Patents Issued in October 21, 2003
-
Patent number: 6634134Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated movement of a fishing rod. A preferred embodiment comprises a quick-release receptacle for a fishing rod, a drive mechanism, means for connecting the receptacle to the drive mechanism, a programmable controller, an input/output device and a mounting bracket. Preferred methods support a wide range of fishing rod movements, including erratic movements that increase fishing success. Operational modes include fishing (both trolling and jigging), setting a hook and playing a fish.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Thomas P. Nyquist
-
Patent number: 6634135Abstract: The invention provides a soft bodied bifurcated frog-like lure. The lure is created by spreading the individual hooks of a double hook apart and threading soft bodied plastic baits over the points of the hooks and onto the shanks of the hooks. When the hooks are allowed to spring back together the parts of the soft bodied plastic baits that are threaded on the hook shanks are compressed between the shanks of the two hooks and locked in place. The baits can be replaced by reversing the procedure to remove the old baits and then threading the new baits onto the shanks of the hooks. The addition of weed guards to the hooks adds to the frog-like shape of the lure.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Theodore Rydell
-
Patent number: 6634136Abstract: The invention described relates to a downrigger line clamp mechanism used in downrigger fishing and includes an adjustable clamping force for adjusting the overall release tension of a fishing line. The pre-stressed line clamp mechanism includes a pair of pivotally engaged, elongate arms which, when assembled, are resiliently flexed such that one portion of the arms, the proximal grip portions, are outward bowed, the tips of the proximal grip portions pinching together, thereby biassing another portion of the arms, the jaws, towards a closed clamp position. The line clamp mechanism uses an adjustable compression-force biassing device movably mounted between the tips of the proximal grip portions of the arms. The biassing device may include spacers of different spacing dimensions, each spacer being positionable into an active position between the tips of the proximal grip portions of the arms by moving the biassing device relative to the arms.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Scott Plastics Ltd.Inventors: John Barrett, Siegfried Bulling, Kevin Anthony Davis Scott
-
Patent number: 6634137Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base portion. The sleeve has a plurality of folds comprising expansion for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, and portions of the skirt portion to extend angularly, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
-
Patent number: 6634138Abstract: A decorative fountain comprising a support member that can be disposed on a floor or a wall is disclosed. The decorative fountain is comprised of a decorative element which may be disposed on the support member and at least one reservoir. A liquid can flow from an upper position on the decorative element, down the front of the decorative element, where it is received by the reservoir. Optionally, a liquid pumping device coupled to the reservoir may pump the liquid to the upper position on the decorative element. The decorative fountain further comprises flowers in a growing medium, with a sunlight substitute.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Richard Jed Katzman
-
Patent number: 6634139Abstract: A dock light warning system includes an exterior unit adapted to be mounted adjacent a loading dock door. The exterior unit is provided with a red light assembly for providing a narrow beam of red light focused on a driver's side exterior rearview mirror when the loading dock door is in the open position to warn a driver against moving the truck. A corresponding interior unit is provided with a red light assembly and a green light assembly to indicate the condition of the red light assembly and the green light assembly of the exterior unit. A photocell assembly is provided for sensing the position of the overhead door to control the switching of the red light assembly to the green light assembly and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Donald Metz
-
Patent number: 6634140Abstract: An automatic door opener (10) for opening or closing a door (28) includes a motor (14) driving a drive shaft (50) and an opener arm (18) connected to the door (28) and being responsive to rotation of the drive shaft (50) for moving the door (28) to an open or closed position. A clutch (46) operable to disengage the drive shaft (50) from the opener arm (18) is provided in the event of the door (28) engaging an obstacle, electric power being unavailable, or the door being fully open or fully closed. The door opener (10) may also include a brake (48) for selectively preventing movement of the door (28). Various embodiments of the invention are provided, including an electromagnetic clutch (80) and an electromagnetic brake (114).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Power Access CorporationInventor: Nils D. Sellman
-
Patent number: 6634141Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. Also a method for manufacturing the operator includes the steps of passing the worm shaft through the hole with the worm shoulder engaging the internal shoulder and the worm disposed against the first support surface, fitting the arm to the central post, the arm in drivable engagement with the worm, placing the base and the cover together with the worm disposed between the first and second support surfaces and the central post.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Truth HardwareInventors: Todd A. Anderson, Douglas G. Johnson, James G. Seaser, Daniel G. Tucker
