Patents Issued in July 1, 2003
  • Patent number: 6584998
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide automatic regulation of flow of fluid from a source where it is stored as liquified gas. The apparatus includes a flow control valve connected in a conduit connecting the source in flow communication to a vaporizer. The apparatus also includes a valve controller operable to regulate the flow of fluid in liquid phase at least partially through the valve. The controller derives the energy to operate the valve and the controller from the fluid when the fluid is in its gas phase. The vaporizer can be used to warm the fluid passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: David V. Milner
  • Patent number: 6584999
    Abstract: A fluid pressure controller has an air supply valve plug displaceable under an action of pilot pressure of a pilot chamber. When the air supply valve plug is seated on a seat section, fluid communication between a supply port and a regulator port is interrupted. Further, the fluid pressure controller has a solenoid valve. When electric power supply to the solenoid valve is interrupted, the solenoid valve is opened to generate pilot pressure applied to the air supply valve plug by the original pressure of pressurized fluid introduced from the pressurized fluid supply source to the supply port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Inayama, Tohru Inohara
  • Patent number: 6585000
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for releasing pressure from a system, which pressure relief valve typically includes a valve housing provided on a pressure relief conduit which receives pressure from the system. A valve opening establishes communication between the valve housing and the pressure relief conduit, and a substantially arcuate valve body is pivotally mounted in the valve housing for sealingly and slidably engaging the valve opening. Accordingly, the valve body is capable of pivoting between a first position to close the pressure relief conduit and a second position to open the pressure relief conduit as the valve body slidably traverses the valve opening. A bias mechanism biases the valve body in the closed position in such a manner that the valve body pivots from the closed position to the open position against the bias mechanism and opens the pressure relief conduit, responsive to a threshold pressure of the pressurized fluid impinging against the valve body in the pressure relief conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Lydell Radford
  • Patent number: 6585001
    Abstract: A three piece, sliding ring valve for use in a plasticating screw and barrel arrangement has an extended life. The sliding ring has apertures for passing molten resin therethrough. The sliding ring also has annular contact surfaces for spreading the force driving the screw, thereby decreasing the pressure between the sliding ring and the valve retainer. The result is less valve wear and longer life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Spirex Corporation
    Inventor: Joeo M. Gatti
  • Patent number: 6585002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic transmissions of land motor vehicles. Specifically, the present invention relates to pressure regulation in the system of automatic transmissions of land motor vehicles. The present invention is a pressure regulator valve that limits TV pressure. This valve is meant to replace the original equipment valve in the same casing the said original valve sat. The pressure regulator valve is slightly oversized and the kit has an o-ring equipped end plug to more positively seal the valve bore and prevent pressure loss, known in the industry as EPC/TV pressure. Furthermore, the valve has annular grooves added to prevent side loading by properly centering the valve in a bore. The pressure regulator valve comprises a steel ball and a spring combination with a gel like substance being added to prevent high wear and tear of the entire valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Maura Jane Stafford
  • Patent number: 6585003
    Abstract: A rising stem plug valve has a valve body housing that receives a plug. A handle assembly is attached to the plug for rotational movement of the plug between operative positions. A control assembly is attached to the plug for unseating and seating of the plug within the valve body. The plug includes at least one plug portion having openings corresponding to an interior configuration. Ring cords substantially surround the openings in the plug to create a seal therearound. The plug may include upper and lower plug portions with an untapered portion located between them. An O-ring is located on the untapered portion of the plug to maintain separation between the upper and lower plug portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A Steiner, Ricky L Jackson, Michael S. O'Connell, Lawrence R Zemcik
  • Patent number: 6585004
    Abstract: Disclosed is system for controlling a dynamic hydraulic component, such as a hydraulic actuator or motor. The system allows for either zero, restricted or full fluid flow to the hydraulic component. This enables either no movement, slow, precise movements, or rapid, major movements of the component. The functionality of the system is accomplished using a multi-pilot system acting on a spool valve that has a pilot piston and at least one stop piston. The stop piston(s) can move to limit the movement of the pilot piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Don B. Porter
