Patents Issued in August 3, 2004
  • Patent number: 6769229
    Abstract: Vertical form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Prior to assembly at the fill station a series of spaced-apart stop members are formed along the fastener tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Orestes Rivero, Kenneth Pokusa
  • Patent number: 6769230
    Abstract: A plurality of trimmed products 5, pressed-finished products 6, sub-component products 7 or the like which are pre-coating stages of sheet metal parts are put on top of each other as semi-finished products and collectively packed by a rust-preventive sheet 12 to provide a collective style of packing for collective storage 10. This collective packing style for collective storage 10 is stored as one packing unit. Operation timing of the collective storage is when the forecasted number of demand reaches a predetermined number, for example, when cubic volume of a metal die coincides with cubic volume for storing all quantity of the semi-finished products to be stocked. At this point, all quantity of the semi-finished products of which the demand is forecasted are collectively manufactured and stored as a stock, wherein the metal die is scrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Handa, Kenji Yoshikawa, Masato Noshiro
  • Patent number: 6769231
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing in which a fluent material is dispensed to an article such as a container from a flexible bag The fluent material is dispensed directly to the container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus acts on the bag to dispense and does not act on the fluent material. Thus, the apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine The flexible bag is preferably formed with multiple outlets permitting simultaneous dispensing to multiple containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal C. Danby
  • Patent number: 6769232
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining cotton in a bottle using a cottoner machine which inserts cotton via a pair of rotatable cylinders alignable with a mouth of the bottle, the apparatus including a disk secured to the cylinders via a pair of collars and having a pair of apertures aligned with the cylinders, and the method including a process of positioning a planar surface of the disk closely superjacent the mouth of the bottle after insertion of the cotton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Haida
  • Patent number: 6769233
    Abstract: A method and system for custom fitting a horse's back with a fitted saddle pad or saddle. A plurality of different sized and shaped rigid molded shells are used for fitting to a horse's back to determine the proper size and shape shell for the horse to distribute the weight of a rider over a large area of the horse's back to minimize pressure points. The fitting shells have spaced holes to allow a fitter to determine the correct size shell for selecting a molded shell for the horse to determine the size and shape of the horse's back for a properly fitted saddle pad or saddle so that substantially the entire lower surface of the saddle pad or saddle contacts the horse's back to minimize pressure points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: William Bret Hadlock
  • Patent number: 6769234
    Abstract: A method for fitting a horse for a custom fitting saddle pad or saddle. The steps include positioning a horse in a working position, marking a first reference line and a second reference line, positioning a pad on the horse's back, securing the pad on the horse's back, forming a cast of the horse's back, and removing the cast from the horse to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: William Bret Hadlock
  • Patent number: 6769235
    Abstract: An animal training system adapted to be fitted on a quadruped for providing increased control over the quadruped by a trainer and instilling confidence in the quadruped. The harness includes a first shoulder strap having a first adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the shoulder strap across the shoulders of the quadruped and a buttock strap having a second adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the buttock strap across the buttocks of the quadruped, the shoulder strap and the buttock strap being adjustably connected and arranged to extend completely around the quadruped in a close-fitting fashion in order to exert pressure against the shoulders and the buttocks of the quadruped. The harness can include a number of sites for attaching shocking devices that when activated apply an electrical shock to the quadruped and thereby elicit a desired behavior from the quadruped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Barry D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6769236
    Abstract: A lawn mower blade having a thickness of approximately 0.075 inches comprises a main body, an elevational profile, and end portions equidistant from the center of the blade. The elevational profile consists of a raised portion that reaches a height at the plateau portion at the center of the blade. The elevational profile increases at an angle &agr; as the end portions approach the plateau. Each of the first and second end portions has a cutting edge portion. The height to blade thickness ratio is at least two-to-one. Further, since the mower blade is generally not heat treated, ribbing is added to the mower blade to provide strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Axel Schaedler
  • Patent number: 6769237
    Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a vertical plastic shield pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. The shield is open at the bottom to permit cut crop material and chaff to continually fall through to the ground. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6769238
    Abstract: Removable universal tool-holder for mounting on a straddling vineyard tractor for agricultural work in tree or shrub plantations includes a main coupling chassis constructed so that it can be mounted, in a removable manner, on a straddling vineyard tractor; two secondary coupling chassis, each provided with a universal three-point hitch system; mechanisms connecting each secondary coupling chassis to the main coupling chassis; and mechanisms that make it possible to move each secondary coupling chassis in a vertical or approximately vertical plane and, preferably, in a horizontal or approximately horizontal plane. It is understood that the universal tool-holder can support machines constructed to accomplish cultivation or treatment work such as: hoeing, mowing, plowing, harrowing, spraying, thinning out leaves, pruning, lopping, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Pellenc, S.A.
