Patents Issued in March 18, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040050075
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Eddie W. King, George Mazereeuw
  • Publication number: 20040050076
    Abstract: A device and method is provided for sensing or predicting when condensation having a given physical state is present or imminent and for suppressing such condensation from a surface, such as a vehicle windscreen, eyewear, goggles, helmet visor, computer monitor screen, window, electronic equipment, etc, by preventing or removing it. A first thermal sensor is in thermally conductive contact with the surface. A second thermal sensor is in an environment separated from the surface. A humidity sensor is in the environment of the second thermal sensor. A circuit causes a condensation suppression mechanism to be activated for preventing or removing condensation having the given physical state from the surface when a temperature sensed by the first thermal sensor, a temperature sensed by the second thermal sensor, and a humidity sensed by the humidity sensor indicate that a condensation condition is either present or imminent and requires prevention or removal at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Valerie Palfy, Don A. Skomsky
  • Publication number: 20040050077
    Abstract: An indoor unit (Z1) has a casing (1) which is embedded or suspended in/from a ceiling (50), and an indoor panel (2) which is provided on a lower side of the casing (1) and installed in an indoor exposed state. The indoor panel (2) is provided with an air inlet (3), a plurality of air outlets (4) which surround the air inlet (3) in a rectangular shape and have a rectangular shape. An infrared sensor (15) is provided on an exposed portion of the indoor panel (2). The indoor unit (Z1) further has an airflow changing unit (52) for changing characteristics of airflow blown out from each of the air outlets (4), and a control unit (53) for controlling the airflow changing unit (52) based on output information of the infrared sensor (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Masaya Kasai, Sumio Shiochi, Tomohiro Yabu, Ryuuji Akiyama, Kazuhisa Shigemori
  • Publication number: 20040050078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary storage system for a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Young-Seok Choi, Byeong-Gyu Kang, Sang-Bae Kim
  • Publication number: 20040050079
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a first refrigeration chamber, a second refrigeration chamber in flow communication with said the first refrigeration chamber, a sealed system for producing desired temperature conditions in the first refrigeration chamber and the second refrigeration chamber, and a controller operatively coupled to the sealed system. The controller is configured to accept a plurality of user-selected inputs including at least a first refrigeration chamber temperature and a second refrigeration chamber temperature, and to execute a plurality of algorithms to selectively control the first refrigeration chamber at a temperature above the second refrigeration chamber and at a temperature below the second chamber. Various control algorithms are provided for maintaining desired temperature conditions in the refrigeration chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: John S. Holmes, Robert Bultman, Jerry Queen, Wolfgang Daum, Richard Hornung, Rollie Herzog
  • Publication number: 20040050080
    Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Refrigerant is circulated through the closed circuit cycle. Preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. Adaptive control is employed to optimize the coefficient of performance of the vapor compression system. As the system changes over time, a model that operates the system is modified. The model is determined by an adaptive control algorithm including variable coefficients. As the model changes, the variables of the adaptive control algorithm change. A control of the gas cooler is then adjusted to regulate the high pressure of the system, and therefore the coefficient of performance. In a first example, Least Mean Squares (LMS) is used to modify the variables of the adaptive control algorithm to optimize the coefficient of performance. In a second example, the coefficient of performance is optimized by a slowly varying periodic excitation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Bryan Eisenhower, Christopher G. Park, Pengju P.K. Kang, Alan Finn, Tobias Sienel
  • Publication number: 20040050081
    Abstract: A screw refrigerating apparatus comprising a refrigerant circulating passage including a screw compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator is constituted such that a bypass flow passage branching at a part of the refrigerant circulating passage between the condenser and the expansion valve, routing through throttle means, and communicating with a rotor room within the screw compressor is provided. The screw refrigerating apparatus is capable of simplifying the structure, decreasing the size, decreasing labor of the maintenance, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd)
    Inventor: Noboru Tsuboi
  • Publication number: 20040050082
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the aperture ratio of a linear expansion valve (LEV) so as to control the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in an air conditioning system. The LEV aperture ratio is controlled to range from the minimum value to the maximum value, which are determined according to the compressor's capacity and the cooling and heating modes. The LEV aperture ratio is controlled also based on the compressor's operating status, the change of the indoor pan's air volume, and whether or not the indoor pan operates. Such LEV control enables refrigerant to always be circulated at a suitable flow rate, improving the cooling and heating efficiencies, and also prevents liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor, securing high reliability of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Min Ho So, Won Hee Lee, Chang Min Choi, Yoon Jei Hwang, Deok Huh, Cheol Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20040050083
