Patents Issued in August 12, 2003
  • Patent number: 6604377
    Abstract: A chill blow-off port is provided on a front surface side within a refrigerating compartment, and a chill return port is provided on a back wall of the refrigerating compartment, so that a chill generated by a heat exchanger flows from the front surface side within the refrigerating compartment toward the rear in the depth. Thereby, temperature unevenness within the refrigerating compartment is effectively eliminated and a cooling rate of a preserved food is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu General Limited
    Inventors: Katsumi Watanabe, Yutaka Kameda, Masataka Eto, Susumu Oagu, Shinjiro Asakura, Kentaro Shiozaki, Kenji Haruyama, Youichi Higashionna
  • Patent number: 6604378
    Abstract: This invention relates to refrigerating or air conditioning system comprising at least one exchanger (2, 3) The system uses a refrigerant fluid according to a thermodynamic cycle comprising at least one liquid-vapor expansion phase. According to the invention, the liquid-vapor expansion phase is created by means of a diphasic turbine (4b) that actuates a ventilator (5b), causing air to circulate on said exchanger (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Armines
    Inventor: Denis Clodic
  • Patent number: 6604379
    Abstract: In an ejector used for an ejector cycle system, a nozzle has a first refrigerant passage, a second refrigerant passage, and a third refrigerant passage in this order in a refrigerant flow direction from a refrigerant inlet toward a refrigerant outlet of the nozzle. The first refrigerant passage, the second refrigerant passage and the third refrigerant passage are formed into cylindrical shapes, respectively, each having a constant passage diameter. Further, a pressure increasing portion of the ejector is also formed into a cylindrical shape having a constant passage diameter. Accordingly, the ejector can be readily manufactured in low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Hotta, Yukikatsu Ozaki, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6604380
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) (ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons) from liquefied natural gas (LNG) is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is split with at least one portion used as an external reflux, without prior treatment, to improve the separation and recovery of the natural gas liquids (NGL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Howe-Baker Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth Reddick, Noureddine Belhateche
  • Patent number: 6604381
    Abstract: There is disclosed a jewelry attachment having a face member and a rear member hingeably secured to one another. The face member and the rear member are spaced apart from one another when in a closed condition by upwardly extending wall portions provided on the inner surface of the face member. An inverted L-shaped retaining bar member is provided at an end of the jewelry attachment opposite the hinge. Mating lock members are provided on the inner surfaces of the rear member and the face member to securely lock them together in a closed condition. A pair of channels is formed within the closed jewelry attachment one of the channels being capable of receiving therein a first article of jewelry and the other channel being capable of receiving therein a second, separate article of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Midas Designs, Ltd.
    Inventor: Adam Haber
  • Patent number: 6604382
    Abstract: Disclosed are a new diamond cutting method and a diamond shape or proportion giving an increased brightness and different brilliant colors to the cut jewel. A piece of diamond having a crown or bezel and a pavilion converging up and down from its girdle is prepared; the table of the crown is cut into a regular polygon having straight sides of an integer multiple of three; star facets, upper-main facets and paired upper-girdle facets are formed on the oblique annular surface between the polygonal table and the girdle; and lower-girdle facets and lower-main facets are cut on the pavilion. The height of the diamond piece is approximately 64% of the diameter of the girdle; the height of the crown is approximately 15.7%; the height of the pavilion is approximately 48.3%; and the largest width of the girdle is approximately 1.2 to 1.4%. The angle formed between the ridge of the crown and the ridge of the pavilion is approximately 77 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Naotake Shuto
  • Patent number: 6604383
    Abstract: A control for use with a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines a machine cycle having a set cycle time. A computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process is provided for determining whether, with the following inputs: the time in an unwrapped bottle forming process for each displacement to occur; the machine cycle time; the motion durations of each of the mechanisms from the retracted position to the advanced position and from the advanced position to the retracted position and the collision zones between interfering paths, a collision will result between the gob, the parison, the bottle or any mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Emhart Glass, S.A.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Simon
  • Patent number: 6604384
