Patents Issued in June 3, 2003
  • Patent number: 6571544
    Abstract: A tractor having a cutting implement including an attached baffle is provided. The baffle assists as a shield to substantially reduce the amount of vegetation and other debris that may leave or escape the implement. Additionally, the baffle creates an area within the perimeter of the implement in which grass and other vegetation that is to be cut by the blades has an opportunity to straighten after being knocked down by the tractor's tire and prior to being cut by its blades. Accordingly, the baffle assists in maintaining the overall appearance of one's grounds after they have been cut and permits the implement to deliver an increased level of overall cutting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steven Henry Buss, Todd Lynn Smith
  • Patent number: 6571545
    Abstract: A device for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns which includes a splice box (11), equipped with lateral outlet edges (12, 13) and an upper lengthwise slot (30) through which the thread ends (14, 15) are introduced into the splice box (11) and into which it is possible to blow in pressurized air. The device includes means to open and close, at least partially, the lateral outlet edges (12, 13) so as to be able to carry out an initial introduction of at least one blast of compressed air into the splice box (11) when the lateral outlet edges (12, 13) are mostly closed, and a second introduction of at least one blast of compressed air into the splice box (11) when the lateral outlet edges (12, 13) are mostly or completely open. Besides, the present invention has, as its aim, a process for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Mesdan S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Premi
  • Patent number: 6571546
    Abstract: In a device for manufacturing covered yarn in which one or several threads (6) surround a yarn core in a helical fashion a rotating winding spindle is provided with a spool (5). The winding thread (6) is located on the spool (5). The winding spindle is surrounded by a stationary pot (8, 8a, 8b) that can be divided along a geneatrix, in particular in the axial direction of the pot (8, 8a, 8b). The parts of the pot (8, 8a, 8b) comprise a layer (30, 30a, 30b) that surrounds the spool (5) at least partially and is mechanically and/or thermally wear-resistant and/or exhibits low friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Temco Textilmaschinenkomponenten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hermann Pickel, Günter Oppl, Günther Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6571547
    Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerating-lubricating cursor ring that can be used in ring twisting machines, continuous ring spinning machines and double twisting machines. Said ring serves as a guide for a cursor (3) and comprises a cylindrical, hollow ring (1) made of a porous material, said ring being provided with chamber (6) into which an air-lubricant/refrigerant mixture is injected by pressure, thereby creating an air cushion between the ring (1) and the cursor (3) that prevents mutual friction, lubricates the contact area between said ring and cursor and cools them to prevent wear and heating of the ring (1) and cursor (3) at high speeds. This makes it possible to significantly increase the working speed of the rings in twisting and continuous spinning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jordi Galan I Llongueras
  • Patent number: 6571548
    Abstract: A heat recovery method and system that extracts heat from the exhaust of a gas turbine unit in a waste heat, heat exchanger and transfers the heat to an intermediate fluid, which can be pressurized water. The intermediate fluid in-turn transfers the heat to an organic working fluid resulting in the vaporization thereof. The vaporized organic working fluid drives a series of turbines which in turn drive a generator that generates electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Lucien Y. Bronicki, Nadav Amir, Uri Kaplan, Danny Batscha
  • Patent number: 6571549
    Abstract: A jet noise suppressor is disclosed. The jet noise suppressor includes first and second high frequency pulse injection units located exteriorly of the turbine engine exhaust nozzle. The pulse injection units are located oppositely, diametrically across the exhaust nozzle. The pulse injection units include a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with an injector nozzle. High pressure gas is supplied to the resonance tubes. A second source of high pressure gas includes a switch for supplying an alternating flow of high pressure gas to the injector nozzles. The combination of the high frequency pulses emitted from the injection units with the alternating low frequency, high amplitude mode of injection across the exhaust nozzle, provides a dramatic reduction of noise as well as exhaust temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Michael J. Stanek
  • Patent number: 6571550
    Abstract: For a three-way catalytic converter system with a preliminary catalytic converter, a main catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor with a constant characteristic curve disposed between the two catalytic converters, a method for resetting the oxygen concentration in the preliminary catalytic converter and the main catalytic converter in the event of a transition from lean-burn operation to stoichiometric operation includes exposing both catalytic converters to a rich mix until the desired oxygen concentrations have been reached. In the process, the constant measurement signal from the oxygen sensor and the measurement signal from an air mass flow meter are used to calculate the quantity of oxygen that is released to the exhaust gas from the main catalytic converter, in order to end rich-burn operation when a predetermined desired value is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Rösel, Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 6571551
