Patents Issued in June 3, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040103665
    Abstract: A combustor liner is provided having first and second annular bands which define an overlapping circumferential joint area, wherein a weld is disposed in the joint area encompassing substantially all of the axial length of the joint area. A method for producing such a combustor liner is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James A. Groeschen, Ronald D. Redden, Shaun M. DeVane
  • Publication number: 20040103666
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a gas turbine (1) having a first compressor (2), a combustion chamber (16) and a first turbine (11), the turbine being adapted to drive the compressor via a first shaft (10a, 10b). The gas turbine also has a bleed valve (12) arranged upstream of the first turbine for conducting part of a gas compressed by the compressor past it during engine braking. The invention also relates to a method for engine-braking a gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO AERO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bertil JONSSON, Lars SUNDIN
  • Publication number: 20040103667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer (25a) for the attenuation of noise occurring in an intake airstream (10, 27) of a gas turbine (1-3). According to the invention, in this case, the silencer (25a) has means (31, 32, 33, 34) for the introduction of water and/or steam into the intake airstream (10, 27). These means may be designed, in particular, in the form of Venturi tubes (31), the water (29) being supplied, in particular above the saturation limit, to the airstream (27) via nozzles (33) arranged at the narrowest point. In this way, the silencing can be combined at the same time with the introduction of water for increasing the power output or for the general regulation of the gas turbine, this being achieved with a comparatively simple design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Ulrich Frutschi
  • Publication number: 20040103668
    Abstract: A method enables a gas turbine engine including a combustor to be operated. The combustor includes a mixer assembly including an air swirler, a premixer, a dome plate, and a heat shield. The method comprises discharging fluids from the air swirler into the premixer, and directing cooling fluids through a cooling opening defined in at least one of the swirler and the dome plate towards an upstream side of the heat shield for impingement cooling of the heat shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Bibler, Timothy J. Held, Mark A. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040103669
    Abstract: The invention provides integrated turbogenerators having a turbine wheel, a compressor impeller, and a motor generator mounted to or mechanically constrained to a common shaft, and improved components and configurations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Willis, Paul Berner, Guillermo Pont, Joel Wacknov
  • Publication number: 20040103670
    Abstract: A system and method for creating power and pasteurizing water is provided. The system includes a power generation subsystem and a water pasteurization subsystem, which are linked together as follows. The power generation subsystem comprises a turbine power generator. Air (or other suitable working fluid) flows through the turbine power generator to generate power by known methods. The air is heated prior to flowing into the turbine to increase its speed for greater power generation. The water pasteurization subsystem includes one or more heat exchangers, at least one of which is connected to receive the hot airflow exiting the turbine. The heat from the turbine-exiting airflow is utilized for pasteurizing colder wastewater inside the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory B. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20040103671
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain a condenser without hot blow air generation, with an extremely low electric power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Mituhiro Kanao
  • Publication number: 20040103672
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface crust freezing of a food product utilizes a refrigeration shell enclosing a freezing chamber, the freezing chamber having a cavity shaped to substantially accommodate the shape of the exterior surface of the food product; the cavity communicating with the refrigeration shell; a transport substrate to carry the food product into the freezing chamber; a cryogen supply; and a gas circulation device in the refrigeration shell in communication with the cryogen supply to introduce a cooling flow of gas containing cryogen into the cavity so as to contact the food product along its exterior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: THE BOC GROUP INC NEW PROVIDENCE NJ
    Inventors: Michael D. Newman, Stephen A. McCormick, D. Scott Boyles, Thomas Edward Kilburn
  • Publication number: 20040103673
    Abstract: A method for detecting a low-charge state in an air conditioning system. In one aspect, the temperature/pressure of the discharge of the condenser is measured to determine whether a low-charge state exists in the refrigeration system by calculating the degrees of subcooling of the refrigerant and comparing that to a predetermined minimum value. In another aspect, the temperature/pressure of the discharge of the compressor is measured to determine whether a low-charge state is indicated by calculating the degrees of superheat of the refrigerant and comparing that value with a predetermined maximum value. An air conditioning checker is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Daimler Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Kwangtaek Hong
