Patents Issued in April 3, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030061800
    Abstract: A microturbine system includes a compressor, a recuperator assembly, a combustor, a turbine, and a generator. The recuperator assembly includes a core that preheats compressed air provided by the compressor with exhaust gas from the turbine. The preheated compressed air is mixed with a fuel and burned in the combustor. The products of combustion are used to drive the turbine, which in turn drives the compressor and generator. The recuperator core is surrounded by a recuperator housing that is intimate with the recuperator core such that the recuperator housing assumes substantially the same temperature as the recuperator core. The recuperator housing is constructed of materials that have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially equal to that of the recuperator core, and that have thicknesses substantially equal to the thickness of the recuperator core materials. A superstructure supports the recuperator core and resists expansion of the core in a stackwise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Ingersoll-Rand Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Nash
  • Publication number: 20030061801
    Abstract: The air/fuel ratio (A/F) controller for an internal combustion engine pertaining to the present invention comprises a upstream catalyst, a hydrocarbon-adsorbent exhaust purification (HAEP) catalyst that is disposed downstream from the upstream catalyst, an upstream A/F sensor disposed upstream from the upstream catalyst, a downstream A/F sensor disposed downstream from the HASP catalyst, a middle A/F sensor disposed between the upstream catalyst and the HAEP catalyst, an A/F main feedback (F/B) control unit, and an A/F sub-F/B control unit. The A/F main F/B control unit performs main F/D control such that the exhaust A/F detected by the upstream A/F sensor is kept at a specific main F/B target A/F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Harima, Koichi Hoshi, Hiromasa Suzuki, Takashi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030061802
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes plural catalysts provided in parallel. In a case where temperatures of the catalysts need to be raised, a catalyst is selected from among the catalysts and the exhaust gas is allowed to flow in the selected catalyst. In addition, the temperature of the selected catalyst is raised without using a reducing agent when the temperatures of the catalysts are lower than a temperature range in which the reducing agent can be purified. Alternatively, the reducing agent is supplied to the selected catalyst so as to raise the temperature thereof when the temperatures of the catalysts are equal to or higher than the temperature at which the reducing agent can be purified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichiro Nakatani, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Shunsuke Toshioka, Koichi Kimura, Akira Mikami
  • Publication number: 20030061803
    Abstract: A control system for a compression injection engine can prevent deterioration in exhaust purification at the time of the switching of combustion between spark ignition and compression ignition, at the time of said spark ignition combustion and said compression injection combustion, and can diagnose any deterioration of an NO x detector and a three way catalyst. The control system includes a catalytic converter installed within an exhaust passage of the compression ignition engine for compressing and igniting a pre-mixture of a fuel and air, an air/fuel ratio detector for detecting an air/fuel ratio at upstream side of said catalytic converter, and an NOx detector for detecting NOx at downstream side of said catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi Iihoshi, Shiro Yamaoka, Minoru Ohsuga
  • Publication number: 20030061804
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas valve device in an internal combustion engine, including a first bearing member mounted between a valve shaft and a valve body with one end of the valve shaft turnably fitted into the first bearing member, a second bearing member mounted between the valve shaft and the valve body with the other end of the valve shaft turnably passed through the second bearing member, and an actuator connected to the other end of the valve shaft protruding from the second bearing member, The valve body, the valve shaft and the first and second bearing members are formed of metal materials having equivalent thermal expansion coefficients; the first and second bearing members are press-fitted into said valve body; and a skin of a graphite-based solid lubricant is formed on a surface of the valve shaft 46 in regions corresponding to the first and second bearing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Norihito Watanabe, Yasuyuki Miyahara, Tadashi Sato, Masao Komine, Kenichi Ohmori, Kenji Abe, Tetsuo Endo
  • Publication number: 20030061805
    Abstract: A secondary air supply apparatus controls emissions from an engine through secondary combustion of combustible matters in exhaust gas accomplished by supplying air to an exhaust pipe upstream of an emission control device. A pressure behavior pattern is determined from a pressure value detected by a pressure sensor disposed between an air pump and an open-close valve, and a pressure variation value. The secondary air supply apparatus determines operational states of the air pump and the open-close valve based on variations of the pressure behavior pattern at the time of a secondary air supply control and at the time of a secondary air stop control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigemasa Hirooka, Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20030061806
