Patents Issued in April 22, 2003
  • Patent number: 6550217
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safeguarding device of a glass door serving functions of windshield, soundproofing and safety, in which a buffering member for providing a soft feeling with an elastic buffering member is assembled on an edge side of the glass door, and a weather strip is assembled on the frontal edge surface of the buffering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Im Heung-Bin
  • Patent number: 6550218
    Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. McClure, John H. Merritt, Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6550219
    Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine chassis and a sealing device supported on the machine chassis. The sealing device includes upper and lower movable members each carrying heat-sealing blades for performing heat-sealing operation of a package film enclosing an article to be packaged. A driving system is arranged in the machine chassis, including a power cylinder or a solenoid mechanically coupled to the upper and lower movable members by a linkage for reciprocally driving the upper and lower members between an open position where the members are separated from each other at a predetermined distance and a closed position where the heat-sealing blades engage each other. An adjustment device includes a screw rod threadingly engaging the machine chassis and a platform attached to an end of the screw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Benison & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Benker P. C. Liao
  • Patent number: 6550220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for diagnosing machines (10) for manufacturing products such as cigarettes (12) or cigarette packets (11), the products being examined for faults, and a signal indicating a faulty product being generated. The invention is based on the problem of improving the diagnosis. In order to solve this problem, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the fault-indicating signal (46) is evaluated for possible periodicity of faulty products (11, 12), and a possible periodicity is determined. For this purpose, the device according to the invention has an appropriately constructed control device (27a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Thomas Häfker, Hartmut Olbrich
  • Patent number: 6550221
    Abstract: Bundles of banknotes are directed singly and in succession along an infeed duct toward a station located at the top of a channel, where they are formed into a block; the channel functions as a guide along which the block is conveyed by means of a companion element, following a predetermined feed path, at the same time as a continuous strip of banding material is fed along a path transverse to this same path. The leading end of the strip is taken up and restrained by a gripper device, and as the block progresses along the channel, the strip is intercepted and forced to wrap around three faces of the block, assuming a U shape, whereupon the leading end is flattened against the remaining face and a further portion of the strip is drawn by a diverter mechanism into overlapping contact with the leading end. The strip is then cut by a knife, leaving a discrete length of which the ends are joined by a heat seal bit to form a band around the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Currency Systems International
    Inventor: Armando Neri
  • Patent number: 6550222
    Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Steven E. DeGrasse
  • Patent number: 6550223
    Abstract: Vacuum packaging methods and materials are claimed. The materials are fusible and can form a part of a heat seal closure for non-rigid and semi-rigid packages. The methods are suitable for packages containing materials generally, and are well suited for those containing granular materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Tempra Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Xiong, Cullen M. Sabin
  • Patent number: 6550224
    Abstract: A method for producing stand-up blister packages, and in particular a stable, easy-to-fill stand-up blister package that has no undercut of the blister dome, and can be produced with a high cycle number, without malfunctions and with a good, reproducible quality, in hot-seal machines. For this purpose, a fold line is produced through the heating of a linear region, independently of the heating during the process of sealing the blister edges with the carrier part. The apparatus has a corresponding heating station for heating and creating a fold line in the blister dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Adolf Illig Maschinenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ekkehard Kleinschmidt
  • Patent number: 6550225
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a bag having a bottom seal from a web of sealable sheet material which is formed into a tube (12) by sealing opposite longitudinal edge portions of the sheet material one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Molins Plc
    Inventors: Michael John Cahill, David Robert Seaward
  • Patent number: 6550226
    Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Gates Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Gates, Rod S. Gates
  • Patent number: 6550227
    Abstract: A device for and method of robotically crating objects, such as consumer goods, being capable of securing an upstanding enclosure to a recyclable pallet having structural uprights. The device conveys a pallet and enclosure assembly into a work station, installs a number of threaded fasteners into predetermined locations in the top and two adjacent sides of the assembly, rotates the assembly one-hundred eighty degrees, installs fasteners into the two remaining sides, rotates the assembly back to the initial position, and conveys the secured crate assembly out of the work station. The device includes the ability to detect the number of times a recyclable pallet has been used, and to adjust the exact locations of fasteners accordingly, thereby assuring that new fasteners are always installed into an unused fastener location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent J. Panzarella, Robb W. Roloff
