Patents Issued in October 7, 2003
  • Patent number: 6629398
    Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strapping material around an associated load and sealing the strapping material to itself around the load, includes a frame, a feed assembly mounted to the frame for feeding, retracting and automatically refeeding the strapping material, a guide configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly, and a strapping head configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly via the guide and to position the strapping material around the load and seal the strapping material to itself around the load. The feed assembly includes one and only one pair of reversible feed elements and a drive. The machine includes a controller operably connected to the drive. The one and only one pair of reversible feed elements are configured to automatically feed, retract and refeed the strapping material upon an appropriate signal from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Pearson, Ronald W. Gurak, Kevin A. Bruzzesi
  • Patent number: 6629399
    Abstract: An sealing system includes a frame, a ferrite core disposed within the frame, and a litz wire coil disposed proximate to the ferrite core for producing an electromagnetic field within the ferrite core, where the ferrite core and litz wire coil are adapted to direct the electromagnetic field toward a foil to seal an opening of a container with the foil. The sealing head is air cooled within the induction sealing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kaps-All Packaging Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Sarles, Douglas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6629400
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for sealing in a single package bundles of product cartons which are conveyed in series along a moving conveyor belt. A stationary frame is aligned with the conveyor, and a movable carriage assembly is connected to the frame. Packages or cartons of product are stacked and bundled by film, such as thermoplastic film, in a series of sealing steps. The apparatus includes at least one motor mounted on the stationary frame and capable of engaging the carriage assembly to facilitate reciprocating movement of the carriage assembly in relation to the moving packages. A separate computer controlled servo motor drives the opening and closing of seal bars on the carriage assembly to seal the film at each end of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Offermann, Ryan P. Rosenow, John L. Herzberg
  • Patent number: 6629401
    Abstract: A method of packaging fluid or powdery products, in particular foodstuffs or beverages, in an essentially sterile manner in a packaging material in the form of a pouch of foil material having a filler opening closable by a closure cap, said method includes: providing a pouch whereby the closure cap can be placed in a first and second sealing position relative to the filler opening, whereby the closure cap is removable non-destructively from the filler opening in at least the first position; subjecting the interior of the empty substantially flat pouch having the closure cap in its first position to a germ-killing treatment; conveying the pouch having the closure cap in its first position and its interior already subjected to a germ-killing treatment to a filling plant; subjecting the exterior of the pouch having the closure cap in its first position to a germ-killing treatment; removing the closure cap from the pouch; filling the product into the pouch through the filler opening; and re-placing the closure ca
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignees: Georg Menshen GmbH & Co.KG, Elsaesser Verpackungen AG, Astepo srl
    Inventors: Johannes Hins, Rober Elsaesser, Pierluigi Decio
  • Patent number: 6629402
    Abstract: A method or process for substituting an inert gas or blend of inert gases for ambient air in the head space of a container filled with leftover oil-based finish prior to sealing the lid. Even a tightly sealed container of leftover paint, stain, varnish, or other oil-based finish, will thicken, gel, or skin over with time. This occurs because the oxygen that is sealed in the storage container continues to react with oil-based finishes. The process involves using an aerosol can filled with the inert gas or blend of gases to displace the oxygen from a container that has leftover oil-based finish in it. After the oxygen is flushed out of a container with the gas, the lid is sealed tightly. The inert gas or blend must be heavier than oxygen and sink down to block oxygen from the liquid surface. Because gas or blend is heavier than oxygen, it will separate the liquid surface from any oxygen that may remain in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Scott Zawalick
  • Patent number: 6629403
    Abstract: An automatic packaging machine has mandrels with a plurality of fingers for gripping an object. A cam track has contours which defines the location of positions along a conveyor carrying the mandrels. The fingers are closed by a spring and opened by a cam follower encountering a contour of cam track. This way a plurality of objects having a variety of widths may be carried by the fingers without requiring a readjustment of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Tisma
