling or boring holes from edge to edge through the width of each narrow board, with the exception of the leading narrow board in each wide edge joined board, in a manner that accommodates screws or fasteners, which act to securely clamp or pull the boards together. These holes are step-drilled in a manner that allows the head of the screw or fastener to be recessed below the edge of the narrow board, in order to attain a smooth or flush surface between boards. The hole then steps down to a smaller diameter to accommodate the shank of the screw. A screw may then be inserted in a manner that its shank end exits the hole and “bites” into the edge of the next adjacent board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Fenner N. Spivey
  • Publication number: 20020112433
    Abstract: A floorboard and an openable locking system therefor comprise an undercut groove on one long side of the floorboard and a projecting tongue on the opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a distance from its tip. The tongue and the undercut groove are formed to be connected by adjoining boards being brought together and snapped together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20020112434
    Abstract: A building block for erecting walls, houses or other buildings is provided. The block is made of a special mineral mixture and has at least two relatively parallel channel type hollow spaces passing therethrough. The hollow spaces of the building block are defined by can shaped metal or synthetic plastics profiles. Also a mold with longitudinal and face walls is provided, in particular for producing such a building block. The mold has a frame shaped construction of angle pieces and is arranged on a working plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Josef Alexander Eichmann
  • Publication number: 20020112435
    Abstract: An improved building panel and attachment system for the production of structures with improved energy efficiency and fire safety characteristics. Panels are formed from a structural angle I beam with angles emerging from a web and forming dovetail shaped channels. The dovetail channels provide anchorage points for cross members within the panels as well as weather-stripping and mechanical joints between panels and a building frame. The unique assembly method allows the insulation value and fire safety of the building to be radically improved over conventional commercial structures. Fiberglass can be combined with low thermal conductivity gases such as Argon to improve R-Values by about 40% over existing building stock. Heat and smoke can be vented from the building during a fire to slow the onset of flashover and the safety of fire fighting personnel can be enhanced when they reach the fire scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Paul H. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20020112436
    Abstract: A quick-connector for terminal fastening of a penetrating rebar (7) to a perpendicularly oriented concrete dowel (2), the connector comprising a wire clip (1) having a deflected segment of wire of the length (L) at least partially made of resilient-elastic metal, wherein the wire clip (1) includes, with respect to a primary turning arc (3), arms (5, 5′) that are mirror-symmetrical to an angle-bisecting plane (4), wherein each arm (5, 5′) forms a deflected secondary turning arc (6, 6′) transverse to the primary turning arc (3) and a clippable hook (8, 8′) that rests force-lockingly into a radial external surface zone (9), of a terminal radial expansion (1), of the concrete dowel
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Bernhard Sander, Joachim Gunther
  • Publication number: 20020112437
    Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a reinforcement bar 11 within a masonry block 20. The positioning device includes a core 110 with a central opening 112 and an openable seam 114, a support structure having support arms 122 connected to the core and arranged and configured for holding the positioning device in a desired position in a cavity 22 of the masonry block. The core 110 is arranged and configured such that a gap 118 can be formed along the seam, the gap being configured to receive the reinforcement bar 11, and the core 110 encloses the reinforcement bar within the central opening when the gap is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Frankie A. R. Queen
  • Publication number: 20020112438
    Abstract: A blocking anchor (20) allows connection of each end of an engineered or dimensional lumber bridge between first and second parallel joists. Each blocking anchor includes a saddle (22), which cradles the end of the bridge, and a pair of fastening flanges, which allow attachment to the side of the joist. The saddle is formed by a base (30), from which first and second legs (40), (50) extend. The saddle is sized to fit over the end of dimensional lumber or engineered beams. The first and second fastening flanges (60), (70) extend from opposed sides of the base, perpendicular to the legs. Fastener holes defined in each leg and in the fastening flanges allow the use of screws, possibly nails, or other fasteners to attach the legs to the bridge and the fastening flanges to the joist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Little
  • Publication number: 20020112439
    Abstract: A framing fastener for connecting framing construction members providing multi-planar attachment surfaces which is made from a single piece of stock. The framing fastener is perfect for attaching a brace to a post or a beam. It is economically made from one piece of sheet metal stock and produces added strength because it is a single member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Ted A. Rosas
  • Publication number: 20020112440