    Inventors: Roger Pellenc, Robert Delran
  • Patent number: 6769239
    Abstract: An agriculture baler having a bale-forming mechanism; a pick-up assembly disposed forward of the bale-forming mechanism to pick up a cut crop material and convey the crop material towards the bale mechanism, the pick-up assembly having: (a) a pick-up apparatus; (b) a conveying rotor disposed to receive cut crop material from the pick-up apparatus and to move the cut crop material towards the bale forming mechanism; (c) a floor having a first slot formed therein; (d) a cutting mechanism including a first knife disposed to rotate from a first resting position to a second cutting position extending through the first slot in the floor; and (e) a first guide plate disposed adjacent to the first slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryant F. Webb
  • Patent number: 6769240
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing broken filaments from a continuous filament tow (60) traveling at a tow velocity between a source and a collector. The tow (60) is contacted with a rotatable, cylindrical roller (13), having an axis of rotation and an outer surface, located in the path of travel by the tow from the source to the collector. The axis of rotation is oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tow (60). The roller (13) rotates in a direction counter to the direction of travel of the tow (60) to lift broken fibers from the tow. The lifted broken fibers are entrained in an airflow created by a tubular vacuum header (12) to remove the broken fibers from the tow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Fortafil Fibers, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Roy, James M. Clark
  • Patent number: 6769241
    Abstract: Propellant modules for Micro Pulsed Plasma Thrusters, and techniques for bundling propellant modules and for using a two-stage discharge process to increase MicroPPT propellant throughput, and decrease the output voltage required from the power-processing unit are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: W. E. Research LLC
    Inventors: Gregory G. Spanjers, John Schilling, David White
  • Patent number: 6769242
    Abstract: The invention is a coolant system for a rocket engine. The rocket engine includes an injector, a fuel supply, an oxidizer supply, a pump for feeding fuel from the fuel supply to the injector, a pump for feeding oxidizer from the oxidizer supply to the injector, a combustor, and a nozzle, the combustor and nozzle forming a combustor and nozzle assembly. The coolant system includes a cooling jacket surrounding the combustor and nozzle assembly. A coolant fluid is supplied to the combustor jacket by a coolant pump that circulates the coolant fluid through the jacket. The coolant fluid vaporizes to cool the combustor and nozzle assembly. A turbine is operatively connected to the coolant pump and is driven by the vaporized coolant from the jacket. A heat exchanger transfers heat from the vaporized fluid to fuel or oxidizer from the supply thereof prior to the feeding of the fuel or oxidizer into the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: MSE Technology Applications, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir V. Balepin
  • Patent number: 6769243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The invention comprises adjusting an air/fuel ratio in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to maintain the amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst at or near an oxidant target value. The oxidant target value is either a pre-determined constant value or a dynamically-determined value that is calculated based on engine operating conditions. The air/fuel ratio in the cylinders is adjusted based on the magnitude of the difference between the actual oxidant amount and the target oxidant amount to prevent NOx and hydrocarbon breakthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Jr., Stephen L. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6769244
    Abstract: A method of operating a combustion apparatus such as an internal combustion engine is described, in which the apparatus includes at least one combustion chamber with an inlet port for primary combustion air, an apparatus to introduce into the combustion chamber primary fuel for combustion with the primary air, an exhaust port for combustion products, and an exhaust system for exhausting the combustion products to atmosphere, the method including introducing into the exhaust system secondary air, mechanically acting upon the secondary air and products of combustion in the exhaust system in the presence of a catalyst, to produce a reformed fuel, introducing the reformed fuel into the combustion chamber for combustion with primary fuel and primary air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ribbit Limited
    Inventors: Ronald Headley, Patrick Jones
  • Patent number: 6769245
    Abstract: A particulate filter (22) carrying an active oxygen release agent which takes in oxygen and holds oxygen when excess oxygen is present in the surroundings and releases the held oxygen in the form of active oxygen when the concentration of oxygen in the surroundings falls is arranged in an exhaust passage of an engine. The air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the particulate filter (22) is normally maintained lean and is occasionally switched to rich temporarily. When the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is switched to rich, an oxidation reaction of the particulate on the particulate filter is promoted by the active oxygen released from the active oxygen release agent. Due to this, the particulate in the exhaust gas is continuously removed by oxidation on the particulate filter (22) without emitting a luminous flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Itoh, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shinya Hirota, Koichi Kimura, Koichiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6769246