  • Publication number: 20040103674
    Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator having a variable speed compressor and at least two compartments (FR, FZ) cooled to respective temperatures and comprising sensor devices (TR, TZ) for generating control signal responsive to cooling demands of the respective compartments comprises the step of providing the control system with a signal indicative of the total cooling demand on the basis of the sum of each compartment cooling demand, such signal being used to drive the variable speed compressor according to said total cooling demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Alessandro Boer, Raffaele Paganini, Rocco Petrigliano
  • Publication number: 20040103675
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, at least one of an inner surface temperature of a passenger compartment and a surface temperature of a passenger in each detection area is the passenger compartment is detected by an infrared rays sensor, and a control unit determines a solar radiation condition such as a solar radiation amount and a solar radiation direction in the passenger compartment based on the surface temperature detected by the infrared rays sensor. The control unit controls operation of an operation member such as an air mixing door, based on the determined solar radiation condition. Thus, uncomfortable feeling given to the passenger can be reduced regardless of the solar radiation condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tomita
  • Publication number: 20040103676
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling cooling/heating of a heat pump system comprising the steps of: (a) controlling a compressor so that a flow rate of a refrigerant is reduced when the heat pump system is switched from a cooling mode to a heating mode or from the heating mode to the cooling mode; and (b) controlling a four-way valve so that a flow direction of the refrigerant is converted into an opposite direction when the flow rate of the refrigerant is reduced after the step (a). The method prevents the rapid change of the flow direction of the refrigerant during the cooling/heating mode switching and reduces noise generated in the cooling/heating mode switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won Hee Lee, Cheol Min Kim, Yoon Jei Hwang
  • Publication number: 20040103677
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to prevent refrigerant from flowing out into a vehicle compartment due to damage to an evaporator or piping associated therewith. A solenoid valve is arranged at an inlet of an evaporator, and a check valve is arranged at an outlet of the evaporator. When operation of a system is to be stopped, the solenoid valve is closed while a compressor is kept operating for a predetermined time to suck out refrigerant from the evaporator to a downstream side of the check valve, so that during stoppage of the operation, the check valve prevents the refrigerant from flowing back into the evaporator. Thus, even if the evaporator arranged in the vehicle compartment or piping associated therewith is damaged, a situation where a large amount of refrigerant flows out of the evaporator into the vehicle compartment does not occur because no refrigerant remains in the evaporator, making it possible to prevent occupants in the vehicle compartment from being put in a grave situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: TGK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Publication number: 20040103678
    Abstract: A temperature control device including a temperature sensor which senses a temperature at a specified location within the refrigeration apparatus. The temperature control device has first flow valve that is operable to selectively increase or decrease the flow of refrigerant in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor. In addition, the device has a second flow valve that is operable to selectively increase or decrease hot gas flow in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor. The temperature control device also contains a controller which controls the above mentioned valves in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Chuan Weng
  • Publication number: 20040103679
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system uses a non-contact temperature sensor for feedback control of the temperature of the air blown out from a blowing opening. The degrees of opening of an air mix damper and a bypass open/close damper are controlled by actuators that respond in accordance with a temperature detected by the non-contact sensor so the blowing temperature will ultimately approach a target value. Air conditioning control is achieved as desired by this feedback control of the blowing temperature without providing wiring for a temperature sensor near the blowing opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ichishi, Tatsumi Kumada
  • Publication number: 20040103680