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning system for an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle has a catalytic converter housing with an associated exhaust catalytic converter and an inlet opening for connecting an exhaust pipe. A throttle element is arranged in the catalytic converter housing, in such a manner that a first reaction chamber, which lies between the throttle element and the inlet opening, and a second reaction chamber, which lies between throttle element and exhaust catalytic converter, are formed by the throttle element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Gerd Duerr, Joachim Karwath, Gerd Tiefenbacher
  • Publication number: 20030061807
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold for vehicle is disclosed. First and fourth runners among a plurality of runners connected to cylinders of an engine are respectively connected to sides of a gas confluence part. Second and third runners disposed between the first and fourth runners are joined together integrally before being connected to the gas confluence part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Heung-Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20030061808
    Abstract: A method of connecting a starter ring gear connected with a converter cover, and a torque converter including a starter ring gear connected with a converter cover by the method. The method includes setting the starter ring gear at a corner portion of the converter cover in alignment with each other, and producing a plastic flow of metal at the corner portion thereof, the plastic flow of metal forming an engaging member disposed on an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical wall of the converter cover and engaged with an engaging member disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the starter ring gear, to thereby connect the starter ring gear with the converter cover. The starter ring gear and the converter cover are rotatable about a rotation axis. The corner portion of the converter cover is formed between the cylindrical wall and a disk wall connected therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20030061809
    Abstract: In a torque converter comprised of three major rotating elements, namely a pump impeller formed integral with a converter cover, a turbine runner to which a driving power is transmitted through a working fluid from the pump impeller, and a stator disposed between the pump impeller and the turbine runner, the stator is supported on a transmission case via a one-way clutch and has a plurality of stator blades. In order to balance the enhanced vehicle's startability and improved fuel economy at idle, the ratio W/D of a stator-blade axial length W to a torque-converter nominal diameter D is set to satisfy a predetermined inequality 0.030≦W/D≦0.052.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Okada, Toshiaki Noda, Keichi Tatewaki
  • Publication number: 20030061810
    Abstract: In a torque converter comprised of three major rotating elements, namely a pump impeller, a turbine runner to which a driving power is transmitted through a working fluid from the pump impeller, and a stator disposed between the pump impeller and the turbine runner, a flattening ratio L/D of a sum L of an pump-impeller axial length and a turbine-runner axial length to a torque-converter nominal diameter D is set to be less than or equal to 0.21. In order to balance contradictory requirements, namely reduced curvature loss, i.e., enhanced converter efficiency, proper rate-of-change in working-fluid flow passage area, and proper breakaway of working fluid from each turbine blade, a ratio r/R of a radius of curvature r of a turbine-core outer peripheral curved surface to a radius of curvature R of a turbine-shell outer peripheral curved surface being set to satisfy a predetermined inequality 0.3≦r/R≦0.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Okada, Toshiaki Noda, Keichi Tatewaki
  • Publication number: 20030061811
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a closure assembly, for example of a vehicle, which closure assembly comprises a closure element which can be moved between a closed position, in which the closure element closes off an opening, and an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Laurentius Andreas Gerardus Mentink, Willem Herman Masseling, Daniel van ?apos;t Veen
  • Publication number: 20030061812
    Abstract: A master cylinder body and a die for molding the master cylinder body which is unlikely worn out by a flow of the melt and improves the life duration of the die. A rib provided from a first outlet port projected from right external peripheral surface of the master cylinder body to an end portion of a front end portion via a second outlet port is formed deviated from a line connecting a central axial lines of the first and the second outlet ports. Likewise, a rib provided from the first outlet port formed on a left external peripheral surface of the master cylinder body to the end portion of the front end portion via the second outlet port is formed deviated from the line connecting the central axial lines of the first and the second outlet ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Naoyasu Enomoto, Isao Sato
  • Publication number: 20030061813
    Abstract: The Dragon's Breath End To End Thermal Loop System's highest and best use is for commercial power plants but it's range is from 60 KW to 420 MW making it's use to industry to fill every need.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Charles R. Gatton
  • Publication number: 20030061814
    Abstract: A power plant apparatus comprising a condenser for condensing turbine exhaust steam having a steam dome, a steam inlet, a tube bundle, a hot well for collecting condensate, an air removal section, an internal makeup water heater bundle. An internal makeup water header which includes a pipe having spray nozzles arranged counter-current to the flow of steam introduced by the steam inlet is used to introduce heated makeup water into the exhaust stream from the turbine within the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ranga Nadig