-
Patent number: 6634142Abstract: A door assembly includes a simple and compact mount for attaching a power or manual window drive mechanism within a door module. The drive mechanism can be removed from a door panel without having to remove the driven mechanism that lowers and raises the window. The drive mechanism is positioned on one side of the panel and the driven mechanism is positioned on an opposite side of the panel from the drive mechanism. A retaining assembly retains the driven and drive mechanisms to the panel such that the drive mechanism can be selectively detached from the panel without detaching the driven mechanism from the panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-FranceInventors: Simon Dobson, Arnd Herwig
-
Patent number: 6634143Abstract: Disclosed is an independently compartmental ash laying structure, comprising a plurality of ash laying rooms therewithin, which are individually divided and arranged in the form of cells to be collectively controlled, wherein each ash laying room has a door for controlling entrance and exit and a space for performing a ceremony in relation to a memorial service as well as storing ashes or articles left by the dead according to individuals, families, or specific groups.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Gwang-Jln Yoo
-
Patent number: 6634144Abstract: A waterproof system for draining water away from a building located in ground having a surface above which a portion of the building extends. The building has a footer and at least one wall extending vertically from the footer. The system includes a first drain member located in a first trench provided in the ground outside the building. A membrane including a first portion and a second portion is provided. The first portion forms a liner which lines the first trench to form a trough for capturing water. The second portion is affixed to an outer surface of the wall along at least a portion of a height of said wall and extending toward the footer.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Everdry Marketing & Management Services, Inc.Inventors: Carl Moore, Nick DiCello
-
Patent number: 6634145Abstract: A modular stone stair system using a plurality of modules in the form of stringers, risers, treads and landings in standardized thicknesses and widths. The risers, landings (if any) and treads have different widths dependent upon the width of the stairs desired, with the treads and landing (if any) being of the full width of the stair, and the risers being a modular width such that each tread or landing is underlain by a plurality of risers. Each level of the stair has a plurality of stringers, abutting the back of the tread and riser and running to the back of the stair. The stringers vary in depth depending upon how many steps are to be present, such that each level, except the bottom, overlaps the tread and riser of the next lower level by a fixed amount. The system can easily be assembled by two people, using a shovel, a level, and a ruler, giving the homeowner or contractor the option of choosing threshold heights, widths, and landings with varying depths.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Ormsby Dolph
-
Patent number: 6634146Abstract: A system and method for installing a construction component, such as a window unit, in proper position within a construction component opening, such as a framed opening, of a structure or building. The system employs a position securing means attached to the periphery of the construction component. The position securing means may be a strap of flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material or combination thereof, or a self-locking device. The position securing means is adapted for attachment to a construction component opening when the construction component is in proper position. In the method of the invention, a construction component carrying a position securing means is placed in proper position within a construction component opening. Once in proper position, the position securing means is attached to the construction component opening, securing the component in proper position.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Martin G. Carlson
-
Patent number: 6634147Abstract: In order to install or tension a brace (1) having a false bearing, for example a stay cable for a cable-stayed bridge, an external tensioning member or similar comprising a bundle of plastic-sheathed individual elements (2) made of steel, for example, wires, strands of wires or similar, the individual elements (2) are exposed in the area of the anchoring in order that they may be anchored at this point in holes (6) in an anchoring plate (7) which is supported by the building structure (9) by means of wedges (5). In order to ensure that when the strand is anchored the remaining plastic jacket (4) ends as close as possible to the anchoring plate (7), it is suggested that the plastic jacket be prevented from making any longitudinal movement during the extension of each individual element (2) which occurs during tensioning by a stop in the form of an annular shoulder (6d) which surrounds the element (2) in the anchoring area, and thereby compressed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Walter Bau-AktiengesellschaftInventor: Oswald Nützel
-