  • Patent number: 6585005
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a tide gate valve having an internal cavity, wherein the support mechanism includes a support body receivable in the tide gate valve cavity to help prevent the tide gate valve from collapsing in on itself when subjected to backflow pressure. The support mechanism is positioned adjacent to a pipe end and can take the shape of a ring having legs or flanges, a cage, a partial or more than partial cone, or other suitable shape. Moreover, arms can extend from the ring to provide further support and orifices can be added to the support mechanism to increase or decrease flow characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Red Valve Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Spiros G. Raftis, Michael J. Duer
  • Patent number: 6585006
    Abstract: A papermaker's fabric includes a base fabric structure including machine direction yarns and primary cross machine direction yarns interlacing to form a papermaking surface, wherein the machine direction yarns and primary cross machine direction yarns are interlaced in a pattern having a harness repeat of greater than two. The fabric also includes first and second companion cross machine direction yarns positioned between each pair of adjacent primary cross machine direction yarns. Each first companion cross machine direction yarn has an interlacing pattern relative to the machine direction yarns that is identical to a first of the pair of adjacent primary cross machine direction yarns, and each second companion cross machine direction yarn has an interlacing pattern relative to the machine direction yarns that is identical to a second of the pair of adjacent primary cross machine direction yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Weavexx Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Wilson, Brian Herbert Pike Troughton
  • Patent number: 6585007
    Abstract: Refilling of a used liquid container of a liquid ejector such as an ink-jet apparatus is carried out by sequentially performing the steps of drawing out liquid remaining in the liquid container by way of a liquid outlet port of the liquid container, reducing the inner pressure of the evacuated liquid container by way of the liquid outlet port, and filling liquid from a liquid supply tank into the liquid container by way of the liquid outlet port. The liquid drawn out from the liquid container is fed back into the liquid supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Kubokawa
  • Patent number: 6585008
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 6585009
    Abstract: A system for periodically maintaining non-fuel fluids required for proper performance by various apparatus and for reporting non-fuel fluid maintenance action taken. Maintenance systems include means for replacing, replenishing or renewing non-fuel fluids or renewing non-fuel fluid filters. Reporting systems include means for communicating information between on- and off-apparatus sub-systems and for generating reports that document non-fuel fluid maintenance actions taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Matthews, L. William Silzie, John R. Martin, Albert L. Ruff, Gary E. Gerber, Frederick P. Boyle
  • Patent number: 6585010
    Abstract: A precision fine powder dispersing supply apparatus includes a fine powder storage vessel, a minute amount supply feeder, a supply device for supplying fine powder in the storage vessel to the minute amount supply feeder, and a discharging device for discharging the fine powder from the minute amount supply feeder to the subsequent process. It is preferable to dispose a heat unit to the transportation path of the fine powder discharged from the minute amount supply feeder. Further, it is preferable to dispose fine particle sensors to the minute amount supply feeder to confirm the feed operation of the fine powder. With this arrangement, the precision fine powder dispersing supply apparatus can stably supply the fine powder in a dispersed state in an ultra minute amount with pinpoint accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nisshin Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takahashi, Shuji Shinkai, Junichiro Hisazumi, Hiromitsu Suzuki, Hiroshi Murata
  • Patent number: 6585011
    Abstract: Systems and sub-systems for supplying squeegee buckets with automobile windshield washer fluid. Some systems include a fluid containing reservoir elevated above the squeegee buckets so as to gravity feed the buckets. One system includes a fluid quantity sensor coupled to a squeegee bucket for indicating a predetermined low fluid quantity in the squeegee bucket, calling for the addition of fluid. The fluid quantity sensor can be coupled directly or indirectly to a controllable fluid supply source to add fluid into the squeegee bucket interior. Some systems have continuous or analog fluid quantity sensor outputs while other systems have discreet fluid quantity sensors indicating that a low limit has been reached. Some systems utilize level sensors while other systems utilize weight sensors. One system includes a level sensor in the form of a float adapted to trigger an electrical switch upon reaching a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willeke, Jr., Dale A. Severson, Jeffery M. Eliason, Scott Meyerson
  • Patent number: 6585012