    Abstract: 1. A tarpaulin (23) can be connected by means of clamp devices (1) to a beam assembly (25) for its transfer through a tarpaulin handling machine. The beam assembly has a number of parallel, through beam rods (30) and on each beam rod a number of beam tubes (33), which are alternatingly rigidly connected to a corresponding beam tube on a neighboring beam rod and are rotatable on the beam rod (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Lars-Ingvar NORDSTROM
    Inventors: Lars-Ingvar Nordstrom, Kent Stridh
  • Publication number: 20020112441
    Abstract: A support apparatus used with construction masts. The support apparatus comprises a truss and a top adjustable mount assembly secured to the truss. The top adjustable mount assembly is selectively positionable so as to engage the construction mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Bissen
  • Publication number: 20020112442
    Abstract: Installing insulation for a building member using a web member is provided. The web member is attached to a surface of the building member that is to be insulated. The web member has a number of spaces defined between its wire or solid elements. The insulating material is sprayed against the web member. The insulating material can include a foamable substance and insulating particles combined therewith. The insulating material is received in the spaces of the web member. The insulating material can be sprayed to pass through the thickness of the web member. The web member facilitates the holding or capturing of the insulating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Henry Sperber
  • Publication number: 20020112443
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a partition frame having vertical upright frame members positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and multiple horizontal frame members attached to the upright frame members in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of discrete slots are defined in each of the horizontal frame members. Cover panels are mounted on the partition frames that permit access to the slots, and off-module connectors with hooks are provided for engaging the slots for interconnecting furniture units in off-module positions. For example, the hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a furniture unit, such as a partition panel, perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon,, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Publication number: 20020112444
    Abstract: A joining strip is provided by which sheet metal may be formed into a hollow tubular panel. The joining strip provides a seam between panel edges that acts as a thermal break between inner and outer faces of the panel. The joining strip may also carry a resilient tubular cushion which extends into the joint between the side ends of two panels that are connected by a hinge. This cushion contributes to providing an air seal within the joint between the two panels. Applications include roll-up garage doors and roll-away, articulated walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Francis Lacasse
  • Publication number: 20020112445
    Abstract: An improved device for automatically wrapping eating utensils in a napkin of the type having hoppers for holding the eating utensils sortingly, a tray for holding the napkin, a staging assembly for receiving the napkin from the tray and the eating utensils from the hoppers on top of the napkin, a wrapping assembly for wrapping the napkin around the eating utensils so as to form a wrapped set of eating utensils, and a banding assembly for providing a band around, so as to hold together, the wrapped set of eating utensils. The improvement includes an ultraviolet light assembly disposed in each of the hoppers and which generates ultraviolet light directly upon all surfaces of the eating utensils after the eating utensils have been loaded into the hoppers so as to sanitize the eating utensils from contaminates the eating utensils picked up prior to, and during, loading of the eating utensils into the hoppers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Benny Scaduto
  • Publication number: 20020112446
    Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020112447
    Abstract: A system and method of continuously forming, sealing, and filling flexible packages with sterile beverages is disclosed wherein the forming, sealing, and filling is performed without stopping or indexing the packages in order to achieve high throughput rates and efficiency. A web feeding device inputs sheet material into the system, which is continuously formed into a series of juxtaposed shaped packages in a forming unit. The packages are formed by a folding technique resulting in top and bottom gussets, and sealed side seams with an open top for filling thereof with liquid. The entire web of formed packages is transported through a filling device, which continuously fills the packages while in web form. The top fill openings of the packages are then sealed in a continuous process, and fabrication within an aseptic or ultra-clean environment is thereby completed. Post-treatment of the packages outside of the aseptic environment, but in a clean environment, then may proceed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: James J. Wang
  • Publication number: 20020112448
    Abstract: A combined shrink wrap gift wrap in which decorative indicia is applied to a shrink wrap film and the film is shrink wrapped onto a package using conventional shrink wrapping machinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jeff Fisher
  • Publication number: 20020112449