Patent number: 6634148Abstract: An improved method of forming an insulated poured concrete wall, a system for forming an insulated poured concrete wall, and an insulated poured concrete wall are provided. The system includes spaced-apart wall forms defining a cavity, a plurality of insulating panels adjacent at least one of the opposing wall surfaces, and a plurality of the elongate retaining strips between adjacent insulating panels, wherein each of the elongate retaining strips includes a portion that projects into the cavity and/or each of the elongate retaining strips has at least one notch through which a wall tie passes. The system allows building materials such as drywall, siding, paneling, and the like, as well as heavier objects, such as cabinets to be more stably and durably secured to an insulated poured concrete wall, and facilitates construction of an insulated concrete wall using fewer components and less labor.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Edward C. Shidler
-
Patent number: 6634149Abstract: Construction and remodeling of a cleanroom wall system is facilitated with a universal stud design. A variety of wall configurations may be assembled with the same stud. Also provided is a useful connector block for joining perpendicularly oriented studs, or for splicing together axially aligned studs. A corner stud is also provided, as well as a deflection track for connecting the top track of a wall panel to a conventional ceiling grid to allow deflection of the grid relative to the wall and to facilitate easy access to the portion of the ceiling immediately above the wall panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: Dennis O. Cates, Roger K. Crawford
-
Patent number: 6634150Abstract: A foundation for a manufactured home generally comprises a ground pan and a lateral brace assembly. Manufactured home has first and second elongate support beams with first beam supported by upright pier and second beam having a lateral flange having a free end. Ground pan, for disposition beneath pier includes a cleat for insertion in ground for preventing horizontal movement of pan. Lateral brace assembly includes an elongate, rigid, and adjustable-length lateral brace, having a bottom end pivotably supported by ground pan and a top end pivotably attached to a beam connector attached to second beam. Beam connector includes: a bracket including a traversing portion, traversing flange and a slot adapted for receiving flange; and a vertical retaining means for bearing on beam opposite slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: James Oliver, Evon L. Oliver
-
Patent number: 6634151Abstract: Support apparatus for supporting one or more objects from a concrete structure includes an insert for embedment in the concrete structure and a hanger rod connected to, extending downwardly from and supported by the insert. The hanger rod includes an end that extends over a top member of the insert and the insert and hanger rod include structure cooperating to maintain the hanger rod at a desired location relative to the insert.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Steven A. Roth
-
Patent number: 6634152Abstract: Two embodiments of a collapsible metal roof truss are disclosed. Both embodiments are made up jackknife foldable left and right heel sections, a jackknife foldable peak section and a center bottom chord. In the flat ceiling embodiment the center bottom chord can be solid. In the second cathedral ceiling embodiment the center bottom chord is split into two pivotally interconnected sections and a vertical web leg is added. The truss can be assembled in a variety of shapes and sizes and configurations and is easily collapsed after partial prefabrication for convenient shipping.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: David Pilkinton
-
Patent number: 6634153Abstract: A truss for use in building construction having a center portion adapted to “go plastic” during a seismic event, and two outer portions at opposite ends, which remain inelastic during such event. The center portion features spaced opposed upper and lower C-channels connected to interposed spaced gussets, which gussets are connected by both vertical angle members and crossed bars. The crossed bars are also connected at their midpoints to a connection plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: JD2, Inc.Inventor: Gilbert A. Peterson
-
Patent number: 6634154Abstract: A post is formed from a pair of molded elongate half members having an interior surface. The pair of the elongate members are connectable to each other to form a column structure having a hollow interior. At least one support member is integrally molded to each half member and extending into the hollow interior so that a support member from one half member is disposed between two adjacent support members from the other half member.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Atlas Post and ColumnInventor: Joseph Palencar
-
Patent number: 6634155Abstract: A construction beam includes a pair of lateral members and a resilient web extending therebetween, so as to present a cross-sectional profile corresponding to commonly used construction beams (e.g., 2″×4″ or 2″×6″). The resilience of the web helps to attenuate sound transmission through the beam from one lateral member to the other. In particular, in a wall frame, the lateral members are mounted at opposite ends thereof to end plates consisting of other construction beams according to the present invention. When the wall frame is used in a building structure, the lateral members of the end plates on the same side are attached to the surrounding structure, leaving the other side of the frame resiliently free floating. A wall is mounted on the free floating side of the wall frame so as to provide a resiliently free floating wall that acts as a sound attenuating absorber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.Inventor: Mark H. Smith
