Patents Issued in October 12, 2004
  • Patent number: 6802153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for applying a chemical, such as an herbicide, to a surface. A chemical reservoir stores a quantity of the chemical for dispensation to the surface. A flow control unit in fluid communication with the chemical reservoir has a conduit in which the chemical flows. The flow control unit is adjustable to control the rate of chemical flow in the conduit. At least one wiper assembly is in fluid communication with the flow control unit. The wiper assembly includes at least one wick sheet which receives and absorbs the chemical received from the flow control unit and applies the chemical to the surface via a wiping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: DuBois Growers, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne DuBois, Mark DuBois, Brett DuBois, Monte DuBois
  • Patent number: 6802154
    Abstract: An automatic sliding door opening and closing system comprises a continuous, powered belted drive system and a clamp arrangement capable of fixably and releasably attaching the automotive sliding door to the belt drive system so as to be automatically driven along a predetermined path and capable of releasing the belt drive system under predetermined conditions. The powered belt drive system is located so as to be combined with one of the door's standard sliding door hinge systems. The clamp arrangement is a rotary device biased into a pinching engagement on the belt of the belt drive system via a cam and spring arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Holt, Sean Clare, Douglas G. Broadhead
  • Patent number: 6802155
    Abstract: A door opening/closing mechanism fitted on a door that closes and opens an opening formed in the body of an apparatus by being brought into and out of contact with the rim of the opening has cam mechanisms that permit the door to engage with and disengage from the body at either of the right and left sides of the door (102). The cam mechanisms can be brought into a first lock position in which they lie symmetrically at both sides of the door and into a second lock position in which they lie symmetrically at both sides of the door, and each have a hinge pin (134) that serves as a rotation axis in the second lock position and a groove cam (141, 142) that engages with the hinge pin (134) in such a way as to be movable relative to the hinge pin. The groove cam (141, 142) has a slide portion (142b) on which a part of the innermost portion of the hinge pin slides when the cam mechanism is moved from the first lock position to the second lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masuo Kawabata, Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 6802156
    Abstract: A replacement window having a window frame, the window frame having a window header, a window sill, a first frame jamb, and a second frame jamb, wherein the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb each connect the window header to the window frame and the window header, the window sill, and the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb define a window frame opening. A sash having a reinforced sash header may be movably positioned in the window frame opening. A reinforcement pin may be positioned adjacent to the reinforced first sash header of the sash, and a jamb retainer clip may be positioned adjacent to the first jamb, the jamb retainer clip defining a reinforcement pin orifice, wherein the reinforcement pin orifice receives the reinforcement pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Kensington Windows Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Sherrett, James Cosharek, Chuck Wetmore
  • Patent number: 6802157
    Abstract: A substantially gas tight cover for an open-top structure such as a tank requires very few fasteners and allows for thermal expansion and contraction movement while still maintaining the nearly complete gas seal. Unique metal extrusions are assembled on-site in a modular system that is easily put together. An important component of the system is a gutter extrusion which includes an elongated gutter and flanges with sealing gaskets for engaging the top surface of the concrete tank rim as well as engaging the inner wall of the tank below the top. At intervals along the gutter strip are hold-down clips that interlock with the gutter extrusion and are secured in the concrete of the tank, spaced back from the tank edge. Fasteners in the inside face of the tank preferably are avoided. Main spanning beams for the tank cover are connected to the gutter extrusions in a way so as to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, without losing the gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 6802158
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storage shed that is strong, durable, low-maintenance, easy to assemble and use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, and can be mass produced. In one embodiment, a storage shed comprises a preformed floor; a plurality of preformed, plastic corner posts having bottoms which are configured to be mounted onto the floor to be spaced from each other, and two preformed, plastic braces having bottoms which are configured to be mounted onto the floor to be spaced from one another. A preformed roof truss is configured to be connected to tops of the two braces. The roof truss has a spring preload to pull the tops of the two braces toward one another. A preformed roof is attached to tops of the plurality of corner posts. A preformed front door is supported between two of the plurality of corner posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Thinking Outside, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Greene