  • Patent number: 6629404
    Abstract: A system for packaging articles, such as stacks of greeting cards or the like, includes an article handler, a group of film handlers, and a side sealer. Each of the film handlers includes a film roll holder, which is adapted to hold a roll of folded over film having a closed side and an open side. The film handler also includes a film holding arrangement adapted to hold open the film along an open side, and cross cutter including an end cutting and sealing blade arrangement positioned transverse to the length of the film and adapted to cut and seal an end of the film adjacent an end of an article. The article handler is positioned adjacent the film handlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. McAnany
  • Patent number: 6629405
    Abstract: The instant invention is a western style stirrup with a plurality of internal springs to lessen the normal vibration, impact and shock normally encountered when riding a horse. Four springs are mounted internally to the stirrup. The spring apparatus is connected to a riser by means of a hook end on the springs. The riser is connected through a connection means, weld, threaded or non-threaded connection means, to a riser bar. The riser bar is the portion of the instant invention that is connected to the saddle through the common leatherwork used in saddles. The function of the riser bar is to transfer force from the stirrup to the saddle. The four internal springs in the stirrup transfer the force from the foot of the rider via the stirrup body to the riser bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Johnny E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6629406
    Abstract: A pruning apparatus, particularly for pruning low bushes on the ground, such as blueberry bushes, includes a wheeled main frame to be towed behind a tractor, and a plurality of ground work units pivotally connected to the main frame. The units are positioned in front and rear rows and each is selectively positioned in a transverse position. Thus a pruning area effected by one of the unit overlaps an adjacent pruning area of another unit. The connection between each unit and the main frame permits the unit not only to pivot about a vertical axis, but also to pivot slightly about a horizontal axis in a forward direction so that the apparatus is adapted to conform to a contour of uneven portions of a ground surface. Each ground work unit has a drive shaft attached with a plurality of tool member assemblies. The tool member assemblies are so designed as to effect a cutting and flailing action on the blueberry bushes, thereby cutting and slashing the blueberry bushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Tardif 2000
    Inventor: Jean-Roch Tardif
  • Patent number: 6629407
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and fuel composition for the protection of a catalytic after treatment system and a method for protecting a catalytic after treatment system in a lean burn system are disclosed. A scavenging agent is introduced into the combustion chamber in an amount effective to complex with catalytic poisoning combustion byproducts and improve emissions system durability. In a preferred embodiment, the scavenger is an organometallic compound which also imparts additional desirable properties to the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph W. Roos, Martin J. Openshaw, Herbert M. Scull
  • Patent number: 6629408
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine, having a nitrogen oxide removing device provided in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine for absorbing nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gases in an exhaust lean condition. The exhaust emission control system includes first and second oxygen concentration sensors respectively provided upstream and downstream of the nitrogen oxide removing device for detecting an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gases. The air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture to be supplied to the engine is changed from a lean region to a rich region with respect to a stoichiometric ratio. An amount of reducing components flowing into the nitrogen oxide removing device from the time when an output value from the first oxygen concentration sensor has changed to a value indicative of a rich air-fuel ratio after enrichment of the air-fuel ratio is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Murakami, Mistuo Hashizume, Kotaro Miyashita, Toshikatsu Takanohashi, Yuichiro Tanabe, Akira Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6629409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. An available oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst is determined by establishing an oxidant set point location, i.e., a location in the catalyst about which the system controls the oxidant storage. The oxidant set point is established based on the temperatures of the different potential set point locations and the levels of deterioration of the different potential set point locations, as well as the oxidant storage capacity of the emission control device system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Jr., Stephen L. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6629410