    Abstract: A receiver for a system for generating electrical power from solar radiation is disclosed. The systems includes the receiver and a means (3) for concentrating solar radiation onto the receiver. The receiver includes a plurality of photovoltaic cell modules. Each module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells (5), and includes an electrical connection that forms part of the receiver electrical circuit. The receiver includes a coolant circuit for cooling the photovoltaic cells with a coolant. The coolant circuit includes a coolant flow path in each module that is in thermal contact with the photovoltaic cells so that in use coolant flowing through the flow path extracts heat from the photovoltaic cells and thereby cools the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: John Beavis Lasich
  • Publication number: 20040103681
    Abstract: Method for defrosting of a heat exchanger (evaporator) in a vapor compression system including, beyond a heat exchanger (evaporator) (3) to be defrosted, at least a compressor (1), a second heat exchanger (condenser/heat rejecter) (2) and an expansion device (6) connected by conduits in an operable manner to form an integral closed circuit. The heat exchanger (3) to be defrosted is subjected to essentially the same pressure as the compressor's (1) discharge pressure whereby the heat exchanger (3) is defrosted as the high-pressure discharge gas from the compressor (1) flows through to the heat exchanger, giving off heat to the said heat exchanger (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Kare Aflekt, Einar Brendeng, Armin Hafner, Petter Neksa, Jostein Pettersen, Havard Rekstad, Geir Skaugen, Gholam Reza Zakeri
  • Publication number: 20040103682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning fluid for a refrigeration plant, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning oil mixed with a liquefied carrier gas with which it forms, by expansion, a cleaning foam, for example the oil is a POE or a PAG and the gas is R134a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Serge Francois, Francoise Brisset
  • Publication number: 20040103683
    Abstract: The suction muffler of a reciprocating compressor according to the disclosed invention comprises a flow controller for controlling the flow of refrigerant so that a steady amount of refrigerant flows into the suction port of the suction muffler. The flow controller comprises a fixing member having a main refrigerant path, a plurality of refrigerant sub-paths formed to vertically penetrate the fixing member along and adjacent to a circumference of the main refrigerant path at predetermined intervals, and a space with a diameter larger than an imaginary circle made by connecting the plurality of refrigerant sub-paths, formed under the main refrigerant path and the plurality of refrigerant sub-paths. A movable member has a first through hole formed to correspond to the main refrigerant path, and a plurality of second through holes formed at predetermined intervals on the imaginary circumference having a diameter larger than an imaginary circle made by connecting the plurality of refrigerant sub-paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Min-Chol Yoon
  • Publication number: 20040103684
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated bag mounted in the race vehicle having a collapsible fluid bladder and a cooling medium within the bag. Tubing connects the bladder to a valve for the driver to drink from. Preferably, a pump is coupled to the tubing to move fluid through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Stokley-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Kreutzmann, Don Prestley, Dennis Broeske, Steve Ehardt, John R. Califf, John Konieczka, Jeff Zachwieja
  • Publication number: 20040103685
    Abstract: In a hot gas heating mode of an ejector cycle system, hot gas refrigerant discharged from a compressor is introduced to an interior heat exchanger while bypassing an exterior heat exchanger. The refrigerant discharged from the interior heat exchanger can flow into an ejector from at least an inlet of a nozzle of the ejector, and flows into the gas-liquid separator, in the heating mode. Alternatively, refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be supplied to the interior heat exchanger through a clearance between an outer wall of the nozzle and an inner wall of a nozzle housing portion, while bypassing the exterior heat exchanger in the heating mode. Here, the nozzle is disposed in the nozzle housing portion, and a part of pressurizing portion is defined by the nozzle housing portion. Thus, the heating mode can be readily performed in the ejector cycle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Motohiro Yamaguchi, Hiromi Ohta, Yukimasa Sato
  • Publication number: 20040103686
    Abstract: The device is arranged in a process engineering column (10) and serves in particular for the guiding of liquid. This device includes at least two parts (1, 2) made of sheet metal and releasably connected to one another. A recess (12) is arranged in the one part, the sheet metal part (1) of a first kind, and an elevation (21) fitting into the recess is arranged in the other part, the sheet metal part (2) of a second kind. The two sheet metal parts are held in a secured position by a hook connection between the recess and the elevation. The recess and the elevation form a single pair or one pair among several and the sheet metal parts have planar regions lying on top of one another in the neighbourhood (120, 210) of the pair or of each pair respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Emil Fehr, Bruno Keller, Wilhelmus Cornelis Van Leeuwen, John Heggen