    Abstract: The invention herein provides for a blister pack which confines the movement a dosage form in order to resist damage thereto during handling and transportation while permitting removal of the intact dosage form, and apparatus and methods for the same. In particular, the invention provides a blister pack wherein the blister includes a protruding region between the opening and the base, thereby producing a constricted area or “neck” in the blister. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding region comprises an inwardly directed annulus formed in the blister wall. Accordingly, vertical movement of the dosage form is confined as a result of the protruding region, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the dosage form caused by agitation of the blister pack. The invention is particularly useful in packaging frangible pharmaceutical dosage forms formed in situ within in the blister, such as freeze dried dosage forms and rapidly dissolving oral dosage forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Heath, Kevin William Greaves
  • Publication number: 20020112450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of merchandising cigarettes, both in factory-made form and in the form of loose tobacco of the same blend and other related products bearing the same brand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: John F. Roscoe
  • Publication number: 20020112451
    Abstract: In a vertical form, fill, seal machine that produces liquid-filled stand-up pouches, a flat vertical fill tube is surrounded by an envelope of thermoplastic film that is closed along one longitudinal edge and open along the opposite longitudinal edge. A main drive assembly includes drive members that press opposite sides of the envelope against the flat fill tube. An auxiliary film drive assembly is responsive to film tension. Stand-up base cups are formed seriatim along the closed longitudinal edge of the envelope. Fitments are inserted seriatim into the open longitudinal edge, in correspondence with respective cups, and are sealed to the thermoplastic film, first by a spot-sealer and then by a top sealer. End seal/cut-off assemblies provide a seal transversely of the envelope that is bisected by a knife to release a leading pouch that has been formed, filled, and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Barry L. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20020112452
    Abstract: A block of bags for a product filling process includes a plurality of bags stacked in overlying relationship. Each bag of the block has a top edge, a bag mouth and opposite first and second side edges. First and second edge lines of perforations extend from edge points on respective opposite lateral edges of the bag. The edge points are spaced closely to the bag mouth of the bag. A central line of perforations extends between inner ends of the first and second edge lines of perforations. The central line of perforations is offset from the edge points, away from the bag mouth. A tear-off region is defined between the central line of perforations and the top edge. During automatic filling of the bad, the edge lines of perforations are torn to form an open bag mouth, and the central line of perforations is torn after filling to separate the bag from the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Eric DeSmedt
  • Publication number: 20020112453
    Abstract: In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Rivenbark, Keith A. Harshman, Frank J. Shinn, Bradford D. Henry, Steve W. McCay
  • Publication number: 20020112454
    Abstract: A crimper for forming a finished crimped end on a wrapper for coins or other articles has a cylindrical opening for receiving a projecting end of the wrapper into the body. A crimping structure located in the opening includes a first slide surface for sliding the end of the wrapper in a first linear direction to a second slide surface for sliding the end of the wrapper in a second, transverse linear direction. By sliding the end of the wrapper in the two directions, the end of the wrapper is forced to roll and form a finished crimped end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Publication number: 20020112455
    Abstract: The top end portion of the outer peripheral surface of a coin feeding roller (4) protrudes in a stacking section (3) as a rotating friction surface (40) so as to correspond to the end portion of a coin passage (1). A plurality of coins (C) are conveyed to the end portion of the coin passage (1) in a row in a direction of diameter of the coins by means of a conveying mechanism (2). The rotating friction surface (40) of the feeding roller rotates while contacting the lower surface of the conveyed coin (C), to cause the coin to get over the rotating friction surface from an upstream side to a downstream side of the friction surface with respect to the direction of rotation thereof. Thus, the roller (4) displaces the trailing edge of the previously conveyed coin upwards so that the leading edge of a subsequently conveyed coin can enter between the previously conveyed coin and the friction surface. By repeating this operation, a plurality of conveyed coins are sequentially stacked in the stacking section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuma Sugahara, Yusuke Inuki
  • Publication number: 20020112456
    Abstract: The strapping installation is configured to strap items with bands, in particular to strap pulp bales with paper bands. An assembly conveys the tensioning bands around the items to be strapped, and the bands are then tensioned and connected to form a closed ring. The conveying assembly is form by a drawing configuration, such as a belt or the like, which encloses the respective item and is designed with a carry-along element for a band. The drawing configuration is assigned a drive with which the carry-along element, together with the forward end of the tensioning band can be moved around the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Klaus Bartelmuss, Heinz Bartelmuss
  • Publication number: 20020112457
