Patents Issued in June 22, 2004
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Patent number: 6751953Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a closure assembly, for example of a vehicle, which closure assembly comprises a closure element which can be moved between a closed position, in which the closure element closes off an opening, and an opened position. The hydraulic actuating device comprises a hydraulic actuator for moving the closure element, which actuator has a housing having a closing chamber and an opening chamber. Further provided are a hydraulic pump having an associated electric pump motor and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic actuating device further comprises a first pressure-limit valve, which is connected to the opening chamber, and a second pressure-limit valve, which is connected to the closing chamber. Control means are further provided for controlling the supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the opening chamber or to the closing chamber of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Actuant CorporationInventors: Laurentius Andreas Gerardus Mentink, Willem Herman Masseling, Daniël van 't Veen
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Patent number: 6751954Abstract: A compact hybrid actuator has a fluid pump (20) arranged to supply fluid to an actuator (44). The pump has at least one electrically-powered solid-state pump driver (21) provided with a displacement element (22). The position of this displacement element modulates the volume of a fluid chamber (23). A driven valve (24) is operatively arranged to control the flows of fluid with respect to the pump chamber, and has one member (29) movable relative to a body (28) to modulate the opening of ports (25, 26) so as to form at least one three-way valve. A valve driver (31) is operatively arranged to operate the driven valve. Electrical power is provided to each valve and to the valve driver so as to operate these various elements in synchronism with one another. The improved pump driver and driven valve may be operated at frequencies in excess of 1 kHz.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventors: Keith Bridger, Arthur V. Cooke, Frank J. Crowne, Joseph J. Lutian, John M. Sewell, George L. Small, III
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Patent number: 6751955Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a multicylinder Stirling engine provided to enable modulation of the displacement of the engine. The hydraulic actuator incorporates a rotary vane configuration which provides relative rotational adjustment between components of a swashplate assembly. The relative rotation provides adjustments to the angle formed by the swashplate relative to its angle of rotation, and thus varies the stroke of each piston connecting rod, which thereby modulates the swept volume of the respective piston within its cylinder bore.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: STM Power, Inc.Inventor: William H. Houtman
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Patent number: 6751956Abstract: Internal combustion engines, which have an exhaust-gas turbocharger that possesses an adjustable turbine geometry, include a waste-gate bypass. When a valve controlling the waste-gate bypass malfunctions, the pressure in the intake-system branch and the exhaust-system branch may increase to an undesirably high level, which may result in component parts being damaged. To prevent this in an internal combustion engine having an exhaust-gas turbocharger, a pressure sensor is provided, which determines the pressure in or upstream from the turbine and transmits it to an electronic control unit. When the control unit determines that a preselected limiting value of the pressure has been exceeded, the turbine geometry is modified so that the turbine may be prevented from being damaged. This arrangement is provided for internal combustion engines, which have an exhaust-gas turbocharger and are equipped with, in particular, an engine-braking device.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Christian Michael Mayer, Andreas Schwarzhaupt, Gernot Spiegelberg
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Patent number: 6751957Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronically driven pressure boosting system that is used to boost the torque output of an internal combustion engine. The system comprises an electrically driven supercharger, an electrical supply system for providing electrical power to drive the pressure charging device including a battery and an engine-driven battery recharger, a switch to connect and disconnect the battery and recharger and an engine control system for controlling the switch and the operation of the pressure charging device. The engine control system is used to determine a capacity utilization of the electrical supply system, and then to control the switch to isolate at least partially the battery from the engine-driven battery recharger and drive the pressure charging device using the battery when said capacity utilization is above a first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Guy R. Morgan, Mark A. Criddle
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Patent number: 6751958Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to increase the pressure of a feed gas through chemical compression. A feed gas such as natural gas is introduced into a vessel and is adsorbed onto material contained therein. The vessel is heated, for example by the waste heat from a turbogenerator. The feed gas desorbs and is released from the vessel at an increased pressure. Multiple vessels may operate in cooperation to collectively provide a substantially continuous flow of feed gas at an increased pressure. An accumulator also may be provided to collect, cool and store the feed gas at the increased pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Scott Edward Wright, Craig Chang
