Patents Issued in January 29, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040016236
    Abstract: A computerized system for accurate, independent verification of natural gas fuel flow in order to control H2O injection flows. The H2O is injected into a combustion system to control emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Steven Walker
  • Publication number: 20040016237
    Abstract: An integrated air separation and oxygen fired power generation system includes an air separation unit and a gas turbine including an air compressor to provide compressed air for the air separation unit. The system further includes a gas turbine expander and at least one additional turbine to drive the air compressor, as well as at least one combustion unit to provide drive gas for expander and additional turbine(s). A portion of oxygen produced by the air separation unit is delivered to the combustor(s) to facilitate production of drive gas for use by the expander and additional turbine(s). Turbine inlet temperatures are controlled by recycling water or steam to the combustor(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Ovidiu Marin, Scott Macadam, Frederic Fillet, Pietro Di Zanno
  • Publication number: 20040016238
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated compressor bleed valve communicating between a compressor housing and a bypass duct of a gas turbine engine. The valve has an annular piston slidably mounted within an annular chamber concentric the longitudinal engine axis. An annular valve plug on the piston and an annular valve seat on the compressor housing defining a valve seal interface. A control air pressure conduit communicates between a portion of the annular chamber bounded by the piston and a source of control air pressure. Guide bearings mounted to the periphery of the piston and the housing have a helical guide surface concentric the engine axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Eleftheriou, Vittorio Bruno, Ian William Chandler
  • Publication number: 20040016239
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature gas turbine engine for power generation. The engine has a highly integrated unitary rotor shaft where turbine, compressor and shaft are made in one piece in one fabrication process. The turbine and compressor are positioned back to back on the shaft in an overhung configuration, allowing the front bearings to be located in the cold zone of the engine. Preferably, the Mold SDM fabrication technique is utilized to make the unitary rotor shaft in one monolithic part out of ceramics such as silicon nitride, eliminating the need for post process assembly while strengthening the integrity, reliability, and performance of the unitary rotor shaft. Integrated with a permanent magnet in the unitary rotor shaft, the miniature gas turbine engine can generate electric power of 1 kW or less. Additionally, the axial length of the miniature gas turbine engine is about 100 mm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Tibor Fabian, Frank Holman, Sangkyun Kang, Hao-Chih Liu, Minoru Matsunaga, Fritz B. Prinz, Hideaki Tsuru
  • Publication number: 20040016240
    Abstract: In the present method, cold substances are transferred through a nozzle with moving parts. An insulating boot facilitates the method. The present method is generally suited for use in transferring cryogenic substances such as during the refueling of liquid natural gas vehicles. The present method causes an insulating layer to be created between a removable boot and a nozzle separating the ambient environment from the moving parts of the nozzle, purging the layer with a dry gas such as nitrogen to remove moisture and restricting the incursion of such moisture from the layer and therefore, from the moving parts to avoid freezing up of the moving parts. The layer can also help to avoid freezing up of the abutting interface created between the nozzle and receiving line when the nozzle is removably engaged to a receiving line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Currie Brook, Samuel Douglas Chambers
  • Publication number: 20040016241
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, valve, and refrigeration branch, all of which is in fluid communication. The refrigeration branch includes an evaporator coil. The refrigeration system further includes a case adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, and a system controller operable to control one or more aspects of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller is operable to control a subsystem having one of the compressor, condenser, valve, refrigeration branch, and case. The method of operating the refrigeration system includes at the subsystem controller, monitoring a parameter of the subsystem, comparing the monitored parameter with a parameter limit, generating an alarm when the parameter is not within the parameter limit, and communicating the alarm to the system controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20040016242
    Abstract: A method of remotely controlling an Internet refrigerator having its own proper ID, includes transmitting a variable IP information assigned to the Internet refrigerator where the Internet refrigerator accesses the Internet, and the proper ID, to a server from the Internet refrigerator; storing the proper ID and the IP address information pertaining to the Internet refrigerator in the server; supplying the IP address information of the Internet refrigerator as appropriate, according to the proper ID address inputted by a user who has access to the server through the Internet, to a user terminal; and allowing the user terminal to access the Internet refrigerator, based on the IP information received from the server. Thus, a user in a remote place can access the Internet refrigerator by a remote control through a terminal in the case of the refrigerator assigned a variable IP address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-June Song, Gi-Hyoong Lee
