Patents Issued in March 16, 2004
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Patent number: 6705045Abstract: The present invention provides methods for pruning the roots of tree seedlings. The methods of the invention include: (a) a first root pruning step wherein the roots of a majority of members of a population of tree seedlings are laterally pruned; (b) a second root pruning step, occurring after the first root pruning step, wherein the roots of the majority of members of the population of tree seedlings are laterally pruned; wherein: (i) the population of tree seedlings is arranged as at least two adjacent pairs of rows of seedlings; and (ii) the roots of the majority of the seedlings are pruned shorter during the first pruning step than during the second pruning step.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Bruce Francis, William C. Carlson
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Patent number: 6705046Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 6705047Abstract: A door assembly includes a door frame having a horizontal header along the top thereof. A firestop extends downwardly from the header, the firestop has a plurality of sides defining a channel therein. The firestop has an at least partially open side to allow the channel to be open and receive a closer assembly. A door closer assembly is coupled to the door. The door closer assembly has a biasing assembly and an arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably coupled to the biasing assembly and is slidably coupled to the channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
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Patent number: 6705048Abstract: A weatherproofing assembly for sealing cracks between a door and a frame associated with the door, and a method of using the weatherstrip assembly. The assembly provides a flexible magnetic strip for sealing the cracks. The strip magnetically attaches to one of the door and the frame such that an overhang portion extends therebeyond. When the door is in a closed position, the overhang portion lies overtop of the cracks. Additionally, the strip may magnetically attach to the other of the door and the frame, thereby better sealing the cracks.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: David Simon
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Patent number: 6705049Abstract: A debris-filtering downspout and other water runoff conduits and receptacles are disclosed, and include a Coanda screen mounted within a conduit, a culvert, a storm water conveyance or secured to a water collection basin. The Coanda screen provides high water throughput and is self-cleaning while effectively filtering debris contained in an incoming water stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventors: Steven E. Esmond, Larry Quinn, Robert K. Weir
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Patent number: 6705050Abstract: A flashing device for covering a wall mounted service feed line entering or exiting a building which device comprises a flat plate having a central keyhole shaped opening and a downwardly or horizontally extending hollow sleeve member integrally mounted to the eye portion of the keyhole shaped opening on a plane approximately perpendicular to said plate; the underside of said sleeve having a slot horizontally disposed along its entire length, wherein the opposed edges ends of the horizontal slot are contiguous with the bottom eye portion and the top leg portion of the keyhole shaped opening and the width of the slot is commensurate with the width of the service feed line to or from the building.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Building Materials Investment CorporationInventor: Charles E. Nichols, Jr.
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Patent number: 6705051Abstract: A method of transporting a module of a modular structure to a building site on a transporter with a roof of the module in a horizontal position, and an apparatus for coupling the roof to the base structure of the module to permit movement of the roof between the horizontal position and a final sloped position. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling assembly adapted to be detachably coupled in a C-shaped rafter or guide rail of the roof so as to guide movement of the rafter or guide rail relative to the coupling mechanism, and an anchor assembly pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly so as to permit pivotal and vertical movement of the coupling assembly. Each of the anchor assemblies is adapted to be secured to an attic floor panel of the module.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Harlin J. Wall
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Patent number: 6705052Abstract: A soffit vent comprising a base having opposing elongated edges, a pair of parallel flanges extending upwardly from the base intermediate the elongated edges and defining: 1) a vent zone in the base characterized by the presence of vent holes in the base; and 2) attachment flanges formed by portions of the base extending beyond the location of the parallel upwardly extending flanges, the attachment flanges including holes therein for the insertion of attachment devices. A method for installing the soffit vent of the present invention in an EIFS or DEFS structure comprising locating the soffit vent in the appropriate location between a pair of insulating members in the EIFS or DEFS structure, attaching the soffit vent to the structure by the insertion of a suitable fastener through the apertures in the attachment flanges and into the foam insulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Plastic Components, Inc.Inventor: John A. Larson
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Patent number: 6705053Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building from a position underneath the existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and first and second ends is located within the earth at a position underneath the existing building. A cap support section is placed in contact with the second end of the first non-cylindrical support section. A jack is disposed on the upper side of the cap support section and raised until the foundation of the existing building has been lifted to a desired height. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Mark Dimitrijevic