-
Patent number: 6634156Abstract: A package and method of packaging dangerous goods for transport, and in particular infectious substances, is disclosed. The package includes an outer collapsible container, an inner collapsible container, and means for suspending the inner collapsible container within the outer collapsible container. In a preferred embodiment, the outer collapsible container may be made of fiberboard and dimensioned for receipt and retention of the inner collapsible container, which may also be made of fiberboard. The inner container receives and maintains primary receptacles containing an infectious substance. If desired, the inner container may also receive and maintain a secondary container that receives the primary receptacles. The suspension means may comprise flap panels formed integrally with the outer container.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Arthur G. Rutledge
-
Patent number: 6634157Abstract: A head space inerting system is used in a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The inerting system directly introduces an inerting gas into the head space of the formed package subsequent to filling and prior to sealing. The inerting system includes an inerting gas source, an inerting gas heater to heat the inerting gas and an inerting gas nozzle. The inerting gas nozzle is disposed within the form, fill and seal packaging machine to introduce the inerting gas directly into the head space of the packages. The nozzle is further disposed between the top heating station and the sealing station. A method for inerting an atmosphere in the package head space is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Paul Anderson, Ronald Swank
-
Patent number: 6634158Abstract: A machine for forming reclosable packaging includes a removable forming neck which can be replaced with different forming necks of various diameters. The machine has a mechanism (40) for attaching closure strips (P) onto a film that have lengths up to half the circumference of the smallest forming neck (10), and a mechanism (60)″ that makes the transverse welds (61, 62) along a length equal to at least equal half the circumference of the largest forming neck (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Flexico-FranceInventor: Henri Georges Bois
-
Patent number: 6634159Abstract: Electronic computers are brought to a position for a pickup by the movement of a X-Y table, then picked up by suction and held by a holding tool, and transported by the rotation of a rotating table. Then, after the completion of a posture-recognition procedure by a sensing device, the electronic components held by the holding tool are stored one by one in storage compartments within a tape while position of the holding tool with respect to the tape being adjusted by the movement of the X-Y table based on the result of the position recognition. Thus, the electronic components are securely stored in the tape without sacrificing the efficiency of production.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Muto, Ryuichi Komatsu, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Akio Watanabe, Yasuhiro Oribe
-
Patent number: 6634160Abstract: A weighted training surcingle device comprising a belt simulating the spatial area of a person's legs and buttocks. Each half of the belt has a plurality of pouches providing means for holding weight adjacent the rib cage of a horse simulating weight distribution of a person. Rings interspaced between the pouches are supplied for attaching at least one line to the belt for the training of a horse. A pad distributes weight away from a spinal area of a horse when the belt is placed upon a horse. A centrally located pouch spanning the midpoint of the belt is provided for holding weight adjacent the spine of the horse simulating body weight of a person. A line is attached between one of the different rings of the belt and a guiding ring of a bridle to restrict movement of the horse's head within the bridle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Krista K. Brauckmann-Towns
-
Patent number: 6634161Abstract: A blade for a rotary cutting machine includes at least one polygonal shaped opening longitudinally spaced from a central portion of the blade. The polygonal shaped opening is adapted to receive a drive head of a conventional socket wrench, a standard Allen wrench, a Torx head type wrench or other similar tool. The polygonal shaped opening enables a user to generate sufficient torque to prevent the blade from being undesirably rotated while the blade is drivingly connected or disconnected from a driveshaft of the rotary cutting machine. In this fashion, the blade may be changed efficiently and effectively using standard tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Charles G. Williams
-
Patent number: 6634162Abstract: The simultaneous processing of multiple rows of plants, especially trellised rows. Apparatus is provided to process two adjacent rows, using a conventional tractor with narrow gauge front wheels, with rear wheels on opposite sides of the two rows with a larger gauge. The spacing apart of the rear wheels is adjustable. The two processing apparati can be used simultaneously or selectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Matt Andros
-
Patent number: 6634163Abstract: A device for picking up scattered leaves on a lawn by piercing them with an array of sharp tines extending from a support plate that is held by an extended handle so the user can press the tines into leaves from a standing position. A resiliently mounted discharge plate is carried below the support plates (upper and lower) with the tines extending through respective orifices in the discharge plate. A lever associated with the handle may be actuated to move the discharge plate downwardly and remove leaves from the tines.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Kill