  • Publication number: 20030061815
    Abstract: A combustor baffle includes an outer tube with external threads and a heat shield at opposite ends thereof. An inner tube is disposed inside the outer tube in a unitary assembly therewith. The outer tube is retained in a combustor dome by a retention nut, and the inner tube supports an air swirler with a brazed joint therewith. The brazed joint permits sacrifice of the baffle during disassembly for access to the threaded joint for final disassembly without damage to the dome or air swirler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Craig Douglas Young, Paul James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20030061816
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the recuperator of a microturbine system in a vertical position above a turbine. The apparatus including a plurality of spring supports supporting the recuperator while simultaneously allowing thermal expansion of the turbine with a minimum amount of force being applied thereto. Thermal expansion of the turbine causes it to lift the recuperator while simultaneously de-compressing the springs an amount equal to the amount of thermal expansion experienced by the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Ingersoll-Rand Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Malcolm S. Child
  • Publication number: 20030061817
    Abstract: A fuel ratio control method and a device therefor in a gas turbine combustor are provided in which supply ratio of pilot fuel to main fuel is appropriately maintained to thereby avoid unstable combustion, such as combustion vibration or misfire, and to realize a low NOx combustion. Fuel ratio control signal CSO is set corresponding to generator output LGEN put out by a generator output input unit 1. Pilot fuel ratio control is performed by correcting the fuel ratio control signal CSO corresponding to condition change in both or either one of combustion air and fuel. The condition change in the combustion air is at least one of changes in compressor on-line vane washing, ambient humidity, ambient pressure, etc. and the condition change in the fuel is a change in fuel component. The signal correction is also made by gas turbine deterioration factor or change rate in the generator output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industires, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuniaki Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20030061818
    Abstract: A cogenerating recuperated microturbine includes a recuperator, an air compressor and a combustor. The combustor burns a fuel along with the compressed air received from the recuperator to create products of combustion. A turbine generator operates in response to expansion of the products of combustion to generate electricity. The products of combustion then flow through the recuperator to preheat the compressed air. The products of combustion then flow out of the recuperator as an exhaust flow. A heat exchanger is movable into and out of the exhaust flow to selectively heat a fluid in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is actuated by a piston-cylinder type actuator that operates under the influence of compressed air selectively bled from the air compressor. The actuator may be a single-acting cylinder used in conjunction with a biasing spring, or may be a double-acting cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Ingersoll-Rand Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Nash, James B. Kesseli, Andrew J. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20030061819
    Abstract: A turbine power plant comprises power generation apparatuses divided a plurality of modules, a common base mounting thereon the power generation apparatuses and a supporting apparatus for supporting the common base, and is characterized by a construction of the common base, constructed so as to be commonly used with a part of a transportation vehicle and a frame of the power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kuroki, Isao Takehara, Yasuyuki Watanabe, Seisaku Takihana
  • Publication number: 20030061820
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the pressure range of the minimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. A displacement fluid may be used to load or offload the gas from the gas storage system. A vessel including a preferred gas storage system may also include pumping equipment for handling the displacement fluid and provide storage for some or all of the fluid needed to load or unload the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Enersea Transport, LLC a Limited Liability Corporation Of Texas
    Inventor: William M. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20030061821
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a dynamic type ice cold storage method and system capable of efficiently suppressing, by an appropriate replenishment of water, an increase in concentration of an aqueous solution with the progress of freezing of the aqueous solution, thereby preventing a lowering in the coefficient of performance of a refrigerator, and hence diminishing power required for the formation of ice crystals. The temperature of an aqueous solution contained in a freezer which includes a heat exchanger for cooling is measured with a thermometer, and as the liquid temperature drops with the progress of freezing, melted water is replenished into the freezer from a melted water tank by means of a pump to keep almost constant the temperature of freezing performed by the heat exchanger for cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Isao Satoh
  • Publication number: 20030061822