  • Patent number: 6550228
    Abstract: A device for the controlled admission of a noxious powder into a box which includes a body having an open lower part that terminates in a sealing skirt. The body is connected to a powder inlet pipe and to a gas extraction pipe. A movable valve is disposed in the body. The valve is controlled by a magnetic device, and cooperates with the sealing skirt. A housing is fixed on the lower part of the body. The housing is open in its central part to allow the passage of the box therethrough and comprises a retractable device which ensures grip and transfer of the lid of the box. The device also includes means for detecting the quantity of powder in the box, and at least one ventilation circuit ensuring, at the level of the circumference of the opening of said housing and/or at the level of the sealing skirt, evacuation towards a treatment unit of that part of the powder which might be located at those levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine, Christian Orange
  • Patent number: 6550229
    Abstract: A device for sealing two plies of plastic film together generally includes an electrically conductive heating element and a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface, the cylinder being positioned in abutting relationship with the heating element and capable of rotating against the heating element, which is in fixed position, along a predetermined contact arc such that less than a complete circumference of the outer surface of the cylinder is in contact with the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Patent number: 6550230
    Abstract: A tandem spindle drum row unit arrangement includes a rotary knife offset ahead of the forward drum to sever plants. A feeder rotor with fingers projecting through grid bar structure gently directs plants laterally into a standing row prior to substantial engagement by the spindles on the forward drum. Feeder column rotational speed is synchronized with ground speed. The knife, having a common axis with the rotor, operates at a higher speed for an efficient cut. The feeder column includes curved fingers which project through vertically spaced bars on a guard assembly to positively separate the plant from the fingers. The feeder column and rotary knife are driven through separate slip clutches. A kicker wheel between the drums moves plant material rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Robert Fox
  • Patent number: 6550231
    Abstract: A harvesting machine such as a self-propelled pick-up chopper including a feeder housing having supplying elements and which can be transferred from a swiveled-in operating position about an axle into a swiveled-up maintenance position. In order to be able to transfer the feeder housing rapidly into the swiveled-up maintenance position, the feeder housing can be swung out of the way forward towards the ground in the driving direction about an essentially horizontal axle aligned transversely to the traveling direction of the machine. The supplying elements of the feeder housing can be driven over a drive shaft having a first portion which can be swiveled in the same direction with the feeder housing and a second portion different than the first portion which can be expanded and contracted telescope-like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Bernard Krone, Karl-Heinz Radke, Thomas Strobel, Dieter Berth
  • Patent number: 6550232
    Abstract: An energy line guide chain for running lines between a stationary and a movable connection, with jointed chain links of plastic, which define each a channel section extending in the direction of the energy line guide chain. Each chain link comprises opposite link plates extending in spaced relationship in a longitudinal direction of the energy line guide chain. The link plates are interconnected by at least one crosspiece. Each link plate comprises a joint body (6) and a joint receiver (7), which extend substantially crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the energy line guide chain. The joint body (6) of a link plate engages the joint receiver (7) of an adjacent link plate. Between the partially overlapping link plates of two adjacent chain links, a clearance is provided. The joint body (6) comprises two diametrically opposite outer surface areas (19). The joint receiver (7) has two diametrically opposite inner surface areas (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Raymond Achs, Herbert Wehler, Willibald Weber
  • Patent number: 6550233
    Abstract: Energy guiding chains serve to guide cables, hoses and the like from one connection point to another, at least one of the two connection points being movable, the energy guiding chain having a plurality of plastic chain links that are, or can be connected to one another in articulated fashion, each of which includes two side straps and two cross-members, where at least one of the cross-members is connected to the side straps in detachable fashion and a snap mechanism is provided, which interacts with a snap ridge provided on each end of the cross-member. In order to also make it possible for the snap mechanism to be easily released by hand, it is designed as an elastic hook, which is located in the center of the cross-member when the respective cross-member is mounted and protrudes beyond the outside surface of the cross-member, so that is accessible by hand. In the area in front of the hook, the outside surface of the cross-member has a grip extending from the snap ridge towards the center of the chain link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Blase