    Abstract: A fluid meter particle isolating system having a tortuous path formed between a pair of walls with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is open to a contaminant-free (clean) zone while an outlet is open to a particle generating contaminated (dirty) zone. The walls include partitions that form a tortuous path separating it into a plurality of chambers. An impeller constructed of a plurality of open cells forms a piston-like structure is provided in the tortuous path and has an axis of motion parallel to the walls. Each vessel is offset axially and has four walls and a bottom surface contoured t provide a transition from one cell to the next through an exit port providing a continuous flow from the vessel in the first cell sequentially to adjacent cells to an exit port in the last vessel in the last cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Paul S. Whalen
  • Publication number: 20020112458
    Abstract: An air filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants, chemical contaminants, biological contaminants, or any combination thereof, from airplane cabin air. The filter assembly is lightweight and compact in size. Minimal clearance is needed in order to remove and replace the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Kirk A. Schneider, Jarren B. Mills, Daniel E. Adamek, Terrance D. Feddersen
  • Publication number: 20020112459
    Abstract: A filter cartridge (16), especially for installation in an air filter of an internal combustion engine having a housing (10) with an inlet (12) for untreated air and an outlet (13) for clean air, the filter cartridge preferably being made of a pleated filter medium, and being provided with sealing elements on end plates (18, 19) arranged at the axial end faces of the filter cartridge. A support body (17) is provided on the inner wall of the filter cartridge with support surfaces (23) for axially and radially positioning the filter cartridge. A seal element (26) extending axially along the support body is also provided in the area of the support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Heinz Andress, Helmut Luka, Bertram Uebelhoer, Gerhard Mayer, Werner Blossey
  • Publication number: 20020112460
    Abstract: A tracked amphibious vehicle with aquatic vegetation shredder includes an amphibious vehicle having a buoyant hull, an endless track supported on the hull, and an aquatic vegetation shredding assembly supported on the hull. The endless track is operable to propel the vehicle on land and through water. These features cooperatively provide a tractional vehicle that is capable of carrying relatively heavier loads than other aquatic vegetation shredders (e.g., the amphibious vehicle can support larger volume shredding assemblies and therefore shred larger volumes of aquatic vegetation than current shredders—up to 5-10 acres per hour). The amphibious vehicle with shredding assembly is particularly effective in shallow water and no water environments (e.g., in and around bodies of water that experience tide conditions and thus have aquatic vegetation growing in shallow water and on dry land).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: THE MASTER'S DREDGING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: David M. Penny
  • Publication number: 20020112461
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for crushing plant residue remaining in a farm field following the crop harvest comprising a main frame moveable in a forward path, a yieldable residue knock-down drape suspended on the frame for knocking the plant residue to the ground and breaking the upstanding plant residue apart from its underground roots as the frame forwardly moves, and a transversely disposed residue crushing roller mounted on the frame rearwardly of the knock-down drape for crushing spaced-apart portions of the knock-down residue into a plurality of smaller crop residue segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Carl A. Burk
  • Publication number: 20020112462
    Abstract: Proposed is a support disk base (1) and a support disk for the bearing of a rotor of an open-end spinning apparatus, whereby on the outer circumference of the support disk base (1) a support ring (8) can be installed by force-fit. In accord with the invention, provided on the outer circumference of the support disk base (1) are grooves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) running in the axial direction. Upon the operation of the support disk with the base (1), the said grooves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) increase the holding power of a later circumferentially installed support ring against centrifugal forces. Further, a procedure for the manufacture of the basic form of a support disk is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Erich Bock
  • Publication number: 20020112463
    Abstract: In the case of a component which can be used in conjunction with round steel chains and has two crossover slots (6, 7) which form a pull-through or insertion opening for the chains, the pull-through or insertion opening is blocked, following the introduction of a chain link into that part of the longer slot (6) which forms an extension (8) bounded by supporting zones (9, 10), by a securing element (14) on the region of that end of the longer slot (6) which is directed away from the extension (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Reinhard Smetz
  • Publication number: 20020112464
    Abstract: Provided is an engine having positive displacement chambers containing pistons and an external combustion chamber which utilizes the energy stored in compressed fuel and compressed air in combination with the energy released during combustion of the fuel to drive the pistons. Energy expended compressing the fuel and air are recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: James J. Mehail
  • Publication number: 20020112465