    Abstract: A device and method for retaining pigment-conducting tubes in a paint mixing machine includes a nozzle having an array of holes to accommodate the pigment-conducting tubes and a pair of lock plates, attachable to the nozzle and each having a like array of apertures, as well as offset screw holes. When the lock plates are attached to the nozzle and the screw holes are aligned, the apertures are offset, causing deformation of the pigment-conducting tubes, which deformation serves to retain the pigment tubes in the nozzle. A paint mixing machine having pigment reservoirs and valves for controlling pigment flow also has a movable mounting plate, upon which the nozzle is mounted, and the nozzle is thereby movable under microprocessor control between a dormant position and a dispensing position, which, in combination with a sight, allows more precise alignment of a paint can under the nozzle dispensing location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ultrablend Color, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Iovino
  • Patent number: 6585013
    Abstract: A continuous machine for filling the bottom shells of capsules with at least one product has a conveyor for feeding the bottom shells along a given path; and at least one metering wheel having a number of metering devices, each for supplying a relative bottom shell with a given quantity of product withdrawn from a container, which is mounted eccentrically with respect to the metering wheel and is supplied by means of at least one conduit extending downwards inside a space enclosing the container and the metering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: H.P.F. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ernesto Gamberini
  • Patent number: 6585014
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle incorporating a lever assembly that enables a user to more easily and controllably dispense fuel through the nozzle. More particularly, the nozzle has a fuel flow path running through it, with an automatic fuel flow shutoff mechanism and a spring loaded valve assembly with an associated valve stem positioned along the fuel flow path above a lever assembly that regulates the flow of fuel through the nozzle. The lever assembly has a latch plate pivotally connected between the shutoff mechanism and a handle, such that the handle engages the valve stem to provide the user with more leverage to open the valve assembly than is available in conventional nozzle configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6585015
    Abstract: A container for a fuel system additive. The container comprises a sealable first part (1) for storing the fuel system additive and a second part (2) that is capable of opening a flap on a vehicle's fuel tank. the two parts are capable of relative movement which unseals the first part (1) so that the fuel system additive can leave the first part (1) and travel through the second part (2) into a vehicle's fuel tank. the container avoids or reduces spillage of the fuel system additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Castrol Limited
    Inventor: Barney Hughes
  • Patent number: 6585016
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent from an anesthetic bottle to an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes a bottle adapter, an anesthetic bottle and a filler arrangement positioned on the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter and filler arrangement each include a keyed configuration such that only the correct type of anesthetic agent can be emptied into the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter includes an adapter valve assembly that engages a filler valve assembly contained within the filler. The dimensions and arrangement of the adapter valve assembly and the filler valve assembly insure anesthetic agent is delivered to the anesthetic vaporizer only when the anesthetic agent can safely flow from the anesthetic bottle to the anesthetic vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Falligant, Gordon G. Sansom
  • Patent number: 6585017
    Abstract: A thickness planer is described having a carriage locking mechanism to minimize vibration and movement of the carriage during the planing operation. Also described is a depth of cut indicator to display the thickness of the material to be removed during the planing operation. A mechanism is also disclosed for facilitating setting the carriage and cutting head to a predetermined height over the base quickly and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Randall E. Campbell, Paul Eckhoff, Liao Juei-Seng
  • Patent number: 6585018
    Abstract: First and second guide plates are engaged for linear sliding between them by a channel and rib engagement system. A grooving tool is carried by the plate associated with the rib, and the rib is in axial alignment with the tool head, such that the tool head can lead the rib. When a groove is being cut into a workpiece, the rib can follow the tool head into the cut groove to extend the range of the guide. Ribs of different size can be selected to coordinate with the tool and groove width. Filler strips similarly coordinate the channel width. An alternate or supplemental guide system joins the first plate to a series of accordion style hinged and foldable plates. These plates guide the first plate in linear movement as they fold or unfold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Percy W. Butaud
  • Patent number: 6585019
    Abstract: A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony L. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6585020