    Abstract: A control for use with a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines a machine cycle having a set time. A computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete is provided for determining, with the following inputs: 1. the time in an unwrapped bottle forming process for each displacement to begin; 2. the machine cycle time; and 3. the motion durations of each of the mechanisms, the duration of each of the thermal forming processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Emhart Glass, S.A.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Simon
  • Patent number: 6604385
    Abstract: A control for a glass forming machine. Each machine mechanism, etc., is turned “on” and “off” at selected angles around a wrapped 360° machine cycle. The control unwraps the “on” and “off” angles around the wrapped 360° machine cycle to “on” and “off” times along an unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete and the unwrapped schedule is analyzed to determine whether an optimized schedule is possible and once a schedule is optimized, the analysis is done again with all the optimized values locked except one or more of the motion durations which are targeted at their maximum duration. This second optimization defines the motion durations at their longest possible setting so that the associated motor(s) can be concomitantly slowed down to minimize wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Emhart Glass, S.A.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Simon
  • Patent number: 6604386
    Abstract: A control for defining data for setting the times for controlled events in a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines the time of a machine cycle. The control includes a computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete and a computer for analyzing the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem for determining, with the following data inputs: 1. the motion durations, 2. the submotion durations, 3, the machine cycle time, 4. the event time for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”, and 5. the thermal forming process durations, whether there is a feasible optimized schedule and the machine cycle time and the event time for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Emhart Glass, S.A.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Simon
  • Patent number: 6604387
    Abstract: A process of poling a silica material such as an optical fiber whereby electro-optic non-linearities are induced so that the material can function as a phase modulator and switch in optical communications applications. The poling is effected at an elevated temperature on the order of 450° C. or higher, using an electric field on the order of 800 V/&mgr;m or higher for a period of time in the range of one minute to several tens of minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Michel Digonnet, Alice Liu, Gordon Kino
  • Patent number: 6604388
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the manufacture of an optical fiber preform having incorporated therein a comparatively high concentration of rare earth dopant material, and which thus can be drawn and processed into an optical fiber having low numerical aperture, low core attenuation, and high pumping power absorption. The high concentrations of rare earth dopant material are accomplished through either the “hybrid vapor processing” (HVP) method or a “hybrid liquid processing” (HLP) method, each capable of being practiced in combination or independently of one another. The HVP method involves the vaporization of a rare earth halogen by the exposure thereof to a sufficiently elevated temperature, independently, or contemporaneously with the transport of the resultant rare earth halogen laden vapor, into a glass forming oxidation reaction zone on a flowing stream of essentially an unreactive inert gas, such as helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Hua Zhang, Brian M. Laliberte, Ray F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6604389
    Abstract: A wobble joint for use in automatic washing appliances and the like includes inner, outer and intermediate joint members which have nesting curved sliding surfaces that enable the joint members to pivot relative to one another. The joint has motion limiting features acting between the intermediate joint member and each of the inner and outer joint members to restrict relative movement between the outer joint member and the intermediate joint member to pivotal movement within a first plane and to restrict relative movement of the intermediate member and inner joint member to pivotal movement within a second plane transverse to the first plane. The motion limiting features comprise first and second arcuate grooves extending parallel to the first and second planes and retainers captured in the grooves and relatively moveable therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Paul Skvarla, Leland Nels Olgren
  • Patent number: 6604390
    Abstract: A device for securing to a chest or stationary member. A chest, such as an ice chest typically includes a lid pivotally mounted to a container. Applicants provide, in a preferred embodiment of Applicant's device, a spool having a retractable cable, the cable having a removed end forming a loop. The lid and the chest have members extending therefrom, which members have a hole at the center thereof. The two members are located such that they are adjacent when the lid is in a closed position. Applicant's also provide a shackle and a lock. When the lid is closed with the two members adjacent one another, the loop at the removed end of the cable may be threaded onto the shackle of the lock. The lid and container mounted members and the shackle of the lock is engaged to the body of the lock so as to prevent the lid from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Sean Nooner