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Patent number: 6751959Abstract: A simple, compact, and relatively efficient thermodynamic power cycle system and process for extracting heat from a heat source stream and converting a portion of the heat to mechanical power. The system and process are composed of the same series of four processing units or steps found in the most basic form of a Rankine power cycle: (1) heating (means) of a pressurized working fluid to produce a superheated gas, (2) expansion (means) to a lower pressure to produce power, (3) condensation (means) of the low pressure gas to a liquid, and (4) pumping (means) of the liquid to high pressure to complete the cycle. The working fluid is heated under pressures above critical. The working fluid must have a critical temperature more than 40° F. lower than the temperature of the heat source stream and a normal boiling point less than 32° F.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Tennessee Valley AuthorityInventors: Timmons S. McClanahan, Michael C. Crim
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Patent number: 6751960Abstract: A control system for controlling a hybrid transmission including a two-degree-of-freedom differential mechanism is arranged to change a target prime-mover revolution speed of a prime mover so as to decrease an electric power output of first and second motor/generators when a temperature of one of the first and second motor/generators and a power device for the first and second motor/generators is higher than a predetermined temperature, wherein a target driving force of the hybrid vehicle is achieved by a demand prime-mover output generated when an output revolution speed of the hybrid transmission is kept constant and when the target prime-mover revolution speed is determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Arimitsu, Keyvan Kargar, Yves Pichon
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Patent number: 6751961Abstract: The invention relates to a bulkhead panel for use in a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine. The bulkhead panel comprises a first side and a second side, a plurality of panel holes extending from the first side to the second side through which cooling air flows, and a circumferential inner rail on said first side dividing said first side into a first cavity region having a plurality of the panel holes and a second cavity region having a plurality of the panel holes. Each of the panel holes has an exit nozzle which is angled so as to create a swirling flow of cooling air over the second side of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Monica Pacheco-Tougas, Francis K. Costigan, Matthew D. Stoner
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Patent number: 6751962Abstract: In a tail tube seal structure of gas turbine, a U-shaped groove is provided at one side of a tail tube seal where a flange of a tail tube outlet is fitted, and a pi-shaped groove is provided at other side of the tail tube seal where a gas pass side flange end is fitted, thereby composing the seal of the connection area. Inclined cooling holes are drilled in the tail tube seal in addition to the cooling holes existing conventionally. The cooling air flows in from the inclined holes and cools the gas pass side of the groove due to the film effect. Therefore, the difference in thermal expansion between the groove and flange end is decreased, the wear of this area is decreased, and the reliability of the seal is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masamitsu Kuwabara, Yasuoki Tomita, Kiyoshi Suenaga, Masahito Kataoka, Yoshichika Sato, Koji Watanabe
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Patent number: 6751963Abstract: An insulated container utilizing Stirling cooler technology. The insulated container and the Stirling cooler include a portable power source, such as a battery, a fuel cell, or a solar panel. The Stirling cooler may provide cooling to the inside of the insulated container, for example by a heat sink and a fan, direct connection to a liner in the insulated container, or a thermosyphon or heat pipe connected to the heat acceptor for the Stirling cooler and routed through the insulated container. Controls may be provided that regulate the cycling of the Stirling cooler so that the internal temperature of the insulated container may be controlled. An embodiment includes both a freezer portion and a refrigeration portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventors: Jose Enrique Navedo, James Michael Boenig
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Patent number: 6751964Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dehumidifying air supplied to an enclosed space by an air conditioning unit. The apparatus includes a partition separating the interior of the housing into a supply portion and a regeneration portion. The supply portion has an inlet for receiving supply air from the air conditioning unit and an outlet for supplying air to the enclosed space. A regeneration fan creates the regeneration air stream. The apparatus includes an active desiccant wheel positioned such that a portion of the wheel extends into the supply portion and a portion of the wheel extends into the regeneration portion, so that the wheel can rotate through the supply air stream and the regeneration air stream to dehumidify the supply air stream. A heater warms the regeneration air stream as necessary to regenerate the desiccant wheel. The invention also comprises a hybrid system that combines air conditioning and dehumidifying components into a single integrated unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: John C. Fischer
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Patent number: 6751965Abstract: A vapor compression type heat transfer system wherein plural condensing conduits are individually and sequentially charged with compressed refrigerant from a compressor. The condensing conduits discharge expanded refrigerant into a common expansion chamber or evaporator. Charging of the condensing conduits is controlled so that a first condensing conduit becomes fully charged, and gradually discharges its refrigerant into the expansion chamber. Upon sensing that the first condensing conduit is fully charged, connection from the compressor to the first condensing conduit is closed by a valve, and connection of the compressor to a second condensing conduit is opened. With the compressor operating constantly, all condensing conduits are sequentially charged, all condensing conduits simultaneously discharging refrigerant to the expansion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Steven D. Gottlieb