    Abstract: A tire includes a radial carcass reinforcement surmounted by a crown reinforcement formed of at least one working reinforcement having two plies of inextensible metallic reinforcement elements, parallel to each other within each ply and crossed from one ply to the next and forming with the circumferential direction angles &agr;1 and &agr;2 between 10° and 45,° and at least one protective ply. The axial widths L1 and L2 of the working plies and the axial width L3 of the at least one protective ply are such that L3<L2<L1. On either side of the equatorial plane XX′ of the tire is at least one additional ply of inextensible metallic reinforcement elements located in the plane of the protective ply and oriented in the same direction as the elements of the least wide working ply, which forms with the circumferential direction an angle &agr;4 greater in absolute value than the angle &agr;2 of the elements of the radially outer working ply by at least 5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Lucien Bondu
  • Patent number: 6585021
    Abstract: A CD label applicator kit including a case, a support device and an applicator tool. The case includes a base and cover that provides a label plate. The label forms an opening. The support device includes an alignment post, a hub and a spring. The alignment post is affixed to an outer wall of the cover and extends outwardly through the opening. The hub is slidably disposed about the alignment post and defines a disk-receiving surface. The spring biases the hub to a raised position in which the disk-receiving surface is above the label plate. Finally, the applicator tool forms a central passage sized for selective placement about the alignment post. In one preferred embodiment, the kit includes a label sheet pack and a software disk stored within the base, and a writing utensil secured to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jon R. Clark, George L. Foster, Richard E. Jewett, Leo W. Spychalla, John W. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6585022
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for shaping a tire wherein an outboard pocket assembly (26) and an inboard pocket assembly (24) are radially movable outwardly into engagement with preshaped bead/apex assemblies (60, 76) of a tire band (74) and are movable axially to a cured tire width of the bead/apex assemblies for shaping other tire components to a cured tire shape and for positioning the ply edges at predetermined cured tire positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
    Inventor: William Allen Rex
  • Patent number: 6585023
    Abstract: A tape application apparatus comprises a pair of first guide rollers provided on a main frame, biasing means for biasing a sub-frame mounted movably on the main frame to the side of the first guide rollers, a pair of second guide rollers mounted on the sub-frame so as to face the first guide rollers for holding the frame movably along a tape application plane incorporation with the first guide rollers, a pressure roller mounted on the main frame in the state where an adhesive tape is wound and is pressed against the tape application plane, a tape guide plate in which a base end thereof is mounted rotatably on the main frame, and tape guide plate holding means for holding the tape guide plate so as to form a gap for guiding an adhesive tape with release liner incorporation with the pressure roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Azuhata
  • Patent number: 6585024
    Abstract: A positioning target for a printed circuit board made of base layers and by at least two pressing processes has a first width, a second width formed in the first width, a left margin and a right margin formed on opposite sides of the second width and immediately adjacent to the second width, a first length, a second length formed in the first length, a top margin and a bottom margin. An area formed by a mix of the second width and the second length is for the laminated printed circuit board and multiple positioning holes are respectively defined in two adjacent margins horizontally respective to end sides of two adjacent margins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Compeq Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Hsien-Yu Chiu
  • Patent number: 6585025
    Abstract: A releasable end stop is provided for an assembly of carriers and spacers that can be moved longitudinally within a head rail of an architectural covering, such as a covering for an architectural opening, and particularly a vertical venetian blind, wherein the end stop permits movement of operative components of the covering to permit cleaning and servicing of the control system for the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Konrad Welfonder
  • Patent number: 6585026
    Abstract: A safety device for window curtains comprising a stopper safety hanger, a single wheel safety hanger and several safety clamps. When an object is caught by the curtain string, a small copper ball of the stopper safety hanger goes sideways from a copper wheel contracted by a steel spring wire making the copper wheel drop by its weight and loose the curtain string. A single wheel hanger is fitted for easy, balanced and convenient operation. Two string safety clamps automatically spring out from the two hangers by action of the spring clamp. The loosened curtain string separates the entangled object from danger, guaranteeing safe operation of the window curtains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiung Su, Xianmu You
  • Patent number: 6585027