  • Patent number: 6802159
    Abstract: A plurality of interlocking tile pieces form a generally flat traffic-carrying surface. The tile are locked together in a manner to form a plurality of non-bendable tile joints. The tile includes a hinge or fold line along a first axis and a hinge or fold line along a second axis. The hinges allow the multi-tile traffic carrying surface to be rolled up into a hollow tube from any direction along one of the axes, beginning at any edge of the traffic carrying surface. The rolled-up floor covering is made up of a plurality of tile panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Snap Lock Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Kotler
  • Patent number: 6802160
    Abstract: A building structure formed from modular building elements, which include first modular building elements (1,9) having socket beam interconnection means (2), second modular building elements (13,14,15) and socket beams (7, 11) having first modular building element interconnection means (6); whereby a socket beam (7,11) forms an interconnection with at least one first modular building element (1,9) and at least one second modular building element (13, 14, 15) associates with a socket beam (7,11) and first modular building element interconnection, a socket beam (7,11) and at least one first modular building element (1,9) and at least one second modular building element (13,14,15) forming a configuration unit, the configuration unit being repeatable one atop the other, and being repeatable in a side-by-side fashion, a first modular building element associating or abutting with adjacent first modular building elements, a second modular building elements associating or abutting with adjacent second modular buildin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Dzevad Harambasic, Bahra Harambasic
  • Patent number: 6802161
    Abstract: Sealing member (10) is adapted to be installed independently or as a component of a sealing assembly, to maintain a sealed joint between relatively vertical and horizontal surfaces (A & B) either as a straight linear or corner joint. The sealing member (10) has a first upper limb (11) for contacting the vertical surface (A) and a second outer limb (12) for containment of sealing material (27) on the horizontal surface (B). Lower face (17) of limb (12) and/or inner face (20) of upper limb (11) are wholly or partially layered with an anti-adherent material (13) to act as shuttering between the seal member (10) and the sealing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Gerard Francis Robinson
  • Patent number: 6802162
    Abstract: A construction block which has improved thermal insulation qualities, has improved sound transmission migration reduction properties, and which reduces or outright eliminates the effects of a seam failure. The construction block is comprised of a pair of generally parallel faces joined by a plurality of sides. At least one baffle is disposed within the interior chamber and is located along the weld seam that joins the two body member halves of the construction block. A desiccant or insulation gas, or both can be disposed within the interior chamber of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Myles A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6802163
    Abstract: A plant-on is disclosed that saves labor and material cost in producing a raised belly band decorative relief for a masonry building. The plant-on reduces labor costs as it may be applied to the structure by a single person. It is designed for direct application of the masonry materials such as stucco to the plant-on, without requiring waterproofing, providing further labor cost saving. It is also economical in the use of masonry materials to plant-on the band by limiting the volume available, and it may be customized to provide a variety of profiles. The plant-on is constructed of composite or polymeric materials which resists water damage and wood destroying insect pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: William Hackman, Marshall Lundberg
  • Patent number: 6802164
    Abstract: A floor includes a substrate and an image, with the image being visible from above the floor. The image is formed on a carrier sheet that is embedded within a coating disposed upon an upper surface of the substrate. The coating is substantially translucent and is highly durable. The carrier sheet becomes substantially invisible when embedded in the coating such that the image remains visible from above the floor and appears to be embedded therein. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ardex, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Newbrough, Seth Pevarnik
  • Patent number: 6802165