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Patent number: 6705054Abstract: A hurricane resistant window vinyl film having visible light transmission and rip-stop, composed of a double layer of plastic film with a scrim laminated between the two pieces of plastic vinyl coated on one outside side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is reusable is then, applied to the inside of a window and it's frame. The near strength of the combination of plastic vinyl film, scrim and adhesive are balanced to provide buildings with protection from shattering glass.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Thomas Bradley Pelton
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Patent number: 6705055Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: EVG Entwicklungs-U. Verwertungs-Gesellschaft mbHInventors: Klaus Ritter, Gerhard Ritter
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Patent number: 6705056Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing backing in walls which include a first, second and third upright U-shaped stud. A first backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The first backing member is disposed between the first and second studs. A second backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The second backing member is disposed between said second and third studs. A hinge is operatively attached to the first side of the first and second backing members for permitting the second backing member to pivot with respect the first backing member between a first position wherein the first side of each of the first and second backing members are substantially in the same plane and a second position whereby the first and second backing members are not in the same plane. This permits the first backing member to be placed between a first and second adjacent vertical stud.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Daniel W. Tollenaar
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Patent number: 6705057Abstract: A construction block, bed gasket and butt gasket are described, as well as a unique construction method for constructing a construction array utilizing the construction blocks and gaskets. The construction blocks comprise a first and second load bearing faces, first and second engaging faces, an inner face and an outer face, which faces define a block passage, as well as at least one lifting rod to aid in assembly of the construction array. The construction method utilizes bed gasket and butt gasket to provide for ease of assembly of the construction blocks, as well as other benefits.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Sidney W. Smyer, III
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Patent number: 6705058Abstract: This invention relates to pole structures used for supporting transmission and distribution lines, lighting and communications systems, highway signs, traffic signals, and the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a new and useful design of a multi-sectioned pole, with at least one telescoping upper section made of metal or another similar lightweight material and a base section composed of concrete or similar material that can be directly embedded into the ground without the need for baseplate-type foundations, or other preparatory work.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Newmark International Inc.Inventors: Earl R. Foust, Wesley J. Oliphant, Fouad H. Fouad, Kenneth L. Sharpless
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Patent number: 6705059Abstract: Apparatus which is capable of rotatably carrying a fabric roll in a vertical orientation and which is movably attachable to an element of a known fabricated wall structure. In particular, such apparatus is useful in the practice of dispensing a sheet of vapor retarding fabric when constructing insulated fabricated wall structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Guardian Fiberglass, Inc.Inventor: Gary E. Romes
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Patent number: 6705060Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus for wrapping all exposed surfaces of a large annular coil, including its hollow cylindrical core, to prevent contamination and to prepare it for shipping. A pair of opposing robotic arms hand off or transfer a roll of wrapping material, such as paper or plastic, from a gripper on one arm to a gripper on the other arm. The arms travel around both ends of the coil, handing off the roll back and forth above the coil and in the center of its hollow core, as it is slowly rotated by a variable-speed coil roller. The speed of the coil roller is adjusted such that the wrap overlaps during each successive pass around the coil, thereby ensuring its sealed integrity. A compact variable-tensioning mechanism, inserted into the roll, maintains constant tension on the wrapping material to keep it taut while being pulled around the coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Applied Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: James McGuinness, Jan E Rhoads
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Patent number: 6705061Abstract: A process for the external decontamination of a packaged object, the latter comprising the object proper, at least the external surface of which is in the decontaminated state, for example sterile, a closed wrapper containing said object, the interior of which is in the decontaminated state, for example sterile, as well as a means of filtration, said process comprising a step of decontaminating the external surface of the wrapper, wherein, before the step of decontaminating the external surface of the wrapper: a) at least two parts and are formed in the wrapper, these respectively determining two compartments and which are leaktight with respect to one another, a first part containing said object, and a second part comprising the whole of the filtration means; b) the second part is separated from the first part, while preserving the leaktightness of the first compartment; then the first part alone is subjected to the step of decontaminating the external surface of the wrapper.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Jean-Yves Porret, Jean-Pierre Grimard