    Abstract: A constant velocity transmission which provides maximum torque and speed from a power source such as an internal combustion engine to an output shaft of the transmission while maintaining the engine at optimum operational speed. The transmission takes advantage of the principle of fluid friction to transmit rotational forces from drive blades mounted on an input shaft to stater blades positioned on the inside of a drum encompassing one end of the input shaft and the drive blades. The drive blades slidably mounted on a slanted surface of a drive drum on the input shaft and move closer to and away from the stater blades when laterally translated. Fluid driven by the drive blades imparts varied force and torque to the stater blades depending on their distance therefrom thereby transmitting variable speed and torque to the output shaft attached to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 6629411
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated fan for a cooling system in an automotive vehicle. Two hydraulic motors drive a common fan shaft. A control system provides means to bypass flow in parallel with both motors or direct flow to both or one of the motors dependent on inlet flow and cooling signal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Buscher, John R. Gibson, John S. Hill, Hong Jiang, David F. Nickel, Daniel J. Schutte
  • Patent number: 6629412
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for producing both heat and electrical energy by burning fuels in a stove or boiler using a novel arrangement of a surface heat exchanger and microturbine-powered generator and novel surface heat exchanger. The equipment is particularly suited for use in rural and relatively undeveloped areas, especially in cold regions and highlands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Solomon D. Labinov, Jeffrey E. Christian
  • Patent number: 6629413
    Abstract: A closed cycle thermodynamic apparatus (10) is provided for powering a combustion machine. The apparatus (10) has a compressor (12) for compressing a working medium from a reservoir (14) at temperature T1. The temperature of the working medium increases during compression and reaches temperature T2 when leaving the compressor (12). It is then expanded in an expander (16) for turning the machine. In this manner mechanical work is extracted from the working medium. The apparatus (10) has a first heat exchanger (18) and a second heat exchanger (20) connected to the compressor (12) and the expander (16) in a closed cycle. It also has a burner (22) and a third heat exchanger (24). Air, as a Heat transfer medium, at ambient temperature T5 is induced into the second exchanger (20) to cool the working medium by receiving heat therefrom. The temperature of the working medium decreases from T4 to T1 before entering the compressor (12) for repeating the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Commonwealth of Australia Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
    Inventors: Michael Noel Wendt, Patrick Joseph Glynn
  • Patent number: 6629414
    Abstract: A combustion system for a gas turbine engine includes a Catalyst (CAT) combustion sub-system for generating combustion products under a lean premixed fuel/air condition in the presence of a Catalyst and a Dry-Low-Emissions (DLE) combustion sub-system, for generating combustion products under a lean premixed fuel/air condition. Gaseous and liquid fuels are used for the DLE combustion sub-system while only gaseous fuel is used for the CAT combustion system. The engine operates at start-up and under low load conditions with the DLE combustion system and switches over the combustion process to the CAT combustion sub-system under high load conditions. Thus the combustion system according to the invention combines the advantages of DLE and CAT combustion processes so that the gas turbine engine operates over an entire operating range thereof at high engine efficiency while minimizing emissions of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Bernard Fischer
  • Patent number: 6629415
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a three-dimensional turbine engine combustor liner model includes coupling at least a first member to a second member to form an assembly that has an inner surface. The assembly inner surface simulates an inner surface of the aircraft engine combustor liner. The first member is at least one of a pre-formed conical member and a pre-formed cylindrical member, and the second portion is at least one of a pre-formed conical member and a pre-formed cylindrical member. The method also includes coupling the assembly to a baseplate, and coupling a plurality of templates to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Edward Lee Howard, Gilbert Farmer, James Hollice Poynter, Ronald Lee Sheranko, Gregory Thomas Lucas
  • Patent number: 6629416