    Abstract: A building block holder for securely holding thin bricks or other building blocks in a spaced relationship on a wall comprises a panel formed of sheet material that is adapted to be fastened to the side of a building. The panel has rows of spaced block support elements in the form of stamped, inclined, V-shaped prongs that extend outwardly from the panel such that when the gap between the blocks is filled with mortar, the mortar flows behind the prongs and thereby locks the building blocks on the panel. The panel also includes glue lock openings behind the blocks for more securely locking the bricks to the panel. A plurality of rearwardly deformed portions on the panel space the panel outwardly from a substrate and serve as water drains and recessed locations through which mounting screws can be extended. A lower edge of the panel is displaced outwardly from a rear surface of the panel such that an upper edge of the panel below will fit behind the lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: J. Kenneth Passeno
  • Patent number: 6802166
    Abstract: The invention relates to wood-product components (1, 2) which are provided, along their longitudinal edges (7) with matching projections and/or recesses by which they are joined together, wherein two recesses in the form of grooves are provided in the underside (15) of each component (1, 2), for accommodating retaining elements (10, 12) of at least one clip (11) arranged under the components (1, 2); wherein the retaining elements (10, 12) extend upward from the clip base body (17); wherein one of the two retaining elements (10) can be engaged with an edge-proximate inside surface (13) of a recess (8, 9′) of one component (1), and the other retaining element (12) can be engaged with an edge-proximate inside surface (20) of a recess (8′, 9) of the adjoining component (2), and wherein one of the retaining elements (10) is a flange element extending upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Dirnberger Gerhard
  • Patent number: 6802167
    Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination with other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Rocco Pacione
  • Patent number: 6802168
    Abstract: A modular wall panel system in which individual panels are constructed with a lightweight aluminum frame. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is substantially filled with a foam core material and decorative display surfaces are affixed to opposite sides thereof. One edge of each panel contains a plurality of ball-shaped connector pins, while the opposite edge has a plurality of connector slots having a diamond configuration. A similar panel placed adjacent to the first panel may be mated thereto by engagement of the connector pins with respective connector slots in the other panel. The pins/slots are shaped and sized so that the connector pin may enter/exit the connector slot at a wide region thereof but not in the apex region thereof. Secure coupling with fast assembly/disassembly is thereby achieved, without tools or detachable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Larry A. Minnick
  • Patent number: 6802169
    Abstract: Column, beam and cross-bracing frame structure and methodology. The column features an assembly of plural elongate angle-iron-like components held apart by spacers which establish laterally facing recesses between spaced, confronting legs for receiving the modified, inserted ends of the central webs in beams, and the ends of cross braces. Regions of end-to-end, vertically-stacked joinder between two columns take the forms of compact, friction-bound splices created through and with the inserted ends of beams' central webs. Columns in a frame can respond to severe loads with a certain amount of beneficial individual load-handling promoted and provided by the plural angle-iron-like components, and with modest, reversible frictionally resisted energy-dissipating longitudinal motions relative to one another. Such loading is also resisted by reversible, frictional relative motion in the splices between beams and columns. Similar friction connections are provided between cross-connected beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6802170
    Abstract: A box beam is provided that may be fabricated to any desired size, having a box-like structure defined by a seam defined by spaced apart first and second allowance ends or other connection means configuration, first and second top portions, first and second side portions, and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a raised ridge formed midway about its width and running substantially along the length of the box beam. A method is also provided for fabricating the various embodiments of the box beam described from sheet metal, namely, forming the ridge, turning up the allowance ends at about right angles to the sheet, turning up the top portions likewise, then turning up the side portions likewise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kurt K. Davis
  • Patent number: 6802171
    Abstract: A framing member has an elongate body with at least one elongate U-shaped trough. The side walls of the U-shaped trough define a plurality of elongate side wall protuberances having squared off edges. The framing member can be used with a fastener screw having squared off edges to assemble commercial and residential work benches, storage shelves, bookcases, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Duane McKinnon
  • Patent number: 6802172
