Patents Issued in August 26, 2003
  • Patent number: 6609335
    Abstract: A door supporting device for supporting a door in a door frame is disclosed. The device includes an upper unit, which further includes a frame attachment member to be fixed to a door frame header; a frame-side connector member rotatably connected to the frame attachment member and having an adjuster aperture; a door-side connector member connected to a rotation shaft extending from the door and detachably connected to the frame-side connector member; and an eccentric bolt connected to the frame attachment member through the adjuster aperture. The eccentric bolt is exposed from the adjuster aperture with a portion of the eccentric bolt being in contact with periphery of the adjuster aperture. Rotation of the eccentric bolt makes the frame-side connector member to rotate to adjust alignment of the door with respect to the door frame in a direction of depth of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Japan Uniflow Col, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Hyakkoku
  • Patent number: 6609336
    Abstract: A modular unit system for constructing a modular structure comprises different modular unit sets each having identical modular units. The modular units of each modular unit set has connecting surfaces each for connection to a corresponding connecting surface of at least one other identical modular unit or to a corresponding connecting surface of one of the modular units of another of the modular unit sets to construct a modular structure, such as a building structure, having a predetermined configuration. All of the modular units of each of the modular unit sets have a ladder-like configuration having at least two generally parallel sidepieces connected by at least four crosspieces except for the modular units of one preselected modular unit set. Each modular unit of one of the modular unit sets having the ladder-like configuration has a support member disposed between the two generally parallel sidepieces in parallel relation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Hideo Matsubara
  • Patent number: 6609337
    Abstract: A tile for a pitched roof. The tile includes a body that overlies the pitched roof and a plurality of protrusions that stick outwardly from the body and function as heat sinks that sluff-off heat and impede thermal energy from being transmitted to the pitched roof. The body includes a lower portion that is made of a thermal insulating material and an upper portion that is a metallic plate. The metallic plate extends past the lower portion of the body so as to form an overhang that defines an undercut. The undercut of one tile receives a portion of a next lowest tile, and in so doing, interlocks the one tile and the next lowest tile, and in so doing, allows the metallic plate of the one tile to directly contact, and be continuous with, the metallic plate of the next lowest tile for improved heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Rosemary T. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6609338
    Abstract: A retainer clip includes a shaft extending along a clip axis. The shaft has a shaft diameter and first and second opposed ends. A head extends radially outwardly from the shaft adjacent the first end of the shaft. The head has a head diameter which is greater than the shaft diameter. The head includes a cam surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and facing the second end. At least two portions of the cam surface located at different circumferential positions about the shaft are disposed at different axial distances from the second end. A frame/panel assembly may be formed by mounting and retaining a panel member in a frame using one or more of the retainer clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Tenn-Tex Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
  • Patent number: 6609339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling panels to a structure. A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member depending from a face of one of the panels and adapted to deflect a relatively large amount in a plane of rotation of the first coupling member and a second coupling member depending from the corresponding face of the second panel. A coupling mechanism is provided between the coupling members provides for transmitting a force between the coupling members over a range of deflection of the first coupling member, permitting large relative movement between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: William Pardue
  • Patent number: 6609340
    Abstract: A concrete structure formed using an extender that connects to a web member at least partially disposed within a side panel. The extender may be used to extend the length of a connector that interconnects opposed side panels, used to provide additional surface area to which concrete can bond if, for example, forming a tilt-up wall, or used as a strapping location with a flexible linking member. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: ECO-Block, LLC
    Inventors: James Daniel Moore, Jr., John A. Spragge, Brian L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6609341
    Abstract: A stucco reveal system that can be assembled in a pattern which defines visual breaks between panels of applied stucco. The stucco reveal system includes individual strips of contoured stucco reveal constructed of extruded vinyl or metal that have the qualities of easy installation and cleaning and aesthetic desirability. The contoured reveal strips include a floor to which a pair of contoured walls are attached. The inside surfaces of the floor and contoured walls define a channel which forms the visual break between stucco panels. The shape of contoured walls are defined in part by an arc portion, an angled straight wall portion or a partial bevel portion. The contoured walls have a vertical component that makes them easily visible for cleaning and reflects cleaning water spray out of the channel, reducing soiling of the grid due to cleaning and rain runoff. The top edges of the contoured walls act as guides during stucco application for a screed stucco surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Alabama Metal Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Joseph Maylon, Gary James Chenier, Jr., Michael Wade Goodwin, Melvin J. Kurpinski