-
Patent number: 6634164Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing stranded cables from strand elements with alternating twist directions (SZ stranding). One or more storage disks can be disposed between a guide that receives the strand elements and a stranding disk. The stranding disk and the storage disks can be driven in alternating directions. At least one torsion element drives the storage disks with a respective rotation speed that decreases with increasing distance between the storage disks and the stranding disk. The torsion element can be driven at several locations with a different rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: KMS Kabelmaschinen und Systeme GmbHInventors: Walter Moser, Günther Kirchknopf, Josef Stiller
-
Patent number: 6634165Abstract: A water-injection control system is disclosed for a water supersaturation system installed in a gas turbine air intake system for augmenting gas turbine power output during operation at high ambient-air temperature, while maintaining the water content in the intake air within limits acceptable to the gas turbine as indicated by measured gas turbine operating parameters. The control system starts, stops, modulates, and limits water supplied to the supersaturating system based on the humidity or dew-point temperature of the ambient air, dry-bulb temperature of the ambient air, compressor inlet air flow, and gas turbine parameters indicating operation at or near maximum output.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Leroy Omar Tomlinson, Richard Robert Trewin
-
Patent number: 6634166Abstract: In an in-cylinder injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders and a catalyst device disposed in an exhaust system of the engine, a fuel is injected to at least one selected cylinder selected from the plurality of cylinders to be operated, and subsequently the fuel is injected to all cylinders to be operated. At this time, a warm-up controlled variable for the at least one selected cylinder is smaller than the warm-up controlled variable used when all cylinders are operated. In the in-cylinder injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine, the all cylinder operation is started and the warm-up control is started for all cylinders to warm up the catalyst device disposed in the exhaust system of the engine preferably when a fuel injection pressure exceeds a target value.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeki Miyashita
-
Patent number: 6634167Abstract: An exhaust temperature raising apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust throttle valve that adjusts an amount of flow of an exhaust gas flowing in an exhaust passage, a valve control device for controlling the exhaust throttle valve to a substantially completely closed state at a time when an amount of an unburned fuel component contained in the exhaust gas is to be reduced, an engine air-fuel ratio control device for operating the internal combustion engine at a theoretical air-fuel ratio or a fuel-excess air-fuel ratio when the exhaust throttle valve is controlled to the substantially completely closed state by the valve control device, and a secondary air supply device for supplying a secondary air to an upstream portion of the exhaust passage when the exhaust throttle valve is controlled to the substantially completely closed state by the valve control device.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunsuke Toshioka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Toshiaki Tanaka
-
Patent number: 6634168Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas purification system for removing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide from an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. This system includes an upstream catalyst containing at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium, and a downstream catalyst that is arranged downstream of the upstream catalyst. This downstream catalyst contains platinum in an amount greater than that of platinum of the upstream catalyst. In the system, a first oxygen excess ratio of an exhaust gas at an inlet of the upstream catalyst may be adjusted to at least 0.9, and a second oxygen excess ratio of an exhaust gas at an outlet of the upstream catalyst and at an inlet of the downstream catalyst may be adjusted to at least 0.1. Alternatively, a first air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas at an inlet of the upstream catalyst may be adjusted to at least 14.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 6634169Abstract: A catalyst system includes a three-way catalyst (TWC) mounted underfloor and an engine management system programmed to initiate an enrichment of the exhaust gases exiting the engine with at least one of CO and hydrocarbons and to add secondary air to the exhaust gases in the exhaust passage upstream of the TWC. This periodic enrichment and addition of secondary air causes catalytic oxidation of the at least one of CO and hydrocarbons over the TWC thereby raising the underfloor TWC temperature to at least 550° C., preferably higher, in order to reduce sulphur poisoning of the catalyst and maintain the desired catalytic activity.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Paul Joseph Andersen, Todd Howard Ballinger, David Scott Lafyatis, Raj Rao Rajaram, Andrew Peter Walker
-