    Abstract: A particle aerosol belt has a double-seal construction. A first zip-lock container contains the dry aerosol particles, such as brass metallic flake. The zip-lock containers are then placed in an elongate tubing. The tubing is sealed between the zip-lock containers to form a plurality of cells in which the zip-lock containers are disposed. A method of forming the particle aerosol belt includes introducing the brass metallic flake or other material, in the form of a slurry into the zip-lock containers, and drying the slurry, prior to sealing the zip-lock containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William G. Rouse, Raymond J. Malecki, Warren C. Schimpf
  • Patent number: 6802173
    Abstract: A thin, flat package of heat sealed thermoplastic material is filled with plastic string trimmer line by inserting a mandrel into an opening in the rear wall of the package to receive the free end of a length of string trimmer line inserted through a slot in the periphery of the package to engage the mandrel. The mandrel is rotated while the package is held in a relatively fixed position to wind line onto the mandrel and, therefore, into the package, until the package is filled. The mandrel then is withdrawn, leaving the free end of the line accessible through the opening in the rear wall, and the other end of the line extends from the slot in the periphery of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Fogle
  • Patent number: 6802174
    Abstract: CD holders with musical content are within convenient reach in a vehicle armrest, and this convenience is used to advantage for a CD holder commingled with the musical variety, but with a substantial first-aid contents; thus, first-aid treatment in a vehicle is made as readily accesible as reaching for a CD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Sam Krausz
  • Patent number: 6802175
    Abstract: A walk-behind battery-powered lawnmower having an assembly of a reel unit and a traction unit articularly connected together in an arrangement wherein the reel unit can conform in its vertical position to the elevation of the turf which is being mowed. Thus there is an articular connection between the two units, and the reel unit rides up and down in response to the turf undulations. An electric battery is supported on the traction unit, and there is required only an electric wire connection providing the rotation drive power from the battery to the mower reel. Separate electric controls between the battery and to a motor on the traction unit and one on the reel unit provide for operational speed control to thereby select the clip rate of grass cutting in an articular assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Alan R. Fillman, Frank D. Gall, III
  • Patent number: 6802176
    Abstract: A cutter head assembly comprising a first longitudinal member; a second hollow longitudinal member provided with at least one aperture, being coaxial with the first longitudinal member and radially spaced apart therefrom; cup-shaped elements fixedly mounted to a corresponding aperture and to the first longitudinal member; blade holders to removably secure a rotatable blade to the cutter head. These blade holders are designed so as to improve mulching action and resistance to impacts of the cutter head, for use in land clearing and in any operation involving mechanical vegetation cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Guy Gaudreault
  • Patent number: 6802177
    Abstract: A jewelry chain link suitable for intertwining with other jewelry chain links to form a jewelry chain comprises an inner periphery, an outer periphery, a thickness defined between the inner and outer peripheries and a gap extending between the inner and outer peripheries for intertwining one jewelry chain link with another. First and second outermost edge dimensions along the outer periphery are defined relative to a plane extending through the gap, such that the distance from the plane to each of the first and second outermost edges is different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: David Rosenwasser, Avraham Moshe Rosenwasser
  • Patent number: 6802178
    Abstract: There are provided an injector and an associated method for injecting and mixing gases, comprising a carbonaceous fuel and oxygen, in a combustion chamber of a combustion device. The injector has jets, which can be used to separately inject different combustion fuels. The injector is compatible with combustion devices that inject only gases, for example, a reheater that provides initial combustion in a power generation cycle or a reheater that recombusts a discharged gas from a gas generator and turbine. Further, the injector defines an annular space through which a recycle gas can be injected into the combustion chamber to lower the combustion temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews, Robert J. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6802179
    Abstract: A convergent-divergent rocket nozzle is formed by joining two coaxially aligned conical sections at a throat plane, each diverging outward from the throat plane. Coolant channels formed in the wall of the nozzle are arranged in spirals around the nozzle axis. Preferably, the conical sections are formed from platelet laminates rolled into conical form with a single spiral seam, and at least one of the conical sections is a composite of two or more component conical sections separately formed and then joined in a nested arrangement with the seams not superimposed. A further preferred construction is one in which the convergent end of one conical section is split radially into strips that are then spread apart to serve as bonding surfaces to bond to the other conical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: Ross A. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 6802180