  • Patent number: 6609342
    Abstract: A sealing member and fastening fitting are arranged at a joint portion of four siding boards of a shiplap structure. The sealing member comprises a base plate portion, a horizontally rising plate portion at left and right sides of the base plate portion, and an inclined portion bent diagonally downwardly from the horizontally rising plate portion. At the base plate portion, a forward protrusion is provided upwardly of the horizontally rising plate portion. A storage recess, having a width substantially equal to the width of a fastening fitting, is formed between the left and right forward protrusions. Lateral elastic materials cover portions of the horizontally rising plate portion, the inclined portion, and the forward protrusion. The sealing member is of easy and stable construction and reliably prevents rain water penetration. A siding boards attachment structure uses the sealing member and a method of constructing the siding boards attachment structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Hikai
  • Patent number: 6609343
    Abstract: Shown is a clamping system with multiple clamps that work in combination with each other to support a load attached to an open web joist. This clamping system is typically used to clamp a piping system, of the type commonly used to suspend a basketball backboard and basket, to an open web steel joist of a gymnasium. The clamp combines a prior art “horizontal” clamp subassembly, which clamps to the opposed “lips” of the open web joist, with a second clamp subassembly which provides a “vertical” clamp centered within the horizontal clamp, supported above the open top portion of the open web joist and extending through the open middle portion of the open web joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy A. Litten
  • Patent number: 6609344
    Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and connectors therefore. The system, tracks and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors are described capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud or track. The specially configured tracks are essentially studs modified to include recess channels through which fasteners may be applied to secure the track to track connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Eluterio Saldana
  • Patent number: 6609345
    Abstract: A structural member comprises a plastic base material with fiber reinforced plastic fill material. A gas producing substance or foaming agent is mixed with the base material and provides a lower density within the interior of the member. The structural member can comprise one or more of the components of a utility pole assembly, such as the crossarms, bracing, insulators and pole. A method of producing the structural member includes the steps of mixing additives with plastic pellets for feeding into an extruder. The extruded structural members are formed, cooled, pulled and cut to desired lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Petroflex, N.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Earl Schauf, Sr., Ronald L. Ross
  • Patent number: 6609346
    Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier block) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided. Upon constructing a deck, pier blocks are positioned on a building site with vertical support elements placed within the center socket of those pier blocks determined to have their upper ends below a desired predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Pro Shop Plans Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hoffman, Sam H. Bright
  • Patent number: 6609347
    Abstract: A method for constructing a column and panel concrete fence which includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first half of a column is placed upon each of two or more footings. Then the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns are placed upon such footings. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another. Next a second half of each column is placed upon each of the footings. And, as a final step, concrete is poured into the resultant column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Morrow
  • Patent number: 6609348
    Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Mannington Carpets, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Desai
  • Patent number: 6609349
    Abstract: The invention relates to window framing systems which use corner keys, and which seal against embossed surfaces, particularly for use in garage doors. The corner keys are insertable into hollow portions of extruded window frames and which preliminarily hold the window frame together prior to more permanent fastening within a garage door by a plurality of screws or even via a snap-fit arrangement. The angularity of at least two internal ribs of the corner key into which a fastener impinges thereupon, facilitates tightening engagement of each mitered window frame corner, leading to a superior appearance and preventing moisture from getting inside the window unit by the positioning of a sealing surface which seals on an edge of a door or panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Formtech Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventor: John E. Davidsaver
  • Patent number: 6609350
    Abstract: A laminated glass panel suitable for use in frameless glass structures includes a sheet of untempered glass such as art glass and can be held by conventional frameless glass mounting hardware. The panel remains held by the mounting hardware should the panel crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Weber