    Abstract: An aerospike nozzle includes a nozzle body and a spike, the nozzle body and the spike defining a generally annular gas flow channel therebetween; the spike comprising an upper, generally conical section having a decreasing diameter in a downstream direction; a middle, generally cylindrical section having a generally constant diameter; and a lower, generally conical section having a decreasing diameter in a downstream direction; a shroud disposed radially outward of the spike and longitudinally downstream of the nozzle body, the shroud comprising a first generally cylindrical section and, downstream of the first section, a second generally concave section; a plurality of struts connected between the spike and the shroud; an ambient air inlet defined between the nozzle body and the shroud; a mixing and combustion chamber defined between the spike and the first section of the shroud; and an expansion chamber defined between the spike and the second section of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Randolph T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6629417
    Abstract: A cryoprobe system utilizing a monolithic, insulated, hand-held thermal mass having an exposed tip for cryosurgical applications and the like, as well as a heat extraction base configured to interface with the thermal mass to quickly and efficiently reduce the heat of the thermal mass to cryogenic temperatures. The heat extraction base of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to interface with the tip of the thermal mass, such that the tip plugs in securely to the base, to permit an efficient thermal transfer of heat from the thermal mass through the base via a heat exchange system communicating with the base which employs a low temperature cryo-refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Cimex BioTech, L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Richard Bailey, Jerome F. Krentel
  • Patent number: 6629418
    Abstract: Disclosed are two-stage inter-phasing pulse tube refrigerators with and without shared buffer volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: SHI-APD Cryogenics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Lin Gao, Ralph C. Longsworth
  • Patent number: 6629419
    Abstract: A refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon component including 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a), the composition further comprising an additive selected from a saturated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof boiling in the range −5 to +70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Refringerant Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard L. Powell, John Edward Poole, John Derek Capper, James Victor Thomas
  • Patent number: 6629420
    Abstract: A device for testing and diagnosing air-conditioning apparatus of a car in the preferred embodiment comprises an control unit (1), indicated as CPU and having a microprocessor; a first sensor (2) for measuring the low pressure LP upstream of the compressor; a second sensor (3) for measuring the high pressure HP downstream the compressor, a third sensor (4) for measuring the environment temperature Ta; fourth sensor (5) for measuring the temperature Ti at the air outlet in the car; possible sensors of auxiliary temperatures (5a and 5b); a couple of connectors (6a, 6b) for measuring the voltage at the ends of the clutch cycling switch in orifice tube system with clutch cycling switch; a sensor of relative humidity (7); a data input unit (8), such as a keyboard; a unit (8a) for displaying the data, such as a alphanumeric LCD, and/or a printing unit (8b); a connector of type RS232 for communicating with a computer; an external memory unit (9), in particular a memory card, with relative interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Marie Joseph Renders
  • Patent number: 6629421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-governing device for a pulse feeding method of a refrigerant in refrigeration systems. Due to the difference in the refrigerant's pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant vapor in the suction line the piston is moving as a shuttle to provide a self-dosing, pulse feeding supply of the refrigerant. The self-governing device with the pulse feeding method enables the system to regulate a gas defrost process of the evaporator and increases the efficiency of the heat exchange process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Mikhail Levitin, Boris Khaytin
  • Patent number: 6629422
    Abstract: The invention is a method and a defroster control circuit to sequentially defrost a series of refrigerated display cases. The method begins by operating the series of refrigerated display cases during a normal refrigeration mode. At the beginning of the refrigeration mode, a refrigeration time is set to zero and an elapsed refrigeration time is subsequently monitored. When the refrigeration time equals an activation time, a defrost mode begins and a defrost cycle for the first case starts. The defrost mode for the first case terminates based either on a defrost time criterion or a defrost temperature criterion. After the first refrigerated display case is defrosted, a refrigeration mode is restarted for the first case. After the first refrigerated display case is defrosted, the other refrigerated display cases in the series of refrigerated display cases are then sequentially defrosted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Keith E. Wellman
  • Patent number: 6629423