  • Publication number: 20040103687
    Abstract: Nitrogen is rejected from a pressurised feed gas stream comprising methane and nitrogen by cooling the feed gas stream in a main heat exchanger 10 and rectifying the cooled feed gas stream in a double rectification column 20 comprising a higher pressure rectification column 22, a lower pressure rectification column 24, and a condenser-reboiler 25 placing the higher pressure column 22 in heat exchange relationship with the lower pressure column 24. A pump 50 withdraws a methane product stream from the column 24. The methane product stream is pressurised by the pump 50 and is vaporised in the main heat exchanger 10. The pressurised feed gas stream is expanded with the performance of external work in an expansion turbine 6 upstream of the main heat exchanger 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen Roger Clare, John Douglas Oakey
  • Publication number: 20040103688
    Abstract: An expandable jewelry ring. The ring has a split circular spring made of springy metal and having first and second ends separated by a gap. A tongue portion extends from the first end of the spring and into the gap. A mounting is made of metal and has a generally split circular shape with first and second ends separated by a gap and having a spring channel formed therein. The spring channel has a first portion and a second portion. The spring is positioned in the first portion of the spring channel, with the tongue portion being slideably moveable in the second portion of the spring channel. When pressure from a wearer's finger is exerted on the inside of the mounting, it will expand the effective size of the ring, and when pressure is relieved, the ring will spring back to its original size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Callegher Flaviano
  • Publication number: 20040103689
    Abstract: A decorative jewelry module comprises a base member with a hollow interior, a decorative insert, and a fastener arrangement. The hollow base member has a top with an opening therein, a bottom, and an interior. The decorative insert is sized in relation to the interior of the base member so as to be placed within the hollow base member and viewed through the top opening. The fastener arrangement fixes the decorative insert within the hollow base member below the base member top. The decorative jewelry article may be manufactured as a multi-part base and decorative insert combination, or as a monolithic jewel article having a base portion and a decorative element portion. The jewelry article may be designed to have the appearance of a single decorative unit, or to have the appearance of a double (or greater) decorative unit. Such units have application in many jewelry articles. A number of such units may be connected in series to form a tennis bracelet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Meang K. Chia, Cheo K. Chia, Huy K. Chia
  • Publication number: 20040103690
    Abstract: The device and process allow for continuous processing of metal wire sheathed in glass (10) of considerable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Sylvie Deprot, Olivier Acher, Frederic Bertin
  • Publication number: 20040103691
    Abstract: A washing machine and dryer is disclosed, in which a user can watch the inside thereof, and a user can put the laundry into the inside thereof, and draw out the same. The washing machine includes a cabinet having an opening at the front thereof; a tub provided inside the cabinet for storing washing water; a drum being rotatably provided to a spinning shaft by a motor inside the tub; and a door provided at the opening for being tilted to the inside of the washing machine. The dryer has the same structure as the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Yeon Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
  • Publication number: 20040103692
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a drum type washing machine. The present invention includes a step of washing a laundry on each separate washing condition according to a temperature of water. Therefore, the present invention enables to prevent waste of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gon Kim, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
  • Publication number: 20040103693
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gasket and drum type washing machine using the same. The present invention includes a cabinet having a first opening through which a laundry is put in at a cabinet front side wherein a door is installed to open/close the first opening, a tub installed in the cabinet to have a second opening at a tub front side corresponding to the first opening, a drum installed in the tub to have a third opening at a drum front side corresponding to the second opening, a rotation mans having a rotational shaft penetrating a rear side of the tub to be connected to the drum, and a gasket for preventing leakage of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Jae Kyum Kim, Ho Cheol Kwon, Kang Mo Choi
  • Publication number: 20040103694