  • Patent number: 6604391
    Abstract: A security lock assembly for a shut-off valve consisting of a valve body and an exterior engageable portion secured to a gate stem so as to rotate the stem. The body has a flange with a hole therein. The security lock assembly comprises a lock disk having a central opening for receiving the engageable portion. Abutment edges are formed integrally with the disk for engagement with the engageable portion so as to rotate therewith. Indentations are formed in a bottom surface of the lock disk at a predetermined position. A pin-lock assembly is retained in the hole of the flange of the valve body. The pin-lock assembly has a pin portion upwardly biased against the lock disk. The pin portion is aligned with the indentation so as to engage therein when the valve stem is rotated to a predetermined closed position, whereby the valve is locked in the predetermined closed position by the pin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Centre des Technologies on Gaz Naturel
    Inventors: Michel Vellette, Frédérick Le Page, Didier Leconte, Carl Lapointe, Marc St-Pierre, Samir Akel
  • Patent number: 6604392
    Abstract: A casing 20 of a cylinder lock device comprises two pieces of a rear casing 13 for receiving a rotor 22 and a front casing 14 for receiving a key cylinder 21 and a housing 24. The key cylinder and a rotor axially move and rotate upon insertion of a proper key 19 into the key cylinder 21 and subsequent rotation of the key 19. In assemblage of the cylinder lock device, the rotor 22 and key cylinder 21 are connected by a joint means 15 of non-circular section for their integral rotation, and the rotor 22 is connected to the housing 24 by a connecting means 16 for their integral rotation and axial movement. The front casing 14 can detachably be connected to the rear casing 13 by the coupling means 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Kiso, Takashi Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 6604393
    Abstract: A key operated, lock actuating system having a housing and a lock cylinder that is pivotable relative to the housing around a first axis. An actuator assembly is pivotable around the first axis between a fully locked position and an unlocked position. The lock actuating system includes a first key having a first configuration and a second key having a second configuration. The first key can be used to change the actuator assembly between the locked and unlocked positions. The second key, which cannot be fully inserted to be operable with the actuator assembly in the locked position, can be used to change the actuator assembly between the unlocked position and an intermediate locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Tri/Mark Corporation
    Inventors: Marvin L. Larsen, Dave S. Magner
  • Patent number: 6604394
    Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinder (214) of the lock (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Videx, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6604395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending probe pins that is semi-automated and uses machine vision to eliminate human error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: St Assembly Test Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Chong Meng Lee
  • Patent number: 6604396
    Abstract: A wire condenser element bending method and a wire condenser element bending apparatus bend two wire condenser elements by pressing the wire condenser elements against a bending roller to form two scroll wire condensers simultaneously. Inner edge parts of the wire condenser elements are held by holding devices at diametrically opposite positions on the outer circumference of the bending roller. Pressure rollers press the two wire condenser elements against the bending roller while the bending roller is rotated to form two scroll wire condensers simultaneously. Each wire condenser element serves as a separator for separating layers of the other wire condenser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6604397
    Abstract: A rollforming machine includes an apparatus for adjusting a forming roll for forming components from materials of different thicknesses. The rollforming machine further includes an apparatus structured and arranged for overbending the component being rollformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred C. Patty, John M. Pacalo, III, Norman J. Hedman, Larry E. Stimpert, II, Joseph A. Jinkens
  • Patent number: 6604398
    Abstract: The installation includes an in-line arrangement of a metal pickler, a reeling arrangement installed on the coiling side of the metal pickler, and a cold-rolling mill. The method includes ones of the following alternative sequences of work steps: (a) the strip leaving the metal pickler bypasses the reeling arrangement and is introduced into the cold-rolling mill for a first reduction pass and rolled out over the course of several deformation passes; or (b) the strip leaving the metal pickler is wound on the reeling arrangement into a coil; after the coil is switched to the uncoiling position, the strip is fed into the cold-rolling mill and rolled out over the course of several deformation passes; or (c) the strip leaving the metal pickler is wound as hot-rolled strip on the reeling arrangement to obtain the finished strip; or (d) pre-pickled, hot-rolled strips are sent to the reeling arrangement and then uncoiled from the uncoiler into the cold-rolling mill and rolled in several deformation passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventor: Manfred Hansen
  • Patent number: 6604399