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Patent number: 6751966Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid temperature control system. The method provides an evaporator, which has a discharge line, a supply line, and a evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is in fluid communication with the discharge line and the supply line. The method also provides a microprocessor, which regulates a supply of a heat absorbing fluid to the evaporator. The method further couples a sensor module to the microprocessor. The sensor module is near the evaporator, senses a temperature of a gas exiting the evaporator, and sends a temperature to the microprocessor. The method also turns off the supply of the heat absorbing fluid to the evaporator when the microprocessor determines that the temperature of the gas exiting the evaporator reaches a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Herman H. Viegas, David J. Vander Woude, Hans-Olof Nilsson
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Patent number: 6751967Abstract: An air conditioning device includes a compressor coupled between a condenser and an evaporator, a capillary tube device and a valve device are coupled in parallel to each other and coupled between the condenser and the evaporator. Another valve device is coupled between the condenser and the evaporator and in parallel to the parallel capillary tube and the valve device. A further valve and a further capillary tube device are coupled in parallel to the evaporator, and coupled in parallel to each other. The valve devices may be selectively operated and selectively switched off for either air conditioning, or dehumidifying, or drying, or defrosting purposes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Chun Hung Chen
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Patent number: 6751968Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a refrigerant cycle system is constructed to switch a cooling refrigerant cycle where an interior heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, and a hot gas heater cycle where the interior heat exchanger is used as a radiator. Further, determining means of a control unit determines whether the interior heat exchanger has a quantity of retained water in a heating mode with the hot gas heater cycle. When the determining means determines that the interior heat exchanger has the quantity of retained water in the heating mode while a blower stops, operation of the heating mode is stopped. On the other hand, when the determining means determines the interior heat exchanger does not have the quantity of retained water in the heating mode while the blower stops, the operation of the heating mode is performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yoshiaki Takano
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Patent number: 6751969Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in maintaining a temperature in a vehicle or a shipping container. The device includes a roller having a sheet attached to the roller. One end of the sheet is connected to the roller and the sheet can be rolled around the roller and unrolled from the roller. The sheet has a size such that the sheet can extend substantially transversely across the cargo area of the vehicle or shipping container when the device is mounted on the vehicle or shipping container and the sheet is unrolled from the roller. The device allows for a user to simply unroll the unattached end of the sheet from the roller when the user needs to load or unload goods in the cargo area of the vehicle or shipping container in which the device is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Kaolin Mushroom Farms, Inc.Inventors: Mark Moran, John Pia
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Patent number: 6751970Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration and freezer system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion devise and an evaporator which includes an evaporator coil having an inlet and an outlet which coil is in heat exchange relation with an air medium along substantially the entire coil length. The inlet to the evaporator coil is in flow communication with an outlet of the expansion devise via an evaporator feedline.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: XDX, Inc.Inventor: David A. Wightman
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Patent number: 6751971Abstract: A variable displacement type compressor circulates a refrigerant in an air conditioning circuit. The compressor has a compression mechanism and a displacement controller. The compression mechanism compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The displacement controller controls the discharge amount of the refrigerant of the compressor. The displacement controller further includes a normal control means and a protective control means. The normal control means controls the displacement based on a cooling load. The protective control means controls the displacement based on the value in connection with the rotational speed of the compressor and the actual operating information of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Masahiro Kawaguchi, Takayuki Kato, Seiji Katayama, Fuminobu Enokijima, Satoshi Umemura, Ryo Matsubara