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, for example, an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine. A first quantity characterizing the amount of substances supplied to the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, based on first characteristic operating quantities, is determined in a first operating state. A second quantity characterizing the amount of substances removed from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, based on second characteristic operating quantities, is determined in a second operating state. The first quantity and the second quantity are then compared for error detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Strohmaier, Stefan Zimmermann, Martin Bauer
  • Patent number: 6769247
    Abstract: An exhaust gas valve device in an internal combustion engine, including a first bearing member mounted between a valve shaft and a valve body with one end of the valve shaft turnably fitted into the first bearing member, a second bearing member mounted between the valve shaft and the valve body with the other end of the valve shaft turnably passed through the second bearing member, and an actuator connected to the other end of the valve shaft protruding from the second bearing member. The valve body, the valve shaft and the first and second bearing members are formed of metal materials having equivalent thermal expansion coefficients; the first and second bearing members are press-fitted into said valve body; and a skin of a graphite-based solid lubricant is formed on a surface of the valve shaft in regions corresponding to the first and second bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihito Watanabe, Yasuyuki Miyahara, Tadashi Sato, Masao Komine, Kenichi Ohmori, Kenji Abe, Tetsuo Endo
  • Patent number: 6769248
    Abstract: In an assembly including a diesel engine, a fluid coupling connected to the flywheel of the diesel engine, a comminuting machine and a conveyor for feeding the comminuting machine, a fluid coupling module is common to various output power train assemblies. Slip speed of the fluid coupling between impeller input and runner output shafts is measured, and modulates or regulates the process feed rate of the conveyer. An electrically actuated control valve acts as an oil flow diverter valve directing oil into the fluid coupling impeller when a signal to engage the coupling is given, and in response to a signal from an over-temperature sensor when the temperature of circuit oil leaving the element exceeds a preset set point value, diverts the oil to a reservoir, thereby permitting the impeller and runner cavity to evacuate, which separates the engine from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Turbo Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Melbourne F. Giberson, Mark T. Simonelli, Frederick C. Wiesinger, Jr., Gerald L. Abrams
  • Patent number: 6769249
    Abstract: A fluid controller (27) for use with a fluid pressure operated device (45) having an inlet (47) and an outlet (49) and defining a fluid leakage path therebetween. The controller (27) includes valving (61) defining a main fluid path and further defines a fluid bleed passage including a variable bleed orifice (AB), having a substantially zero flow area when the controller valving (61) is in its neutral position (N) and in the normal operating position (R), but beginning to open as the valving approaches its maximum displacement position (R-M).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Novacek
  • Patent number: 6769250
    Abstract: A fluid control system for security relevant control and a fluid control actuator, a local control means for a fluid control system, a software module for a local control means of a fluid control system and a method for the operation of a fluid control system. The fluid control actuator (10) is controlled by control instrumentality means (30) of a local control means (50). A sensor (16, 17, 27, 41 and 42) transfers information concerning operational states of the fluid control system to the local control means (50). For this purpose there is a provision such that the local control means (50) determines from such information whether there is a security relevant situation and if necessary performs a predetermined function. The security relevant functions are integrated in the fluid control system so that same is able to be employed as prefabricated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Fuss, Josef Sauer, Udo Walden
  • Patent number: 6769251
    Abstract: The invention relates to an architecture for a hydraulic steering control system including at least one actuator; the hydraulic system comprises a directional-control valve connected to a pressure-generator device and to an associated main supply, the hydraulic system further comprising a reversible electrically-driven pump unit having two ports and being fitted with a general selector arranged, in a normal mode of operation, to put the chambers of the actuator into communication with the directional-control valve, and in an alternate mode of operation to put the chambers of the actuator into communication with the ports of the pump unit. A compensation device makes it possible in the alternate mode to compensate for any flow differential between the flow drawn in by the pump unit from one of the chambers of the actuator and the flow delivered by the pump unit into the other chamber of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti