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Patent number: 6705062Abstract: A packaging machine for filling and sealing receptacles, the machine having a plurality of stations at which packaging operations are performed by packaging devices (21-29), the stations having at least a filling station (21) and a sealing station (23, 24, 27). The packaging machine includes a conveyor (10) for causing the receptacles to travel along a path passing through the various stations, the packaging machine being characterized in that the stations are disposed in an enclosure (2) in which a vacuum prevails.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Varlet
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Patent number: 6705063Abstract: This invention concerns a segmenting device in particular for the manufacture (portioning) of sausages from a string of sausage filling in a flexible tubular casing, which consists of a plurality of tye elements (12) in the form of strips which can be rotated against each other. One of their ends is secured locally in a ring concentric to the axis of the casing at regular intervals, and whereas the other end region is collected to form a ring (11) concentric with the axis of the casing, which, relative to this, can undergo movement of a rotational nature as well as parallel movement in their major plane, at least tee tying elements are provided, whose contact surface segments, which face the opening, are bent or curved in the main plane. In this manner each strip impinges on the casing with several contact surface segments and promotes the radial tying of the casing, avoiding shearing movements between the casing and the strips.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Töpfer, Günther Vermehren
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Patent number: 6705064Abstract: The horse bit assembly with shank clips for interchangeable mouthpieces is a horse bit assembly that uses resilient clips to facilitate the quick and easy replacement of the mouthpiece. The assembly includes two shanks, an interchangeable mouthpiece and a curb chain. Each shank has a clip that is adapted to receive a ring-shaped end of the mouthpiece and the curb chain helps maintain the bit assembly in an optimal position on a horse.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Randall L. Grissom
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Patent number: 6705065Abstract: A greens mower having internally powered cutting units. The motor to power the cutting units is located inside the cutting unit thus eliminating the need to balance the weight of the motor outside the cutting unit and also eliminating the need for belts, chains, gears or couplers to transfer power from the motor to the cutting unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Anthony J. Saiia
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Patent number: 6705067Abstract: A rotatable drive for a feeder and a header of an agricultural combine for drivingly connecting spaced rotatable elements on the feeder and the header to a rotatable power source on a chassis of the combine, the feeder and the header being jointly mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a predetermined pivotal axis through a predetermined range of harvesting positions. The drive includes a first gear box mounted on the feeder for pivotal movement therewith and including a rotatable input, a first rotatable output rotatably connected to the input and to at least one of the rotatable elements, and a second rotatable output rotatably connected to the input. The drive includes a second gear box mounted on the feeder and having a rotatable input rotatably connected by a drive shaft to the second output of the first gear box and at least one rotatable output connected to another of the rotatable elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Jay D. Schroeder, William C. Guske
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Patent number: 6705068Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower body and a grass bag provided at the rear of the mower body. The mower body has a cutter deck rotatably accommodating a cutter blade, a carrying passage for guiding grass clippings into the grass bag, and an air return passage for guiding only air from the grass bag into the cutter deck. Cutter deck-facing openings of the air return passage are opened in line with the rotating track of airlifts provided at the opposite ends of the cutter blade. A swirling airflow inside the cutter deck induced by the rotation of the cutter blade is in the same direction as that of air returned via the air return passage, resulting in a smooth airflow inside the cutter deck.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuo Iida, Takao Kobayashi, Shoji Hasei, Kenzo Shimada
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Patent number: 6705069Abstract: A self-set yarn made from bicomponent fibers forms helical crimps that lock in twist and form bulk.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Arthur Talley, Arnold E. Wilkie, Karl H. Buchanan
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Patent number: 6705070Abstract: An article of furniture is made from elongated polymer filaments. The polymer filaments may be monofilaments or plural filaments which are twisted together and heat set to prevent their untwisting during the subsequent weaving process. The heat setting of the polymer filaments is achieved by heating the polymer material either before or after the twisting process.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Sun Isle Casual Furniture, LLCInventor: Larry Schwartz
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Patent number: 6705071Abstract: According to the false-twist texturing method of the yarn including poly lactic acid fiber, the false-twisting device 8 is made to be a nip typed false-twisting device and the heating temperature by the first heater 5 is made to be lower than or equal to 130° C. The false-twist texturing method of the present invention is capable of eliminating the yarn breakage of the poly lactic acid fiber which is weak against the friction and the heat, due to the twisting by the false-twisting device and the heating by the first heater.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigenori Kataoka