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Patent number: 6751972Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous heating and cooling includes a heating system and a cooling system, each having a plurality of heat exchangers coupled by a refrigerant circulation system, the refrigerant transfer system having refrigerant flow selection means for controlling the flow of heat-carrying refrigerant, whereby a refrigerant flow selection means selectively routs refrigerant flow between heating and cooling system heat exchangers selected by the flow selection means. The apparatus includes embodiments wherein the heating system heat exchangers comprise a condenser and a vessel containing water, the cooling system heat exchangers comprise an evaporator and a vessel containing water, and refrigerant flow paths are selected by a plurality of valves that select heat exchangers. The apparatus further includes an air handling system for moving air so as to be in thermal contact with selected heat exchangers, whereby air having moisture is dried.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Curtis A. Jungwirth
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Patent number: 6751973Abstract: A condensing unit which includes a base plate having first and second oppositely disposed major surfaces. The base plate may include flanges disposed along the outer periphery of the base plate. A compressor mechanism and a condensing coil are mounted to the first major surface which faces a first direction. The flanges may also extend in the first direction. The second major surface may be substantially free of projections and define a bearing surface for the condensing unit. The motor of the compressor may have a main shaft which extends substantially parallel to the first major surface. The compressor may be a rotary compressor. There may be a conduit in fluid communication with the compressor and condensing coil and define together therewith a fluid circuit. Valves rotatably mounted on brackets and in fluid communication with the fluid circuit and operably couplable to an evaporator circuit may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Tecumseh Products CompanyInventor: Sukru Erisgen
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Patent number: 6751974Abstract: A sub-surface direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, which can be placed in sub-surface ground and/or water, consisting of at least one smaller interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line with an optional vertically oriented U bend at the bottom, operatively connected to at least one larger interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line, with at least one refrigerant flow metering device installed at either an accessible location in the liquid/fluid line or at the sub-surface point where the liquid/fluid line connects with the vapor/fluid line, for use when the system is operating in the heating mode, together with a refrigerant flow metering device by-pass means so as to enable additional refrigerant fluid flow around the refrigerant metering device when the system is operating in the cooling mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Patent number: 6751975Abstract: Apparatus of removing condensate generated by a plurality of evaporator coils of a vehicular rooftop air conditioning unit. The unit further includes a condenser enclosure in which two opposed end walls are formed by a pair of condenser coils. A condenser fan is mounted for rotation in an opening in the top wall of the enclosure and is axially aligned along the central axis of the enclosure along with the fan motor which is suspended inside the enclosure beneath the fan. A slinger dish is mounted on the motor shaft beneath the motor in close proximity with the floor of the enclosure. The floor, in turn, slopes inwardly from all sides toward the center of the enclosure and condensate generated by the evaporator coils of the unit is channeled into the enclosure and collected in a recess beneath the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Robert C. Reimann
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Patent number: 6751976Abstract: Heat pump equipment comprising at least three heat exchangers, one of which is intended to be located in an enclosed region and the other two of which are intended to be located outside the enclosed region. Each heat exchanger has a delta connection end connected in heat-exchange fluid communication with a delta arrangement. The delta connection end of each heat exchanger is connected to both of the delta connection ends of the other two heat exchangers via the delta arrangement. There are three fluid-expansion devices, one between the two connections of each pair of adjacent connections of the heat exchangers to the delta arrangement. The present invention extends to heat pump equipment comprising at least three heat exchangers connected in a heat-exchange fluid circuit, one of which heat exchangers is intended to be located in an enclosed region and another of which is intended to be located outside the enclosed region.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Eaton-Williams Group LimitedInventor: Albert Robert Lowes
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Patent number: 6751977Abstract: A freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sands, James D. Conlin
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Patent number: 6751978Abstract: A transition fitting for directing fluid from a first line into a second line includes a body, an inlet, an outlet, and a channel. The body defines a constant-volume channel that redirects a direction of the fluid entering the inlet. The inlet is connected to the body and connectable to the first line, and the inlet directs the fluid from the first line into the channel. The outlet is connected to the body and connectable to the second line, and the outlet directs the fluid from the channel into the second line. The bracket is connected to the body and at least partially surrounds the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Ranco IncorporatedInventors: Kelly Gagne, Jay Griswold, Philip Hawken, Robert Moses
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Patent number: 6751979Abstract: A ground-based system and method of supplying temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system during ground support operations that uses a throttle valve to control the flow of compressed air flowing through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger, which may be mounted in a wheeled cart, removes heat from the compressed air supplied to the air conditioning unit and supplies cooled compressed air at a desired temperature. The temperature of the cooled compressed air is controlled by selectively positioning the throttle valve, which regulates compressed air flow from the compressed air source.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Leathers