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine, in which a drive circuit of the washing machine is prevented from being damaged by a counter electromotive force generated from a wash motor making a precipitate stop. The present invention includes a cabinet, a drum, a motor, and a brake resistance assembly including a case forming an exterior, first and second connect terminals fixed to the case to be connected to an external circuit, first and second bobbins provided in the case, and first and second coils differing in resistance to be wound on the first and second bobbins, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Chul Bang
  • Publication number: 20040103695
    Abstract: Disclosed is an outer rotor type motor of a washing machine, in which a rotor is more simply installed. The present invention includes a stator having an outer circumference on which a coil is wound, a rotor provided to leave a predetermined interval from an outside of the stator, the rotor rotating when a current is applied to the coil, and a frame having a fixing means for fixing the rotor wherein the fixing means is built in one body of an inner circumference of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Min Kyu Lim
  • Publication number: 20040103696
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly of supplying a detergent in a washing machine, by which a detergent box can be correctly installed in the washing machine. The present invention includes a receiving part provided in an upper space of the washing machine to have an opening at a front side, a detergent box detachably received in the receiving part via the opening, a drawer panel installed at a front side of the detergent box to form an exterior of the washing machine, and a location correction means for correction a reception location of the detergent box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Kyum Kim, Ho Cheol Kwon, Kang Mo Choi
  • Publication number: 20040103697
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine and dryer having a condensation unit (700). A tub (200) is installed in a cabinet (100), and a drum is rotatably installed within the tub (200). A drying duct (610) has one end connected with an interior of the tub (200), and a condensation duct (710) connects the tub (200) with the drying duct (610). A cooling water supply unit (720) is provided in one side of the condensation duct (710) to supply cooling water supplied from an outside to the interior of the condensation duct (710). A cooling water dropping unit (750) collects the cooling water supplied to an interior of the condensation duct to drop the collected cooling water to the inner space of the condensation duct. A heater (620) heats air circulating the tub (200), the condensation duct (710), and the drying duct (610), and a circulation fan (800) circulates the air. A drain pump (500) discharges washing water in the tub (200) outside the cabinet (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Yeon Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
  • Publication number: 20040103698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drum assembly, which provides a big volume as well as reinforces a coupling power to a power transfer element. The present invention includes a drum, a spider, and a driving shaft. The drum includes an opening confronting a door, a rear wall provided opposite to the opening, the rear wall having a circumferential portion protruding more outward than a central portion, and a circumferential wall between the opening and the rear wall. The spider is attached to an outside of the rear wall. And, the driving shaft penetrates into the tub to be connected to the spider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Keon Kim, Yu-Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
  • Publication number: 20040103699
    Abstract: A lock serves for locking a high pressure wind tube joint and a fluid tube joint. The lock comprises a casing for enclosing a housing of the wind tube joint; a lock body locking to the casing; and a core portion fixed to the lock body. Connecting ends of the high pressure wind tube joint and the fluid tube joint are located in the casing; then a stud of the core portion is inserted into the connecting ends so that the high pressure wind tube joint and fluid tube joint are combined with the casing. The casing is a seal body with only one opening. The core portion further includes a cover fixed in the lock body by a pin, a sleeve locked in the cover by a short pin, a stud below the sleeve, a spring at a periphery of the stud and pressed by the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: I-Hui Ho
  • Publication number: 20040103700
    Abstract: A combination lock consists of a lock housing, a shackle, a lock shaft, an elastic element, a dial and a plurality of retaining rings. The dial is the only element for performing the locking and unlocking function, and forms rotational chain movements with the retaining rings such that the retaining rings may be driven by the dial to move the lock shaft to generate an interference or release movement, thereby indirectly determine whether the shackle may be moved relative to the lock housing from a locked position to an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Renny Tse-Haw Ling
  • Publication number: 20040103701