    Abstract: A refrigerant circulating passage is provided in a bottom electrode in a processing chamber of an etching system. A refrigerant CW1 is fed from a refrigerant tank to the passage via a refrigerant supply pipe. The refrigerant is cooled in a cooler via a refrigerant pipe and is returned to the refrigerant tank. Temperature sensors provided in the refrigerant supply pipe and refrigerant discharge pipe, detect a feed temperature, an inlet temperature, an outlet temperature and a return temperature, respectively. A target differential value is derived from the heat quantity of a wafer. During processing, the temperature of the refrigerant CW1 is controlled, permitting an actual differential value between the inlet and outlet temperatures follow the target differential value which in turn permits the return temperature to follow a target return temperature which is obtained by subtracting the target differential value from a set temperature of the wafer W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takaaki Hirooka, Masao Furuya
  • Patent number: 6629424
    Abstract: A casing 1 of an automotive air conditioner is formed with a recess 12 for accommodating a steering member S extending in a right-left direction of a vehicle. The casing 1 is divided into an instrument panel-side part Rp and a fire panel-side part Fp with the recess 12 as a boundary S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Araki, Hideki Nagano, Eiji Yanagida, Kazuhisa Katchi, Akitoshi Noguchi, Tsutomu Nakamigawa, Katsuichi Yamamoto, Takehide Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6629425
    Abstract: A cooling mechanism within an integrated circuit includes an internal pump for circulating thermally conductive fluid within closed loop channels. The cooling channels are embedded within an integrated circuit die, such as in interlevel dielectric layers between metal levels. The channels are formed by engineering deposition of a layer to line trenches and form continuous voids along the trenches. Exemplary heat pumps comprise cavities, formed in communication with the channels, covered by piezoelectric actuators. Preferably, the actuators are wired to act in sequence as a peristaltic pump, circulating the fluid within the channels. The channels are positioned to carry heat from active devices within the integrated circuit, and a heat sink carries heat from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Venkateshwaran Vaiyapuri
  • Patent number: 6629426
    Abstract: In a superconducting current limiter 1, in the limiting state pressure waves which may damage the superconductor are produced as a result of the evaporation of cooling liquid. According to the invention, the current limiter is not immersed in a cooling liquid, but rather is brought into thermal contact with a cooling fluid 22 which does not undergo a phase transition at over the operating temperature and therefore does not evaporate in the limiting state. A refrigeration reservoir 21, which may be the condensed phase of a gaseous cooling fluid or a cryogenic cooler, determines the operating temperature of the current limiter. One advantage is that it is now possible for a plurality of plate-like current-limiter modules 10, 10′ of unlimited size to be arranged next to one another in the cooling fluid 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Willi Paul, Martin Lakner, Makan Chen, Lise Donzel
  • Patent number: 6629427
    Abstract: A cyclic circuit (20) is constructed by sequentially connecting an expander (22), a heat exchanger (30) and a compressor (21). A dehumidifying mechanism (60) is provided for dehumidifying a heat-absorbing air taken in through an inlet duct (23). An internal heat exchanger (15) is provided for cooling the dehumidified heat-absorbing air and then supplying it to the expander (22). The heat-absorbing air expands in the expander (22) to reduce its temperature. Since the heat-absorbing air has been dehumidified in advance, the moisture thereof does not condense during the expansion thereof. The heat-absorbing air having reached a low temperature through expansion flows into the heat exchanger (30) and absorbs heat from a room air therein. Thereafter, the heat-absorbing air is compressed in the compressor (21), regenerates a rotor member (61) and is then discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Chung-cheng Piao, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yuji Watanabe, Manabu Yoshimi, Kazuo Yonemoto
  • Patent number: 6629428
    Abstract: An aircraft environmental control system (ECS) provides fresh air for the cabin of an aircraft by using electric motor driven compressors in place of traditional engine bleed air. Conventional aircraft ECS use an engine bleed to provide the pressurized fresh air flow for an aircraft cabin. However, such a system suffers from the disadvantage of requiring additional fuel consumption in order to provide an adequate engine bleed source. The present invention, using a zero bleed, electric powered architecture, does not suffer from this drawback of the conventional ECS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Roger P. Murry
  • Patent number: 6629429
    Abstract: There are provided, in the order from top, a refrigerating compartment (90), a vegetable compartment (91) and a freezing compartment (92), and a compressor (104) and a cooler (106) are disposed in side-by-side relation in a left and right direction at a location rearwardly of the freezing compartment (92). Also, a damper device (115) and a forced draft fan (114) are provided above the compressor (104) and the cooler (106), and an electronic control board (128) is provided rearwardly of the cooler (106). In addition, a chilly air discharge duct (116) and a chilly air suction duct (121) are provided at opposite ends of a deep region within the refrigerating compartment (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration Company