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Patent number: 6751980Abstract: An improvement in the forced air flow system for refrigerators, comprising: at least two refrigeration environments (1, 2); and a refrigeration air impelling means (10) forcing the passage of an air flow from a refrigeration environment (1, 2) through a respective evaporator portion (4, 5) and comprising only one fan (11) associated with at least two suction chambers (12), which are each opened to a respective refrigeration environment (1, 2) and to at least two discharge chambers (13), which are each opened to an inlet side (6) of a respective evaporator portion (4, 5).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Multibras S. A. EletrodomesticosInventor: Luiz Antonio Diemer Lopes
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Patent number: 6751981Abstract: An insulation box kit and associated method of using are disclosed for use in assembling the kit into a storage chamber for use in cooling a beer keg stored within the confines of the chamber. The kit comprising: a base element, four side walls, and a top element. Each side wall includes a means for attaching onto said base element and a means for interconnecting to adjacent side walls. The top element includes a centrally disposed collar defining a centrally disposed hole; and a means for connecting onto said four side walls to said top element. The method of using comprises the steps of adjoining, affixing, closing, getting, interlinking, locating, mounting, obtaining, opening, placing, pouring, pumping, putting, retrieving, sliding, slipping, and sitting.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Alan E. Burnette
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Patent number: 6751982Abstract: A mold for forming an ice ring on the inner surface of a bottle. The mold is in the form of a cylinder. One end of the mold carries a seal sized to form a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of the bottle neck. The mold is preferably hollow and has a handle attached to the end near the seal. The mold is inserted through the bottle neck until the seal forms a fluid tight seal with the bottle neck. Water is then poured into the bottle through the handle. The bottle is inverted and excess water allowed to flow out through the mold. The bottle is then set on the handle in a freezer until the water freezes. The mold is then removed. The bottle may then be filled with a selected drink through the ice ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Don Horen
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Patent number: 6751983Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning unit with a coolant circuit which consists of a compressor, an evaporator, a collector located at the low pressure side between the evaporator and the compressor and an inner heat transfer unit with a beat transfer channel located at the high pressure side and a low pressure side beat transfer channel. According to the invention, the inner heat transfer unit has an at least segmentally spiraling and/or spiral-shaped steps between the outer and inner pipe of a coaxial pipe system.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.Inventors: Bernd Dienhart, Hans-Joachim Krauss, Hagen Mittelstrass, Karl-Heinz Staffa, Christoph Walter, Bernd Kallfass
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Patent number: 6751984Abstract: Method and process plant for liquefaction of gas, particularly natural gas with multicomponent refrigerant, suited for small and medium sized scale, where the plant solely is based on conventional two-flow plate heat exchangers and conventional oil lubricated compressors. By the arrangement of the heat exchangers and the compressors according to the invention it is avoided that oil from the compressors, that to some extend will follow the flow of refrigerant, may reach the coldest parts of the plant. Any freezing of oil and plugging of conduit etc. is thus avoided.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Sinvent ASInventors: Bengt Olav Neeraas, Einar Brendeng
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Patent number: 6751985Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for production of pressurized liquefied gas. First, a gas stream is cooled and expanded to liquefy the gas stream. The liquefied gas stream is then withdrawn as pressurized gas product and a portion is recycled through the heat exchanger to provide at least part of the cooling and is returned to the stream. Recycling the pressurized liquefied gas product helps keep the cooling and compression of the gas stream in the supercritcal region of the phase diagram. J-T valves in parallel with the expander permits running the system until the stream is in the supercritical region of its phase diagram and the hydraulic expander can operate. This process is suitable for natural gas streams containing methane to form a pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) product.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: E. Lawrence Kimble, Ronald R. Bowen, Moses Minta, H. Gary Winningham
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Patent number: 6751986Abstract: A structured packing element comprises a plurality of corrugated sheets and one planar member positioned adjacent to each of the corrugated sheets. The planar member has a top edge and a bottom edge that are at least proximally aligned with the top and bottom edges respectively of the corrugated sheets. The planar member is further characterized by a middle portion having an open area percent that is higher than the open area percents of the top and bottom portions of the planar member. The structured packing element can be used to form structured packings for distillation applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: The BOG Group, Inc.Inventors: Nancy Christine Irwin, Ramachandran Krishnamurthy, Kevin McKeigue