    Abstract: An arched window multi-cellular or pleated fabric shade support device for holding the upper margin of the window shade in close proximity to the arch of the window. The device includes a base having orthogonally oriented upright and horizontal mounting surfaces each attachable to a side wall or a top surface of the arched window. The base also has an elongated cavity. A first clip member has an elongated support shaft extending in either direction from one end of a first support tab, a first end of said support shaft sized for releasable insertion into the cavity. A second clip member has a support tab and an aperture formed through one end thereof sized for releasable dependent attachment over a second end of the support shaft. The first and second support tabs are positioned in closely spaced relation one to another for supportive attachment with an upper margin of a fabric sheet or panel of the window shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vista Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary N. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6585028
    Abstract: A modular building system is disclosed for forming at least one dissassemblable, freestanding screen, the system comprising at least two elongate supports each having an upper end and a lower end, a foot for each of the support members to hold the support members stably in a vertical position and plurality of building blocks adapted to be threaded in vertical progression on the support members, stackable one upon another to form a screen. There is thereby provided a versatile building system for screens, particularly those to be used to partition room space, which are adjustable in height and easily disassembled for reconfiguration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Verdicchio
  • Patent number: 6585029
    Abstract: A continuous casting mold for continuous casting of a steel billet. Opposite spaced apart wide side walls and opposite spaced apart narrow side walls between the wide side walls and clampable at the wide side walls and also displacable along the wide side walls transversely to the casting direction, the narrow side walls being narrow wedged-shaped in the casting direction. A funnel-shaped pouring-in region defined in the wide side walls. The wide side walls converge in the casting direction. The distance between the wide side walls at the mold end is constant over the entire width of the side walls allowing at least one of the wide side walls is supported to be displaceable and tiltable with respect to the other wide side wall by an adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Flick, Gernot Lettmayr, Helmut Eidinger, Franz Wimmer, Werner Jahn, Josef Watzinger
  • Patent number: 6585030
    Abstract: Steel strips and methods for producing steel strips are provided. In an illustrated embodiment, a method includes continuously casting molten low carbon steel into a strip of no more than 5 mm thickness having austenite grains that are coarse grains of 100-300 micron width; and providing desired yield strength in the cast strip by cooling the strip to transform the austenite grains to ferrite in a temperature range between 850° C. and 400° C. at a selected cooling rate of at least 0.01° C./sec to produce a microstructure that provides a strip having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The low carbon steel produced desired microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Lazar Strezov, Kannappar Mukunthan, Walter Blejde, Rama Mahapatra
  • Patent number: 6585031
    Abstract: In a control method of the injection molding in accordance with the invention, in the process of injecting molding a low-melting-point alloy, an upper limit Qmax and a control lower limit CQmin of a quantity of material detained in a cylinder 12 are set to eliminate an excess or a shortage of the quantity of material detained in the cylinder 12. A material in a quantity greater than shot weight Qout is fed continuously into the cylinder until the upper limit is reached, while the material in a quantity less than the shot weight is fed into the cylinder until the lower limit is reached, thereby automatically maintaining the quantity of material detained in the cylinder within the range between the upper and lower limits. Accordingly, the down time due to the instability of metering in a molding machine can be reduced, and manpower for adjustment of conditions is not required, thereby making it possible to curtail the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kengo Takeya
  • Patent number: 6585032
    Abstract: A strip casting plant with side limits arranged closely adjacent to a carrying belt. The side limits, and preferably the supply device for molten metal, are capable of vibrating and are connected to a device for producing vibrations. The adhesion of solidified material can thus be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Klaus Schwerdtfeger, Karl-Heinz Spitzer, Paul Freier, Thomas Von Hinrichs, Wolfgang Reichelt, Ulrich Urlau, Ewald Feuerstacke, Joachim Kroos, Michael Brühl
  • Patent number: 6585033