    Abstract: Respective evaporators are set to a proper value in evaporation temperature and the efficiency in refrigeration cycle is enhanced, resulting in a reduction of energy consumption. A refrigerating unit and a refrigerator comprise a compressor, a condenser, a plurality of evaporators connected in series, a refrigerant flow rate adjustable unit and a refrigerant, thereby constituting a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant flow rate adjustable unit controls each respective evaporation temperature of the plurality of evaporators. Preferably, the refrigeration unit further comprises a bypass circuit bypassing at least one of the plurality of evaporators and, when needs arise, the refrigerant is channeled through the bypass circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Masashi Yuasa, Shuzo Kamimura, Hiroshi Yamada, Hideki Fukui, Yasuki Hamano, Naoki Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20040050084
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a variable displacement compressor has a control valve for continuously changing a discharge capacity of the compressor, and a control unit calculates an electrical value DT to be applied to the control valve based on the following formula of DT=DT(n−1)+Kp[(En−En−1)+C/(Ti×En)]. In this formula, En=Te−Teo, Kp=Kp′/(Ph×Ph′), Ti=Ti′/(Ph×Ph″), C is a sampling cycle, n is a positive number, Kp′, Ti′, Ph′and Ph″ are constants, Ph is a refrigerant pressure at a high pressure side, Te is a detected air temperature at an air outlet of the evaporator, and Teo is a target evaporator air temperature that is calculated based on an outside air temperature Tam. Accordingly, the compressor can be stably controlled in a wide thermal load range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Shigenobu Fukumi, Hiroyuki Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040050085
    Abstract: A vapor-compression refrigerant cycle includes a variable displacement compressor for compressing refrigerant, a control unit for controlling the displacement of the compressor. The control unit includes a lock determining means for determining a lock of a sliding portion of the compressor, and the lock determining means determines that the sliding portion of the compressor is locked, when a control signal where the displacement of the compressor is equal to or larger than a predetermined value is output from the control unit, and when an absolute value of a temperature difference between an air temperature before being heat-exchanged in a low-pressure heat exchanger of the vapor-compression refrigerant cycle and the air temperature after being heat-exchanged in the low-pressure heat exchanger is equal to or smaller than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the lock of the compressor can be accurately detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Takuya Tanihata
  • Publication number: 20040050086
    Abstract: The device includes a heat pump integrating a refrigerant circuit taking calories from a cold source to transfer them towards a warm source. The device also includes a heat-conducting fluid/air thermal exchanger called external exchanger (30), located in the vehicle engine compartment (34), the heat-conducting fluid being either the refrigerant or a heat-conducting fluid in thermal exchange with the cold source refrigerant. The device also includes means of formation of an air flow, preferably a fan (40), circulating through the external exchanger (30) and called outlet air flow, directed from inside the engine compartment (34) to outside the vehicle. Preferably, the fan (40) shall be able to rotate in a first direction to form an air flow directed from outside the vehicle to inside the engine compartment (34) and called inlet air flow, and in a reverse direction to form the outlet air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Manuel Amaral, Thomas Gielda
  • Publication number: 20040050087
    Abstract: An air distribution bi-folding door assembly of a refrigerated case opens and closes to allow for the loading of refrigerated items in the case. The doors are attached by a hinge. Each door is hollow and includes perforations which allow cool air which flows in the hollow space of the doors to distribute over the refrigerated items in the case. A wheel assembly is attached to the upper outer corner of each door and runs along a track as the doors open and close. An alignment assembly attached to the lower outer corners of each door ensures proper alignment of the doors during opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Leonard M. Wasnock, William Teeter, Rick Waldron, Bill Wagnerowski, Jim Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040050088
    Abstract: Object of the present invention is to improve a structure of the air conditioner, to provide an air conditioner which can dispose of condensed water from an evaporator within the air conditioner itself without discharging to outside of the air conditioner, and improve an air conditioner efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won Hee Lee, Sim Won Jin, Cheol Soo Ko, In Wha Jung, Dong Soo Moon, Chul Oh Ahn, Moon Kee Chung, Sang Bum Sohn, In Chul Yoon, Kwan Shik Cho
  • Publication number: 20040050089