    Abstract: A device for use with a lean-burning internal combustion engine is disclosed. The device is comprised of a means for generating an air/fuel mixture for the cylinders of the engine in order to provide at least stratified and homogenous operation, an exhaust system connected to the engine, and an NOX-adsorbing catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust system. The device additionally has a heat exchanger that is fitted upstream of the catalytic converter, wherein the heat exchanger is used to adapt the temperature of the exhaust gas from the engine to an operating state of the catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventors: Staffan Lundgren, Jacob Claesson, Maria Hansson, Lars Sandberg, Mikael Larsson
  • Patent number: 6571552
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recovery system for an internal combustion engine recovers the high heat energy generated by an exhaust gas clarification catalytic converter intermediately disposed in the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine as electrical energy without causing an increase in exhaust gas resistance. A stack device in a heat-driven type sound wave generating portion is provided at a one end of a resonance pipe. The resonance pipe is disposed adjacently to an exhaust gas clarification catalytic converter intermediately disposed in the exhaust system. A first end portion of the stack is heated by the heat generated by the catalytic converter, thereby providing the stack with a temperature gradient. A transducer for converting a sound wave generated by the sound wave generating portion attendant on the temperature gradient into electrical energy is provided at the other end portion of the resonance pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Ban, Akio Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 6571553
    Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement for operating a winch with an adjustable hydraulic motor in the easing, hoisting and mooring modes. The arrangement comprises a pilot controller with a control lever which can be actuated as desired and can be deflected from a neutral position in opposite directions over a specific easing angle range and over a specific hoisting angle range. Previously, for the mooring mode, the control lever was blocked at a desired point in the hoisting angle range. The control lever, as viewed from the neutral position, can be deflected over a mooring angle range on the other side of the hoisting angle range, with increasing deflection of the control lever in the mooring angle range, the hydraulic motor being adjusted in the direction of a greater absorption volume and therefore in the direction of a greater torque and increased tension on the hawser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Heinz Habermann, Wilhelm Kastel
  • Patent number: 6571554
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a fluid motor and a variable displacement fluid pump in fluid communication with the fluid motor and having a first and a second, much greater, fluid displacement rate. The pump is mounted on a block having a cylindrical surface, a passage through which fluid flows from the pump to the motor, and a fluid bleed hole extending from the passage to the cylindrical surface. The passage and a sump external to the pump are in fluid communication through the bleed hole and the void of an annular element disposed about and in sliding contact with the cylindrical surface when the pump is operating at its first rate and the annular element is in a first position. The bleed hole and the sump are substantially out of fluid communication when the pump is operating at its second rate and the annular element is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Kevin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6571555
    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). All 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: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6571556
    Abstract: A fluid injection port 10 is formed in the upper portion of a reservoir 5 at the front side of a vehicle. A first union hole 13 and a second union hole 14 are formed in a bottom wall 6g, and a level detector 15 is provided in a fluid chamber 4. The fluid chamber 4 is divided by partition walls 6i and 6j into a first fluid chamber 4a, a second fluid chamber 4b and a third fluid chamber 4c. The fluid injection port 10 communicates with the first fluid chamber 4a, the first union hole 13 communicates with both the first and the second fluid chambers 4a and 4b, and the second union hole 14 and the level detector 15 are placed in the third fluid chamber 4c. The second fluid chamber 4b and the third fluid chamber 4c communicate with each other via an opening 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Shinohara, Kazuhiro Kosugi
  • Patent number: 6571557
    Abstract: The engine head is provided with a compressor blade assembly in each intake port of each cylinder to compress the air introduced into the cylinder in order to supercharge the engine. A similar turbine blade assembly is provided in each exhaust port and is connected via a transmission to an adjacent compresssor blade assembly to drive the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventor: Steven L. DiMarco