  • Patent number: 6609351
    Abstract: A band feed length adjusting device in a packing machine which can newly input, to a control section, a length obtained by manually leading out a band to adjust the feed length of the band and can subsequently feed the band having a correct length in the case in which the size of an object to be packed is changed to be larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Strapack Corporation
    Inventors: Tokio Shibazaki, Tadashi Meguro, Yosikatsu Aizawa, Kenichi Enda
  • Patent number: 6609352
    Abstract: A machine for manufacturing packages for compact discs or similar out of cardboard work piece. The packages consist of a casing part and a slide part inserted therein, with a compact disc and a booklet. These two components are manufactured in separate tracks (A, B), which consist of jigs, whereby each of these rotates stepwise in a rotating table. The casing parts are manufactured by laying down the forward half of a work piece on a placing plate (1), laying down a cover (2) over this, the cover having the same outer shape as the inside of the finished casing, folding its edge upwards with first folding devices (7), folding over its edge with second folding devices (9, 10) applying melt glue on the top flap and laying down the rear half over disc, and squeezing by means of the second folding devices until the glue has stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Stora Enso Activation AB
    Inventors: Åke Erlund, Staffan Leónarde
  • Patent number: 6609353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags having slide zippers on a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine is provided. In a first embodiment a coil of sliders is fed to an insertor mechanism for applying the slider downstream of a coil of zipper. In a second embodiment a magazine of individual or connected sliders is used to feed the slider insertor mechanism. In a third embodiment bulk sliders are introduced into a vibratory feeding bowl which then orients and feeds the sliders to the slider insertor mechanism. The slider insertor mechanism may be upstream of the FFS machine or at the FFS machine upstream or downstream of the sealing bars used to seal the zipper the bag film. The zipper flanges may be provided with a peel seal layer to provide a hermetic and/or tamper evident seal for the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Art Malin
  • Patent number: 6609354
    Abstract: A method for long term storage of a bulk commodity utilizes a flexible, low gas-permeability sheet material enclosure in which the bulk commodity is hermetically sealed. The atmosphere in the sealed flexible sheet material enclosure is substantially evacuated to establish a vacuum therein. The vacuum is maintained during at least a portion of the long term storage of the bulk commodity. At least a portion of the bulk commodity is removed from the flexible, low gas-permeability sheet material enclosure by opening a hermetic seal therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: GrainPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Villers
  • Patent number: 6609355
    Abstract: In a packaging machine that includes an elongated mandrel for the formation of a blank into a carton, wherein the mandrel includes a secured end and a distal end, a method and apparatus are provided for correctly positioning the blank relative to the distal end of the mandrel. The carton stop comprises a selectively rotatable tool that includes an engagement segment and is operable from a remote location, an elongated threaded rod that includes a secured end rotatably secured to the packaging machine and a distal end, and an abutment member threadably mounted upon the rod for longitudinal movement along the threaded rod in response to rotation of said threaded rod. The threaded rod defines an engagement segment adapted to engage the engagement segment of the rotating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: George A. Morden, Cletus E. Kreher, Terrance Scherman
  • Patent number: 6609356
    Abstract: A self propelled, steerable, vertically adjustable, hydraulicly driven, ganged mowing machine for trimming nursery products. The machine generally includes a horizontal platform that supports a staggered array of mower decks. Each mower deck is driven by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to a mower blade for trimming the nursery products. The platform is slideably connected to right and left vertically stationary frames such that the platform is vertically adjustable with respect to the ground, via a hydraulic cylinder interconnecting the platform and each frame. Each vertical frame includes an independently controllable hydraulically driven traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for propelling the machine. The mowing machine also includes a prime mover. The prime mover drives a number of hydraulic pumps. At least one of the hydraulic pumps drives the hydraulic motors which drive the mower blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Monrovia Nursery Company
    Inventors: Willis Fackrell, Bill Valov, C. Marrs Gist, Kevin Kling, Roger Rivers
  • Patent number: 6609357
    Abstract: Control method and apparatus for a lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor that includes a programmable controller for monitoring a mower/tractor status. The controller includes an interface for monitoring inputs relating to a status of the mower/tractor and controlling outputs that regulate operation of the mower/tractor. The controller also includes a memory for storing instructions to implement a control over operation of the mower/tractor. The instructions include instructions for determining a safety status condition based on sensed inputs and outputting a signal from the interface of the controller that inhibits operation of a lawn mower/tractor motor or engine in response to a determination of the safety status condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Davis, Arthur James Harvey, Theodore G. Wetzel, James Rundo