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Patent number: 6751987Abstract: Burners (14) are used to make glass bodies (19) from OMCTS. The burners have six concentric regions. Putting certain gases through the regions results in thicker bodies than can be achieved with existing techniques and with improved efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Laura J. Ball, Raymond E. Lindner, Mahendra Kumar Misra, Dale R. Powers, Michael H. Wasilewski
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Patent number: 6751988Abstract: A method for manufacturing a curved sheet of glass which includes a heating furnace for heating a sheet of glass therein, the heating furnace having an outlet opening for discharging a curved sheet of glass, and an array of beds housed in the furnace for transferring a sheet of glass successively over the beds in the furnace in a first direction toward the outlet opening while shaping the sheet of glass complementarily to an upper surface of the beds, each of the beds having a plurality of hot air ejecting holes for ejecting hot air to keep the sheet of glass out of contact with the beds, the beds including a final bed disposed near the outlet opening and inclined upwardly toward the outlet opening, the final bed having an upper panel including at least a portion curved in the first direction near the outlet opening to curve the sheet of glass in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Hirotsu, Kazuyoshi Ohtani, Teruji Nagaoka
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Patent number: 6751989Abstract: The invention relates to a device for melting or refining glass or glass ceramics. According to the invention, a device of this type is provided with the following characteristics: a plurality of tubes which are U-shaped and arrange side by side so that they form a cage like skull channel that is open on top, and a high frequency oscillation circuit which comprises an induction coil. The tubes can be connected to a cooling medium. The induction coil wraps around the channel in such a manner that winding sections extend along the lateral walls of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Schott GlasInventors: Wolfgang Schmidbauer, Hildegard Römer, Guido Räke
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Patent number: 6751990Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for making rare earth doped preforms and fibers by a combination of MCVD technique and solution doping method, said method comprising developing matched or depressed clad structure inside a silica glass substrate tube followed by deposition of unsintered particulate layer containing GeO2 and P2O5 for formation of the core and solution doping by soaking the porous soot layer into an alcoholic/aqueous solution of RE-salts containing co-dopants like AlCl3/Al(NO3)3 in definite proportion, controlling the porosity of the soot, dipping period, strength of the solution and the proportion of the codopants to achieve the desired RE ion concentration in the core and minimize the core clad boundary defects and followed by drying, oxidation, dehydration and sintering of the RE containing porous deposit and collapsing at a high temperature to produce the preform and overcladding with silica tubes of suitable dimensions and fiber drawing to produce fibers.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Tarun Bandyopadhyay, Ranjan Sen, Shyamal Kumar Bhadra, Kamal Dasgupta, Mukul Chandra Paul
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Patent number: 6751991Abstract: A steering lock device 10 includes a movable member 32 that blocks an engagement groove 30 on a rotor 18 to prevent a lock lever 28 from re-engaging with the engagement groove 30 once engagement of the lock lever 28 with the engagement groove 30 is released with activation of a solenoid 26 and that terminates the prevention of the re-engagement when the rotor 18 is pulled forward. In this device, the rotor 10 is prevented from being unnecessarily locked, without requiring long-term activation of the solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: U-Shin, Ltd.Inventor: Tomonori Tamukai
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Patent number: 6751992Abstract: A bicycle mounted locking system for theft prevention includes a carrier member attachable to a bicycle frame member. A swingable arm extendable from the carrier member provides for tethered anchorage to a stationary object. A swivel stirrup depending from the carrier member is engageable with a bicycle wheel for providing wheel rotational blockage and securement.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Pablo Esquilin
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Patent number: 6751993Abstract: A bending method is provided for bending two sides of a workpiece to form flanges. The bending method includes measuring a bent flange to obtain a flange dimension. The bending method also includes setting a back gauge value for processing another flange, based on a measured dimension of the workpiece. The other flange is bent using the set back gauge value.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Amada Company, LimitedInventors: Katsuji Sekita, Tadahiko Nagasawa
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Patent number: 6751994Abstract: A method of forming a structural member includes hydroforming the blank to form a hydroformed member and finishing the hydroformed member by positioning the wall of the hydroformed member between a die surface and an electromagnetic discharging element having a non-circular cross-section, and actuating the electromagnetic discharging element so that the metallic wall of the hydroformed member presses against the die surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Horton, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Richard Ashley