  • Patent number: 6571558
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbine arranged in an exhaust gas line, and a compressor arranged in an in-take duct and connected to the turbine by way of a shaft, the compressor includes a compressor wheel forming at the same time a rotor of an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Daimler Chrysler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Finger, Peter Fledersbacher, Paul Löffler, Siegfried Sumser, Friedrich Wirbeleit
  • Patent number: 6571559
    Abstract: A fuel-air mixer for a gas turbine engine combustor having a primary swirler and a venturi that effectively reduces carboning via purge air. Purge air flows axially through the fuel-air mixer forming a boundary layer of air on the inner surface of the venturi. The boundary layer of air minimizes the amount of fuel contacting the inner surface of the venturi resulting in reduced carbon resin or coke formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas M. Fortuna, William T. Houchens, Gary L. Leonard, Phillip D. Napoli, Paul E. Sabla, Douglas G. Shafer, Jack W. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6571560
    Abstract: A ceramic member support structure for a gas turbine supports ceramic members so that the ceramic members may not be easily damaged and damage to one of the ceramic members may not affect the rest of the ceramic members easily. Ceramic members (26, 27) of a gas turbine with which a combustion gas comes into contact are supported on housings (14, 14A) by metallic support members (28, 29, 41). The ceramic members (26, 27) are connected to the support members (29, 41) by elastic members (32, 42) so as to be movable relative to the support members (29, 41). The difference in thermal expansion between the ceramic members (26, 27) and the metallic support members (28, 29, 41) is absorbed by the elastic members (32, 42) and hence the ceramic members (26, 27) are not damaged easily. Since the ceramic members (26, 27) are supported by the metallic support members (28, 29, 41), damage to one of the ceramic members does not influence easily on the other ceramic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Tatsumi, Yoshihiro Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6571561
    Abstract: A process for generating electricity in which a gas/liquid mixture is compressed in a compressor, partially purified in an accumulator/separator, partially purified in a coalescent filter, subjected to pressure regulation, and then fed to a microturbine. The microturbine produces a direct current which is used to drive a direct current motor which, in turn, drives a generator which produces alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Giovanni Aquino, Ewan Choroszylow, Howard J. Greenwald
  • Patent number: 6571562
    Abstract: For regulating engine exhaust and for environmental reasons, aircraft users are restricted from expelling engine fluids from engines onto airport ramps. All such fluid must be collected and subsequently burned or properly disposed of. The present invention installs witness drain valves in the drain lines between seal cavities and environmental collector tank. The witness drain valves have a small reservoir that will retain a known volume of fluid. As fluid passes from a leaking seal to the collector tank, a small sample is captured in the witness drain valve. Once the witness drain valve reservoir is full, the leaking fluid then flows on to a collector tank, which is also provided. During regular engine maintenance, technicians push on a spring loaded drain valve located on the witness drain valve reservoir. If fluid is detected, the seal is beginning to leak, and corrective maintenance may be scheduled while the leak rate is still within operational limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6571563
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a housing and an axially extending shaft journaled to the housing by two axially spaced apart bearings. The bearings are located along the shaft so as to define an overhung shaft portion. A rotating component such as a turbine wheel or compressor wheel is mounted on the overhung shaft portion and is concentric about the centerline (50) of the engine. An annular shroud (40) that is part of the housing is disposed about the rotating component, the annular shroud (40) being concentric about a centerline (60) radially offset from the engine (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Yim, Robert A. Nims, Mike Masoudipour
  • Patent number: 6571564
    Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to a warmer and cooler for a container that is programmably timed to engage a heating and/or cooling unit. The invention may be adapted for use with a baby bottle to facilitate nighttime feedings by programming when the unit should be turned on to heat the bottle or cool the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Shashank Upadhye, Shilpa Upadhye
  • Patent number: 6571565
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a pair of heat exchangers, a hermetic compressor assembly having a compressor housing containing refrigerant fluid, fluid conveying lines and a flow restriction device forming a working refrigerant system, an evacuation volume having one of a first, substantially evacuated state and a second, fluid-containing state, a control valve located between the working refrigeration system and the evacuation volume and having an initial, closed position and an open position, and at least one refrigerant gas detector located externally of the working refrigeration system and in communication with the control valve. The evacuation volume is fluidly isolated from the working refrigeration system in the valve closed position and in fluid communication with the working refrigeration system in the valve open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Todd W. Herrick, Rick L. Bunch