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a blade for use with a development device, method of manufacturing the same, die for manufacturing the same, and development device and image-forming device having the same that can more stably form a high quality image. The inventive blade is manufactured using a stamping die comprising an upper mold portion including a knockout, a lower mold portion including a punch and movable relative to the upper mold portion. In the stamping die, the knockout includes in cross section a first flat portion and a triangular projection portion that projects from the first flat portion, while the punch includes in cross section a second flat portion and a triangular groove portion formed on the second flat portion, and a first angle at which the triangular projection portion projects from the first flat portion is larger than a second angle at which the triangular groove portion is recessed from the second flat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Sadaaki Yoshida, Masayuki Sasaki, Keisuke Fujikura
  • Patent number: 6604400
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a modified stamped sheet metal connector comprising an enhanced cylindrical housing having an entry end aperture and an exit end aperture. The entry end aperture can accept the snap-in spring steel adapter of U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,933 as well as the exit end peripheral spring steel locking ring described in this patent to provide a connector that allows rapid and simplified installation of armored cable into a junction or circuit box. The improved cylindrical housing also includes about the periphery of the exit end a serrated finish to inhibit turning of the spring steel adapter, an additional aperture in the cylindrical housing in the area of the entry end for facilitating removal of the entry end snap-in spring steel retainer and an alternative internal flange system for retention of the spring steel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6604401
    Abstract: A joint having an improved rigidity realized by a shortened inter-joint distance and suitable for use in a truss structure is provided. A connection part is formed on the end of a pipe member to be used as a chord member. The connection part of the pipe for connecting with a parent plate for assembly of the truss structure is comprised of a tubular section formed by constrained pattern pressing of the pipe, and a flat section which is formed integral with and in close proximity to the tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Bunichi Shoji
  • Patent number: 6604402
    Abstract: A transfer device combines an advance-return drive mechanism and a clamp-unclamp drive mechanism. The transfer device operates from only one side of a press to position both drive mechanisms above a pair of feed bars thereby greatly reducing spatial constraints and costs and enabling an increase in speed. The feed bars operate to process a work piece along a process direction. The feed bars are cantilevered from the transfer device for easy use with a press, raw materials feeder, and product gatherer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Aida Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Arai, Nobuyoshi Maeda, Toshihiko Nobuoka
  • Patent number: 6604403
    Abstract: A crimper tool for use in attaching lugs to the metallic sheath covering on fiber optic cables includes a pair of blocks, with a trough formed in each block to accommodate the cable when one block is placed on top of the other. Each block includes at least one slot for positioning a proper-sized die to perform the crimping action. The use of this block crimper tool is particularly advantageous when a hand-held crimper is too small to accommodate a large diameter fiber cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman, James F. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 6604404
    Abstract: There are disclosed systems for calibrating a first position measuring component on an imaging or scanning transducer with respect to the scanning plane. Calibrations are performed by using a calibrating device including an additional or second position measuring component, such that during the calibration process, the relative position of between these position measuring components can be calculated. Calibrations are also performed by viewing targets on the scanning plane that are at a known position with respect to the second position measuring component. Calibrations are also performed based on the to scanning plane and position measuring component on a guided device, such as a needle, that typically is used in conjunction with the imaging or scanning transducer. Methods for these calibrations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ultraguide Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoav Paltieli, Ron Nagar, David Taran
  • Patent number: 6604405
    Abstract: A system for monitoring gases including sample, dilution, test, and control subsystems. The sample subsystem has a gas probe assembly defining a first end of a sample line and disposed in an area or adjacent to an object to be monitored. A sample pump in the sample line provides a positive motive force for drawing a sample and a sample pressure detector provides a sample pressure signal which is proportional to the sample flow rate. The dilution subsystem includes a dilution line having a first end vented to atmosphere. A dilution pump mounted in the dilution line provides a positive motive force for drawing the dilution air and a dilution pressure detector provides a dilution pressure signal which is proportional to the dilution flow rate. The test subsystem includes a test line having a first end in fluid communication with the second ends of the sample and dilution lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Bacou USA Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Whynall, Michael A. Pawlyk, Paul Saubestre, Arnaud Goossens