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Patent number: 6705072Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning device for the production of a spun thread from a fiber bundle, including a nozzle part with an upper nozzle part and a lower nozzle part. Likewise, a spindle is included with an upper part and a lower part. In order to be able to carry out cleaning work between an edge of a fiber guide surface opposite an intake mouth of the spindle, or, at the start of the spinning, in order to be able to guide a yarn end through a yarn guide channel of the spindle onto the fiber guide surface, the upper nozzle part is capable of being raised or can be pivoted. In this situation, the lower nozzle part may remain stationary.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AGInventors: Peter Anderegg, Robert Wehrli
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Patent number: 6705073Abstract: A gas turbine plant includes at least one compressor compressing intake air, at least one component for heat supply heating the intake air compressed by the compressor, at least one gas turbine using as a working medium the hot air from the component for heat supply, and at least one generator coupled to the gas turbine. A cooling device is provided which permits the cooling of at least a portion of the intake air and/or a portion of partially compressed intake air within the at least one compressor.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Alstom Technology LtdInventors: Jost Braun, Juergen Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6705074Abstract: A gas turbine comprises a compressor for compressing a gas supplied therein and discharging the compressed gas, a combustor in which the discharged gas from the compressor and a fuel are combusted, a turbine to be driven by a combustion gas from the combustor, and a water injection unit which injects water into the gas to be supplied to the compressor, thereby lowering the temperature of the gas to be introduced into the compressor to a temperature lower than the atmospheric temperature, and causing water droplets having been injected in the gas and within the compressor to be vaporized while flowing down therein, wherein the quantity of water spray injection is controlled while monitoring operational conditions of the gas turbine.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Horii, Isao Takehara, Hidetaro Murata, Motoaki Utamura, Takaaki Kuwahara, Tetsuo Sasada, Fumiyuki Hirose, Yasuhiro Katoh
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Patent number: 6705075Abstract: A method and device for producing a controlled combustion by placing a combustion chamber in communication with a feed chamber that contains a solid propellant/body, introducing at least a portion of the body into the combustion chamber, isolating the combustion chamber from the feed chamber, and igniting the solid propellant in the combustion chamber while the combustion chamber is isolated from the feed chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. Highsmith, Michael D. Blair, Steven R. Wassom, William D. Starrett, Joel Dever
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Patent number: 6705076Abstract: Thrust chamber housing for a driving mechanism for space travel applications which is fastened to an injection head with its first end and which includes a combustion chamber housing of a highly heat-resistant steel, a nozzle element of a platinum-iridium alloy, and an expansion nozzle housing of a highly heat-resistant steel, whereby the combustion chamber housing is welded through a first intermediate ring with the nozzle element and the nozzle element is welded through a second intermediate ring with the expansion nozzle housing by means of welded connections, whereby the first and the second intermediate ring are made of a platinum-rhodium alloy.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Astrium GmbHInventor: Armin Sowa
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Patent number: 6705077Abstract: There is provided an exhaust gas recirculation control system and method and an engine control unit for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly controlling an exhaust gas recirculation rate in advance according to the NOx-eliminating performance of a catalyst, thereby reducing exhaust emissions. An internal combustion engine eliminates NOx in exhaust gases by a catalytic converter, and recirculates the exhaust gases into an intake pipe. An exhaust gas recirculation control system for the engine includes an ECU. The ECU calculates a NOx exhaust estimate based on the intake pipe absolute pressure and the engine rotational speed detected by the respective sensors, calculates an estimated NOx elimination ratio of the catalytic converter based on an estimated catalyst temperature and the space velocity through the catalytic converter.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Uedahira, Toru Kitamura
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Patent number: 6705078Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a NOx storage catalyst by means of a NOx-sensitive measuring device, especially a NOx sensor, that is arranged downstream in relation to the NOx storage catalyst which is arranged in an exhaust gas channel of a combustion engine. According to the invention, a reference time (t0) is determined by means of a signal path of the NOx-sensitive measuring device (18) after the combustion engine (10) has been switched into a lean operating mode. Said reference time is used as the timely starting point for controlling processes being related to the NOx storage catalyst (16). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hermann Hahn, Sören Hinze
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Patent number: 6705079Abstract: When a swinging boom driven by a hydraulic cylinder stops, inertia causes continued motion of the boom which increases pressure in a chamber of the hydraulic cylinder. Eventually that pressure reaches a level which causes the boom to reverse direction. Then pressure in an opposite cylinder chamber increases until reaching a level that causes the boom movement to reverse again. This oscillation continues until the motion is dampened by other forces acting on the boom. As a result, an operator has difficulty in properly positioning the boom. To reduce this oscillating effect, a sensor detects when the cylinder chamber pressure increases above a given magnitude and then a determination is made when the rate of change of that pressure is less than a defined threshold. Upon that occurrence, a control value is opened to relieve the pressure in that cylinder chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Husco International, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Tabor, Joseph L. Pfaff, Dwight B. Stephenson