    Abstract: Described is a climate control system with an air conditioning or a heat pump and a method to provide desirable temperature and humidity of indoor air. In addition to a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device, the air conditioner/heat pump includes an auxiliary coil, valve means, refrigerant communication means, and control means. In hot climate the system operates in two separate modes: a conventional cooling mode and a cooling mode with enhanced dehumidification. In the conventional cooling mode the valve means direct refrigerant leaving the condenser to the expansion device and then to the auxiliary coil to absorb heat from conditioning air by refrigerant in the auxiliary coil. In this mode an extra amount of liquid refrigerant is stored in the refrigerant communication means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander P. Rafalovich
  • Publication number: 20030061823
    Abstract: The present invention divides the traditional full-loop heat pump compression (heating) and expansion (refrigeration) process into two separate half-loop processes. The two (half-loop) processes occur separately and are separated by physical distance and/or by time. The two processes are connected by either physical storage means and/or by pipeline means such that low pressure refrigerant and high pressure refrigerant are stored between cycles and/or transported between cycles. In operation, a refrigerant is compressed to provide heat to a location, the compressed refrigerant is then stored/transported to where/when a cooling process is needed whereupon the refrigerant is expanded to provide refrigeration, the expanded refrigerant is then stored/transported to where/when a heating process is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ray M. Alden
  • Publication number: 20030061824
    Abstract: An improved cooling system provides cooling away from the surface of electrical and electronic components with very low parasitic power consumption and very high heat transfer rates. The component to be cooled is in thermal contact with a cold plate evaporator device. Refrigerant is circulated by a liquid refrigerant pump to the cold plate evaporator device, and the liquid refrigerant is at least partially evaporated by the heat generated by the component. The vapor is condensed by a conventional condenser coil and the condensed liquid along with any unevaporated liquid is returned to the pump. The system operates nearly isothermally in both evaporation and condensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Marsala
  • Publication number: 20030061825
    Abstract: A current sensor positioned on a power line monitors current draw associated with an electrical motor driven shaft based device, such as a scroll compressor. Mechanical vibrations in the scroll compressor force stress on the motor shaft of the scroll compressor, directly influencing current draw. By monitoring current draw, vibrations resulting from problems in the compressor, such as a broken mounting bracket, can be detected. A controller receives the current values and indicates if a current value exceeds a threshold current value or if a plurality of current values exceed a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Wayne Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20030061826
    Abstract: An air flow damper assembly is provided. The assembly includes a duct member comprising a first air flow opening therethrough, and a damper disposed within the duct member and including a substantially cylindrical rim for regulating air flow through the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Miles Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030061827
    Abstract: In a heat-pump water heater with a super-critical refrigerant cycle, a valve open degree of a decompression valve is controlled to control a pressure of high-pressure side refrigerant so that a temperature difference between refrigerant flowing out from the water-refrigerant heat exchanger and water flowing into a water-refrigerant heat exchanger is set in a predetermined temperature range. Thus, the pressure of high-pressure side refrigerant in the super-critical refrigerant cycle can be controlled, thereby suitably adjusting heat-exchange performance of an internal heat exchanger, and restricting the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant compressor from being uselessly increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Hisayoshi Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20030061828
    Abstract: The air conditioning system can draw power from the utility power grid via an electrical line or from a battery. When the air conditioner is used during off peak hours, the air conditioner will draw power directly from the power grid. During peak usage, the air conditioner will be provided with power from the battery. The battery, in turn, is recharged from the power grid during off peak hours, such as during the night. In this way, the battery is kept fully charged and able to provide power during the peak period. The flow of the power to the air conditioner from the battery or line power is controlled by a timer switch. The flow of line power to the air conditioner or battery recharger during off peak hours is controlled by a recharge timer switch. The result is an air conditioning system reducing the strain on the power grid during peak usage and having an alternative power source, the battery, charged during off peak hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry L. Blevins
  • Publication number: 20030061829
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a cooling system including a first absorption chiller and a second absorption chiller. A first condenser refrigerant return is coupled to the first absorption chiller and a second condenser refrigerant return is coupled to the second absorption chiller. A first condenser refrigerant supply is coupled to the first absorption chiller and a second condenser refrigerant supply is coupled to the second absorption chiller. A first cooling assembly is coupled to the first condenser refrigerant return a second cooling assembly is coupled to the second condenser refrigerant return.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Peter H. Rumsy