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Patent number: 6751995Abstract: A roll bending die for bending metal into an arc with reinforcing ribs and tapered ends. The roll bending machine includes a body member being designed for being rotatably coupled to the roll bending machine whereby the body member selectively engages a pliable roller of the roll bending machine. The body member is designed for being rotated by the pliable roller when the pliable roller is rotated by the roll bending machine whereby the body member rolls the material into an arc when the material is placed between the body member and the pliable roller. The body member comprises a plurality of ridge portions outwardly extending from a perimeter face of the body member. The ridge portions are designed for pressing ribs into the material when the material is rolled between the body member and the pliable roller of the roll bending machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Steven W. Sabasta
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Patent number: 6751996Abstract: A forming tool for pipe ends with a fixing device holding the pipe and a flanging die acting on the projection of the pipe end, where the flanging die has a mandrel which can be driven into the pipe end. A forming die surrounds the mandrel. The mandrel and the forming die are held in a housing. A limiting die surrounding the forming die being provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Andreas Sausner, Manfred Durst
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Patent number: 6751997Abstract: Stamping press arrangement, comprising an impact member (3), a supporting member (4) and a movably arranged cutting tool (5), the impact member (3) being arranged to perform at least one striking movement against the cutting tool (5) for cutting a blank (1) being held by the supporting member (4). The stamping press arrangement comprises a moulding tool (7) for moulding a segment (2) cut from said blank (1) and that the impact member (3) is arranged also to influence the moulding tool (7).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Hydropulsor ABInventors: Olle Gustafsson, Lars-Erik Dahl
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Patent number: 6751998Abstract: In a method for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method for forming a three-dimensional beam, it is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1, 31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support device and an actuation device. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support device locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation device defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Accra Teknik ABInventors: Anders Sundgren, Mats Lindberg, Göran Berglund
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Patent number: 6751999Abstract: A metallic material 27 is placed between an upper die 6 and a lower die 13. Inert gas is fed into the processing chamber 17 defined by a transparent quartz tube 16. The dies 6 and 13 are heated together with the metallic material 27 by infrared lamps 20. The dies 6 and 13 are closed to form the material 27.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihisa Kamano
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Patent number: 6752000Abstract: The present invention includes a knockout ram assembly for necking a container comprising an anti-rotation device adapted to prevent a piston/pilot assembly from rotating while bolting or unbolting the pilot. The present invention also includes a method of replacing a knockout ram assembly from a container necking apparatus comprising unbolting from the container necking apparatus a first knockout ram assembly having an anti-rotation device adapted to substantially prevent the piston/pilot assembly from rotating, removing the first knockout ram assembly from the container necking apparatus, and bolting to the container necking apparatus a second knockout ram assembly having an anti-rotation device adapted to substantially prevent the piston/pilot assembly from rotating.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: William Storrs Reynolds, Joseph G. Schill
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Patent number: 6752001Abstract: An assembly that provides for the mounting of paired sets of lubricant sample holders into balanced, opposed contact with a rotating rotor and whereby comparative data pertaining to measured load, speed and elicited thermal, audio and visual responses are obtained. The coded data is stored for digital comparison. In one assembly, a metal disc is mounted to rotate from a motor drive shaft in a cylinder block and in contact with calibrated sample support bushings biased to contact upper and lower surfaces of the disc. In another construction, an annular cylinder block supports several radially directed, opposed pairs of sample support bushings in biased, tangential contact with a circumferential wall of a cylindrical race or spherical rotor. Pneumatic or hydraulic pressure may be used to augment or load each bushing. In yet another construction, an annular cylinder block supports a pair of opposed weighted lever arms and sample support bushings in tangential contact with a rotor surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Lou LaPointe
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Patent number: 6752002Abstract: A sensor having a conductive protective sheath, an internal sensor element, and a conductive end cap. The conductive end cap is connected to the distal end of the conductive protective sheath and is in contact with the internal sensor element. The conductive protective sheath has a plurality of apertures symmetrically arranged to prevent fluid flow in a straight direction of a sample fluid through the conductive protective sheath. A sensor having a conductive protective sheath, an internal sensor element, and a conductive end cap. The conductive end cap is connected to the distal end of the conductive protective sheath. The conductive end cap one or more contact areas from the group including a side contact area, an upper contact area, and an internal indentation contact area. The internal sensor is in contact with at least one of the contact areas of the conductive end cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Marathon Sensors, Inc.Inventor: Eric S. Boltz