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system includes the DPF to purify particulate matters in the exhaust gas of a diesel engine, comprising a regeneration control device to judge a condition of an engine operation to be an idle operation or not at the time of starting the control operation for regenerating the diesel particulate filter and during the regeneration control operation, when the engine operation is judged to be an idle operation, an idle engine speed is controlled and raised to the predetermined engine speed. Since the system includes such structure, in an operation of the DPF regenerate control, an adequate exhaust gas flow rate can be kept even in an idle operation and a raise of the DPF temperature due to a reduction of the exhaust gas flow rate can be avoided so as to prevent a damage of the DPF from melting and a deterioration of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Masashi Gabe, Takehito Imai, Naofumi Ochi
  • Patent number: 6802181
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to monitor secondary air injection and catalyst conversion efficiency. The method includes operating an engine in a rich condition after detecting an engine steady state condition. The secondary air injector injects air into an exhaust stream to simulate a lean engine condition. The injection of the air into the exhaust stream is ceased after both inlet and outlet sensors detect the lean condition. After ceasing air injection, a lag time is determined between the inlet sensor detecting the rich condition and the outlet sensor detecting the rich operating condition. An oxygen storage capacity of the catalytic converter is calculated based on the lag time. An efficiency of the catalytic converter is determined as a function of the storage capacity. Additionally, performance of the secondary air injector is monitored. If the inlet sensor fails to detect the lean condition after the secondary air injector is active, a fault is signaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Matthew J. Roelle, Guojun Shi
  • Patent number: 6802182
    Abstract: The tapping circuit forms part of a main fluid circuit which comprises a hydraulic motor having a preferred operating direction and at least two main pipes suitable for communicating with the cylinder block of the motor and constituting respectively, in said preferred operating direction, a feed main pipe and a discharge main pipe. The tapping circuit comprises a single tapping and removal valve connected continuously via a tapping pipe to that one of said main pipes which, in the preferred direction, serves for discharge purposes. This valve serves to replenish the fluid so as to cool it and/or to flush the internal space of the casing of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventors: Louis Bigo, Jean-Claude Case, Jacques Fontaine, Jean-Pierre Lebrun, Gilles Lemaire, Gilbert Mahe, Alain Mangano, Jean-Nöel Pogneau, Jean-Philippe Raisin, Vincent Siquier, Patrick Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 6802183
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for vehicle interposed in a drive-power transmission path between a driving power source and a driving axle for non-stepwisely changing the speed of the vehicle includes an HST housing; a hydraulic pump unit having a pump shaft with first and second ends extending in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle away from each other; a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft for outputting the drive power from the motor shaft whose speed is non-stepwisely varied in cooperation with the hydraulic pump unit; a PTO unit having a PTO shaft extending in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, the PTO shaft being operatively connected to the pump shaft; a charge pump unit for replenishing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump unit with the hydraulic motor unit, the charge pump unit including a charge pump body, and a charge pump case connected to the HST housing through its wall closer to the driving axle for supportin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shigenori Sakikawa, Shinya Sakakura
  • Patent number: 6802184
    Abstract: A turbocharger device for an internal combustion engine including two exhaust gas turbochargers, wherein a regulating device for adjustment of the supply of exhaust gas to one of the turbines or to both turbines is provided in the flow stream of the exhaust gas. A common exhaust gas inflow channel for both turbines is preferably provided on the turbine housing of one of the exhaust gas turbochargers, with two exhaust channel segments for supplying exhaust gas to the respective turbines branching off from the exhaust gas inflow channel. The regulating device is provided where the exhaust gas channel segments branch from the exhaust gas inflow channel on the turbine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, Borgwarner Inc.