    Abstract: This temperature regulation apparatus comprises a heat pump (12) comprising a main compression circuit (14) for a refrigerant fluid taking heat from a cold source (16) and transferring it to a hot source (18). The cold source (16) comprises a first heat exchanger (24) for exchanging heat between the refrigerant fluid and a coolant liquid thermally coupling the main refrigerant circuit (14) to a first secondary coolant circuit (26) capable of being selectively connected to an “outside” heat exchanger (30) and to a “cold” heat exchanger (32). The hot source (18) comprises a second heat exchanger (34) for exchanging heat between the refrigerant fluid and a coolant liquid thermally coupling the main refrigerant circuit (14) to a second secondary coolant circuit (36) capable of being selectively connected to at least the outside heat exchanger (30) and to a “hot” heat exchanger (39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Manuel Amaral
  • Publication number: 20040050090
    Abstract: A gasdynamic arrangement for a multi-stage centrifugal turbomachine, such as a two-stage compressor, comprising two coaxial impellers assembled on a common shaft with axial intake ports and radial peripheral discharge zones, the intake ports of the two impellers preferably pointing away from each other; a cylindrical vessel concentrically housing the impellers and the intake duct; a partition wall between the two impellers having a first and a second group of apertures; a first array of curved ducts conveying the flow from the first impeller discharge zone to the first group of apertures in the partition wall, the flow further passing through a chamber in the vessel to the intake port of the second impeller, and a second array of curved ducts conveying the flow from the second impeller discharge zone to the second group of apertures in the partition wall, the flow further going to the discharge port, the two flows bypassing each other in opposing directions at the partition wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Avraham Ophir, Henrich Rojanski, Arie Kanievski
  • Publication number: 20040050091
    Abstract: An ice cream machine, at least including an assembly of an ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream display cabinet, in which the ice cream preparation unit includes an ingredient inlet, ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream outlet, and the ice cream display cabinet includes refrigeration unit and is designed for refrigerating ice cream in one or more ice cream containers. The space above the ice cream containers in the ice cream display cabinet can also be refrigerated, while the ice cream outlet of the ice cream preparation unit opens directly into the ice cream display cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin de Koeijer
  • Publication number: 20040050092
    Abstract: A system for controlling the cooling of small milk quantities in a cooling tank (4). An agitation pipe (2) extended through a regular milk outlet (26) in a first end wall (6) of the tank is provided, having a nozzle end (32) for introducing incoming/re-circulated milk onto a milk cooling surface (14) at a predetermined position (dp). The position (dp) being situated (1) between a first end wall (6) and a central part of the tank (4) and laterally displaced (b) relative to the perpendicular central axis of the tank. The nozzle end (32) is directed towards a second end wall (8) of the tank (4). Agitation is performed by the agitation pipe (2) upon demand or when the milk quantity is insufficient for a regular agitator element (27) to work properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Mats Gustavsson, Anders Bjork, Magnus Lidman
  • Publication number: 20040050093
    Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a first circuit having first components including a first compressor, a first condenser and a first evaporator; a second circuit having second components including a second compressor, a second condenser and a second evaporator; and interconnecting flow lines for selectively communicating the first compressor with at least one component of the second components to boost system performance at part-load operation as well as enhance its reliability and improve unloading capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras, Howard H. Fraser
  • Publication number: 20040050094
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an installation for purifying impure helium. Said method consists in subjecting the helium to at least two successive steps: (a) cryogenic refrigeration of impure helium so as to eliminate by condensation at least part of the main impurities it contains and recuperating helium with intermediate purity containing residual impurities; and (b) permeation of at least part of the helium with intermediate purity derived form step (a) so as to eliminate at least part of said residual impurities and recuperating helium with final purity higher than said intermediate purity. Said method and said installation are useful for purifying impure helium recuperated at the output of an optical fibre cooling chamber, prior to the reintroduction of the resulting purified helium into said chamber so as to recycle the helium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Thonnelier, Catherine Candela
  • Publication number: 20040050095
    Abstract: A portable cryogenic nitrogen generator consists of an air preparation unit and a cryogenic distillation unit mounted inside separate standard-sized ISO containers that can be easily shipped to a drilling site and efficiently and quickly assembled into an operative state. The containers can be connected together at anchor points on the housings of both containers, making the nitrogen generator assembly more stable. The air preparation unit includes an absorption device and optionally includes one or a plurality of air compressor units. The cryogenic distillation unit includes a distillation column and associated heat exchangers. The air preparation and cryogenic distillation units connect through apertures in their respective containers and operate while being mounted in the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: William D. Brigham, Brian R. Wildey, Robert A. Zarate
  • Publication number: 20040050096