  • Patent number: 6604406
    Abstract: A preconcentrator system and apparatus suited to human portable use wherein sample potentially containing a target chemical substance is drawn into a chamber and through a pervious screen. The screen is adapted to capture target chemicals and then, upon heating, to release those chemicals into the chamber. Chemicals captured and then released in this fashion are then carried to a portable chemical detection device such as a portable ion mobility spectrometer. In the preferred embodiment, the means for drawing sample into the chamber comprises a reversible fan which, when operated in reverse direction, creates a backpressure that facilitates evolution of captured target chemicals into the chamber when the screen is heated. The screen can be positioned directly in front of the detector prior to heating to improve detection capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Linker, Charles A. Brusseau, David W. Hannum, James G. Puissant, Nathan R. Varley
  • Patent number: 6604407
    Abstract: A fuel vapor purge system has a canister and a pump on a purge line arranged between the canister to the intake passage. The system further has a sub-canister on a branch passage of the purge line. The pump is driven when the engine is stopped, and reduces an inside pressure of the system. The vapor discharged from the pump is adsorbed in the sub-canister, therefore, no vapor is emitted to the atmosphere. The controller checks a leak by monitoring the inside pressure after the inside pressure is reduced. It is possible to improve an accuracy of the leak detection since a leak check is executed when the engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kano, Nobuhiko Koyama
  • Patent number: 6604408
    Abstract: A device for use in determining the characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium is described. The device has a sample cell for holding a sample containing particles dispersed in a medium. A transducer is positioned to emit sound waves into the sample of the sample cell. A mirror surface is positioned for translational movement within the sample cell without changing the level of the sample in the cell, for movement without the use of dynamic o-ring seals, and is positioned to reflect sound waves emitted by the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Matec Instrument Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Gabriel Dosramos, Robert W. Reed, Tonis Oja, Gary Boulet
  • Patent number: 6604409
    Abstract: The cigar moisture meter comprises a probe engaged to an ohmmeter circuit, the probe being injected into the tip of a cigar to provide a reading of moisture content within the cigar by a measurement of resistance across the leads of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolph C. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6604410
    Abstract: The invention is a strategy to detect spark plug misfires in a multiple spark plug per cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE). The present invention monitors spark plug misfires for each plug within each cylinder and initiates diagnostic fault code setting and failure mode actions such as modifying spark timing and the air/fuel ratio for the cylinder with the misfiring plug to optimize emissions and performance. The strategy modifies spark timing (such as spark retard) of a spark plug not under test but within the same cylinder of the tested spark plug and tests the tested spark plug for misfire (such as changes in crankshaft velocity or acceleration). The amount of spark retard invoked can be a calibrated value such as 30 or 50 degrees off Maximum Brake Torque (MBT) timing. The invention provides improvement over the prior art in that the strategy does not require the complete disabling of a spark plug within the same cylinder as the tested spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Varady, John Michael Kacewicz, Lynn Edward Davison
  • Patent number: 6604411
    Abstract: A method for determining engine position during engine starting is described wherein cylinder identification is determined based on either the absence or presence of a cylinder identification signal. The approach is used when it is determined that engine speed is large enough so that the cylinder identification signal can be recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Charles Mingo, Xiaoying Zhang
  • Patent number: 6604412
    Abstract: A method for obtaining an accurate cylinder air-charge estimate is presented. First, a sensor-based powertrain torque estimate is obtained. Next, a torque converter-based powertrain torque estimate is obtained when the torque converter clutch is unlocked. The two estimates are compared, and if they differ by more than a predetermined amount, sensor drift is diagnosed, and corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Julia Voutyras
  • Patent number: 6604413