  • Patent number: 6550234
    Abstract: Integrated air-separation process and plant, including at least two air separation units (1, 101), an air compressor (13), which feeds a combustion chamber and at least one of the air separation units with compressed air, and at least one dedicated air compressor (21, 121) feeding one or both of the air separation units, so that, if both air separation units receive air from the compressor (13), the proportions of air coming from the air compressor are different in the case of the two air separation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Alain Guillard
  • Patent number: 6550235
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a pulse detonation system to create a temperature rise and a pressure rise within the engine to generate thrust from the engine. The system includes a pulse detonation augmentor including a shock tube sub-system. The shock tube sub-system includes a plurality of shock tubes which mix air and fuel introduced to the pulse detonation augmentor and detonate the mixture. The detonation creates hot combustion gases which are directed from the engine to produce thrust for the engine. Alternatively, the system includes a pulse detonation augmentation system that replaces a core engine of a turbo-fan engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James E. Johnson, Lawrence W. Dunbar, Lawrence Butler
  • Patent number: 6550236
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1), especially for a motor vehicle, is described, which has a three-way catalytic converter (12″) and a storage catalytic converter (12′) which can be loaded with and unloaded of nitrogen oxides. A diagnosis of the storage catalytic converter (12′) is carried out by a control apparatus (18) below a temperature at which the three-way catalytic converter (12″) does not yet operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Schnaibel, Andreas Koring, Holger Bellmann, Thomas Wahl, Andreas Blumenstock, Klaus Winkler, Frank Stanglmeier, Bernd Schumann
  • Patent number: 6550237
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for monitoring exhaust gas conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter during operation of an internal combustion engine coupled to the catalytic converter. The system includes an upstream exhaust gas sensor interposed the engine and the catalytic converter for generating a first signal based on the exhaust gas upstream of the converter. A downstream exhaust gas sensor is interposed the catalytic converter and atmosphere for generating a second signal based on the exhaust gas downstream of the converter. A phase shift detector is provided for estimating a phase shift between the first and second signals. A processor is provided for aligning the first and second signals such that the resulting phase shift between the first and second signals is substantially an integer multiple of &pgr; radians and for determining conversion efficiency of the catalytic converter based such phase aligned first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Adamczyk, Christian Thomas Goralski, Jr., Eva Thanasiu
  • Patent number: 6550238
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the emission of vaporized hydrocarbons in a fuel supply system. The apparatus comprises a filter for binding the hydrocarbons. A catalyst for oxidation of the hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water is provided downstream of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Renato Andorf, Thomas Birkhofer, Matthias Bohl, Norbert Markert, Werner Maunz, Ralf Moos, Carsten Plog, Thomas Stengel
  • Patent number: 6550239
    Abstract: A method for reducing harmful and toxic exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The engine includes at least one cylinder to which an air/fuel mixture is supplied when a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is rotated. The method includes supplying an air/fuel mixture with a lambda value greater than one to the cylinder, and controlling the pressure in the intake channel by an electric motor/generator coupled to the crankshaft. When the pressure in the intake channel exceeds a predetermined pressure, the electric motor/generator is controlled in such a way that the pressure in the intake channel can decrease, and when the pressure in the intake channel falls below a predetermined pressure, the electric motor/generator is controlled in such a way that the pressure in the intake channel can increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Göran Almkvist, Krister Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 6550240
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having multiple banks with separate catalysts is described. In particular, coordinate lean and rich operation between the banks is utilized. However, termination of rich operation may be different between the banks to prevent breakthrough of rich exhaust gasses due to lack of stored oxidants. In this situation, the bank that terminated rich operation is operated near stoichiometric. This minimizes breakthrough of emissions, while at the same time minimizing a torque imbalance between the cylinder banks. In particular, the torque imbalance can be further minimized by retarding ignition timing on the rich bank while the other operates near stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya V Kolmanovsky, Jing Sun
  • Patent number: 6550241
    Abstract: A fluid-operated circuit for setting the top dead center and the bottom dead center of the punch actuation cylinder in punching machines comprises a first copying distributor which distributes pressurized fluid, which has a spool at one end and can be connected in output to the upper section of the chamber in which the actuation cylinder slides and in input to a first pump for feeding low-pressure fluid and to at least one first fast-acting electric valve element; the spool can be pushed into position by contact by a corresponding setting element with continuous micrometric movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Euromac S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giorgio Ostini