    Abstract: An engagement set includes a wedding band and an engagement ring to which the wedding band is removably coupled. The shank of the wedding band when joined together with the engagement ring may be inclined relative to the shank of the engagement ring to form an “X” configuration and thereby to symbolize a “kiss”. The engagement set may be joined by a locking mechanism formed of a locking feature on the wedding band and a corresponding recess on the inner surface of the front of the engagement ring. The locking feature and the recess may have an emotionally symbolic shape such as a heart shape or an “X”. There may be an inclined groove at an inner surface of the back of the engagement ring to accommodate the shank of the wedding band when the rings are coupled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Baum, Laura Leoni, Mirash Sinishtay
  • Publication number: 20040050097
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brilliant diamond comprised a crown portion having a table facet, a plurality of upper main facets, star facets, and upper girdle facets. The upper girdle facets form upper girdle intersecting sides and upper main facet intersecting sides. A pavilion portion has a plurality of lower main facets and lower girdle facets, which are formed in a substantially aligned arrangement with the upper girdle facets. The lower girdle facets including a lower girdle intersecting side and a lower main facet intersecting side. A girdle surface is located in between the crown and the pavilion portions, where the profile of the girdle surface includes a wide portion at areas of intersection with the upper main facet intersecting sides and a narrow portion at areas of intersection with the upper girdle facet intersecting sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Baruch Eisenberg
  • Publication number: 20040050098
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photomask material includes delivering a powder containing silicon dioxide into a plasma to produce silica particles and depositing the silica particles on a deposition surface to form glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Laura J. Ball, Sylvain Rakotoarison
  • Publication number: 20040050099
    Abstract: A reforming process of a quartz glass crucible in which the quartz glass crucible is reformed by an arc discharge generated by electrodes positioned around a rotational axis and configured to heat an inside surface of the crucible while the crucible is rotated. The process includes arranging electrodes in an electrode structure such that neighboring electrodes are positioned at regular intervals in a ring-like configuration; forming a stable ring-like arc between the neighboring electrodes, without generating a continuous arc between electrodes facing each other across a central portion of the ring-like configuration; heating the inside surface of the crucible; and removing a foreign substance located on the inside surface of the crucible or a bubble located under the inside surface of the crucible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: JAPAN SUPER QUARTZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Fukui, Masaru Satoh
  • Publication number: 20040050100
    Abstract: A method of producing a foamed glass composite panel is provided. Glass and 0.1-20.0% by weight of at least one non-sulfur based foaming agent are mixed together, and the mixture is heated to a temperature sufficient to foam it. The foamed mixture is cooled to form at least one foamed glass substrate. During or after the cooling step, material is bonded or attached to at least one side of the foamed glass substrate to form a composite panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Earthstone International, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Ungerleider, Steven Haines
  • Publication number: 20040050101
    Abstract: A glassware forming machine system includes a glassware forming machine having first operating mechanisms for converting gobs of molten glass into articles of glassware, a gob delivery system having second operating mechanisms for delivering gobs of molten glass to the glassware forming machine, a ware handling system having third operating mechanisms for receiving and conveying articles of glassware from the glassware forming machine, and an electronic control system for controlling and coordinating operation of the first, second and third operating mechanisms. The electronic control system includes a machine controller coupled to the first operating mechanisms of the glassware forming machine for controlling and coordinating operation of the first operating mechanisms to produce articles of glassware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Bauer, Thomas G. Green, D. Wayne Leidy, Matthew D. Redd, Jay E. Werner, Michael R. Wildgen
  • Publication number: 20040050102
    Abstract: A silica glass jig for semiconductor industry, characterized by having, on the surface of the jig, pyramidal projected structures with their cut-off apices and concave portions provided therebetween, and small projections are uniformly distributed thereon; the silica glass jig has a surface with many dimple-form concave portions each having a width of from 20 to 300 &mgr;m exist and there are grooves each having a width of from 0.5 to 50 &mgr;m at an interval of from 20 to 300 &mgr;m, and small projections each having a width of from 1 to 50 &mgr;m and having a height of from 0.1 to 10 &mgr;m are uniformly distributed between the grooves and in the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tohru Segawa, Tatsuhiro Sato, Yoichiro Maruko, Kyoichi Inaki