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing vanadium alloy foil suitable as a membrane in a hydrogen-refining unit. A vanadium alloy comprising 5 to 25% by weight of at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mo, Fe and Ag, 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Y, and the balance being V is used. A melt of the vanadium alloy is prepared by use of a crucible 1 having slit 3 in the bottom, a roll 2 comprising a cylinder whose central axis is arranged to be parallel to the slit is rotated, the melt is jetted from the slit 3 to the roll surface 5, the melt is jetted from the slit 3 is rapidly cooled, and the vanadium alloy solidified on the roll surface 5 is continuously exfolitated from the roll surface 5 to obtain the foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fukuda Metal Foil & Powder Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motonori Nishida, Akira Takagi, Toshiki Ohnishi, Osamu Kajita
  • Patent number: 6585034
    Abstract: The spiral heat exchanger (10) has a hot end (16) and a cold end (18) arranged at opposite ends of the heat exchanger (10). A first, relatively hot, fluid is supplied to the hot end (16) of the heat exchanger (10) and the first fluid is removed from the cold end (18) of the heat exchanger (10). The heat exchanger (10) comprises first and second metal sheets (12,14). Each metal sheet (12,14) has hot and cold edge portions (18,20) at the hot and cold ends (16,18) respectively of the heat exchanger (10). Both of the hot and cold edge portions (18) of the first metal sheet (12) are thinner and have a greater diameter than the remainder of the first metal sheet (12) such that both of the hot and cold edge portions (18) contact the hot and cold edge portions (20) of the second sheet (14). The hot and cold edge portions (18) of the first metal sheet are joined to the hot and cold edge portions (20) of the second metal sheet (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: James I Oswald
  • Patent number: 6585035
    Abstract: A transmission drives a radial fan about a fan axis in a vehicle cooling unit including a plurality of heat exchangers arranged to surround the radial fan to receive a radial air flow therefrom. A driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a idler pulley of the heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Michael Ehlers, Frank Vetter, Jorg Soldner, Roland Strähle, Wolfgang Knecht, Mark G. Voss, Andreas Willman
  • Patent number: 6585036
    Abstract: An earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system, in certain aspects, having apparatus and related items for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and apparatus and related items for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for calculating a price for the amount of energy transferred, said invoicing based on said price. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for transmitting a signal indicative of a measured amount of energy transferred from the apparatus and related items for measuring to the apparatus and related items for invoicing. Methods are disclosed for using such systems to measure and calculate an amount of energy transferred and/or to invoice an entity for the transferred energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Enlink Geoenergy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Amerman, Howard E. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6585037
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fin and tube type heat-exchanger, which has a number of heat tubes of 6 mm or smaller to cause a reduction of the pressure loss and to prevent a drop in heat-exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the fin and tube type heat-exchanger can obtain the optimum heat-exchange efficiency, reduce the manufacturing cost and adapt to alternative refrigerants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Hyun Jin, Byeong Chul Na
  • Patent number: 6585038
    Abstract: A plate evaporator comprising a stack of pockets (1) each formed from two dished plates (2, 3) delimiting between them a mutually juxtaposed inlet chamber and outlet chamber (6, 7). One at least of the inlet and outlet pipes (17, 18), disposed at a same end (21) of the stack, communicates with the chambers via an end box (10) interposed between the stack and the pipes. Advantageously, the dimensions of the end box allow a mutual vertical stagger of the pipes (17, 18), facilitating their installation and connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Frédéric Bousquet, Sylvain Moreau, Patrick Samy
  • Patent number: 6585039
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat pipe construction that includes a heat pipe with phase change media therein with a conductive composition molded about the heat pipe. The thermally conductive composition absorbs or reflects electro magnetic interference waves and prevents their transmission into and through the heat pipe to the electronic components being cooled by the heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6585040
    Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus for interconnection in a casing or liner string having a drill bit disposed thereon for enabling the drilling of intersecting wellbores without removal of the drill bit is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing having a window. A whipstock is disposed within the housing. Between the window and the whipstock is a filler. The whipstock and the filler define a central bore providing a fluid path through the apparatus. A back pressure valve may be disposed within the central bore to prevent back flow of fluids through the apparatus. Once the total depth of an initial wellbore is reached, the casing or liner string, including the apparatus, may be cemented in place. Thereafter, an intersecting wellbore may be drilled by laterally deflecting a second drill bit with the whipstock through the window of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hanton, Tommie A. Freeman, William M. Imwalle