  • Publication number: 20040016243
    Abstract: A networking system for a refrigerator in which a network module available for both wireless and wire accesses to the network over the Internet is built, thereby allowing an access to an other network over the Internet and constructing a home network, the networking system able to be easily upgraded, and a method of upgrading the networking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong June Song, Pyeong-ki Park, Kyu-hwan Ahn
  • Publication number: 20040016244
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, valve, and evaporator in fluid communication; a system controller operable to control one or more aspects of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller is operable to control one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and evaporator. A method of operating the refrigeration system includes communicating a code from the subsystem controller to the system controller, obtaining information at the system controller having a relation to the code; and communicating at least a portion of the obtained information from the system controller to the subsystem controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20040016245
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaged chilling system for providing chilled water to an air conditioning system for a building that includes: a duct system; an air handling system; and a water chilling system; wherein: the duct system is in operable communication with a building that has a plurality of rooms, at least one of the rooms having a sensor for detecting the room air temperature in the room, the duct system comprising at least one supply duct for directing low temperature air from the air handling system to the building and at least one return duct for directing high temperature air from the building to the air handling system; the air handling system includes a plurality of air handling units, each air handling unit comprising an air inlet for receiving high temperature air from the building, a cooling coil that includes at least one conduit through which chilled water flows, the cooling coil having multiple passes and positioned for heat transfer contact with the high temperature air, and a fan for increasing t
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tom L. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20040016246
    Abstract: A control device for a motor fan of a vehicle, which controls the motor fan to cool a radiator for engine coolant and a condenser for air conditioner refrigerant, includes: a first command value calculation section which calculates a first command value for control of the motor fan according to refrigerant pressure; a second command value calculation section which calculates a second command value for control of the motor fan according to coolant temperature; a first target value setting section which sets the greater of the first command value and the second command value as a first target value; a second target value setting section which obtains a second target value for control of the motor fan which corresponds to a total torque which is smaller than a total torque of a torque of an alternator and a torque of a compressor corresponding to the first target value; and a control section which controls the motor fan according to the second target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Furukawa, Hiromi Murao, Kazuhira Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040016247
    Abstract: In a cold air supply apparatus of a refrigerator, by forming a cold air path for discharging cold air from the rear and side surfaces of a chilling chamber to distribute cold air from the rear and side surfaces of the chilling chamber selectively by using a damper, the apparatus includes a cold air discharge duct installed at the upper portion of a chilling chamber; a side cold air path connected with a certain side of the cold air discharge duct, formed at the side wall of the chilling chamber and guiding cold air to the side of the chilling chamber; and a damper installed on a certain side of the cold air discharge duct in order to open/close the cold air supply hole, the side cold air path and both the side cold air path and the cold air discharge duct selectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, In-Seop Lee, In-Won Lee, Jae-Yong Sung, Jay-Ho Choi, Kwang-Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-Sok Nam
  • Publication number: 20040016248