  • Publication number: 20040050103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding method of a microlens array with an enhanced transfer performance and a molding apparatus of the same. The invention addresses a method for molding a microlens array by heating and compressing a glass element between oppositely placed first and second cores, wherein a depression or projection part is formed for transferring and molding a plurality of concave lens elements on the compression molding surface of at least one of the cores. The glass element is set between each compression molding surface of the first and second cores, and is then compressed between them while providing restriction means for preventing the glass element from escaping in the direction perpendicular to the compression direction of the glass element, thereby compression molding the glass element with the restriction means and between the compression molding surfaces of the first and second cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Ishizuka
  • Publication number: 20040050104
    Abstract: A method of forming an array of optical elements for use in transmitting information includes using glass compression molding to form a plurality of discrete microlens element using a glass compression molding technique; placing each discrete microlens element in a mold cavity and aligning each microlens element in a predetermined location arranged in the form of a linear or two dimensional array; and molding by injection thermo-setting material into the cavity around each microlens element and cooling such thermo-setting material to form an integral array of optical elements that are retained in their respective locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Syamal K. Ghosh, Donn B. Carlton, Darryl E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040050105
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical glass element for which flatness and smoothness of the surfaces of the optical glass element can be improved while securing the similarity of the cross-sectional shape of the optical glass element to that of the mother glass, and for which continuous production involving few steps can be carried out, and an optical glass element manufactured using the method. A mother glass is prepared, which has a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to a desired cross-sectional shape of the optical glass element, and the mother glass is drawn while heating to a predetermined temperature such that the mother glass has a viscosity of 105 to 109 poise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Morishita, Katsuya Kamisaku, Toshiaki Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20040050106
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process of producing glass materials wherein outgassing materials are mixed, melted, outgassed and formed into frits, and the frits are then mixed with essentially non-outgassing materials and melted to form the glass. Because the frits are already outgassed, lass gas is generated in the final glass melting step, thus foaming and scum forming are reduced. As a result, heat transfer efficiency in the glass furnace is improved and lower melting temperature is achieved. The process can be carried out in any type of glass furnaces and is particularly suitable for high silica glass compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Rand A. Murnane
  • Publication number: 20040050107
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for bending glass panels. The upper tier of successive mould carriers (9) defines a number of heating sections, the last one of which is an actual bending section (4b). The lower tier of successive mould carriers (9) defines a number of cooling sections (5, 6, 7), which are located below the heating sections. The mould carriers are provided with an open-structured or otherwise highly heat transmissive bottom (10). Underneath bending sections (4a), effecting gravitational bending on an upper mould carrier track (1), lie cooling sections (5), each of which is individually provided with controlled cooling air circulation by means of cooling air exhaust fans (23). Following the sections (5) performing the controlled cooling or annealing, the mould carriers (9) are adapted to be conveyed along a lower mould carrier track nonstop under a plurality of preheating sections (3a, 3) by a single passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Erkki Yli-Vakkuri
  • Publication number: 20040050108
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a molding tool for mold glass optical elements therewith is taught. The method comprises the steps of figuring the molding tool to have a predetermined mold surface; applying an attenuating coating to the predetermined mold surface; implanting metal ions through the attenuating coating and into the predetermined mold surface; and removing the attenuating coating leaving the predetermined mold surface with metal ions implanted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mary K. Winters, Carlos F. Alonzo, Paul O. McLaughlin, John C. Pulver, Anna L. Hrycin, Donald A. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20040050109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a solid preform by moving a heat source parallel to the longitudinal axis of a substrate tube, whose inner surface is coated with one or more doped or undoped glass layers, so as to collapse the substrate tube into the solid preform in a number of passes, with an etchant being supplied to the interior of the substrate tube after a number of passes of the heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Draka Fibre Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Johannes Marinus Jozeph Swarts, Dennis Robert Simons
  • Publication number: 20040050110
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating optical fiber preforms and optical fibers. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for making an optical fiber preform includes the steps of providing at least one sacrificial rod having an outside surface; forming a material on the outside surface of each sacrificial rod to yield a structured body, the structured body including a structured material in substantial contact with the at least one sacrificial rod; removing each sacrificial rod from the structured body; and including the structured body in the optical fiber preform. The preform may be drawn into an optical fiber. The methods of the present invention are especially useful in the fabrication of microstructured optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: George E. Berkey, Dennis W. Buckley, Michael T. Gallagher, Daniel W. Hawtof, Carlton M. Truesdale, Natesan Venkataraman