  • Publication number: 20030061830
    Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator having a cylindrical cooling tank and an auxiliary tank. The auxiliary tank ensures that the cylindrical cooling tank is flooded with liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The flooding of the cylindrical cooling tank provides more efficient and even cooling in an interior cooling chamber. The more efficient cooling allows the ice cream machine to utilize a smaller compressor, thereby reducing the cost and energy consumption of the ice cream machine. The auxiliary tank can be a coil of tubing or a cylindrical container positioned above the cylindrical cooling tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Harold F. Ross
  • Publication number: 20030061831
    Abstract: A fragrance diffuser is provided which keeps the tip of the pierced earring post from injuring the wearer by covering the tip of the pierced earring post of a pierced earring, thereby making the pierced earring harmless, and which can diffuse the fragrance of perfume for a much longer time. An outer case for covering the tip of the pierced earring post is provided and a catch for receiving the pierced earring post is mounted in the outer case. An absorbent member having a perfume impregnated therein is also mounted in the outer case. It is possible to avoid injury often inflicted by the tip of the earring post and enjoy fragrance of the perfume for a much longer time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Yoji Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20030061832
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of in-situ formation of a series of glass-ceramic composites by the Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis (SHS) technique with advantages of processing simplicity as well as the potential of cost savings. The materials produced by the technique contain crystalline TiB2 phase and have either a pure glassy matrix or a glass matrix with partial devitrification based on the Al2O3—CaO system. The materials can potentially be used for infrared light transmission and for other high temperature applications. These materials can also be produced with relatively high porosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Hu Chun Yi, Jacques Y. Guigne, John J. Moore
  • Publication number: 20030061833
    Abstract: For producing large volume optical components of high optical quality from synthetic quartz glass blanks, the latter are heated in a component mold in a furnace with a protective gas atmosphere to a temperature 50° to 170° K above the softening point, this temperature being held for 20 to 90 minutes and, during this holding time, the quartz glass blank being pressed into the component mold. By these means, a gentle treatment of the quartz glass, a good yield, a decrease in the energy input and a complete filling up of the component mold are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Andreas Menzel, Frank Elsmann, Norman Schoenherr
  • Publication number: 20030061834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating glass sheets in preparation of tempering. A furnace (1) is provided with upper and lower convection blasting conduits (11, 14) extending lengthwise of the furnace. The furnace is also provided with upper and lower radiation heating elements (12, 16). The convection heating air is pressurized with a compressor (3), cleaned with a filter (4). The upper convection heating air is heated with air discharged from the furnace in a plurality of separate heat exchangers (7), through which the convection heating air is passed into the upper convection blasting conduits (11). The amount of air discharged from the furnace (1) through the heat exchangers (7) is substantially equal to that blasted into the furnace for convection heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Jorma Vitkala, Mauri Leponen, Tarmo Pesonen, Pauli Reunamaki
  • Publication number: 20030061835
    Abstract: A method for tempering a glass plate having a thickness of from 2 to 3 mm, and having an average linear thermal expansion coefficient of at least 88×10−7/° C. at a temperature of from 50 to 300° C. and a softening point of from 715 to 740° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazushige Yoda, Yasumasa Kato, Shuichi Akada
  • Publication number: 20030061836
    Abstract: To provide an optical wave guide that may be produced by reproduction method in easy and simple manner, and has a structure that prevents light signal in its inside from leaking out from core, and a method for producing the same optical wave guide. A concave slot 3 for forming a core is formed on the upper surface of a cladding substrate 2. And on both sides of the concave slot 3, cavities 6 are formed via flat portions 5. An ultraviolet ray hardening type transparent resin 8 is applied onto the surface of the cladding substrate 2, thereafter the transparent resin 8 is pressed by a stamper 13. At this moment, a core 4 is formed in the concave slot 3 and excessive transparent resin 8 pressed between the stamper 13 and the flat portions 5 flows into cavities 6, as a result, it is possible to make the transparent resin 8 thin in a short time. Thereby, it is possible to make the transparent resin 8 left on the flat portions 5 into thickness and width enough to prevent light in the core 4 from leaking out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Masayoshi Higuchi, Toshiyuki Takahashi, Hiromi Totani, Naru Yasuda, Hayami Hosokawa, Fumihiko Sato
  • Publication number: 20030061837