  • Patent number: 6609358
    Abstract: A mower deck having movable chamber gate members that permit the deck to selectively operate in either a discharge or mulching mode of operation. The deck includes a control structure that operates the gate members to permit the operator to quickly and easily switch between the discharge mode and the mulching mode while mowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael Todd Schmidt, Brian Charles Kelly, James Anthony Palmer, Brian Matthew Adkins
  • Patent number: 6609359
    Abstract: An olive harvester has a nonrotatable outer cap, a rotatable inner cap which is driven by compressed air supplied to the outer cap and which generates a swirl through the olive tree below the inner cap which dislodges the olives so that they can be collected in a skirt which is fixed to the outer cap and surrounds the tree. A flexible collection pipe or sleeve at the bottom of the skirt permits the discharge of the olives to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Miguel Pelagio Teixeira da Costa
  • Patent number: 6609360
    Abstract: A gas turbine, a combined cycle plant and compressor by which both augmentation of the power output and augmentation of the thermal efficiency can be realized by injecting liquid droplets into inlet air introduced into an entrance of a compressor with simple equipment which is suitable for practical use. The gas turbine includes a compressor for taking in and compressing gas, a combustor in which fuel is combusted with the gas discharged from the compressor, and a turbine driven by the combusted gas of the combustor. The gas turbine further includes a liquid droplet injection device provided on the upstream side of the compressor for injecting liquid droplets into inlet air to be supplied into the entrance of the compressor to lower the temperature of the inlet air to be introduced into the compressor so that the injected liquid droplets may be evaporated while flowing through the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoaki Utamura
  • Patent number: 6609361
    Abstract: A method to provide Primary Frequency Regulation to a steam turbine in a combined cycle plant that comprises storing energy in the form of internal energy of the steam contained within the piping and domes of the heat recovery boilers, and then using said energy when the power grid requires a sudden increase in output power. With the present method, the losses in power generation of the steam turbine, when said turbine is operating in the Primary Frequency Regulation mode, are reduced to a minimum. When the gas turbines in a combined cycle plant operate in PFR mode, the steam turbine reduces its output power because the gas turbines must operate below their rated power. The present method converts said decrease in output power of the steam turbine in a Spinning Reserve useful for PFR in said turbine. That is to say that the present method converts said Spinning Reserve in a rapid reserve, available after just a few seconds; if necessary, response times of less than 10 seconds can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Pecom Energia, S.A.
    Inventor: Jorge Vugdelija
  • Patent number: 6609362
    Abstract: A method of combustor cycle air flow adjustment for a gas turbine engine according to the present invention solves the problem of a higher flame temperature in the combustor, thereby affecting the emission levels when a heat-recuperated air flow cycle is used to increase the compressed air temperature. In low emission combustors this impact is severe because emission levels are significantly dependent on the primary combustion zone flame temperature. The method of the present invention includes a step of changing a geometry of an air flow passage and thereby changing distribution of a total air mass flow between an air mass flow for combustion and an air mass flow for cooling in order to ensure that flame temperature in a primary combustion zone of a combustor are maintained substantially the same whether the gas turbine engine is manufactured to operate as a simple air flow cycle engine or as a heat-recuperated air flow cycle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Peter John Stuttaford, Aleksandar Kojovic
  • Patent number: 6609363
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved spacecraft thruster, either Hall effect or ion effect, using gaseous propellant converted from solid iodine. A heated tank contains iodine crystals, which tank connects to a thrust chamber by a feed tube. A filter is mounted at the input end of the feed tube, proximate the tank, which filter is warmed by a heat control. A mass flow controller is mounted in the feed tube between the tank and the chamber and is heated by a temperature controller, such controller having a shut-off valve and means to control the flow rate of gaseous propellant to the thruster chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Rainer A. Dressler, Dale J. Levandier, Yu-Hui Chiu
  • Patent number: 6609364
    Abstract: A method for controlling a direct injection combustion engine is disclosed. The method includes generating an air/fuel mixture to the respective cylinders of the engine, and switching between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation of the engine by adjusting the air/fuel mixture supplied to the engine and the amount of time for injecting the mixture. The switch in mode of operation is initiated in connection with operation of the engine with an air/fuel mixture adjusted in such manner that correct operation of the engine is allowed in both modes of operation during the switch. An arrangement for such a control is also disclosed. The method and arrangement provides an improved control between, for example, a stratified and a homogeneous mode of operation in a direct injection engine, wherein stable combustion in the engine and improved comfort for the passengers is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagner AB