  • Publication number: 20040050111
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, two or more inner cores, a cladding surrounding the two or more inner cores, and one or more side holes for reducing the bulk modulus of compressibility and maintaining the anti-buckling strength of the large diameter optical waveguide. The method features the steps of: assembling a preform for drawing a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, by providing an outer tube having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters and arranging two or more preform elements in relation to the outer tube; heating the preform; and drawing the large diameter optical waveguide from the heated preform. In one embodiment, the method also includes the step of arranging at least one inner tube inside the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventors: Edward M. Dowd, Joseph J. Baraglia, Andrew S. Kuczma, Brian J. Pike, Thomas W. Engel, Martin A. Putnam
  • Publication number: 20040050112
    Abstract: A furnace for drawing an optical fiber includes a body having an upper and lower openings for supplying a preform and discharging a drawn optical fiber, a heating unit installed in the body for receiving and melting the preform, an atmosphere blocking tube installed to the lower opening for discharging the drawn optical fiber and blocking the optical fiber from the atmosphere, an upper introduction port formed at an upper portion of the body for introducing an inert gas toward the preform and partially discharged outside through a gap between the preform and the upper opening, a central and lower introduction ports formed at central and lower portions for introducing an inert gas into the body, a first flow guiding means for guiding the inert gas introduced through the central introduction port upward and then flowed down along a surface of the preform, and a second flow guiding means for guiding the inert gas introduced through the lower introduction port upward and then discharged outside through the atmosp
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: LG Cable Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Joon Bae, Young-Il Kwon, Joon-Keun Lee, Chul-Min Kim, Myung-Ho Jang
  • Publication number: 20040050113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a preform for a glass ferrule and a fabrication method thereof. It is an objective of the present invention to fabricate dual hole ferrules having various distances between two holes by using a single preform. It is another objective of the present invention to fabricate a preform for a dual hole glass ferrule by a simple process. To meet the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a preform for a glass ferrule, comprising two holes which are formed through the preform and exit out both side cross-sections of the preform, wherein the two holes are symmetrical to the center in a diameter direction of the preform and a distance between the two holes changes in a lengthwise direction of the preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Soon-Cheol Hwang, Sun-Uk Kim, Myong-Cheul Chun
  • Publication number: 20040050114
    Abstract: The process for manufacturing mineral wool by internal centrifuging is characterized in that the temperature of the mineral material in the fiberizing spinner dish is at least 1150° C. and in that the fiberizing spinner dish is made of a cobalt-based alloy comprising the following elements (in percentages by weight of the alloy): 1 Cr  23 to 34% Fe less than 3% Ni   6 to 12% Si less than 1% Ta   3 to 10% Mn less than 0.5% C 0.2 to 1.2% Zr less than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Patrice Berthod, Jean-Luc Bernard, Christophe Liebaut
  • Publication number: 20040050115
    Abstract: In an optical fiber drawing apparatus capable of drawing one piece of an optical fiber, the present invention provides an optical fiber drawing apparatus which is adapted to decrease a break of an optical fiber to be adjusted a curvature radius thereof by at least one or more moving rollers continuously installed after a fixing roller and to decrease a polarization mode dispersion (PMD) by a birefringence which is not desired in an optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: LG Cable Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon Keun Lee, Weon Bae Kim, Chul Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20040050116
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for needling at least one yarn (16) with at least one needle board (4) which is reciprocatable in the needling direction, with a stitch base (1) which is disposed opposite of the needle board (4) and is made of an endlessly revolving brush belt (3), and with a stripper (5) which is disposed between the stitch base (1) and the needle board and which forms at least one guide duct (9) for the yarn (16) extending in the revolving direction (10) of the brush belt (3) and comprises in the region of said guide duct (9) pass-through openings (20) for the needles (8) of the needle board (4). In order to provide advantageous needling conditions it is proposed that the guide duct (9) is provided between guide walls (15) engaging in the brush belt (3), which guide walls delimit a duct cross section which tapers towards the yarn (16) in the region of the brush engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Minika Fehrer
  • Publication number: 20040050117