    Inventors: Takao Kawamura, Yoshiki Ohashi, Akihiko Manabe
  • Patent number: 6629430
    Abstract: A cooler comprising a container having a container bottom wall and upstanding side walls standing upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall and defining an open top and a cover wall hingedly connected to one of the side walls and attachable to at least one other of the side walls so as to close the open top. Each of the side walls and the cover wall being formed of a flexible fabric material with a layer of insulating material thereon such that the side walls can be folded to allow collapse of the container from an expanded position for receiving articles to be maintained cooled to a collapsed storage condition. A bottle for receiving liquid has two opposed side walls and a peripheral wall with one side wall shaped to substantially match the shape of the bottom wall such that the bottle is arranged to be located at the bottom of the container with the side wall lying against the bottom wall to provide stiffening for the bottom wall and the other side wall facing into the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Reliance Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David Mills, Claude Cormier, Glenn J. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6629431
    Abstract: A cooler for cooling individual beverage containers and the liquid therein using ice has a pedestal fastened to a coaster base. The pedestal has a truncated bell shape and is wider at its top than at its bottom The top portion of the pedestal contains a tub. A dome shaped lid is attached to the top portion of the pedestal. When the lid is closed, the lid covers the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventor: James D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6629432
    Abstract: The thermal regenerative compressive device 20 has a plurality of sorbent vessels 10 arranged circumferentially about a rotational axis X partly within a toroidal conduit 21. A heat carrier fluid flows from an inlet 22 of the conduit to the outlet 23 in counterflow with respect to the rotational movement of the sorbent vessels 10. Separate fluid channels 29, 30 encase the evaporation/condensation zones 15 of the vessels 10 to enable transfer of heat between the vessels 10 and the fluid flowing in channels 29 and 30. With the compressive device 20 heat is regenerated in a particularly simple and convenient manner. As a result the compressive device is capable of achieving greater efficiencies than existing adsorption devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: University of Warwick
    Inventor: Robert Edward Critoph
  • Patent number: 6629433
    Abstract: For the indirect heat-exchange of a plurality of gas streams (14, 15, 16) with a heat-cold carrier (2, 7) in heat-exchange blocks (23a, b, c, d, e) in which the gas streams (14, 15, 16) are passed through a multiplicity of heat-exchange passages, only one of the gas streams (14, 15, 16) is passed in this case through at least one heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e). The heat-exchange passages of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e), through which this gas stream (14, 15, 16) flows end at two end surfaces of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e). The gas stream (23a, b, c, d, e) is fed to an taken off from these heat-exchange passages via in each case a collector/distributor (41) connected to the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e), which collector/distributor extends in each case over the entire end surface of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Horst Corduan, Dietrich Rottmann, Karl Leibl
  • Patent number: 6629434
    Abstract: A decorative jewelry module comprises a base member with a hollow interior, a decorative insert, and a fastener arrangement. The hollow base member has a top with an opening therein, a bottom, and an interior. The decorative insert is sized in relation to the interior of the base member so as to be placed within the hollow base member and viewed through the top opening. The fastener arrangement fixes the decorative insert within the hollow base member below the base member top. The decorative jewelry article may be manufactured as a multi-part base and decorative insert combination, or as a monolithic jewel article having a base portion and a decorative element portion. The jewelry article may be designed to have the appearance of a single decorative unit, or to have the appearance of a double (or greater) decorative unit. Such units have application in many jewelry items. A number of such units may be connected in series to form a tennis bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Meang K. Chia, Cheo K. Chia, Huy K. Chia
  • Patent number: 6629435