  • Patent number: 6550242
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6550243
    Abstract: An improved compact design for a hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor mounted on a center section in a housing, wherein the pump and motor are mounted at generally right angles to one another, and the longitudinal axis of the input shaft is located between a first and second parallel planes located at respective ends of the motor shaft and the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft is located between a third and fourth parallel planes located at respective ends of the pump shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ray M. Hauser, Alan W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6550244
    Abstract: A mechanism for bypassing the flow of hydraulic fluid in a hydrostatic transmission comprised of a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication through a center section. The mechanism includes a bypass actuator rod that is moved from a first position to a second position to thereby move a plate into the hydraulic motor to lift the hydraulic motor off of the center section. The bypass actuator rod may has a generally flat surface and an opposite arcuate surface wherein the generally flat surface of the bypass actuator is positioned adjacent to the plate in the first position and the arcuate surface of the bypass actuator engages the plate in the second position. When the bypass actuator rod is in the first position the hydraulic motor is in substantial sealed engagement with the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 6550245
    Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic brake apparatus includes a brake member, a master cylinder generating brake hydraulic pressure, and a master piston movable in response to operation of the brake member. A closed chamber is defined by the master piston and a power piston is disposed behind the master piston. A power chamber is defined by the power piston rearwardly of the power piston. An auxiliary hydraulic pressure source generates power hydraulic pressure and a pressure regulating device regulates the output power hydraulic pressure and feeds it to the power chamber. A reaction force member is disposed in a front end portion of the power piston and is exposed towards the closed chamber. A retaining device maintains the reaction force member exposed towards the closed chamber, with the rearward reaction force of the master piston being transmitted to a front end portion of the power piston while bypassing the reaction force member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michiharu Nishii, Takashi Kurokawa, Satoshi Ishida, Masaki Oishi
  • Patent number: 6550246
    Abstract: A master cylinder assembly in which the casing defines an annular seal groove defining a forward bore portion forwardly of the annular groove and a rearward bore portion rearwardly of the annular groove. The front end of the piston in the retracted position of the piston is received in the forward bore portion to provide total bearing support for the piston and axial grooves are provided in the forward bore portion to allow recuperative fluid to flow from the associated reservoir and through the axial grooves to the forward bore portion forwardly of the retreating piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Automotive Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Barr, Tim M. Dangel, Paul M. Regula
  • Patent number: 6550247
    Abstract: A control for a turbocharger system in an internal combustion engine particularly useful for multiple parallel turbochargers having turbines with discrete step variable nozzles. In response to a need for adjustment the variable nozzles are adjusted sequentially, not simultaneously. Sequential adjustment of the turbines minimizes the impact of the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: John R. Gladden
  • Patent number: 6550248
    Abstract: A method for generation of electricity is disclosed in which solar heat energy is collected in a photochromic heat exchange medium which flows to a generating system which converts the flow energy of the medium to mechanical energy driving a generator to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce Sangster, James D. Bond
  • Patent number: 6550249
    Abstract: A condenser neck (1) comprises two level cover plates (2) and two side walls (3) located between them that are favorably shaped with respect to flow technology. The cover plates (2) and side walls (3) may be reinforced with ribs (4a,4b). A pipe (5) arranged between the cover plates (2) further reinforces the condenser neck (1). It would also be conceivable to provide openings (11) for bypass lines in the pipe (5) and/or in the side walls (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel Ponca, Vaclav Svoboda, Günter Schmalzbauer
  • Patent number: 6550250
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for reducing the content of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gases of diesel engines or turbines for stationary or mobile applications/vehicles in an SCR system by providing a stored source of liquid reducing agent and feeding the stored reducing agent to the exhaust gases, said process comprising transferring the liquid reducing agent from the external storage tank to a membrane storage tank equipped with an inner bellow consisting of a non-permeable flexible membrane, and a hydraulic or pneumatic displacement fluid located outside the inner bellow, filling the flexible inner bellow with liquid reducing agent and transferring the liquid reducing agent from the flexible inner bellow to the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Svend-Erik Mikkelsen, Per L. T. Gabrielsson