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for injecting water into a turbine engine are described. In one embodiment, water injection apparatus is provided for injecting water into the gas flow through the engine, e.g., at a high pressure and/or low pressure compressor inlet. The water injection apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles arranged so that water injected into the gas flow by the nozzles results in substantially uniformly reducing the temperature of the gas flow at the high pressure compressor outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen R. Payling, Robert P. Coleman, Curtis L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020112466
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and fuel composition for the protection of a catalytic after treatment system and a method for protecting a catalytic after treatment system in a lean burn system are disclosed. A scavenging agent is introduced into the combustion chamber in an amount effective to complex with catalytic poisoning combustion byproducts and improve emissions system durability. In a preferred embodiment, the scavenger is an organometallic compound which also imparts additional desirable properties to the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph W. Roos, Martin J. Openshaw, Herbert M. Scull
  • Publication number: 20020112467
    Abstract: An apparatus for reliably and quickly detecting a fault in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, based on an output of an air/fuel ratio sensor mounted in the exhaust system. The apparatus includes: a control unit which provides a rich air/fuel ratio forcefully and continuously when detecting the presence or absence of a fault in the exhaust system; and a determining unit which determines that there is a fault in the exhaust system when the sensor mounted in the exhaust system does not produce an output that corresponds to the rich air/fuel ratio being provided under control of the control unit. The detection accuracy of the apparatus is enhanced by making provisions to perform the exhaust system fault detection when the engine is in an idling state in which the fluctuation in pressure is large and the effect of exhaust pipe leakage is most pronounced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Uranishi
  • Publication number: 20020112468
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal aging of catalytic converters uses a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator for generating heated exhaust gas for the thermal aging process. The gas generator includes a gas dynamic air compressor, an exhaust gas turbine driving the compressor and a combustor or burner receiving compressed air from the compressor, for burning fuel to form heated combustion products, delivered as heated compressed exhaust gas to the turbine for driving the compressor. In a preferred embodiment, the cost of the converter aging apparatus is reduced by using a commercially available engine exhaust turbocharger to provide the compressor and turbine. A combustor is connected between the compressor and turbine and the desired fuel and air connections, controls and an exhaust conduit are provided to complete the apparatus. The turbocharger may be sized for aging one or a plurality of catalytic converters at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Ashley J. Barrett, Bruce H. Woodrow
  • Publication number: 20020112469
    Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine capable of estimating the amount of NOx emission within short periods of time maintaining high precision and realizing improved control performance without increasing the cost as a result of not using map data in the ROM. The device includes NOx operation means 34A for estimating the amount of NOx in the exhaust gas from a theoretical formula and an empirical formula based upon the intake air amount Qa, intake air temperature To, pressure Pb, air-fuel ratio &lgr; and EGR rate &bgr;, and control means for controlling at least either the NOx purifying catalyst 17 or the combustion state in the internal combustion engine in order to lower the amount of NOx emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukiko Kanazawa, Hideaki Katashiba, Kazuhiko Kawajiri, Takashi Yonezawa
  • Publication number: 20020112470
    Abstract: The intake and exhaust control systems are operable in varying modes, according to the engine speed, by a single actuator. The intake control system includes an intake valve that allows a variable amount of air into an air cleaner depending on vehicle speed. The exhaust control system includes an exhaust control valve, and a primary and a secondary exhaust purifying system located downstream of the exhaust control valve. The flow into the exhaust purifying systems may also be controlled according to engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hajime Yamada, Toshihiko Suda, Tetsuya Nakayasu, Noriyoshi Tsutsui, Shigeru Kodaira, Kenjiro Saito, Mitsuo Kusa
  • Publication number: 20020112471
    Abstract: A method for the desulfurization of a nitrogen oxide adsorber of an exhaust gas purification device for a combustion system employs desulfurization phases that are intermittently implemented by a desulfurization control unit. During each desulfurization phase, the carbon monoxide concentration and/or the lambda value of the exhaust gas stream exiting the nitrogen oxide adsorber is recorded. A localized maximum that appears in the recorded course of the carbon monoxide concentration over time, or a downward slope that appears in the established course of the lambda value over time, falling from a temporary plateau value, is employed as criterion for terminating the desulfurization phase. The method may be used, for example, in exhaust gas purification devices in primarily lean-burning vehicle combustion engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Doris Shroder, Dirk Voigtlander, Michel Weibel, Gunter Wenninger, Walter Boegner, Kirsten Hardenberg, Andreas Hertzberg, Gunter Karl, Bernd Krutzsch, Renate Marx, Norbert Ruzicka, Christof Schon