    Inventors: JĂ¼rgen Huter, Siegfried Weber, Patric Hoecker, Frank PflĂ¼ger
  • Patent number: 6802185
    Abstract: A control device for a motor fan of a vehicle, which controls the motor fan to cool a radiator for engine coolant and a condenser for air conditioner refrigerant, includes: a first command value calculation section which calculates a first command value for control of the motor fan according to refrigerant pressure; a second command value calculation section which calculates a second command value for control of the motor fan according to coolant temperature; a first target value setting section which sets the greater of the first command value and the second command value as a first target value; a second target value setting section which obtains a second target value for control of the motor fan which corresponds to a total torque which is smaller than a total torque of a torque of an alternator and a torque of a compressor corresponding to the first target value; and a control section which controls the motor fan according to the second target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Furukawa, Hiromi Murao, Kazuhira Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6802186
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a first refrigeration chamber, a second refrigeration chamber in flow communication with said the first refrigeration chamber, a sealed system for producing desired temperature conditions in the first refrigeration chamber and the second refrigeration chamber, and a controller operatively coupled to the sealed system. The controller is configured to accept a plurality of user-selected inputs including at least a first refrigeration chamber temperature and a second refrigeration chamber temperature, and to execute a plurality of algorithms to selectively control the first refrigeration chamber at a temperature above the second refrigeration chamber and at a temperature below the second chamber. Various control algorithms are provided for maintaining desired temperature conditions in the refrigeration chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John S. Holmes, Robert M. Bultman, Jerry J. Queen, II, Wolfgang Daum, Richard Hornung, Rollie R. Herzog
  • Patent number: 6802187
    Abstract: A method for driving a hybrid compressor of an air conditioning system of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a first drive source, and the air conditioning system includes an evaporator. Moreover, the hybrid compressor includes a second drive source, and the hybrid compressor is driven by the first drive source via an electromagnetic clutch or the second drive source, or combination thereof. The method includes the steps of engaging the electromagnetic clutch, detecting a temperature of air dispensed from the evaporator, and disengaging the electromagnetic clutch when the temperature of the air is equal to a predetermined temperature. The method also includes the step of activating the second drive source. Specifically the step of disengaging the electromagnetic clutch when the temperature of the air is equal to the predetermined temperature and the step of activating the second drive source is performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Kawahara
  • Patent number: 6802188
    Abstract: A partially modified photosensitive monolithic oxide glass apparatus formed through photolithographic imaging. The apparatus may be either a volume apparatus or a layer apparatus. Both types of apparatus may be used to diffuse light in predetermined directions or shapes. The monolithic oxide glass apparatus is capable of withstanding temperatures well beyond glass transition temperatures of plastic light shaping devices and can be formed in convex or concave surfaces through conventionally molding grinding or polishing techniques and can be coated by hot-coating techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Physical Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lieberman, Edgar A. Mendoza, David Mintzer
  • Patent number: 6802189
    Abstract: A process for the remelting of glass bars, including the steps of introducing a glass bar into an upper end of a receiving shell; providing a molten bath having a surface underneath the receiving-shell; positioning the receiving shell such that a lower edge of the receiving shell is located at the height of the surface or above it; heating a lower end of the glass bar to a temperature above a softening temperature of the glass, resulting in a melt-off process at the lower end of the glass bar to produce a melt stream; controlling the melt-off process such that the melt stream continuously enters the molten bath proximate the surface with avoidance of a constriction; and drawing off melt from the molten bath by means of an arrangement for drop generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Andreas Langsdorf, Hildegard Römer, Paul Kissl
  • Patent number: 6802190
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a GRIN fiber includes forming a tube of silica-glass having a tubular core and a concentric tubular cladding adjacent and external to the tubular core. The core has a dopant density with a radially graded profile. The method includes partially collapsing the tube by applying heat thereto. The partially collapsed tube has a central channel. The method includes passing a glass etchant through the central canal to remove an internal layer of silica glass, and then, collapsing the etched tube to a rod-like preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: William Alfred Reed, Mark J Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 6802191
    Abstract: The doped silica core region of a core rod for an optical fiber preform is protected against unwanted fluorine doping during fluorine doping of the outer silica layer by selectively consolidating the core region prior to fluorine doping. Due to dopants in the core region, the soot in the core region consolidates before the soot in the outer undoped region. This inherent property allows the entire core rod to be heated prior to fluorine doping resulting in selective partial consolidation and preventing fluorine doping of the doped center core region. The process time required may be reduced by using incremental fluorine doping. In the incremental doping process the doping step is separated into a deposit step, where “excess” fluorine is deposited on the silica particles, and a drive-in step where atomic fluorine is distributed into the silica particles. The drive-in step is conveniently combined with the sintering or consolidation step to further enhance the efficiency of the doping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Yoram De Hazan, John Burnette MacChesney, Eric M. Monberg, Thomas Edward Stockert