  • Patent number: 6550251
    Abstract: A swirl cup for a gas turbine engine combustor includes a tubular body having an inlet at one end for receiving a fuel injection nozzle, an outlet at an opposite end for discharging the fuel, and an annular septum therebetween. A row of first swirl vanes is attached to the septum adjacent the body inlet, and a row of second swirl vanes is attached to the septum adjacent the first swirl vanes and spaced upstream from the body outlet. Air from the first and second swirl vanes is swirled directly around the injected fuel without a flow barrier or venturi therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Stickles, John L. Halpin
  • Patent number: 6550252
    Abstract: A hydrotreated liquid contains volatile hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide. An inert gas, preferably nitrogen, is used to strip volatiles from the hydrotreated liquid. This stripper gas is then added to fuel gas fed to a combustion turbine, where combustibles in the fuel gas and stripper gas are combusted. The stripping is at a pressure sufficient to allow the stripper gas, now containing hydrocarbons and hydrogen, to be added to the combustion turbine fuel without additional compression. This process allows for efficient use of the stripped combustibles, and the nitrogen added to the fuel, gas provides increased power generation from the combustion turbine and reduces NOx emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Wallace, Kay A. Johnson, Alma I. Rodarte
  • Patent number: 6550253
    Abstract: In turbomachinery, first and second flowpaths coupled to stages of the compressor flow cooling medium at different temperatures and pressures to components of the turbine. An ejector is provided in the first flowpath for suctioning flow from the second flowpath and combining the two flows for delivery to a component of the turbine at a temperature and pressure intermediate the temperature and pressure of the first and second flows. A flow sensor, flow controller and throttling valve are interposed in the motive flowpath, the exit flowpath or the suction flowpath relative to the ejector for controlling the flow through the ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Paul Mortzheim, Ming Zhou, Paul Thomas Marks
  • Patent number: 6550254
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor including a casing and a stator assembly. The casing extends around the stator assembly, the stator assembly including a plurality of stator vanes, and a plurality of bleed scoops. Adjacent stator vanes define a static high-pressure region, the bleed scoops formed at least partially within the high pressure region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Proctor, Julius John Montgomery, Michael Jay Epstein, Roger Owen Barbe, Hai Buu Sam, James Bernar Ogzewalla, Andrew David Kemp, Bryan Keith Doloresco
  • Patent number: 6550255
    Abstract: An enclosure for a refrigerated space. The enclosure may include a thermosiphon and a Stirling cooler. The thermosiphon may include a condenser end and an evaporator end. The ends may be connected by a small diameter pipe and a large diameter pipe. The Stirling cooler may drive the thermosiphon to cool the refrigerated space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: The Coca-Cola Company, Global Cooling BV
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, David M. Berchowitz
  • Patent number: 6550256
    Abstract: As an alternative to the use of a mechanical backing pump in the application of wide range turbomolecular pumps in ultra-high and extra high vacuum applications, palladium oxide is used to convert hydrogen present in the evacuation stream and related volumes to water with the water then being cryo-pumped to a low pressure of below about 1.e−3 Torr at 150° K. Cryo-pumping is achieved using a low cost Kleemenco cycle cryocooler, a somewhat more expensive thermoelectric cooler, a Venturi cooler or a similar device to achieve the required minimization of hydrogen partial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Southeastern Universities Research Assn.
    Inventor: Ganapati Rao Myneni
  • Patent number: 6550257
    Abstract: An angled germicidal lamp is used to illuminate a coil and drain pan for optimum energy utilization. In one embodiment, a variable angled mount is used for positioning a germicidal lamp at a desired angle at the time of installation. In a second embodiment, a fixed angled mount is used for installation where the desired angle of mounting is known prior to installation. The angled germicidal lamp may be used with any coil installation, including flat, tilted and A-coils. For A-coil installations, a preformed delta plate is provided to ease installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: Heatcraft Inc., Dust Free, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Goetzinger, Robert E. Smith, Gregg Burnett
  • Patent number: 6550258
    Abstract: At or just prior to shut-down, or at least prior to a significant pressure equalization in a refrigeration system, a vessel containing pressurized oil or a pressurized oil-rich oil-refrigerant solution, possibly in combination with some refrigerant gas is isolated from the rest of the refrigeration system and is then maintained in a pressurized state while the refrigeration system is not operating. Preliminary to start up of the refrigeration system, the pressurized oil and refrigerant gas or oil-rich oil-refrigerant solution, is placed in fluid communication with bearings and any other components requiring pre-start lubrication. Pre-start lubrication then results as oil flows to bearings and possibly other components due to the pressure difference between the vessel containing oil and the regions to be lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Shoulders
  • Patent number: 6550259