    Inventors: Martin Litorell, Johan Lindström, Bengt Norén
  • Patent number: 6609365
    Abstract: A method of reducing emissions in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine that has at least one cylinder to which an air/fuel mixture is supplied when a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is rotated, at least one intake valve, at least one exhaust valve, and a piston reciprocating between a top dead-center position and a bottom dead-center position in the cylinder. The method comprises the following steps: an air/fuel mixture with a lambda value greater than 1 is supplied to the cylinder, an electric motor/generator connected to the crankshaft maintains an essentially constant predetermined speed of the crankshaft, and the exhaust valve is controlled so that it opens before the piston has passed the bottom dead-center position is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Göran Almkvist, Karin Thorn
  • Patent number: 6609366
    Abstract: Downstream fitting parts of exhaust manifold branch pipes which fit into a manifold container each has a sector or fan-like cross section which is formed so that the cross-section area of the downstream end of each of the branch pipes is substantially equal to that of the corresponding upstream end. During manufacture, the downstream ends of each pipe member are expanded by a predetermined amount and then shaped to have the fan or sector-like shaped cross section. This maintains the cross-sectional area of the shaped portions substantially equal to the original cross-sectional areas and therefore the cross-sectional area of the upstream ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kameyama
  • Patent number: 6609367
    Abstract: In an exhaust control valve having a valve housing and a valve body rotatably contained in the valve housing, a transmission member is fitted to an outer end of the valve shaft and protrudes from the outside of the valve housing. A bearing bushing for rotatably bearing an external circumferential surface of the valve shaft by its internal circumferential surface and rotatably bearing an end face of the valve body by its end face is mounted in the valve housing. The valve body is urged by load from a thrust spring for achieving a pressure contact seal condition between the opposed end faces of the bearing bush and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakayasu, Mikio Sagara, Kyo Takahashi, Noritoshi Iwase, Hajime Yamada, Atsushi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6609368
    Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrostatic transmission system that has a control device that is selectable to send a speed signal to a motor for driving an output at a predetermined speed. A controller is used to automatically permit the selected speed signal in response to a predetermined speed signal and predetermined input from a sensing device indicating that the output is being driven in a forward drive condition. The controller is also used to automatically override the selected speed signal in response to a predetermined speed signal and predetermined input from a sensing device indicating that the output is being driven in a reverse drive condition. This invention allows for the speed of the motor to be changed from a high speed to a low speed when the motor is driving the output in a reverse drive condition to achieve greater efficiency and control of a work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, Chin T. Khaw, Gabriel G. Khairallah
  • Patent number: 6609369
    Abstract: A pressure compensator for use in a control system for an electro hydraulic-implemented work element being operated through the use of operator input control mechanisms generating operator input signals upon the application thereof, the control system including an actuator coupled thereto for controlling the operation thereof, the pressure compensator determining a pressure compensator coefficient to be applied to an operator input signal to compensate for changes of pressure drop across a valve in communication with the actuator. The pressure compensator coefficient is used to produce an input flow control signal for inputting to the valve to control the amount of hydraulic fluid that flows therethrough to the actuator so that a desired velocity of the actuator is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Douglas W. Koehler, Michael R. Schwab, Jiao Zhang
  • Patent number: 6609370
    Abstract: A dual hydraulic booster assembly for a braking system of a tractor or like vehicle has a logic valve operable in a first mode to control the supply of pressure fluid for braking on one side of the vehicle to facilitate steering, and in a second mode of operation to control the supply of fluid pressure for braking on both sides of the vehicle for full vehicle retardation. A pressure amplifier valve may be provided to increase the pressure of the pressure fluid from the logic valve for braking in the second mode of operation. The logic valve and amplifier valve may be incorporated into the booster assembly to provide an integrated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Batchelor
  • Patent number: 6609371
    Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine including a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. A power piston is slidably received within a first cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the power piston reciprocates through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a second cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same rotation of the crankshaft. The power piston reciprocates along a first piston-cylinder axis which is offset from the crankshaft axis. The offset substantially aligns a point of maximum combustion pressure applied to the power piston with a point of maximum torque applied to the crankshaft during the power stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Scuderi Group LLC