  • Patent number: 6571566
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system includes the steps of establishing a relationship between at least one selected system operating parameter and refrigerant charge level, independent of ambient temperature conditions; measuring the selected parameter(s) while the system is in operation; and using the established relationship and the measured parameter(s) to determine the refrigerant charge level. In one embodiment of the invention, both condenser subcooling and evaporator superheat parameters are measured and the predetermined relationship between charge level and each of these parameters is used to determine the actual refrigerant charge level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Temple, Oved W. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6571567
    Abstract: A refrigerator ice-making apparatus that prevents or reduces interference between a water supply pipe and an ice-making vessel. The rotational axis of a motor driven ice-making vessel is controlled such that contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel, which is below the water supply pipe, is prevented or reduced. The rotational axis is either offset from the center of the ice-making vessel or varies by contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Si Yeon An, Da Un Jang
  • Patent number: 6571568
    Abstract: A portable cooling or heating system suitable for use on vehicle such as a car, plane or boat, that does not have its own air conditioning system. The system is intended to be combined with a portable cooler chest and includes an electric fan unit that can be powered from the power supply on a vehicle. The cooling is provided by ice and the like. The system can also be used to heat a confined space by placing a hot material in the chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: John Link
  • Patent number: 6571569
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer. The subject invention can be utilized to transfer heat from a heat source to a coolant such that the transferred heat can be effectively transported to another location. Examples of heat sources from which heat can be transferred from include, for example, fluids and surfaces. The coolant to which the heat is transferred can be sprayed onto a surface which is in thermal contact with the heat source, such that the coolant sprayed onto the surface in thermal contact with the heat absorbs heat from the surface and carries the absorbed heat away as the coolant leaves the surface. The surface can be, for example, the surface of an interface plate in thermal contact with the heat source or a surface integral with the heat source. The coolant sprayed onto the surface can initially be a liquid and remain a liquid after absorbing the heat, or can in part or in whole be converted to a gas or vapor after absorbing the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rini Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Rini, H. Randolph Anderson, Jayanta Sankar Kapat, Louis Chow
  • Patent number: 6571570
    Abstract: A refrigeration device is provided having an air pressurizing device and a shroud enclosing the air pressurizing device and defining a first air flow path for an air flow generated by the air pressurizing device. The air pressurizing device and the shroud are positioned in a front side of the room air conditioner. A back side of the air conditioner includes air outlets communicating with an exterior of the air conditioner. A second air flow path extends between the first air flow path and the air outlets. A slider member is positioned in the second air flow path such that in a first position the second air flow path is closed to prevent communication between the first air flow path and the air outlets and in a second position of the slider member, the second air flow path is open to allow communication between the first air flow path and the air outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Brian J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6571571
    Abstract: Box for refrigeration unit, the box being formed from a moulded, hollow walled, plastics shell. The walls of the shell are filled with an insulating material. Some components of a refrigeration unit, including an evaporator, are provided within the box, other components, including a compressor, are provided outside the shell. The box can be used as a plug box for a refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Foster Refrigerator (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Chris Playford
  • Patent number: 6571572
    Abstract: A single package wall mounted HVAC unit comprising a cabinet assembly including a primary cabinet subassembly, a back panel subassembly adapted to close the open back of the back panel subassembly, and cabinet connection means for removably attaching the primary cabinet subassembly to the back panel subassembly so that the back panel subassembly can be attached to the wall of a structure and then the primary cabinet subassembly can be positioned on and attached to the back panel subassembly. Also disclosed is a blower mounting arrangement for selectively mounting the air circulation blower within the cabinet subassembly in different positions to attenuate the blower noise transmitted to the conditioned space. An interlock is disclosed for the control box to prevent the control box cover from being removed without disconnecting the HVAC unit from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Crispaire, a division of Airxcel, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelton P. Hobbs, Paul F. Fay