  • Patent number: 6585041
    Abstract: Complex algorithms and calculations such as multi-phase flow correlations, together with mathematical models which include the dynamic behavior of the wellbore or artificial lift equipment and the components therein (e.g., a variable speed drive, power cable, seal and pump) are employed to derive or compute information relevant to production based upon actual measurements made during operation. The derived or computed values, typically for parameters such as torque which are difficult to measure during operation, are provided with the measurements for control purposes. Improved optimization of production based on an expanded set of parameters is therefore enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Alexander Crossley
  • Patent number: 6585042
    Abstract: An apparatus for locating cement plugs and other devices downhole in a wellbore. A cement plug is moved downhole into a wellbore through a casing, and a transmitter sends a signal to a receiver. A processor engaged with the receiver identifies the elevation or location of the cement plug. Accurate placement of the cement plug eliminates problems associated with underplacement and overplacement of cement in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry L. Summers
  • Patent number: 6585043
    Abstract: A centralizer having a first group of rollers (5) for reducing friction between the centralizer and an oil field tubular (7) and a second group of rollers (4) for reducing friction between the centralizer and the wall of a well. The axles of the first group of rollers (5) are generally aligned with the axis of the bore (2) to reduce rotational friction. The axles of the rollers of the second group of rollers (4) are generally transversed to the bore (2). The arrangement reduces rotational and axial drag between an oil field tubular (7) and the walls of a well, particularly when initiating rotation of an oil field tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Neil Murray
  • Patent number: 6585044
    Abstract: A novel method, system and tool for performing formation and well evaluation while drilling are disclosed. These inventions determine the properties of a particular formation within a reservoir as the reservoir is being intersected during well construction. In one form of the invention, the formation evaluation is made using a direct measurement of the formation's ability to flow fluids. The flow potential of a reservoir during underbalanced well construction is determined as the well is being constructed. The methods produce an understanding of the volumes and types of fluids such as oil, gas, and/or water, that can be produced out of discrete sections of a formation within a reservoir as the reservoir is intersected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Rester, James L. Hunt, Tim Wiemers, Edgar Chacon, John J. Baldauff, Michael H. Johnson, Rob L. Allen
  • Patent number: 6585045
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining permeability of a subterranean formation is provided. The apparatus and method comprise a work string, at least one selectively extendable member mounted on the work string to isolate a portion of the annular space between the work string and borehole. A predetermined distance proportional to the radius of a control port separates at least two ports in the work string. A sensor operatively associated with each port is mounted in the work string for measuring at least one characteristic such as pressure of the fluid in the isolated section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jaedong Lee, John M. Michaels, Volker Krueger, Matthias Meister, Per-Erik Berger
  • Patent number: 6585046
    Abstract: A method of heating gas being produced in a well reduces condensate occurring in the well. A cable assembly having at least one insulated conductor is deployed into the well while the well is still live. Electrical power is applied to the conductor to cause heat to be generated. Gas is allowed up past the cable assembly and out the wellhead. The heat retards condensation, which creates frictional losses in the gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David H. Neuroth, Phillip R. Wilbourn, Larry V. Dalrymple, Don C. Cox
  • Patent number: 6585047
    Abstract: A wellbore method which, in certain aspects, includes providing with a primary system a fluid with microorganisms, the primary system including introduction apparatus, with the introduction apparatus introducing the fluid with microorganisms into an earth formation bearing hydrocarbons, the microorganisms for facilitating removal of the hyrdrocarbons from the earth formation bearing hydrocarbons, effecting heat exchange between the fluid with microorganisms and heat transfer fluid that has traversed an earth loop of an earth loop heat exchange system, the earth loop heat exchange system with an earth loop extending from an earth surface down into the earth with the heat transfer fluid flowable through the earth loop and heat transfer apparatus for transferring heat between the fluid with the microorganisms and the heat transfer fluid; and, in certain asepcts wherein effecting the heat exchange between said fluid with microorganisms and the heat transfer fluid prolongs life of and/or enhances activity of the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Guy L. McClung, III