    Abstract: A concentration cooling apparatus for a refrigerator, including a housing which is respectively mounted in one or more cold air guiding paths formed on a side wall of the chilling chamber to guide cold air to the side wall of the chilling chamber, a nozzle which is rotatably supported in the housing, for concentratedly injecting cold air to a region where a high temperature load is occurred in the chilling chamber, a temperature sensor which is mounted at the front of the nozzle, for sensing the region where the high temperature load is occurred, rotating together with the nozzle, and a nozzle driving portion for rotating the nozzle up and down as well as in the circumferential direction of the nozzle, can swiftly maintain a temperature inside of a chilling chamber as a uniform temperature by concentratedly discharging cold air into a region where a high temperature load is occurred inside the chilling chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, In-Seop Lee, In-Won Lee, Jae-Yong Sung, Jay-Ho Choi, Kwang-Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-Sok Nam
  • Publication number: 20040016249
    Abstract: A concentration cooling apparatus for a refrigerator, including a housing which is respectively mounted in a cold air guiding path, a nozzle which is rotably supported in the housing 20, for concentratedly injecting cold air to a region where a high temperature load is generated when the high temperature load is generated in a predetermined region inside a cooling chamber, an infrared sensor which is mounted at the front of the nozzle, for sensing the region where the high temperature load is generated rotating together with the nozzle and a frost drying sensor which is installed on the upper surface of the nozzle, for drying frost attached on the surface of the infrared sensor, can improve reliability of the infrared sensor by preventing frost on the surface of the lens of the infrared sensor which detects whether the high temperature load is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, In-Seop Lee, In-Won Lee, Jae-Yong Sung, Jay-Ho Choi, Kwang-Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-Sok Nam
  • Publication number: 20040016250
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system (1) according to the present invention has an evaporator (4), a heater core (6), a temperature controlling damper (20) for controlling the amounts of air passed and not passed through the heater core, a plurality of discharge outlets (22, 24, 26), a mode setting means (36) for manually selecting and setting a specific mode, a mode setting means (36) for manually setting a desired temperature, and a characteristic setting means for previously setting a predetermined relationship (shown by a line A in FIG. 4) between the temperature setting means and the damper opening of the temperature controlling damper by using a program such that the relationship between the temperature set by the temperature setting means and the air temperature at the discharge outlets has a predetermined characteristic (shown by a line C in FIG. 4), in the specific mode set by said mode setting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Nobuya Nakagawa, Toshihisa Kondo, Kazuo Ishii, Tuyoshi Ohminami
  • Publication number: 20040016251
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including an evaporator, a suction header in fluid communication with the evaporator, a compressor in fluid communication with the suction header, and a condenser in fluid communication with the compressor and the evaporator. The refrigeration system further including a controller operable to control the compressor and a sensor coupled to the compressor. The sensor is operable to acquire a parameter for the compressor. The method of operating the refrigeration system includes acquiring a value for the parameter with the sensor, and determining if the sensor is faulty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20040016252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for refrigeration system control includes an evaporator pressure regulator and sensor in communication with one of a plurality of refrigeration circuits. The sensor is operable to measure a parameter of the refrigeration circuit. A controller is operable to adaptively control a suction pressure of the compressor rack based upon the measured parameter, whereby the controller controls a circuit temperature for one of the plurality of circuits. Further, the controller is operable to control the electronic evaporator pressure regulator to control the temperature in the one of a plurality of refrigeration circuits by determining a change in the parameter and updating a set point based upon the change of parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Abtar Singh, Jim Chabucos, Paul Wickberg, John Wallace
  • Publication number: 20040016253
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a condenser, an evaporator, and a plurality of compressors in fluid communication. The plurality of compressors has a current run pattern with a current run capacity. The refrigeration system further comprises a controller operable to control the plurality of compressors. One method of operating the refrigeration system includes, at the controller, determining whether to increase or decrease the current run capacity and, when an increase or decrease in the current run capacity is required, creating a new run pattern to replace the current run pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20040016254
    Abstract: Method for controlling operation of a refrigerator including the steps of turning on a compressor when a temperature of a food storage chamber reaches to an upper limit of upper/lower temperature deviations &Dgr;T from an optimal setting temperature T, turning off the compressor when the temperature of the food storage chamber reaches to a lower limit of upper/lower temperature deviations &Dgr;T from the optimal setting temperature T, and varying the upper/lower temperature deviations &Dgr;T with an outside temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jin Koo Park