  • Patent number: 6571573
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a pneumatic ice transport system having a primary ice reservoir and a blower connected to a venturi. The ice reservoir includes an ice dispensing mechanism for dispensing of ice there from into an ice flow tube. The venturi suction intake is connected by a tube to the discharge end of the ice chute. The outlet of the venturi is connected to a tube for directing the ice to a remote location. In operation, the blower provides a large volume of relatively low pressure air to the venturi. A heat exchanger can be connected between the outlet of the blower and the air inlet of the venturi. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger uses forced air and melt water from the primary storage bin to cool the air stream produced by the blower. The heat exchanger serves to lower the temperature of that air to at or below ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Henry
  • Patent number: 6571574
    Abstract: A portable air chiller for providing air conditioning in a variety of environmental circumstances. The portable air chiller includes an insulated container capable of effectively containing a endothermic substrate, an in-flow vent and out-flow vent positioned to communicate air flow from the exterior of the container to the interior of the container. A fan located in the out flow vent facilitates conditioned air movement out of the interior of the portable air chiller. The interior of the portable air chiller houses a endothermic substrate holder which practically traverses the length and width of the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ralf W. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 6571575
    Abstract: In an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant of the present invention, an inner diameter of a liquid-side connecting pipe is reduced to less than 42.5% of that of a gas-side connecting pipe. By reducing the inner diameter of the pipe in which a liquid refrigerant of the air conditioner is reduced, it is possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant to be charged into the system without decreasing the capacity and the efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Fujitaka, Yoshinori Kobayashi, Riko Tachigori
  • Patent number: 6571576
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for injecting a liquid/vapor into compression chambers at an intermediate pressure utilizes the economizer injection ports already found in the compressor. By selectively communicating a liquid to be injected into the compression chambers to the economizer return line, the economizer return line and its ports are utilized for this liquid/vapor injection. In this way, no additional flow connections at the compressor are necessary. Moreover, by injecting the liquid at an intermediate pressure point, the other benefits are provided. In general, the liquid is injected to reduce the discharge temperature of the refrigerant under certain operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, James W. Bush, Michael F. Taras, Howard H. Fraser, Jr., Russell G. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6571577
    Abstract: A bracelet includes at least one electronic display unit. Each display unit has a display having a plurality of display elements arranged in a sequence lying along the length of the bracelet and/or arranged in a sequence lying substantially around the perimeter of the display. The bracelet has a control circuit to control the display elements so that the characters displayed by the display elements appear to move along the sequence of display elements with time. In the alternative, the characters appear to move along a discrete face which is provided along the bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Philip J. Radley-Smith
  • Patent number: 6571578
    Abstract: A reversible ornamental article of jewelry having a plurality of ornamental links hinge ably secured to one another to form a flexible strand of jewelry, which can be in the form of a necklace or bracelet. The geometric configurations of the links in one planar surface differ from one another and also differ from one another in the opposite or reverse planar surface so that the jewelry article can be worn to display the ornamental geometric configurations in either planar surface. A pin or other connecting device passing through each link attaches the links to one another. This secures the links together to allow the jewelry article to be both flexible and reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Hasan Akyol
  • Patent number: 6571579
    Abstract: An improved earring stabilizer that provides additional support, improved stability and added comfort to a wearer of earrings. The earring stabilizer is used to contact an earring wearer's ear and prevent the earrings from sagging on the ear of the wearer. More particularly, the earring stabilizer of the present invention consist of two extension bars and an earring stabilizer that may be cast, stamped, wire formed or manufactured to be a single, uniform article. Alternatively, the earring stabilizer may be secured to an earring retaining means through the use of a mount, by solder, or other attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rissin's Solutions, LLC.