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Patent number: 6705080Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignees: Tuff Torq Corporation, Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6705081Abstract: A method for controlling the fuel-air ratio of a burner having a blower responsive to a blower drive signal for injecting air into the burner. The method is based at least on the concentration of a gas in an exhaust gas product of a combustion chamber of the burner and includes measuring the gas concentration in the exhaust gas product, deriving a gas concentration signal from the measured gas concentration, determining the fuel-air ratio from the gas concentration signal and the sign of the derivative of the gas concentration signal with respect to the blower drive signal, and controlling the fuel-air ratio by adjusting the air flow rate into the burner. The burner may be, for example, in a Stirling cycle engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael Norris, William W. Ormerod, III, Andrew Schnellinger
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Patent number: 6705082Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic pressure booster cylinder. In a low pressure stroke, in a state wherein a slide piston is positioned close to a third piston, as compressed air is supplied into a second pneumatic chamber, a second piston is moved toward a bore, and thereby the third piston and the slide piston are integrally moved to allow a piston rod to extend out of a cylinder case. In a high pressure stroke, when movement of the second piston is blocked by a load, the slide piston is moved toward a check valve and pushes the check valve in one direction, compressed air flows into a first pneumatic chamber and air existing in the second pneumatic chamber is discharged to the outside, and, by movement of a first piston, a trunk piston portion is moved toward the third piston through the bore while maintaining airtightness.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Jae Seak Ju
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Patent number: 6705083Abstract: The subject invention provides a master cylinder having a compact profile. In particular, the master cylinder comprises a hollow body having a continuous outer wall with a continuous thickness. An end wall is integrally formed with the outer wall at a first end to close an end of an integrally formed bore. A number of apertures are formed within the outer wall to provide fluid communication between the outer wall and the bore. A flange is also integrally formed with the outer wall at a second end to define a fully integrated master cylinder. The outer wall further includes thickened sections extending between an inner surface of the bore and a mounting surface with the thickened sections being at least 30 percent smaller than the inner diameter of the bore for providing the compact profile of the integrated master cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alfred Carl Vennemeyer, Frank Gerard Pirrello, William Dale Cornwell
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Patent number: 6705084Abstract: System for controlling an electric assisted turbocharger comprise an electric motor disposed within turbocharger, and an electric motor controller electrically coupled thereto for purposes of controlling the same. A memory is electrically coupled to the electric motor controller and is configured with a condition map that correlates electric motor instructions with engine and turbocharger conditions. The system includes sensors that are electrically coupled to the electric motor controller, and that are configured to sense conditions of at least one of the turbocharger and the internal combustion engine that is coupled thereto. The electric motor controller is configured to control the electric motor based upon the input received from the plurality of sensors as compared to the data contained multi-dimensional condition map.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: John Allen, Rhett Hedrick, Len Wedman, Gerhard Delf, Daniel Black, Kevin Birch
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Patent number: 6705085Abstract: A power generator for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, comprising an internal combustion engine having a cylinder and a piston defining a combustion chamber in the cylinder, the engine being arranged to induce a reciprocating movement to the piston relative to the cylinder upon combustion of a combustible gas mixture in the combustion chamber, and a linear electricity generator having a stator and a drive shaft, the generator being arranged to generate electricity upon a reciprocating movement of the drive shaft relative to the stator, wherein the piston is connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit said reciprocating movement of the piston to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Stephen Richard Braithwaite, Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
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Patent number: 6705086Abstract: A combined cycle steam turbine including a system for providing process extraction steam includes a control system for counteracting the thrust effect of the steam extraction flow at the exhaust of the high pressure section of the steam turbine. The control system includes a valve and piping arrangement for diverting HP exhaust packing leak-off steam from a lower pressure stage to a higher pressure stage of an intermediate pressure section of the steam turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Klaus Manfred Retzlaff, Samuel Gregory Clifford, David William Hicks
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Patent number: 6705087Abstract: A turbo machinery assembly, having a natural frequency outside of the range of operational vibrational forces and further having increased damping capability, comprises a turbo machinery component and a plate having an elongated opening defining an inner surface. The turbo machinery component has a first end and a second end; the second end having an outer profile that extends inside the opening, contacting portions of the inner surface and extending peripherally to regions of clearance with the inner surface. The second end of the turbo machinery component may also extend beyond the inner surface. The turbo machinery component may further include a sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end. The second end of the turbo machinery component extends into the sleeve through the proximal end. The distal end of the sleeve defines the second end of the turbo machinery component extending inside the inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Rajeev Ohri, David M. Parker