  • Publication number: 20040016255
    Abstract: A built-in refrigerator is disclosed. The built-in refrigerator includes: a main body installed in a sink and having a door at a front side thereof and a machine room at a rear lower side thereof; condenser and compressor respectively installed in the machine room; a cooling fan installed in the machine room, for cooling the condenser and the compressor; and a radiation passage allowing an outside of a front side of the main body to communicate with the machine room to introduce external air into the machine room and discharge internal air of the machine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Sik Kim, Tae Hee Lee, Yang Gyu Kim, Eui Yeop Chung, Se Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20040016256
    Abstract: Disclosed is a built-in refrigerator provided in a sink and effectively discharging heat from a condenser and a compressor. The built-in refrigerator includes a cabinet provided in the sink and a component chamber at a rear bottom thereof and a dust guard provided at a front bottom of the cabinet; a compressor provided in the component chamber; a condenser provided under a bottom surface of the cabinet; a ventilating passage communicating the component chamber with a bottom of the cabinet and outside of the dust guard for discharging heat generated from the condenser and the compressor to outside; and a cooling fan provided in the component chamber for cooling the compressor and the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eui Yeop Chung, Tae Hee Lee, Se Young Kim, Kyung Sik Kim, Yang Gyu Kim, Hi Chol Lee
  • Publication number: 20040016257
    Abstract: A cooling system, applied to an electronic apparatus having a plurality of exoergic circuit elements, which cools the exoergic circuit elements using air supplied from the outside includes a fin heat sink provided on the exoergic circuit elements, and an evaporator, located above the exoergic circuit elements, which cools the air and for guiding the cooled air to the fin heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Jie Wei
  • Publication number: 20040016258
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for motor vehicles, which contains a connection piece for a pressure switch/pressure sensor, said connection piece being suitable for evacuating and filling the air conditioning system after the removal of the pressure switch/pressure sensor, so that the two normally separate functions are combined in one connection piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dietmar Boehme, Dietmar Fischer, Uwe Heinz
  • Publication number: 20040016259
    Abstract: A concentrated cooling apparatus of a refrigerator is capable of improving the reliability of an infrared sensor by preventing moisture from being condensed onto the surface of the infrared sensor. The concentrated cooling apparatus includes a nozzle rotationally supported by a cold air guide path, the nozzle intensively jetting cold air to a high-temperature load region when a high-temperature load is placed inside a chilling chamber of the refrigerator. An infrared sensor is installed at the front of the nozzle, and the infrared sensor senses the high-temperature load region while being rotated together with the nozzle. A moisture removing device is formed at a side of the nozzle, the moisture removing device jetting cold air on the surface of the infrared sensor to remove moisture condensed on the surface of the infrared sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, In-Seop Lee, In-Won Lee, Jae-Yong Sung, Jay-Ho Choi, Kwang-Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-Sok Nam
  • Publication number: 20040016260
    Abstract: An expansion valve 1 comprises a piping member 10 having passages to which pipes for refrigerant are connected, and a cassette unit 100, which are formed as separate components. The cassette unit 100 comprises a flange portion 111 and a tube member 110 which are welded together, and to the interior of which are fixed a guide member 170, an orifice member 180 and a plate member 166. According to the pressure of gas filled in a gas charge chamber 122 defined by a lid 120 and a diaphragm 130, the diaphragm 130 is displaced, the movement of which is transmitted through a stopper 140 to a shaft member 150. The shaft member 150 is guided by a guide member 170 and drives a valve member 160 disposed within a valve chamber 161. The cassette unit 100 is inserted to the piping member 10 and fixed by a ring 50. Seal members 62, 64, 66 are fit to necessary areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuto Kobayashi, Masamichi Yano, Kazuhiko Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040016261
    Abstract: Interchangeable Ring System for creating custom ring assemblies (20). Custom ring assemblies (20) are comprised of an interchangeable ring shank assembly (22) and an interchangeable ring ornament assembly (24). Interchangeability is achieved through the connection of a male interchangeable mechanism (46) comprising a hinge (52), projection (54), and locking notch (56), to a female interchangeable mechanism (34) comprising a slot (38) and a slot enclosure (36 and 40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Laura Jeanene Rose
  • Publication number: 20040016262