    Abstract: A key operated latch includes a housing which supports a lock plug, a motion control sleeve, and a sleeve-like cam therein. The cam rotates with the lock plug, while the motion control sleeve is stationary. The cam has at least one cam slot, and the motion control sleeve has at least one motion control slot. A shaft extends outward from the housing and has at least one projection which is engaged with both the cam slot and the motion control slot. The cam slot and the motion control slot are configured such that rotation of the lock plug imparts a sequence of rotational and axial movements to the shaft. A latching member attached to the shaft, moves between a latched position and an unlatched position in a sequence of axial and rotational motions in order to selectively secure a door, panel, or the like in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: James H. Vickers
  • Publication number: 20040103702
    Abstract: An apparatus indicates the closure state of a key-operated lock, having a housing that is fitted to the key and has a rotation detection sensor which is held therein and comprises a hollow body that is filled with a first electrically conductive liquid and has electrically conductive contacts for production of electrical contact sequences which are dependent on the closing direction, and having an electronic evaluation unit which uses the contact sequences to determine the closure state of the lock. The hollow body is substantially completely filled with the first electrically conductive liquid and with a second electrically non-conductive fluid that repels the first liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Ulrich Abeler
  • Publication number: 20040103703
    Abstract: The invention relates to information carriers operating with control devices, more specifically to methods for identifying and inputting code information which makes it possible to define the access right to different objects or to code information. The aim of said invention is to increase the capacity of code information inputted with the aid of an identifier by developing an updated identification method including techniques which increase the information state of each wafer of the identifier or the identifier in the entirety thereof. The inventive method consists in dialling a code in the identifier with the aid of selective rotation of the elements provided with code marks, periodically modifying said code by rotating a coding wafer at an angle in relation to the normal position thereof in one or another direction and in displacing the wafer to the other orifices which are arranged above or under a central orifice at a distance less than the diameter of said orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Vitaly Bardachenko
  • Publication number: 20040103704
    Abstract: A method for constructing a spinner key chain fob comprising an outer housing and one or more independently rotating members affixed within the housing wherein the rotating member has two cavities diametrically opposed on its perimeter edge; the housing has an internal perimeter, an external perimeter, an aperture extending through the internal perimeter to the external perimeter and a center post diametrically opposed to the aperture; the internal perimeter able to receive the rotating member comprising the steps of: inserting the center post into one cavity of the one or more rotating members; and affixing a pin within the aperture such that the pin extends through the key chain housing into the remaining cavity of the one or more rotating members such that when they are impacted they rotate freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Howard Ullman
  • Publication number: 20040103705
    Abstract: A culture medium that is suitable for growing plants that comprises a filler and a polymer. The culture medium is characterized in that it is comprised of a polymerised mixture containing a biologically degradable polymer and the filler. To this polymerisable agent and the filler are mixed together and then polymerised. As biologically degradable polymers it is possible to use, for example, polylactic acid, starch and other substances. The culture medium preferably comprises a foamed polymer, which improves the ability to absorb water. The invention also relates to a method for the production of such a culture medium and to a container into which the culture medium can be put for growing plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Lucas Everhardus Maria Langezaal
  • Publication number: 20040103706
    Abstract: Method and device for bending a portion of an element in a bending machine (12) comprising a bending assembly (14), a supporting plane (18) and an electronic processing unit (32), wherein the bending process is filmed and displayed on a screen (36). The portion (24) is bent with a first movement of the bending assembly (14) to make a first bend of a nominal value. By means of reference indicator elements an angle of deviation is determined and the portion is again bent with a new movement of the bending assembly (14), taking into account the angle of deviation. All movements of the bending assembly (14) are acquired by a position transducer (15) and recorded by the electronic processing unit (32) in order to have a global parameter for obtaining an angle which corresponds to the nominal value, and in order to use the global parameter in subsequent analogous or similar bends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Antonio Codatto