    Inventor: Carmelo J. Scuderi
  • Patent number: 6609372
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the exhaust temperature of an engine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of sensing the exhaust temperature of the engine, determining a desired air pressure in response to the exhaust temperature, and controlling the air flow into the engine in response to the desired air pressure. The apparatus includes an air temperature sensor for sensing an actual exhaust temperature within the exhaust manifold and responsively generating an exhaust temperature signal. The apparatus also includes a controller for receiving the exhaust temperature signal and comparing the exhaust temperature signal to a desired exhaust port temperature, determining a desired air pressure in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar INC
    Inventors: James B. Maddock, Fred Mehdian, David Tran
  • Patent number: 6609373
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with an exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, and a bypass venturi assembly. The turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor, with the turbine having a variable geometry inlet coupled with the exhaust manifold, and the compressor having an outlet. The bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. The combustion air inlet is coupled with the compressor outlet. The exhaust gas inlet is coupled with the exhaust manifold. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. The exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, David A. Pierpont, Dennis D. Feucht, Matthew D. Rampenthal, Michael P. Harmon
  • Patent number: 6609374
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a motor vehicle, is provided with a combustion air supply, an exhaust manifold, and a bypass venturi assembly. The bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet connected and in communication with the combustion air supply, and an exhaust gas inlet connected and in communication with the exhaust manifold. A venturi nozzle is positioned in communication with the combustion air inlet. The venturi nozzle defines a bypass venturi section therein. The venturi nozzle and the housing define an exhaust gas venturi section therebetween terminating at an induction area. The venturi nozzle has a plurality of through holes in communication with a downstream portion of the exhaust gas venturi section. The exhaust gas inlet terminates at the induction area. A bypass valve is positioned to open and close the bypass venturi section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Dennis D. Feucht, Paul F. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6609375
    Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of an electric motor in an electric assisted turbocharger that is coupled to an internal combustion engine has a turbocharger with an electric motor disposed within a motor housing. The motor housing has a motor housing inlet and a motor housing outlet. The turbocharger has a compressor with a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet. The turbocharger also has a turbine. A first cooling hose is coupled to the compressor outlet and coupled to the motor housing inlet. A second cooling hose is coupled to the motor housing outlet and coupled to the compressor inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John Allen, Gerhard Delf, Kevin Birch, Daniel Black, Rhett Hedrick, Len Wedman
  • Patent number: 6609376
    Abstract: Device in a burner for gas turbines, comprising a cylindrical housing (10) and a fuel inlet tube (16) arranged centrally within said housing, said housing (10) and fuel inlet tube (16) mutually defining an annular chamber (28). The annular chamber (28) extending into an extended diameter combustion chamber (18), having means (25) for supplying combustion air to said annular chamber (28). Radial flow swirlers (14) are provided for creating a rotational movement of the combustion air in said annular chamber. The housing (10) has a downstream restriction (20) in front of the free end of the centrally located fuel inlet tube (16), at the entrance of the combustion chamber (18), for creating a rich combustion spinning tubular swirl dominated flow of a mixture of air and fuel, with a recirculation central core, said tubular spinning flow extending into the combustion chamber (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Ulstein Turbine AS
    Inventor: Nils A. Rokke
  • Patent number: 6609377
    Abstract: A mixer for use in a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine. The mixer includes an annular housing having an upstream end, a downstream end, a mount for attaching the housing to an upstream end of the combustion chamber, and an interior surface defining a hollow interior. The mixer also has a first swirler mounted inside the annular housing including a plurality of vanes extending inward from the housing for swirling air traveling through the housing. In addition, the mixer includes an annular fuel injector having a plurality of fuel injection ports arranged in a generally circular pattern mounted inside the first swirler for releasing droplets of fuel into swirling air downstream from the fuel injector. Further, the mixer has a second swirler mounted inside the fuel injector including a plurality of vanes extending inward from the injector for swirling air traveling through the housing downstream from the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark David Durbin, Hukam Chand Mongia
  • Patent number: 6609378
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that employs schedules and gains in an electronic control unit for a gas turbine engine which are independent of fuel type used to run the engine. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of determining engine requirements and calculating a desired energy flow for at least one engine, maintaining desired engine conditions according to the desired energy flow; converting the desired energy flow into expected fuel flow according to the specific fuel being utilized, calculating a fuel flow command, and communicating the fuel flow command to at least one fuel valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6609379