    Inventor: Joseph B. Rissin
  • Patent number: 6571580
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a limited volume insert fused within a vial and the process for forming the same. The insert has a conical body, which tapers to a closed bottom, and an open top with a flange around the periphery thereof. The vial may be of the type where screw threads are located on the outer side of the neck of the vial, a reduced neck vial so that a cap may be snapped onto the vial, or a vial with a cap that is crimped onto the vial. The insert is placed within the vial so that the flange rests on the top of the open end of the vial. The flange and the top of the vial are then heated so that the flange reaches a molten state and the top of the vial reaches a submolten state. A tool is used to apply pressure to the now molten flange so that the flange will fuse to the vial. The tool is then removed and the insert is bonded to the vial without interfering with the placement or removal of a cap on the vial. Therefore, the insert may be emptied easily before the vial is disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Q.I.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Lodge
  • Patent number: 6571581
    Abstract: An extrusion system for producing a desired extrusion profile on a continuously moving work piece has a die containing two or more pressurized fluid extrusion cells therein, through which the work piece passes. Fluid under pressure id directed against the work piece to shape it without physical contact between the die and the work piece. The individual extrusion cells are configured to produce the desired profile, which is monitored by a non-contact metering member which applies signals to a processing unit which, in turn, applies correction signals to a pressured fluid supply module to control the pressurized fluid supply to each of the extrusion cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventor: Peter Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 6571582
    Abstract: The use of silica powders having large particle sizes in making sol-gel silica bodies has been found to have important advantages. Among these are higher gel strength, higher silica loading, more rapid aging and drying of the gel, a reduction in the amount of organic additives leading to reduced process time required for organic burn-off, and easier removal of contaminant particles due to their larger size. It was also discovered that spherical particle morphology contributes to the improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventors: Suhas Bhandarkar, Yoram De Hazan, John Burnette MacChesney, Thomas Edward Stockert
  • Patent number: 6571583
    Abstract: A device draws an optical fiber from one end of a preform melted by a furnace, an optical sensor being disposed a the exit from the furnace to measure the diameter of the optical fiber for the purpose of adjusting the tension with which the optical fiber is drawn. The sensor is surrounded by a mask in two parts joined at two pairs of edges to form a dark chamber through which the optical fiber passes. The mask protects the optical sensor from radiation from ambient light sources, especially rays emitted by the furnace, which cause localized measurement artifacts. It improves the accuracy of measurement of the diameter of the optical fiber leading, by eliminating artifacts, to a reduction in the number of times the optical fiber is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Laurent Maurin
  • Patent number: 6571584
    Abstract: When binding off loops are formed in the process of a binding off process, intermediate wale loops, which are formed with the needles located between downstream wale loops and upstream wale loops of the binding off loops, are formed with the number of courses twice as much as wale loops between the downstream wale loops and those between the upstream wale loops. This can provide the result that when a force acts on the knitted fabric, the yarn is drawn out from the intermediate wale loops to enlarge the downstream wale loops and the upstream wale loops. This can allow the bound off part of the knitted fabric to have an excellent stretchability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasutaka Okayama
  • Patent number: 6571585
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for treating garments and fabrics in a dry or wetted state or in an aqueous liquid. The apparatus has an apertured rotating barrel which hold the garments or fabric. A microprocess in association with a plurality of valves selectively admits oxidizing gas, or, steam and liquid into the barrel to desize and/or discolor the garments or fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Eric Wasinger
  • Patent number: 6571586
    Abstract: A portable wringer 11 for a chamois leather comprises a support structure 12, and a pair of rollers 13,14 driven by a crank handle 15. The support structure 12 carries a suction device 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Ritson, Maurice Willis, Ronald Hickman
  • Patent number: 6571587