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing successive spherical glass articles in each of which is accommodated a three-dimensional object of figuring, which method comprises the following steps, to be performed in a suitable sequence of: (a) providing a container with a mass of molten glass, which container comprises a discharge opening through which liquid glass can be delivered; (b) providing thermally resistant figurines; (c) wholly enclosing successively at least one figurine by molten glass by feeding molten glass thereto from at least two sides; (d) portioning the molten glass before or after step (c) such that molten glass masses are formed, in each of which a figurine is embedded; and (e) modeling these masses to a spherical form by substantially omnidirectional rolling for a time with simultaneous cooling so that the glass solidifies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Marbleous World B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Maria Zandvliet, Rene Cornelis Malherbe de Juvigny
  • Publication number: 20040016263
    Abstract: A glass forming assembly and method for forming complex shaped glass, with the glass forming assembly having a hood assembly including a hood lift superstructure movable horizontally back and forth over a cold ring and a cooling shuttle and movable vertically relative to the cold ring and the cooling shuttle, and a hood frame supported by the hood lift superstructure by a hood tilt mechanism. The hood tilt mechanism includes an air cylinder assembly actuable to tilt the hood frame relative to the hood lift superstructure, which allows for proper orientation of the glass prior to dropping it on the cooling shuttle, thus allowing for reduced glass chipping and cracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Frank E. Moulding, Larry J. Scott, Robert Croft, Ronald Vandergrift
  • Publication number: 20040016264
    Abstract: An apparatus for drawing an optical fiber and a method for controlling the feed speed of an optical fiber preform whereby the drawing speed of an optical fiber is stabilized to keep the size of the outer diameter uniform. The capstan speed is determined based on the outer diameter of the optical fiber. When the capstan speed is out of a target speed range, the preform feed speed is controlled to bring the capstan speed into the target range. A control unit includes a calculation unit for receiving a drawing speed signal output from the capstan and calculating a feed speed of the perform. The control unit regulates the outer diameter of the optical fiber by regulating the speed of the capstan according to a signal received from the outer diameter measurement unit indicating a change in the outer diameter of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Myung-Sop Lee, Ki-Tae Jung, Jae-Hong Park
  • Publication number: 20040016265
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an end of cycle for a laundry appliance having a drive motor, a timer motor, and at least one water valve. The method includes determining that the drive motor was previously running and is presently turned off, determining that the timer motor is not currently running, determining that the water valves are closed, and producing a signal to indicate the end of the laundry cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jordan S. Bruntz, Howell H. Chiles
  • Publication number: 20040016266
    Abstract: A drum washing machine includes an outer cabinet, a water tub disposed in the outer cabinet, a generally drum-shaped rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub, and an elastic support mechanism mounted inside the outer cabinet for elastically supporting the rotating tub. The elastic support mechanism includes an oil damper further including a cylinder and a predetermined amount of damping oil contained in the cylinder, and a coil spring having two ends and mounted outside the cylinder so that a central axis of the coil spring substantially corresponds with a central axis of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kouji Hisano
  • Publication number: 20040016267
    Abstract: An agitator assembly includes an agitator body and an auger body mounted on the upper end of the agitator body. There are at least three separate helical flighting segments on the auger body. Bearings are provided at the upper end of the auger body and at the lower end of the auger body. At least one of the bearings limits both radial and axial movement of the auger relative to the agitator whereas the other of the bearings limits only radial movement of the auger relative to the body. Inlet openings are provided adjacent the lower surfaces of the auger flightings permit fluid to enter the interior of the auger barrel. An elastomeric ring is provided for attaching a fabric softener dispenser to the agitator assembly and for permitting grasping and removal of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas S. Clark, Jon D. Strait, Vicki A. Rogers, Inho Andy Shin, Lisa Hood
  • Publication number: 20040016268
    Abstract: The invention provides a pair of cuff locks joined by a universal joint and linkage system which provides for 360 relative rotation between the cuffs as well as allow the cuffs to be folded together into a compact position. The invention further provides for a push button cylinder lock which includes a rotatable plug and a fixed plug each having a plurality of aligned bores for receiving one or more tumbler pins. The push button cylinder lock further includes a non-rotatable push button shaft which is sildably mounted within the housing. One or more retaining pins engage locking indents of the push button shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy Makos, Joseph Elliott, Kenneth N. Grandy, Victor Yip