    Abstract: A chiller includes a chilling compartment for receiving food products to be chilled and a chilling system for delivering chilled air to the chilling compartment during chilling operations. A controller effects operation of the chilling system and includes associated memory storing a plurality of food product data entries. Each food product data entry includes a food product name and at least one associated chilling operation setting for the food product. A user input device is associated with the controller. The controller is operable in conjunction with the user input device to permit a user to select a particular food product data entry such that the controller retrieves at least one chilling operation setting of the particular food product data entry for use in a subsequent chilling operation. The chiller may also include a label printing mechanism for printing chilling operation summary labels which can be applied to food product containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard W. Cartwright, Carl St-Laurent, David Charles Edelmann, Stephen R. Willoughby, John Joseph Everhart, Brett J. Beaty
  • Patent number: 6550260
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Wayne Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6550261
    Abstract: A low temperature storage cabinet wherein a heater is embedded in an opening frame structure of the cabinet to prevent the occurrence of dewfall on a surface of the frame structure to be brought into contact with a door hinged to the cabinet body, and wherein operation of a compressor is controlled in accordance with an inside temperature of the cabinet to maintain the inside temperature of the cabinet at a predetermined value. In the storage cabinet, the heater is activated synchronously in response to operation of the compressor and is activated in accordance with outside humidity or inside temperature of the cabinet during stopping of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hoshizakidenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Shima, Tomio Suyama, Toshiaki Hara
  • Patent number: 6550262
    Abstract: An expansion valve unit which prevents a temperature-sensing error from occurring due to transmission of a temperature lowered by the expansion of the refrigerant to a temperature-sensing chamber. An expansion valve unit is configured such that a high-pressure refrigerant guide groove is formed circumferentially in a body between a temperature-sensing chamber and a low-pressure refrigerant passage so as to guide a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the high-pressure refrigerant guide groove to a valve hole by way of a high-pressure refrigerant passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6550263
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip cooling system having a body that forms a cavity configured to create a spray chamber when conformingly adjoined to a chip, or to a substrate or printed circuit board carrying one or more chips. The cooling system uses thermal inkjet sprayers to spray the chip(s) in the spray chamber with cooling fluid. The cooling system includes a combined reservoir and condenser. Liquid and gaseous cooling fluid travel or are pumped from the spray chamber to the reservoir. A controller transmits a control signal to the sprayer to cause the sprayer to spray at a rate leading to the cooling fluid being vaporized by the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: HP Development Company L.L.P.
    Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Cullen E. Bash
  • Patent number: 6550264
    Abstract: A gravity-assisted water saving system, and a method for its use, that can be utilized to collect the condensate from an air conditioning system, sanitize it, and then divert it for constructive use. It has a chamber with an inclined bottom surface, a dimension slightly larger than a stack of several tablets used for sanitizing swimming pool water or bleach tablets used for laundry sanitizing purposes, a P-trap on its water inlet side that prevents corrosive fumes from entering the air conditioning system from which the condensate is derived, a removable cap sealing its top opening to prevent escape of corrosive fumes into the atmosphere, and an optional mounting bracket for enhanced stabilization. Inflow tubing connected to the chamber permits ready attachment of the present invention to an air conditioning condensate discharge pipe, while a discharge tube in an inferior position transports reclaimed water to its location of subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Patent number: 6550265
    Abstract: In an ejector cycle system, high-pressure side refrigerant is decompressed by an ejector in cooling operation for cooling a compartment, and is decompressed by a fixed restrictor in heating operation for heating the compartment. Therefore, in the heating operation, the pressure of refrigerant to be sucked into a compressor can be made lower, and the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor is increased. Alternatively, in the cooling operation, a flow direction of refrigerant flowing through at least one of an exterior heat exchanger and an interior heat exchanger is identical to that in the heating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Yasushi Yamanaka, Hiroshi Oshitani
  • Patent number: 6550266
    Abstract: A wall-mounted spool assembly connecting a water line to an icemaker. The icemaker connection is made by a flexible line which is dispensed by an automatically retracting spool. As the refrigerator is moved in and out, the spool dispenses and retracts sufficient line to maintain a stress-free connection to the icemaker. A shut-off valve is incorporated so that the user can shut off the water supply if the refrigerator must be disconnected. The device also included a fascia plate to give the whole a neat and finished appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis G. Miller