    Abstract: A gas turbine plant for limiting a sudden increase of load of the gas turbine, i.e., of the amount of fuel, and suppressing a stress of the turbine, or for maintaining a suitable fuel-air ratio is disclosed. The plant includes a controller comprising a section for calculating a governor signal for controlling the degree of opening of the fuel valve, based on a revolution speed of the gas turbine; and a section for calculating a load-limiting signal for following the governor signal, wherein when the governor signal decreases, the load-limiting signal is larger than it by a predetermined value, while when the governor signal increases, the increase rate of the load-limiting signal has a predetermined upper limit. The controller also comprises a limiting section, into which both signals are input, for limiting the upper value of the governor signal by using the load-limiting signal as an upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouichi Nagata, Hiroya Komiyama
  • Patent number: 6609380
    Abstract: In a gas turbine having a compressor, a combustor and a turbine, a gaseous fuel supply coupled to provide gaseous fuel to the combustor, a liquid fuel supply coupled to provide liquid fuel to the combustor via nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a plurality of passageways for flowing a fluid into the combustor, one of the passageways being a fuel passageway conduit interconnect the fuel passageway to one of the plurality of passageways to enable fluid flow therebetween. High pressure air from one of the plurality of passageways is diverted into the fuel passageway via the conduit to protect nozzle from ingestion of hot combustor gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Warren James Mick, Urmila Chennuru Reddy, Robert Joseph Iasillo
  • Patent number: 6609381
    Abstract: The present invention is an integrated unit liquified gas fill station attached to a cryogenic storage tank and pump which provides for a controlled delivery of a programed weighted amount of a cryogenic liquified gas, primarily carbon dioxide, to empty transfer tanks at the time of initial filling or subsequent refilling, to prevent dangerous overfilling of the tanks resulting in over-pressure explosions of the transfer tanks, the liquified gas fill station providing a programmable tare scale upon which the transfer tank is positioned, a cryogenic liquified gas bypass circulating system and a cryogenic liquified gas delivery system wherein the station operator selects a weighed amount of liquified gas appropriate for the capacity of the transfer tank to be programmed into the station, delivering the measured amount of cryogenic liquified gas to the attached transfer tank resting on the tare scale, and filling the transfer tank with the precise measured and weighed amount of cryogenic liquified gas after whic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Louis A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6609382
    Abstract: A method of temperature control in a cryogenic system, wherein the system includes a cryogenic tank. The method comprises providing a motor speed sensor which determines a motor speed, providing a pressure sensor which determines a cryogenic pressure, providing a temperature sensor in the conditioned space which measures a temperature within the conditioned space, providing a deprived integral region, and generating an overriding control signal at the proportional-integral-derivative controller when the temperature and the pressure are beyond a temperature set point and a pressure set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Vander Woude, Herman H. Viegas, Jayaram Seshadri, Joseph Louis Glentz, Bryan Edward Schwichtenberg, William Ehrich Stuart
  • Patent number: 6609383
    Abstract: The cryogenic refrigeration system of the present invention includes: a shield plate for preventing a radiant heat from entering a superconducting magnet; a helium refrigerator for generating a liquid helium, the helium refrigerator including a pre-cooling refrigerator for pre-cooling a helium gas; and a nitrogen refrigerator for cooling nitrogen in a nitrogen tank; and a controller, whereby when a vehicle is running, a low pressure side compressor and a high pressure side compressor are operated, and the helium refrigerator and the nitrogen refrigerator are operated, whereas when the vehicle is not running, the operation of the pre-cooling refrigerator of the helium refrigerator is stopped while the operation of the nitrogen refrigerator is continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignees: Central Japan Railway Company, Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehisa Kusada, Tomoyuki Motoyoshi, Yoshinao Sanada, Keiji Tomioka
  • Patent number: 6609384
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a dynamic type ice cold storage method and system capable of efficiently suppressing, by an appropriate replenishment of water, an increase in concentration of an aqueous solution with the progress of freezing of the aqueous solution, thereby preventing a lowering in the coefficient of performance of a refrigerator, and hence diminishing power required for the formation of ice crystals. The temperature of an aqueous solution contained in a freezer which includes a heat exchanger for cooling is measured with a thermometer, and as the liquid temperature drops with the progress of freezing, melted water is replenished into the freezer from a melted water tank by means of a pump to keep almost constant the temperature of freezing performed by the heat exchanger for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Isao Satoh