    Abstract: A method for forming an optical glass element by pressure molding a glass pre-form using top and bottom molds, has steps of heating a glass pre-form held at a position separated from the top and bottom molds by a holding member within the top and bottom molds, pressing the glass pre-form while the glass pre-form is held by the holding member, and moving the bottom mold independently in an upward direction and pressing the glass pre-form again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiya Tomisaka
  • Patent number: 6629436
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for thermal treatment of glass and method and thermally treated glass therefrom. The apparatus is capable of supporting the glass during thermal treatment such as tempering, annealing, bending, and/or shaping which can include any cooling or quenching to remove heat or any combination of these. The apparatus is a support member like a ring or outline mold with a horizontal surface suitable for contacting the glass. The support member has at least a surface with or without a coating for contact with the glass of one or more metals having a thermal conductivity such that the glass heated for shaping cools at a rate not much slower than the cooling rate of unsupported sections of the glass. Suitable metals include those with a thermal conductivity of greater than around 16 BTU/(hour×feet×° F.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Jason Skeen, Rudolph A. Karlo, Steven M. Horcicak, Mark M. Savka, Lawrence S. Letzkus, Irvin A. Wilson, Michael Zibert, DeWitt W. Lampman
  • Patent number: 6629437
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for suppressing the formation of oxygen gas bubbles at the contact interface between a glass melt and a component of a glass melting arrangement with this component being made of a precious metal. This component is especially the precious metal lining of a feed channel. The characterization “precious metal” includes in this context: platinum, gold, rhenium, all other metals of the platinum group, the alloys of the above-mentioned metals and the above-mentioned metals and alloys in dispersion oxide enhanced form. The occurrence of gas bubbles at the phase boundary between precious metal and the glass melt has been known for some time without effective measures having been suggested up until now to improve significantly the quality and yield of the generated glass products, particularly because precious metal parts have to be arranged in the glass manufacture downstream of the usual purification devices with which gas bubbles can be removed from the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Friedrich Baucke, Johann Weber, Thomas Pfeiffer, Gernot Röth
  • Patent number: 6629438
    Abstract: The needles (18, 19) of a needle set (17), which substantially agree in their geometry, have butts (28, 29) of different lengths, which have a predetermined breaking point (57, 58). The predetermined breaking points are differently embodied, so that the breaking torques of the butts (28, 29) of the needles (18, 19), which are a part of the set (17), are different. By means of this it is possible, on the one hand, to assuredly prevent damage to the knitting machine, but on the other hand to assure the dependable operation of the needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Uwe Stingel, Bob Hagens, Eckhard Fehrenbacher
  • Patent number: 6629439
    Abstract: A laundry treatment machine, in particular, a washing machine and/or drier, includes an electronic controller, an information output device, and an input device. The electronic controller automatically implements laundry programs and has a decision-maker identifying each laundry item placed therein. The decision-maker makes decisions to create an optimized treatment program for treating the combination of identified laundry items placed into the machine. An information output device presents to a user the optimized program as a proposal. An input device is connected to the electronic controller and is to be actuated by a user for confirming the laundry treatment program determined by the decision-maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Martina Wöbkemeier
  • Patent number: 6629440
    Abstract: The present lock construction, for securing a movable object to a fixed object, includes a housing having an interior cavity and an elongated member having a first portion secured within the housing and a second portion slidably received within the housing. The elongated member is slidable within the passageway to a locked position, securing the movable object to the fixed position and to an unlocked position, releasing the object from the fixed object. First and second members are slidably disposed in the housing and are movable to engage the cable in the locked position. A rotatable locking mechanism is disposed within said housing and is engageable with the first member to permit slidable movement of the first member and thereby allow slidable movement of the elongated member to different locked positions. The rotatable locking mechanism is also engageable with the second member to permit slidable movement of the second member and thereby prevent movement of said elongated member in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Glenn P. Meekma, John B. Zapushek
  • Patent number: 6629441