  • Publication number: 20040016269
    Abstract: A security tag assembly structured to indicate the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area such as a retail establishment. A housing includes separable portions having a connector member structured to removably connect the merchandise to the housing and positionable into removable and locking engagement with a locking assembly when the housing is in an operative position relative to the merchandise. A shield assembly is mounted on the housing in protective, preferably surrounding or at least partially enclosing relation to the locking assembly so as to restrict unauthorized access to the locking assembly and/or the positioning thereof relative to the connector member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Johan Skjellerup
  • Publication number: 20040016270
    Abstract: A lock for securing an article on display includes a casing having a front opening and a hook contiguous to the front opening, with a locking body received in the casing. The locking body is formed with a bolt having a front lip that is movable out of the casing through the front opening. In addition, the locking body is designed so that the front lip of the bolt may be extended out of the casing and securely kept alongside the hook until the lock is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambert Kuo
  • Publication number: 20040016271
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and systems of the X-ray scanning of personal items. The present invention subjects personal items to a securable container that is controlled and amenable to X-ray screening. A portable container transparent to X-ray radiation is used for scanning personal items such as wallets, cameras, and keys which are normally not a part of a passenger's baggage. Personal items are placed in the container, which is then locked. The locked container is allowed to go through the X-ray device that generates images of the enclosed items. After being scanned the container is unlocked and the items can be removed. Preferably, the container lock has a cam, which is engaged with the groove when it is in the closed state. The key of the lock cannot be withdrawn when the lock is in the open state, thereby preventing passengers from accidentally leaving with the key in hand. The key can be removed from the lock only when it is in the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kirti Shah, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20040016272
    Abstract: A secure enclosure (10) for an automated banking machine includes a chest portion (12) and a moveable door (14). The door has mounted thereon a locking bolt work mechanism (24) which is operable to secure the door. The bolt work mechanism includes a drive cam (40). The drive cam is able to be locked in a predetermined position by engagement with a member (35) of a lock (34). The drive cam is connected to an idler cam (50) by a cam link (52). The drive cam is also connected to a locking bolt (60) by a drive bolt link (54). The idler cam is also connected to the locking bolt by an idler bolt link (56). Movement of the drive cam enables movement of the locking bolt between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Diebold Self Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard W. McCracken, Scott A. Mercer, Mark Bartolomeo, Terry L. Schreffler, Michael Suteu
  • Publication number: 20040016273
    Abstract: The safety key has a shank (6) which is provided with a plurality of control surfaces (7) for properly positioning tumblers and has a front end and a rear end (6a, 6b). At a front end (4a), the rotor (4) of the associated locking cylinder (2) has at least one further control surface (8), which interacts with a further control surface (9) arranged at the rear end (6b) of the shank (5). The safety key is backward compatible and is relatively difficult to copy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Publication number: 20040016274
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composting process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Thomasz Rudas
  • Publication number: 20040016275
    Abstract: Embodiments of a calcium cyanamide composition and method for their use are disclosed. The composition and method stabilize active ionic compositions comprising calcium cyanamide and enhance the effectiveness of calcium cyanamide alone or synergistically in combination with nitrogen-containing materials such as urea and organics, for example, manures. The composition and method also facilitate controllable site-directed delivery of the contents of the stabilized compositions. The composition and method are effective for fertilizing, soil amending, metal stabilizing and odor and organism inhibition. The compositions are stable, easily calibrated, and non-clogging for spray delivery to target sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Richard Hartmann
    Inventors: Richard O. Hartmann, Timothy G. Holt, A. Ray Shirley
  • Publication number: 20040016276
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a protective coating comprising at least one substantially homogeneous layer of a urethane-containing compound and a filler(s). An organic additive(s) may or may not be present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Nick P. Wynnyk, Eugene G. Stelmack, Nicolette M. Babiak, Leslie L. Carstens, J. David Eastham, Baozhong Xing