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the polymeric coating is removed from a coated optical fiber by disposing the fiber within a non-oxidizing environment and applying sufficient heat to volatilize at least a portion of the polymeric coating. The result is that the coating material bursts from the fiber, yielding a clean glass surface virtually free of surface flaws. In a preferred embodiment the non-oxidizing environment is inert gas and the heat is provided by resistive filament heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Swain, Andrew D. Yablon
  • Publication number: 20030061838
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing a knit fabric which is patterned and at least partially plated, on a circular machine equipped with a cylinder with needles (12) and sinkers (14), comprising the use of a first strand and a second strand (A, B) which are different at least in colour and which are fed to the needles through the sinkers, and the positioning of the strands through selection and a programmed longitudinal movement of the sinkers in such a way as to arrange alternately, one or other of the two strands on the reverse side and face side of the resulting knit fabric, without cutting the strands, creating patterns which are different in colour at least, in the fabric areas in which there is, on the face side or in view, one or other of the strands. This method can be used both for the production of smooth plated fabric and for the production of fabric which is part terry and part plated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Fulvio Sangiacomo
  • Publication number: 20030061839
    Abstract: A warp knitted fabric (1) including an open framework (2) of longitudinally and transversely extending knitted threads (3,4,5). The longitudinally extending threads (3) are spaced apart a predetermined distance (D). A plurality of material strips (9) laid in the open framework (2) along the spaces (8) between the longitudinally extending threads (3). The material strips (9) each have a width (W) which is greater than the predetermined distance (D) between adjacent longitudinally extending threads (3) so as to extend fully between the adjacent threads (3) and maintain that full extension upon lateral stretch of the fabric (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: David William Kost
  • Publication number: 20030061840
    Abstract: A laundry appliance comprises a drum for receiving articles to be laundered, the drum comprising at least two rotatable drum portions and a drive capable of operating the drum in a plurality of different drum modes. The drum modes include a mode in which the rotatable drum portions are driven so as to cause relative rotation between them. A controller (100) controls the appliance to perform a plurality of different wash programmes, each wash programme having an associated drum mode. Each wash programme comprises a sequence of stages, with a drum mode being associated with each stage. The drum modes can differ in respect of (a) use (or non-use) of relative rotation between the drum portions (b) the ratio of time that the drum portions rotate compared to the time that they are at rest, and (c) the speed at which the drum portions are rotated. The intensity of a wash programme can be varied, inter alia, by varying the length of the wash stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Malcolm John Hird
  • Publication number: 20030061841
    Abstract: In a drum type washing machine, a drum 23 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis extending in the lateral direction in a tub 20. A tub opening 20b with a tub door 20a is formed in the tub 20 under the throw-in opening 3 formed in the front part of the top of the housing. A drum opening 23a with a drum door composed of a double door opening frontward and backward is formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 23. The drum 23 is stopped so that the drum opening 23b coincides with the tub opening 20b. The drum door 23a, forced into its opening direction, is held in a closed position by an engagement of a claw 43 and an engagement hole 53. When a user rotates a operation lever 63b for latching or unlatching the tub door 20, the drum door open/close mechanism 65 functions to make two rods 65a and 65b project or withdraw, whereby the drum door 23a is brought into an engaged or unengaged state. By this mechanism, the drum door 23a opens or closes with the opening or closing operation of the tub door 20a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakamura, Tamotsu Kawamura, Kenji Nakagawa, Takashi Fukui, Makoto Takeuchi, Harumi Takeuchi, Yorihisa Funada, Kunioki Honda
  • Publication number: 20030061842
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a cabinet, a fixed drum set in the cabinet to contain wash water therein, a rotary drum rotatably set inside the fixed drum, a pump which forcibly pumps out the wash water contained in the fixed drum, and a water circulation device which feeds the wash water pumped by the pump into the rotary drum in a washing operation. The water circulation device includes a storing unit and a spraying unit. The storing unit defines a space which temporarily holds the wash water pumped by the pump, and is provided between rear panels of the fixed drum and the rotary drum. The storing unit guides the wash water to the rear panel of the rotary drum. The spraying unit is provided at the rear panel of the rotary drum, and sprays the wash water contained in the storing unit into the rotary drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Doo-Young Ryu, Koan-Seog Namkung
  • Publication number: 20030061843