    Abstract: A door unlocking system may be used as an add-on for a door lock; the door lock being mounted in a door comprising a door frame and a door latching bolt. The system allows the door to be unlocked and opened using only one hand. The system also allows for the door to be opened with a key, through a remote signal, and to be unlocked until it is relocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Guy Lavergne
  • Patent number: 6629442
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cutting blade bending apparatus. The apparatus comprises a nozzle section for feeding a cutting blade into a bending area through a guide opening which is defined therein in a lengthwise direction of the cutting blade; a first bending member for bending the cutting blade fed into the bending area, in one direction; a second bending member for bending the cutting blade fed into the bending area, in the other direction; a first rotating body for firmly supporting the first bending member and guiding rotation of the second bending member; a second rotating body for firmly supporting the second bending member and guiding rotation of the first bending member, the second rotating body being rotated independent of the first rotating body; and a driving section for rotatably driving, at a time, one of the first and second rotating bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Hong-Soon Park
  • Patent number: 6629443
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved crimp tool. The improved crimp tool includes a fixed jaw assembly consisting of two connected halves and a chamber therebetween, wherein one end of the fixed jaw assembly is a fixed jaw and the other end is a first handle, a movable jaw assembly positioned in the chamber, wherein the movable jaw assembly comprises a movable jaw pivotally mounted thereon; a second handle having one end pivotally connected to the movable jaw assembly; a connecting rod positioned in the chamber and the connecting rod having one end pivotally connecting to the second handle and the other end connecting to the fixed jaw assembly; and a ratchet mechanism installed between the fixed jaw assembly and the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Yen Chao Chin
  • Patent number: 6629444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing defects in electrochemical gas sensors, in which the water vapor pressure of the air surrounding a sensor is suddenly changed by changing to more dry or more humid air, thereby causing a sharp change in the acidity at the working electrode, and hence, a transient current from the sensor. The response of the sensor to the change in water vapor pressure is monitored and is used for sensor diagnostics. Lack of sensitivity of the sensor to the water vapor pressure change is an indication that the sensor does not have appropriate sensitivity to the gas to be detected. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for diagnostic testing of sensors without a gas filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Wenfeng Peng
  • Patent number: 6629445
    Abstract: A method of calibrating sensitivities of a plurality of pressure sensing cells are disposed at a passenger seat to detect presence of a vehicle passenger. The method is comprised of the following steps: pressing a presser against the passenger seat; detecting output signal levels of the sensing cells; and adjusting sensitivity of the pressure sensing cells according to the output signal levels while the presser is pressed against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoharu Yamanaka, Yuzo Imoto, Takehiro Sengoku, Kazuo Masaki, Katsushi Mizushima
  • Patent number: 6629446
    Abstract: A single vector calibration system is provided which facilitates the calibration of multi-axis load cells, including wind tunnel force balances. The single vector system provides the capability to calibrate a multi-axis load cell using a single directional load, for example loading solely in the gravitational direction. The system manipulates the load cell in three-dimensional space, while keeping the uni-directional calibration load aligned. The use of a single vector calibration load reduces the set-up time for the multi-axis load combinations needed to generate a complete calibration mathematical model. The system also reduces load application inaccuracies caused by the conventional requirement to generate multiple force vectors. The simplicity of the system reduces calibration time and cost, while simultaneously increasing calibration accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Peter A. Parker
  • Patent number: 6629447
    Abstract: A magnetically coupled, small volume, positive displacement, multi-axial, isokinetic, flow sensor calibrator or prover has one or more, serially interconnected flow tubes, through which a cylindrical, convoluted, displacer, with embedded, omni-directional magnet(s), and anti-compression device(s), sequentially, isokenetically dispenses calibration fluid through test flow sensor(s). An oscillating volume detector actuator magnetically coupled to the displacer has concentric, or parallel, outer rings connected to an inner, common center ring, with integral volume detector sensor initiator projection. The volume detector actuator outer ring(s) and center ring oscillate coaxially, respectively, with each flow tube, and a volume detector rod with integral volume detector sensors, sequentially activated by the initiator projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Charles Collins