    Inventors: Olivier Collet, Emmanuel Dorget, Claire Patrigeon, Daniel Bucheton
  • Patent number: 6769252
    Abstract: A fluid control system includes a pressure supply and a valve arrangement having an inlet and an outlet and being in fluid communication with the pressure supply. The valve arrangement includes a relief operator configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the valve arrangement in response to a predetermined pressure condition at said inlet. The valve arrangement is configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the valve arrangement in response to an outlet pressure being greater than an inlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6769253
    Abstract: A turbine power plant utilizing buoyant force is disclosed. This turbine power plant includes a turbine wheel having a vane, wherein the turbine wheel is rotatably attached to a shaft, wherein the vane includes a housing having a chamber for receiving air to propel the at least one turbine wheel, wherein the shaft is operatively attached to an electrical generator for producing electricity through rotation of the shaft. Although the preferred design for the turbine wheel is a quad vane, e.g., fin, design, a wide variety of other vane designs may suffice including dual fin and wing designs. Preferably, there is a weighted portion located within the housing of a fin for the turbine wheel for pulling the turbine wheel downward to facilitate rotation. Moreover, a duct is preferably located within the chamber of the fin to assist the air to rise to the top of the chamber and increase the effectiveness of the buoyant force supplied by the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel S. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 6769254
    Abstract: The piston of a master cylinder in the power train of a motor vehicle is made, at least in part, of a thermosetting plastic material and cooperates with one or more annular seals to ensure that a source of hydraulic fluid is communicatively connected with the chamber in the housing of the master cylinder when the piston is moved by one or more springs or otherwise in a sense to increase the volume of the chamber. When a pedal or another actuator causes the piston to expel pressurized fluid from the master cylinder into a slave cylinder, the seal or seals cooperates or cooperate with the housing and/or with the piston of the master cylinder to seal the source from the chamber of the master cylinder. The slave cylinder can actuate the friction clutch between the prime mover and the transmission in the power train of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Heller, Urban Panther, Jan Grabenstätter, Thomas Rammhofer, Roland Welter
  • Patent number: 6769255
    Abstract: An opening of the variable nozzle of the exhaust turbine supercharger is set to and maintained at the maximum value in the constant operating state when the load is not more than a prespecified load level. The opening is gradually made smaller, when the load is not less than the specified load level, as the load becomes greater. When the load shifts from the high load region to the low load region, the variable nozzle is mere closed or maintained at the original opening, and when the operating state get close to the surging limit, the variable nozzle is more opened. When shifting from the low load region to the high load region, or when sifting from low speed to high speed, the variable nozzle is opened mace, and then closed to return to the constant operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nishiyama, Hiroshi Sugito, Takahisa Iino
  • Patent number: 6769256
    Abstract: A new thermodynamic cycle is disclosed for converting energy from a low temperature stream, external source into useable energy using a working fluid comprising of a mixture of a low boiling component and a higher boiling component and including a higher pressure circuit and a lower pressure circuit. The cycle is designed to improve the efficiency of the energy extraction process by recirculating a portion of a liquid stream prior to further cooling. The new thermodynamic processes and systems for accomplishing these improved efficiencies are especially well-suited for streams from low-temperature geothermal sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kalex, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
  • Patent number: 6769257
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor transition piece outlet structure enabling a reduction in the temperature difference of a flange formed at the transition piece outlet. A flange is formed with a cooling medium channel along the inner circumference, cooling medium channels along the left and right side surfaces, and heating medium channels along the top and bottom surfaces. By cooling the inner circumference or the side surfaces of the flange by a cooling medium or heating the top and bottom surfaces of the flange by a heating medium, the temperature difference of the flange is reduced. Note that as the cooling medium, it is possible to use compressed air, low temperature steam, or fuel, while as the heating medium, it is possible to use high temperature steam or combustion gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kondo, Satoshi Hada, Katsunori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6769258