Patent number: 6634170Abstract: An exhaust emission control system of an internal combustion engine is provided which controls the oxygen concentration of exhaust passing through the exhaust emission control device according to the flow rate of exhaust flowing through an exhaust passage when the exhaust emission control device is regenerated, so that the regeneration is completed within a short period of time while the filter is prevented from being damaged by melting during the regeneration. This improves the exhaust emission control performance and reliability of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus CorporationInventors: Satoshi Hiranuma, Kihoko Kaita, Shinichi Saito, Takeshi Hashizume, Junya Watanabe, Kenji Kawai, Toru Kawatani, Yoshinaka Takeda
-
Patent number: 6634171Abstract: An exhaust scavenging system for an internal combustion engine including exhaust passages extending from the engine and an exhaust outlet system. A collector extends from the bundled ends of the exhaust passages to the exhaust outlet system. A flow enhancement element extends into the collector from a central position among the bundled exhaust passage outlets. The flow enhancement element may be fixed, adjustable axially or modulated axially. When modulated, a controller controls the actuator based on engine parameters with a feedback loop either directly from the actuator or through further measurement of engine conditions. When adjustable, the flow enhancement element can range in position from a retracted position to an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Gale C. Banks, III
-
Patent number: 6634172Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a load lifting device to move a load and hold the load steady is disclosed. In the conventional arts, a lifted or lowered suspended load had a tendency to move from its desired position, as hydraulic fluid in the lifting system cooled, e.g. a stick slip condition. The present invention monitors a fluid pressure in the lifting system and compensates the fluid pressure to accommodate any pressure drop due to fluid cooling. Thereby, the load can be effectively held steady at a desired position, and the stick slip condition can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Grove U.S. LLCInventors: Stephen J. Schoonmaker, Jeffrey L. Addleman
-
Patent number: 6634173Abstract: A hydraulic rescue system comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump assembly having a plurality of pump modules, and a manifold assembly having a corresponding number of manifold modules. Each pump module includes an input port for drawing hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir and an output port for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to a hydraulic rescue tool. Each manifold module includes a fluid circuit that is adapted to fluidly connect the output port of one of the pump modules with a hydraulic rescue tool. A PTO adapter is connected to the pump assembly and is operably connectable to a PTO shaft of a vehicle transmission for operating the pump modules. In this manner, a number of different hydraulic rescue tools can be operated simultaneously with full pressure from the pump assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Linster, Frank Sclafani, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6634174Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas turbine in the exhaust gas system and a compressor in the intake system for producing compressed charge air. A compressor rotor is arranged in a compressor inlet channel. In order to achieve a greater range of utilization, an adjustable shutoff element is arranged in the compressor inlet channel, upstream from the compressor rotor, for variable adjustment of the effective cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Siegfried Sumser, Peter Fledersbacher, Friedrich Wirbeleit, Juergen Willand, Hans-Georg Lehmann
-
Patent number: 6634175Abstract: A gas turbine combustor has homogenous air inflow by elimination of turbulence from the air, reducing combustion instability. A combustor 3 has, at its center, a pilot nozzle 8 and eight main nozzles 7 around the pilot nozzle 8. The air flows in around the individual nozzles 7 and 8 to the leading end of the combustor 3 so that it is used for combustion. An annular flow ring 20, having a semicirculat section, is disposed at the upstream end portion of a combustion cylinder 10, and a porous plate 50 and a surrounding rib 51 are disposed downstream of the flow ring 20. The air inflow is smoothly turned at first by the flow ring 20 and then straightened by the porous plate 50 so that the air flows without any disturbance around the individual nozzles 7 and 8 to the leading end, thereby reducing combustion instability.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Kawata, Shigemi Mandai, Yoshiaki Tsukuda, Eiji Akita, Hisato Arimura
-
Patent number: 6634176Abstract: In a turbine engine with an annular recuperator surrounding the turbine, exhaust gas is directed from the turbine to the recuperator by a generally curved exhaust dome. A vortex disrupter structure extends from the exhaust dome to a point distal of the turbine to evenly distribute the exhaust gas entering the recuperator and sustain diffusion of the exhaust gas to increase the expansion ratio across the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Gregory C. Rouse, Octavio Solis, David Calta
-