  • Publication number: 20040016277
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing gram load of a head suspension assembly. The invention includes a mechanical back bending process. After forming, the suspension is subjected to residual stress. During mechanical back bending of the load beam, the applied stress is in the opposite direction of the forming operation. Subsequently, the resultant residual stress around the pre load area is reversed and acted against the pre-existing residual stress remaining from the forming operation. The net effect is a reduction and/or the elimination of residual stress altogether. Depending on the pre-load geometry and desired spring force, the degree of back bending is varied. Typically, a one-time back bending is not sufficient to stabilize the spring region at a microstructure level. It has been demonstrated that such repetitive back bending operation can effectively bring mobile dislocations into equilibrium, and thus reduce or eliminate the hysteresis loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: KR Precision Public Company Limited
    Inventor: Visit Thaveeprungsriporn
  • Publication number: 20040016278
    Abstract: A method of producing a plate spring is disclosed which allows one to adjust the load-displacement characteristics thereof to a desired degree. The method includes stamping slits and a small diameter hole from a disk-shaped plate member, and forming the plate spring into a cone shape. Shot-peening is then performed on a resilient portion of the plate spring that retains a flat cone shape in the free state. Furthermore, shot-peening is performed on only a portion of the resilient portion and not on the entire surface of the plate spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Douman, Hiroshi Kimura, Toru Fujii
  • Publication number: 20040016279
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a tube blank, comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Peacock, Kevin John Stamp
  • Publication number: 20040016280
    Abstract: This invention provides a metal sheet pressing method of precision-pressing a metal sheet, wherein after a metal sheet (1) is partially drawn so as to form a perforated portion (1a), the perforated portion (1a) is heated by baking and after it is heated by baking, the perforated portion (1a) is pressed with press dies into an uneven-surface shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Minoru Ishihara, Toshio Kayao
  • Publication number: 20040016281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a workpiece with internal toothing, especially an internal geared wheel, by using a cup-like preform (N) with a substantially cylindrical side wall (N1) and a mandrel (5) with an external profile (6) according to the internal toothing to be produced, as well as with a forming tool which reduces the outside diameter of the cylindrical side wall during an advancing movement, as a result of which the material of the cylinder wall region flows into the external profile (6) of the mandrel (5). In accordance with the invention, the forming tool is configured as a drawing ring (14) ensuring the ironing of the cylinder wall region (N1) during an advancing movement and that two tool elements act upon the preform (N) during the ironing, which tool elements produce axial compressive stresses in the cylinder wall region (N1) of the preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Aribert Schwager, Fritz Bley, Manfred Kammerer, Klaus Siegert
  • Publication number: 20040016282
    Abstract: A planishing device (10) with a pulling element (11) and lever arms (151.1, 151.2) connected in an articulated manner, with bearing elements (12.1, 12.2) for bearing on a material layer (WS), characterised in that the lever arms (151.1, 151.2) in the region of the end (158.1, 158.2) lying opposite their grip are connected in an articulated manner to a joint member (157) connecting the lever arms (151.1, 151.2) at a location (161) distanced from these ends (158.1, 158.2), are supported in an articulated and movable manner via supports (162.1, 162.2) on a supporting element (16) that is interactively connected to the bearing elements (12.1, 12.2). Pulling element (11) is connected to joint member (157) via a rod (154).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph Meichtry
  • Publication number: 20040016283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor for determination of the concentration of a sterilant, e. g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, in a sterilization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jianjun Wang, David A. Mondiek, Dennis V. Boruszewski, David P. Guntrip
  • Publication number: 20040016284
    Abstract: An apparatus 10,70 and method is provided that includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations xl-xN disposed axially along a pipe 14.for measuring at least one parameter of a saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12, such as steam, flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The primary parameters to be measured include vapor/liquid concentration (i.e., steam wetness or steam quality), vapor/liquid mixture volumetric flow, mass flow, enthalpy, density and liquid droplet size. Frequency based sound speed is determined utilizing a dispersion model to determine the parameters of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
  • Publication number: 20040016285
    Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Shiva Prakash