    Abstract: A method for cooling inlet air to a gas turbine is provided. For example, a method is described including passing inlet air through a cooling coil that includes an opening for receiving the inlet air and that is operably connected to a gas turbine power plant. The gas turbine power plant may include at least one gas turbine, and at least one gas turbine inlet which receives the inlet air. The method may further include passing circulating water through a water chiller at a first flow rate to reduce the temperature of the circulating water, the water chiller including a conduit through which the circulating water is capable of passing and passing the circulating water having the first flow rate through the cooling coil in an amount sufficient to lower the temperature of the inlet air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Tom L. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6769259
    Abstract: A gas turbine has a cooling air system supplying air for cooling a high temperature part of the gas turbine and a spray air system supplying air for spraying fuel into a combustor and is formed so that a part of high-pressure air compressed by a gas turbine compressor is used as air of the cooling air system and spray air system, wherein a heat exchanger and a boost compressor are arranged downstream of the outlet of compressed air of the gas turbine compressor, and the boost compressor is composed of a parallel connection of a compressor driven by the turbine shaft and ae compressor driven by a driven source other than the turbine shaft, and pressurized air from the boost compressor is used as air for the cooling air system and the spray air system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Yamanaka, Satoshi Kondou, Masami Noda
  • Patent number: 6769260
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes at least one storage chamber for accommodating cosmetics. The refrigerator further includes electrical parts for maintaining cosmetics accommodated in the storage chamber at appropriate temperature, a control means for controlling operations of checking and displaying failures of the electrical parts, and a display unit for displaying the results of the checking of the failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Seung Lee, Myung-Chul Kim, Yoon-Young Kim, Chang-Hak Lim
  • Patent number: 6769261
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: DeLaval Holding AB
    Inventors: Mats Gustavsson, Anders Björk, Magnus Lidman
  • Patent number: 6769262
    Abstract: A chilling sleeve is provided for insertion into a hollow cylinder, such as a control rod driving mechanism guide tube, for adjusting the temperature and therefore the diameter of the cylinder. The chilling sleeve has external inlet and outlet ports, regulated by a pump. The pump injects high pressure liquid coolant, such as liquid nitrogen into the inlet port and through channels in the body of the sleeve out to a high pressure chamber. The liquid coolant escapes the high pressure chamber via escapes holes and enters a low pressure chamber, bordered by the outer wall of the hollow cylinder. In the lower pressure chamber, the liquid coolant evaporates, which chills the adjacent outer wall of the hollow cylinder, thereby shrinking the outer wall so that the hollow cylinder can be fitted into or removed from a cylindrical hole, for example a closure head hole in a vessel head of a nuclear reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke George Mark Gray
  • Patent number: 6769263
    Abstract: A baffle assembly for an air control device that eliminates the accumulation of ice by utilizing the heat generated by solenoid coils during normal operation. The invention employs one or two solenoid coils attached to a fixed plate, or mounted in a frame that is attached to a fixed plate. An armature, located inside the solenoid coils, is connected to a movable plate, which rests on top of the fixed plate. Energizing a solenoid coil moves the armature, which moves the movable plate relative to the fixed plate. Apertures in the plates are provided to control air flow through the plates. The armature and one or both of the plates are constructed of thermoconductive material, resulting in the conduction of heat generated by the solenoid coils to the plates in order to melt any accumulated ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Armour Magnetic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: John Armour, Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6769264
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for controlling the degree of superheat of an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a compressor controlled in a pulse width modulation manner according to duty control signals, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve and an evaporator so as to form a refrigeration cycle. An entrance temperature sensor situated at the entrance of the evaporator and an exit temperature sensor situated at the exit of the evaporator are connected to a control unit. The control unit calculates the degree of superheat of the evaporator using the difference between mean entrance and exit temperatures of the evaporator sensed by the entrance temperature sensor and the exit temperature sensor for a period of time corresponding to a duty cycle period of the compressor, and regulates the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the calculated degree of superheat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong-Ki Moon, Young-Man Kim, Jae-Myoung Moon, Jung-Min Lee, Jong-Youb Kim, Il-Yong Cho