  • Publication number: 20040103707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroforming device and a hydroforming process and also to a hydroforming die arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Andreas Winters
  • Publication number: 20040103708
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an endless metal belt having metal rings built up and differing in circumference, includes the following steps of: a first circumference correction step of expanding each of the metal rings; and a second circumference correction step of expanding each of the metal rings after conducting a solution heat treatment to the expanded metal ring. In the manufacturing method, by executing the first circumference correction step and the second circumference correction step before and after the solution heat treatment, respectively, an expansion quantity for setting a circumference of each of the metal rings to become a predetermined length is attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuji Fukada, Mitsutaka Akutsu, Masayuki Suzuki, Masaaki Yoshitome
  • Publication number: 20040103709
    Abstract: A tool (10) having improved heat transfer characteristics and a method for cooling a tool (10) which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members (12-17) Each selected sectional members (16) include an outer contour (19), while each of the sectional members (12-17) includes at least one coolant passage (14). These coolant passages (14) cooperatively form a coolant manifold (18) which is a predetermined distance from contours (19). An amount of coolant 40 is passed through manifold (18) to cool tool (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Manuel, Thomas N. Greaves
  • Publication number: 20040103710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fixing a bending tool (34), said tool comprising a retaining groove (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Gascoin, Jean-Louis Fourmy
  • Publication number: 20040103711
    Abstract: A vehicle clamp assembly has an upper end releasably clampable to a vehicle frame member, and a lower end releasably attachable to a support frame. The assembly is rotatable about a first axis substantially parallel to the support frame and is also rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to both the support frame and the first axis. The assembly's base can thus be levelled with respect to the support frame before the assembly is attached to the support frame. This allows the assembly to be clamped onto a vehicle frame member, irrespective of the frame member's orientation relative to the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Lon William McIlwraith
  • Publication number: 20040103712
    Abstract: A body frame corrector (1) capable of efficiently correcting a complicatedly deformed frame or the like and providing an excellent workability, comprising a frame-shaped body (2) for installing a deformed body frame (40) therein, a plurality of ceiling cylinders (7), floor cylinders (10), and side cylinders (9) disposed on the ceiling surface, floor surface, inner side surfaces of the frame shaped body (2) and movable to directions along each of the respective surfaces, and tilting mechanisms for changing the pressing directions of the side surface cylinders (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Takichi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20040103713
    Abstract: The pendulum impact test rig is designed and developed for simulating impact conditions experienced by structural components in real-world crash or full-scale crash test. The test rig can be adopted for crash testing individual vehicle component. The test rig comprises of a base plate which is anchored to a concrete ground, a pendulum supporting structure positioned on the base plate, a pendulum member constructed from structural T-beam that permanently secured to a rotatably shaft, and a test item holding device releasably mounted on the base plate. The pendulum member includes a striker which is releasably attached to the lower end portion of the pendulum, fixed masses permanently secured at the lower end portion of the pendulum, and additional masses detachably attached immediately above the fixed masses. With present preferred embodiment, the center of percussion is controlled within the striking zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Wong Shaw Voon, Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, Abdel Magid S. Hamouda, Megat Mohamad Hamdan Megat Ahmad, Tan Kean Sheng
  • Publication number: 20040103714
    Abstract: A knock detection device that can not only detect knock accurately, but can also detect heavy knock quickly. Cylinder pressure is detected by a pressure sensor installed in each cylinder in an internal combustion engine. AS the occurrence or non-occurrence of heavy knock is determined based on the ratio between the maximum value of cylinder pressure fluctuation and the maximum value of cylinder pressure divided by a prescribed value, it becomes possible to detect the occurrence of heavy knock quickly. If it is determined that heavy knock has occurred, a knock suppression measure involving, for example, reducing the spark advance angle, is immediately applied, thus preventing damage to the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Koji Fukuoka, Kenji Kasashima, Yuji Miyanoo, Masashi Yoshimi