    Abstract: Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some preferred embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to produce smooth and controlled lock bolt camming action with little to no jarring motion. In order to significantly reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost, some or all of the power transmission assembly can be assembled prior to installation in the lock assembly frame. More preferably, some or all of the power transmission assembly is integrally formed. Preferably, part or all of the lock assembly can be assembled without turning, flipping, or otherwise re-orienting the lock assembly during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Larry R. Grimmer, Russell J. Winberg, Michael Malich, Michael P. Baker, Cynthia M. Brey, Brian M. Keller
  • Patent number: 6571588
    Abstract: A security nut and key assembly including an integral lock provided for quick release of a wheel on a bicycle frame or the like while providing anti-theft means adaptable to be programmed so that no two locks will have the same release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Po W. Yuen
  • Patent number: 6571589
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bending machine that enables an angle measuring instrument to be compactly built into a mold for accurate processing. The present invention also provides an operation method besed on learning control which achieves accurate bending with this bending machine taking spring back into consideration. A bending machine carries out bending using lineraly extending an upper die 4 and a lower die 2, the upper die 4 having a built-in angle measuring instrument 9. The angle measuring instrument 9 is composed of a corner contacting member 12 with links and an inductive linear position detector 13 for measuring displacement of the corner contacting member 12. In operation for learning, the position of and a load on the upper die 4 and a bend angle are measured during a bending process and a bend angle after spring back is subsequently measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignees: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha, Amiteq Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunitsu Ito, Atsutoshi Goto
  • Patent number: 6571590
    Abstract: The invention related to a method for producing a rim for a pneumatic tire. A rim base with a rear rim flange is produced from a ring-shaped blank by exerting pressure. Said rim base is then connected to a bowl of a rim at the side thereof facing away from the rear rim flange. In order to produce said rim base, the blank is inserted into a compression mould which is embodied as a cavity and is pressed against the at least partially contoured interior of the compression mould by means of at least one compression roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: WF-Maschinenbau und Blechformtecknik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Friese
  • Patent number: 6571591
    Abstract: A wire feeder (300) includes a cross table (302) placed to be movable in the back-and-forth direction along a wire feed direction (D), and upper and lower tables (304, 305) which can move in the up-and-down direction along a direction perpendicular to the wire feed direction with respect to the cross table (302). Feed rollers (320, 321) for feeding a wire are rotatably mounted on the upper and lower tables (304, 305). A wire guide (330) integrally formed from upstream to downstream along the wire feed direction (D) with respect to the feed rollers (320, 321) is placed, together with the feed rollers (320, 321), on a wire axis extending from the cross table 302 to the upper and lower tables (304, 305) to be movable in the back-and-forth direction and up-and-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Itaya Seisaku Shu
    Inventor: Ichiro Itaya
  • Patent number: 6571592
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a rolling mill in which the supporting means are arranged in the middle region of the roll body of the working roll with their length(s) not longer than that of the roll body of the working roll. The supporting means supports or abuts against the middle and lateral roll supports at their central region in the axial direction during the operation of the rolling mill so as to provide central support to the roll supports. As a result, the middle and lateral roll supports and hence the rolls will not deflect or bend under the action of rolling force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Hongzhuan Zheng, Linzhen Zhao
  • Patent number: 6571593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous shear deformation device, in particular, which is capable of mass-producing shear deformed materials by continuously supplying a sharply bent channel type mold with materials, particularly, which have a variety of thickness from thin sheet to thick plate. The continuous shear deformation device in accordance with the present invention includes a sharply bent channel type mold and a rotary guide apparatus installed at the inlet of the mold for guiding materials into the mold by frictional contact with the materials. In addition, the present invention can additionally include a rotary guide for exiting the shear-deformed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Young-Hoon Chung, Jong-Woo Park, In-Ge Moon, Myung-Chul Shin