  • Patent number: 6769265
    Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates a variable speed refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, an evaporator fan, a fresh food compartment stirring fan and a multi-position damper. Various temperature sensors are provided to sense system parameters which are used by a controller to regulate each of the variable components in order to compensate for temperature changes within a refrigerator compartment and, maintain the compartment within a confined temperature band, in a highly effective, energy efficient and synergistic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Davis, Alvin V. Miller, Joseph H. Ryner, Kyle B. VanMeter, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 6769266
    Abstract: A heat and electric power supply system includes a regenerative gas turbine and an adsorption refrigerator recovering exhaust heat of exhaust gas from the gas turbine and is provided with inlet air cooling equipment including a spray device for spraying cold water from the adsorption refrigerator into an air-intake port of the regenerative gas turbine and a humidifier effecting humidification by hot water injection from the refrigerator into a compressor delivery port of the regenerative gas turbine. The cooling by cold water and humidification by hot water injection are effected according to operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Dodo, Kuniyoshi Tsubouchi, Norio Yasugahira, Hiroshi Arita, Yasuaki Akatsu, Shigeo Hatamiya
  • Patent number: 6769267
    Abstract: Refrigerant compressed by a first stage compression elements (30) run by a motor (20) is discharged in the closed container (10) via a silencer chamber (35) to cool the motor (20) before the refrigerant is led to a second stage compression element (40). The refrigerant is discharged from the second stage compression element (40) out of the compressor after it is further compressed in the second compression element (40). Thus, the motor (20) is cooled in a simple cooling mechanism during normal operation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ebara, Satoshi Imai, Masaya Tadano, Atsushi Oda
  • Patent number: 6769268
    Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: John Henry Gano, III
  • Patent number: 6769269
    Abstract: The gas-liquid separating condenser of the present invention can enhance the sub-cooling rate in the pre-sub-cooling section as well as in the total sections. Moreover, the present invention can have designs according to calculated conditional expressions of relative dimensional ratios of the sections in condensation of refrigerant to realize the optimum condensing efficiency regardless of the overall size of the gas-liquid separating condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Kwangheon Oh, Sangok Lee, Taeyoung Park, Yongho Kim
  • Patent number: 6769270
    Abstract: A detachable pendant mounting for providing interchangeability of the pendant includes a hollow clasp housing held on a pendant chain, the clasp housing open at the rear and the bottom end. A clasp element is mounted within the clasp element accessible through the open rear. A pendant securement to the clasp element is accomplished through the bottom opening. The clasp element may take various forms including a deflectable hook, a fixed pin, a slotted clevis, etc., with a catch engagement keeping the pendant securement on the clasp element until released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Korabet Takessian
  • Patent number: 6769271
    Abstract: A method of making a fragrance delivery system comprising forming fused microspheres and incorparting a fragrance therein. The method relates to the mixing together of two separate factions comprising a silicate part and a modifier part, drying the mixture, heating the mixture to form an agglomeration, removing any free-flowing spheres from the agglomeration, soaking the agglomeration in fragrances or essential oils, and then drying the agglomeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Tatho Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Mosbaugh
  • Patent number: 6769272
    Abstract: An apparatus for making glass in which a glass melt is refined in a vessel with oxygen is described. It includes a melt-containing vessel (10) having a refining region (3) for refinement of the glass melt and a noble metal member for producing oxygen in the melt. The noble metal member (40) has an outer side facing the glass melt and an inner side facing away from the glass melt washed with and acted on with oxygen. Oxygen-containing bubbles are vigorously generated on the outer side of the noble metal member facing the glass melt when the inner side is washed with the oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Gernot Roeth, Thomas Pfeiffer, Klaus-Dieter Duch
  • Patent number: 6769273