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Patent number: 6705088Abstract: A crossfire tube assembly with telescoping inner and outer crossfire tubes with an enhanced cooling mechanism for connecting adjacent combustors in a gas turbine is disclosed. The enhanced cooling configuration includes a plurality of channels formed in the telescoping region of the inner and outer crossfire tubes of the assembly to improve heat transfer and reduce local operating temperatures such that component life is extended.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Power Systems Mfg, LLCInventors: Vincent C. Martling, James H. Leahy, Jr., Daniel J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 6705089Abstract: A cooling system is provided for cooling a heat generating component of an electronic device. The cooling system includes at least two cooling subsystems for a staged reduction of the temperature of a cooling fluid exposed to heat generated by the heat generated component. A first stage cooling subsystem reduces the temperature of the cooling fluid to ambient temperature or above, while a second stage cooling subsystem reduces the temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the first stage cooling subsystem to below ambient temperature. The first stage cooling subsystem is passive while the second stage cooling subsystem is active and can include one or more thermoelectric modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Robert E. Simons
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Patent number: 6705090Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.Inventors: Gregory M. Billman, Donald E. Wiley, Jr., Kyle B. Elsom
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Patent number: 6705091Abstract: A system for controlling ice size of an ice maker comprises: an ice size controlling means for controlling a size of ice which will be frozen in an ice maker; an ice size displaying means for displaying ice size controlled by the ice size controlling means so that a user can identify it; and a controlling means for controlling the ice size displaying means according to a signal applied from the ice size controlling means and controlling an amount of water supplied to an ice making vessel, and therefore, the ice size can be controlled easily to be the size desired by a user and the size can be identified visually.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seong-Wook Kim
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Patent number: 6705092Abstract: The vapor membrane dehumidification device and method for air cycle environment control systems uses a semipermeable vapor membrane for water vapor, air separation. The vapor membrane has a high water to air permselectivity. When air containing water vapor is passed over or through the semipermeable fibers of the membrane countercurrently or crosscurrently to a purge air stream the water vapor may permeate through the fibers. Using a purge air stream of lower water vapor partial pressure relative to the feed moist air stream, the water vapor is moved to the purge air stream due to the partial pressure differential of water vapor and then expelled overboard with the purge air stream. The purge air stream can be replaced with any source of air internal or external to the aircraft such as air from the aircraft cabin.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Shaojun Zhou, Tim Birbeck, Michel A. Jonqueres
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Patent number: 6705093Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a first circuit having a first compressor and a first condenser; a second circuit having a second compressor and a second condenser; an evaporator communicated with the first circuit and the second circuit for cooling a stream of air to provide a cooled air stream; and an air reheat circuit communicated with the cooled air stream and one circuit of the first circuit and the second circuit for exposing the cooled air stream to heat transfer interaction with refrigerant from the one circuit to control humidity of the air stream. Humidity control is provided in a cost-effective manner, reducing system complexity, improving part- and full-load performance, extending operating range, and enhancing reliability.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
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Patent number: 6705094Abstract: A refrigeration process comprising, compressing low pressure vapor refrigerant to a higher temperature and pressure vapor, condensing the higher pressure vapor refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant at the higher pressure, thermally-isolating the higher pressure liquid, cooling the thermally-isolated liquid refrigerant while remaining thermally-isolated and then allowing thermal contact of the remaining low temperature and pressure liquid and a cooled substance causing the low temperature and pressure liquid to further reversibly boil to a vapor at the low pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Altech Controls CorporationInventor: Richard H. Alsenz
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Patent number: 6705095Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat exchangers for process tools and, in particular, to semiconductor process tools incorporating heat exchangers. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a semiconductor process tool heat exchange system. The system includes a heat exchange system and a semiconductor process tool comprising an inlet and an outlet defining a flow path. The heat exchange system includes a compressor fluidly connected to the outlet, a condenser fluidly connected to the compressor and to the inlet, an expander positioned between the condenser and the outlet, and a heat exchange fluid. Examples of process tools suitable for use in this system include cathodes, cold plates, thermal chucks, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of exchanging heat in a semiconductor process tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Kinetics Thermal Systems, Inc.Inventors: Taylor Norris Thompson, Jr., Sanjiv Babubhai Patel