    Abstract: The porthole door has a hinged frame (4) on the housing of the washing machine, consisting of a supporting ring (6) and a retaining ring (8). The supporting ring (6) supports an inspection glass (5) which is recessed in the form of a cup in the direction of the interior of the drum. Said inspection glass is protected by a cover (9) against access at the level of the external retaining ring (8) of the frame (4), the edge thereof being fixed to the frame (4). The cover (9) is made of flat glass cooled by means of a model mould. As a result, the porthole unit is aesthetic and easy to assemble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Geyer, Wilfried Kluge, Wolfgang Held
  • Publication number: 20040050118
    Abstract: There is provided a garment steamer for domestic use that cooperates with a variety of different attachments to provide a variety of different steam or vapor emitting effects. The garment steamer also has an ionic and/or ozone generating/emitting feature to facilitate neutralizing odor and removing undesirable particulate from a garment. The garment steamer may also have a hanger and rod assembly in which a collapsible hanger selectively cooperates with a telescopic rod, which is connected to a base, such that the hanger can be selectively positioned at any location along the height of the rod and/or disengaged from the rod. The garment steamer also includes a fluid heating assembly enclosed in the base, a separable fluid container in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, and a separable hose in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, as well as with the variety of different attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: CONAIR CIP, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Carrubba, Vito James Carlucci, Kam Fai Fung
  • Publication number: 20040050119
    Abstract: A lock mechanism primarily intended for a sliding door or window application. The lock mechanism includes a lock body (10) with a lock beck (21) rotatably mounted therewith and biased by a bias element (23) to a first position. The lock beck (21) is co-operable with a hook (20) of a strike (13) upon the hook engaging in the body whereby the lock beck (21) rotates to a second position against the bias of biasing element (23). Operating members (27 and 28) within the lock body (10) are operable by external actuating elements such that the operating members can be independently operated to cause the lock beck (21) to move from said first position to said second position and one of the operating members to retain the lock beck in said first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Christodoulos Toulis, Peter Gordon Sclater
  • Publication number: 20040050120
    Abstract: An electronic steering wheel lock apparatus having high reliability. The electronic steering wheel lock apparatus (11) includes a lock pin (12) for locking a steering shaft (21). The lock pin (12) is moved by a motor or a plate cam (41). When an engine is activated and the steering shaft is unlocked, a solenoid (31) is engaged with the plate cam (41) to restrict the movement of the plate cam (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Masaki Hayashi, Hirokazu Shamoto, Masaki Yoshino, Toshihiro Nagae
  • Publication number: 20040050121
    Abstract: A lock system is provided with a function controlling mechanism for control of the lock states unlocked, locked and optionally theft secure and child safety. The lock system is characterized by very short times for controlling the desired locking states and good suitability to various requirements with regard to construction space and functionality. The lock system comprises locking pieces, for example a turning latch or lock handle, in a lock for the mechanical locking of the door, at least one operating device in the form of an external door opener and/or an internal door opener, an optional locking cylinder, and elements for transmitting the operating force from the operating device to the locking pieces. The pieces of the function controlling mechanism (FSM), involved in controlling the locking state are not involved in the force path between the operating device and the locking pieces of the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Rolf Bucker, Uwe Sommer, Jorg Ubelein, Andre Gortz
  • Publication number: 20040050122
    Abstract: An electronic key includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip. The blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner. A smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. A resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ernst Kern Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20040050123
    Abstract: A quick attach and release key ring assembly for portable electronic devices is disclosed. Device housings or adaptors for use with the housing include wells in which a component of the assembly mates securely. Various mechanism for controlling the extension and/or retraction of engaging member that provides adherence between the key ring and the electronic device housing or adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Stamatina Macherides, Nikolaos Faklaris
  • Publication number: 20040050124
    Abstract: This present invention is related to a key ring for keeping a key. The key ring includes a ring body, which has cut planes at both ends thereof. A concave portion (30) is formed at a predetermined place of the key ring (10) and is curved in a direction and in a body with the key ring (10). One of the cut planes is projected toward an inner side of the concave portion (30), and the key (40) is inserted into the ring body (10). With this configuration, it is easy to keep and take out a key by less force by forming a concave portion at a predetermined position of a ring body made of a metallic material and making one cut plane at one end of the concave portion so as to be projected toward an inner side of the concave portion and the other cut plane so as to correspond to the other end of the concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Woo Song