Patent number: 6634177Abstract: An apparatus for the real-time monitoring and control of a wafer temperature in a semiconductor process chamber, such as a plasma assisted deposition chamber or etch chamber, is provided. The apparatus is constructed by a wafer platform, a heat exchanger for flowing a heat exchanging medium into the wafer platform, an optical sensor for sensing the temperature of a wafer positioned on the wafer platform, and a controller for receiving a signal from the optical sensor, comparing to a pre-stored value and sending a signal to the heat exchanger to increase or decrease a flow of the heat exchanging medium. In another embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric cooling modules is utilized for enhancing the temperature control capability of the heat exchanger by embedding the modules in the wafer platform, such as an electrostatic chuck.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kun-Tzu Lin, Jung-Huang Peng, Yu-Chih Huang, Chu-Song Shih
-
Patent number: 6634178Abstract: In a prior-art method to regulate the pressure inside a cryogenic tank containing cold gas when a main stream for a consumer is withdrawn, heated gas in the form of a heating gas secondary stream, which is regulated as a function of the tank pressure, is fed through the cryogenic tank via a pipe. In order to start on this basis and to provide a simple and safe operating method to regulate the main stream and the secondary stream while also providing a cost-efficient device for this purpose, it is proposed by the method according to the invention that the secondary stream and the main stream be fed to a pressure-control means equipped with a first adjustable throttle for the secondary stream and with a second adjustable throttle for the main stream, whereby the throttles are coupled to each other in such a way that they can be opened and closed in opposite directions as a function of the pressure in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbHInventors: Friedel Michel, Heinz Koser, Rainer Schmitt
-
Patent number: 6634179Abstract: A wear-resistant surface is formed on a component formed of an AlSi alloy by using a thermal spraying or a laser beam treatment. A thermally conductive device is brought into a thermally conductive contact with the component so that the thermally conductive device touches the component during the step of forming the wear-resistant surface. The thermally conductive device is actively cooled.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Rolf Heinemann, Klaus Färber, Thomas Heider
-
Patent number: 6634180Abstract: A heat pump system includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, with a compressor, an outdoor fan, and a reversing valve all in the outdoor unit. A thermostat is added to the outdoor unit with one side of the thermostat connected to a high voltage line for either a compressor or a magnetic contactor and the other side connected to a high voltage line for either an outdoor fan or a reversing valve. A signal collection circuit in the indoor unit is connected to a high voltage line for the outdoor fan when the other side of the thermostat is connected to the outdoor fan and to a high voltage line for the reversing valve when the other side of the thermostat is connected to the reversing valve. The thermostat sends a signal to the electronic control board when the defrosting operation should be terminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Dong-Joon Yim
-
Patent number: 6634181Abstract: A cooling air supply apparatus includes: a blowing fan attached at a rear wall face of a freezing chamber and forcefully circulating air cooled while passing an evaporator of a freezing cycle; a supply passage formed at a barrier partitioning the freezing chamber and a cooling chamber and supplying cooling air ventilated from the blowing fan to the cooling chamber; a rear guide passage branched from the cooling air passage and guiding cooling air backwardly of the cooling chamber; a right guide passage branched from the cooling air supply passage and guiding cooling air rightwardly of the cooling chamber; and a left guide passage branched from the cooling air supply passage, having the same diameter as that of the right guide passage and guiding cooling air leftwardly of the cooling chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang Bae Kim, Young Seok Choi, Byung Gyu Kang
-
Patent number: 6634182Abstract: A highly efficient and compact ammonia refrigerator, whose safety is further improved, is obtained. The ammonia refrigerator uses ammonia as refrigerant and has an ammonia refrigerating cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are connected through piping. The refrigerator comprises a casing in which the compressor and a motor for driving the compressor are accommodated and the refrigerant flows, a stator winding of the motor made of an aluminum wire, and a brine cooled by the refrigerant which is compressed in the casing and then evaporated in the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Trustee for the benefit of Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Ichikawa, Makoto Ohtahara
-
Patent number: 6634183Abstract: In a chemical heat pump a substance is used which within the temperature range for which the heat pump is intended has a transition between a solid phase and a solution phase. The substance can for a solar driven chemical heat pump comprise magnesium chloride hexahdrate. In an accumulator part of the heat pump a heat exchanger (21) is provided enclosed by a net (23). The solid phase is primary located inside the net in contact with the heat exchanger while the solution phase flow out of the net and is collected in space (24′) below the heat exchanger. From this space the solution phase is pumped and sprayed over the heat exchanger from a spray bar (25). Thereby, all the time equilibrium is maintained. The advantage including the constant temperature step and the relatively large energy content of solid substance is thereby combined with the high power of liquid substances.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Solsam Sunergy ABInventors: Staffan Jonsson, Ray Olsson, Mona Karebring-Olsson