    Abstract: An acceptance tester for a fuel rail seal gland drops a weight to drive a simulated fuel injector dynamically at the opening of a seal gland to be tested, simulating accurately the mechanics of insertion of an injector into the gland on a production line. The force of insertion may be varied by varying the weight to be dropped, the height from which the weight is to be dropped, or both. A “pass” is indicated when the simulated injector and O-ring are inserted into the gland without damage to the gland or O-ring. A “fail” is indicated when the simulated injector and O-ring either fail to be inserted into the gland or damage the gland during insertion. A maximum acceptance force for a given combination of gland and fuel injector can easily be determined empirically. A continuous process for plating fuel rails may be readily controlled by testing plated glands at statistically significant intervals, permitting operators to accurately monitor plating thickness inferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Panek, Arthur R. Williams, Michael Graney
  • Patent number: 6604414
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of sensing fluid pressure of a tire and the fluid supply of a tire pressure management system maintaining same, with a central sensor and which requires the control of only two valves. The apparatus for sensing fluid pressure of a tire and the fluid supply of a tire pressure management system maintaining same, includes a sensor disposed so as to be selectably in fluid communication with one or both of: a first valve, operable from an open position through a closed position, for respectively promoting and prohibiting fluid flow from the fluid supply, and a second valve, operable from an open position through a closed position, for respectively promoting and prohibiting fluid flow to or from the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Claussen, James A. Beverly
  • Patent number: 6604415
    Abstract: In detecting which transmitter of several of transmitters has transmitted a radio signal based on digital data from an RF circuit, a main controller of a receiver consecutively sends activation commands to each of several control circuits such that only one of the control circuits is activated at a time. The main controller detects which of the antennas corresponds to the control circuit that was activated when the voltage level signal from the RF circuit was lowest, and judges that the detected antenna is closest to the transmitter that transmitted the radio wave. As a result, the power consumption is reduced, and the transmitter that transmitted the radio wave is accurately detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Imao, Michiya Katou, Yasuhisa Tsujita
  • Patent number: 6604416
    Abstract: A transmitter of a tire condition monitoring apparatus has a pressure sensor, a transmitting circuit, and a transmission controller. The pressure sensor measures the air pressure of a tire. The transmitting circuit wirelessly transmits data indicating the measurement at a variable bit rate. The transmission controller controls the transmitting circuit). More specifically, the transmission controller varies the bit rate depending on the traveling speed of a vehicle, which is detected by a vehicle speed sensor. The transmission controller then causes the transmitting circuit to transmit data at the varied bit rate. Accordingly, regardless of the operation mode of the vehicle, the data is transmitted at an optimal bit rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Tsujita
  • Patent number: 6604417
    Abstract: A strainer integrated flowmeter 210 is constituted by a strainer section 203 provided with a housing 202 having a flow passage 207 formed therein, a filter member 209 and a filter member insertion cylinder 210; and a flowmeter section 204 provided with a housing 202 having a flow passage 208 formed therein and a flow rate sensor 226. The housings 202 of both the strainer section 203 and flowmeter section 204 are integrated, and the flowmeter section 204 is disposed at downstream side. A vent hole 215 is formed in the housing 202 so as to be in communication with the flow passage 207.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Koike, Kiyoshi Yamagishi, Kenichi Hiraizumi, Takayuki Takahata
  • Patent number: 6604418
    Abstract: An ALC circuit is turned on (S1), a nozzle is shifted to a sampling position (S2), and after the ALC circuit has been turned off (S3), the nozzle is allowed to start discharging air from its tip (S4). While the nozzle is being lowered, the inner pressure of the nozzle is monitored (S5, S6), and upon detection of an increase in the pressure, the discharging process of air and the nozzle lowering process are stopped (S7), while the monitoring of the magnitude of the pressure is continued (S8). When the magnitude of the pressure is being maintained within a permissible range of the change for a predetermined time, it is judged that the tip of the nozzle has come into contact with the true liquid level, and after a suction operation of a sample (S9), the nozzle is raised (S10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Iwao
  • Patent number: 6604419
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating, presenting, recalling and recording the maximum running speed of a user over a prescribed distance in miles per hour or meters per second. The result is shown in digital and iconic form on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus incorporates a micro-controller, a LCD, a motion sensor, a sound generator, press switches, and light emitting diodes. The motion sensor is used to generate a signal, in response to external motion, which is input to the micro-controller for use in calculating the speed in accordance with a prescribed formula. Upon completion of running over a fixed time period or distance, a message is displayed on the LCD to indicated the maximum speed achieved by the user during an interval of the fixed time and over the prescribed distance. The apparatus may be adapted for use on shoes, a user's wrists, or the like, for the purpose of encouraging the user to run as fast as possible, and to ensure safety of the user at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: BBC International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Rudy Guzman