    Abstract: A silica glass member manufacturing method of the present invention includes the steps of making a silicon compound react in oxyhydrogen flame using a burner having a multi-tubular structure to obtain fine silica glass particles, depositing the fine silica glass particles on a support rotating and placed to oppose the burner to obtain a silica glass ingot with a temperature distribution in at least one plane perpendicular to a rotational axis of the silica glass ingot, the temperature distribution being symmetrical with respect to the rotational axis and having a maximal value between a center and a peripheral portion of the plane, and obtaining a distribution of signed birefringence values on the basis of birefringence values and directions of phase advance axes measured at a plurality of points in the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the silica glass ingot and cutting, from the silica glass ingot, a silica glass member whose signed birefringence values monotonously increase from the center to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakagawa, Hiroyuki Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 6769274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a waveguide using an ion exchange process. The present invention controls the refractive index and the thickness of a surface layer on a glass substrate using an ion exchange process, forms the waveguide pattern on the surface layer by means of photolithography and etching process and coats with materials having the refractive index same to or lower than that of the glass substrate to form a cladding layer. Accordingly, the present invention can manufacture a planar waveguide, which is excellent in dimension control and reproducibility and has a sharp step wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Doo Hee Cho, Joon Tae Ahn, Min Yong Jeon, Kyong Hon Kim
  • Patent number: 6769275
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making optical fiber preforms using simultaneous plasma deposition on the inside and outside surface of a starting tube. A starting tubular member is rotated, CFOT chemicals are selectively injected into the plasma torch, and CFIT chemicals are selectively injected to flow through the hollow of the tube. The plasma torch is traversed along the tubular member to simultaneously deposit soot on the inside and outside surface. The soot on one or both surfaces may be consolidated into a silica layer as it is deposited. The plasma torch is traversed again to deposit additional soot, and/or consolidate previously deposited soot, on one or both surfaces. The process is repeated until a predetermined amount of silica is formed on the tubular member. The tubular member is then collapsed. Optionally, additional plasma deposition is performed during or after the collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: FiberCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail I. Guskov, Eugenie B. Danilov, Wolfgang Hammerle, Mohd A. Aslami, Dau Wu
  • Patent number: 6769276
    Abstract: Apparatus for shaping a selected end region of a hollow cylindrical glass tube includes an internal mold placed within the selected end region for supporting the walls of the tube and controlling the shape of the internal surface of selected end region of the tube, during the period of time heat is applied to the tube and the tube is being shaped. In one embodiment the internal mold has a variable configuration and may be selectively set to an extended (open) configuration or to a collapsed (closed) configuration. With the internal mold set to its extended configuration, sufficient heat may be applied to the selected end region to render it malleable. Then, compression forces may be applied to the exterior surface of the tube to press the inner surface of the selected end region of the tube against the outer surface of the internal mold, causing the inner surface of the selected end region to conform to the outer surface of the internal mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jason A. Kay, David S. Kerr, Peter M. Mueller, Ivan Pawlenko, Larry Samson
  • Patent number: 6769277
    Abstract: A locker structure which includes two hemispherical shells each correspondingly mounted to each other, each of the hemispherical shells having corresponding locking-core hole, latching hole, lock-hook hole and locking hole, and the lock-latching hole position is provided with a steel bead or lock-latching element, and the lock-latching hole position is a fixing end having a lock-hook, and the locking hole position allows the actuating end of the locking hook to be inserted and to lock the locker, or the two elements are disengaged to unlock the locker, and the exterior of the two hemispherical shells is mounted with a steel sleeve and the position of the top, bottom of the steel sleeve and the two hemispherical shells are disposed with a steel plate such that the steel sleeve and the structure of the steel plate cover the two hemispherical shells to form a locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Kwei Chang
  • Patent number: 6769278
    Abstract: An anti-burglar device of a door locker is disclosed. The locker comprises a rotating button, a rotating shaft body, and an external gear, the rotating shaft body being fixed to the rotating shaft body having one end mounted to the external gear, the other end of the external gear provided with an axle having a spring and a sleeve, and the spring urged between the rotating shaft body and the sleeve, the interior of the sleeve provided with internal gear which is engaged with the external gear, the tail end of the axle mounted to a fixing button so that the sleeve cannot be disengaged, whereby in unlocking or locking the locker, a force is applied to move the sleeve so that the inner gear and the external gear are engaged, and the sleeve is turned to unlock or lock the latch of the locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Kwei Chang