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a cabinet which defines an outer appearance of the washing machine, a water tub set inside the cabinet to contain wash water therein, a rotary tub having spin drying perforations and rotatably set in the water tub, and a water turbine which is mounted at an open front of the rotary tub and rotates along with the rotary tub to spray the wash water contained in the water tub into the rotary tub. The water turbine includes an external member having an annular shape, and an internal member having an annular shape corresponding to the external member. The internal member is arranged apart from the external member by a predetermined interval. A vane unit is set between the external and the internal members, and raises the wash water contained in the water tub and sprays the wash water into the rotary tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Doo-Young Ryu, Koan-Seog Namkung
  • Publication number: 20030061844
    Abstract: A drying circuit for dry-cleaning machines using n-propyl bromide solvent, consisting of the fact that the coil of a refrigeration unit is immersed in the primary solvent tank. At top ends thereof the tank is connected to the drum with pipes for the passage of the drying air, the free surface of the solvent in the tank constituting a cooling agent for the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: SODIBO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Salvatore Carnovale
  • Publication number: 20030061845
    Abstract: A wobble joint particularly useful for supporting a wash plate in a wash basket of an automatic washing appliance includes inner and outer races formed with mating part-spherical surfaces having common centers of curvature about a longitudinal axis of the joint. Anti-rotation structure acts between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation of the races about the longitudinal axis, and cooperates with the part-spherical surfaces to restrict the races to two degrees of tilting movement about respective tilt axes disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to one another, such that one of the races is thereby supported for wobbling movement relative to the other of the races. In a washing appliance application, the wash plate is fixed to the outer race and wobbles relative to the inner race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: William Paul Skvarla, Leland Nels Olgren
  • Publication number: 20030061846
    Abstract: A wobble joint for use in automatic washing appliances and the like includes inner, outer and intermediate joint members which have nesting curved sliding surfaces that enable the joint members to pivot relative to one another. The joint has motion limiting features acting between the intermediate joint member and each of the inner and outer joint members to restrict relative movement between the outer joint member and the intermediate joint member to pivotal movement within a first plane and to restrict relative movement of the intermediate member and inner joint member to pivotal movement within a second plane transverse to the first plane. The motion limiting features comprise first and second arcuate grooves extending parallel to the first and second planes and retainers captured in the grooves and relatively moveable therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: William Paul Skvarla, Leland Nels Olgren
  • Publication number: 20030061847
    Abstract: A mortise lock is provided which includes a casing having a front plate for confronting a door frame and a pair of opposed side walls, the front plate having an opening for a latch bolt. A latch bolt is movable with respect to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position by a linkage connected to a hub to receive a door handle shaft, the latch bolt is rotatable axially, and the hub is rotatably secured between the opposed side walls of the casing. A slider plate for initiating movement of the linkage is provided that is movable from a first position wherein the linkage moves the latch bolt to the retracted position to a second position wherein the linkage moves the latch bolt back to the extended position. The slider plate has a preset adjuster, adjustable through at least one access aperture in the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Eric D. Morris
  • Publication number: 20030061848
    Abstract: A tubular latch is provided which includes a case, a bolt, a hub rotatably mounted within the latch case to receive a door handle shaft, a cam integral to an outer surface of the hub and having a driving surface wherein rotational movement of the hub causes the driving surface to rotate with the hub, and a slider member movable, by the cam, from a first axial position in the latch case wherein the slider member is in an extended position to a second axial position wherein the slider member is in a retracted position. The latch further includes a latch spring adjuster plate moveable axially within the latch case that is adjustable and securable to a desired axial position within the latch case, and a slider member spring for biasing the slider member away from the latch spring adjuster plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Eric D. Morris
  • Publication number: 20030061849
    Abstract: A motor-driving lock includes a lock bolt for mounting in a door and having a rotary core and a latch drivably connected with the core. An inner lock unit having a base for being attached to an inside of the door, having a transmission mechanism having a rotary shaft rotated by a drive device. An outer lock unit for being attached to an outside of the door and having an elongated rotor rotatably mounted in the outer lock unit and fittingly extending through the rotary core and the rotary shaft such that when the rotary shaft rotates, the rotary core rotates accordingly, thereby to motivate the latch to extend or retract. The drive device includes a motor for driving a worm via a group of gears. The worm is use for driving a furcated component to move linearly. The furcated component has a rack engaging with a driven gear which is secured with the rotary shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Tsun-Tsai Yeh