  • Patent number: 6604420
    Abstract: A method is provided for nondestructive adhesion testing of a coating on a component surface through ultrasonic cavitation. The disclosed method includes submerging a tip end of a vibratory horn in a liquid medium and operating a converter, coupled to the vibratory horn, at a frequency and an amplitude to generate a cavitation field within the liquid medium. A first portion of a component having an adhered coating on at least a portion of the component is moved into the cavitation field. Areas of the coating that are poorly adhered to the component are located by the removing areas of the coating that are poorly adhered, while not removing areas of the coating that are properly adhered to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Robert Elmer Hawbaker, Leonard George Wheat, Jason William Sanders, Poh Heng Teh
  • Patent number: 6604421
    Abstract: This invention relates to a nondestructive flaw detection method, especially an ultrasonic flaw detection method for detecting rail flaws, as well as the wheel transducer and flaw detection system for implementing the method. According to the method, a solid coupling medium couples ultrasonic waves. The wheel transducer according to the invention includes a tire made of ultrasonic wave permeable materials, probes combining ultrasonic emitter/receiver, a sliding plate and the means for reducing friction between the sliding plate and the bottom of the tire of the wheel transducer while flaw detection. The sliding plate is fixed on the fixed axle of the wheel transducer. The probes combining ultrasonic emitter/receiver are mounted on the sliding plate. While flaw detection, the sliding plate compels the wall of the tire of the wheel transducer to flat press on the surface of rails to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Gang Li
  • Patent number: 6604422
    Abstract: A vibration sensor device includes a hollow casing having a plurality of protrusions extending from an inner periphery of the casing. A ball is received in the casing and located in contact with at least three of the protrusions. The ball freely rolls when the casing senses vibration and the ball contacts different protrusions when it rolls so as to activate a cooperated warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-Tsung Wei
  • Patent number: 6604423
    Abstract: The type of a pressure sensor is automatically identified even when the input/output lines of the pressure sensor are three lines, i.e., power source lines (two of + and −) and a voltage output line for outputting a voltage corresponding to an applied pressure. The current value Ip, which flows through the power source lines of the pressure sensor, is made to be a different value depending on each type of the pressure sensor. A voltage value Vr (Vr=Ip×Rr, where Rr is a resistance value of a resistor) is measured by using a differential amplifier, and the voltage value Vr is compared with a voltage range previously recorded in ROM. Accordingly, the type of the pressure sensor can be automatically identified by using a microcomputer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Irokawa, Koichi Katsumata, Emi Motegi
  • Patent number: 6604424
    Abstract: A pressure detecting apparatus having a pressure introducing pipe is installed on an intake surge tank for detecting inner pressure in the intake surge tank. The intake surge tank is provided with a throttle passage having a throttle is disposed in the intake surge tank along a flow direction of the gas for increasing a flow speed of the gas. A pressure inlet at a leading end of the pressure introducing pipe is positioned in a vicinity of the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kawabe, Tokio Kohama, Kiyohiko Watanabe, Yukihiro Kato, Yoshifumi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6604425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing a force to a signal, or comparing two signals, through mechanical movement of capacitive plates in a transducer. The transducer plates are separated by d, which in one embodiment is preferably a linear function of a pressure or force F. In that embodiment, application of a signal i(t+&tgr;) to the plates will cause a voltage representing a correlation between F and i to appear between the plates. In another embodiment, instead of an external mechanical force or pressure, an electrical signal V related to a signal S may drive the transducer plates to achieve a voltage indicating a correlation between S and the signal input i(t+&tgr;). Transducers to practice the invention may be microelectromechanical devices fabricated using integrated circuit techniques to permit small size and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Juan F. Lam
  • Patent number: 6604426
    Abstract: A pressure sensor having a first pole element and a second pole element spaced apart from each other and forming a capacitor. The first pole element includes a substantially flat portion around which the second pole element is bent forming a bent edge portion of the second pole element. The bent edge portion is located at a distance from the substantially flat portion. The length of the distance and, thereby, the capacitance of the sensor, varies as a function of a loading state of the sensor. The sensor is well suited for use as an occupant detector in automotive seating applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Kraetzl