  • Patent number: 6802192
    Abstract: In a loop length controller for a flat knitting machine adapted to set a loop length of a knitting fabric by raising or lowering, via a raising and lowering device, a stitch cam attached to a carriage that slides on a needle bed to slidably operate knitting needles forward and backward, the raising and lowering device is provided with a driving motor and a converting mechanism for converting rotational motion of the driving motor into ascent and descent of the stitch cam, wherein the converting mechanism is configured such that the ascending and descending amount of the stitch cam with respect to the rotational amount of the driving motor differs between a side for a larger drawing-in amount of knitting needles for loops of longer length and a side for a smaller drawing-in amount of knitting needles for loops of shorter length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morita, Ikuhito Hirai
  • Patent number: 6802193
    Abstract: A removable steering wheel device for permitting removal of the steering wheel to make the vehicle undriveable and thus undesirable to a potential thief. The removable steering wheel device includes a steering wheel having a boss engageable with an upper end of a steering column of the vehicle. The boss includes a bore and a base wall at the bottom of the bore. A bayonet connection assembly for removably connecting the boss to the upper end of the steering column. A locking cap disposed within the bore for fixing the bayonet connection between the boss and the upper end. The locking cap including an assembly for preventing rotation of the boss relative to the upper end, and including an assembly for fixing the locking cap within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Isaac N. Long
  • Patent number: 6802194
    Abstract: A lock includes an outside spindle, an outside hub for rotatably receiving the outside spindle, a cam received in the outside spindle, and a sleeve received in the cam and slidable along a longitudinal direction of the outside spindle. A lug is formed on an end of the cam and operably connected to the retractor. The sleeve includes a longitudinal slot having an enlarged section. A peg is mounted in the cam and received in the longitudinal slot of the sleeve. The sleeve is engaged with the outside spindle to turn therewith. When the locking bar is moved to a locking position, the peg is located in the enlarged section such that the sleeve and the outside spindle turn freely without causing rotation of the cam when the outside spindle is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 6802195
    Abstract: An isostatic press and the process of using same is disclosed and claimed. The isostatic press includes a yoke; a bottom cover affixed to the yoke; a top cover affixed to the yoke; and, a body moveable between a first position and a second position. A process for isostatically pressing a workpiece in the isostatic press is also disclosed and claimed. The process includes the steps of: placing the workpiece on the bottom cover; moving the body from the first position to the second position; pressurizing the chamber; depressurizing the chamber; removing the workpiece; and, moving the chamber from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Snap-tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Quint
  • Patent number: 6802196
    Abstract: A method of forming a bottle-shaped or other contoured metal container by subjecting a hollow metal preform having a closed end to internal fluid pressure to cause the preform to expand against the wall of a die cavity defining the desired shape, and advancing a punch by means of a backing ram into the die cavity to displace and deform the closed end of the preform either before or after expansion begins but before it is complete. The pressure-subjecting step is performed by simultaneously subjecting the preform in the die cavity to independently controllable internal and external positive fluid pressures and varying the difference between them to control strain rate. Apparatus for performing the method includes a split die with plural split inserts disposed in tandem to define the die cavity wall and heaters respectively inserted within the preform and arranged to heat the backing ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Gong, Peter Hamstra, Stuart MacEwen, Robert Mallory, James D. Moulton
  • Patent number: 6802197
    Abstract: A process for shaping a high strength container, particularly an aerosol container and a container obtained through such process. Generally, aerosol containers made of aluminum or tin are obtained by conventional embedding processes from sheet disks and have cylindrical bodies with upper tapering finishing at a curl for fixing a valve cover and are closed by convex and profiled cross section bottoms, for forming a support region for upstanding the container. The bottom of such containers is obtained before tapering by means of a blow or front shock once the cylindrical body having planar circular base is shaped, this impact causing undesirable stresses on the body side wall and material accumulation at the annular region joining with this wall since the bottom thickness is not uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: MarĂ­a Eugenia Barrera
  • Patent number: 6802198
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake for forming a workpiece comprises a base and an anvil having a bottom-clamping surface. The anvil is positioned in a fixed spaced relationship above the base and in combination with the base defines an unobstructed passage therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the workpiece. A movable plate is disposed between the base and the top plate wherein the movable plate is vertically translatable therein for clamping the workpiece between a top surface of the movable plate and the bottom clamping surface. A bending member is pivotally attached to the movable plate and extends longitudinally therealong for bending the clamped workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Tapco International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 6802199
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a body fluid for testing for an analyte includes a needle for penetrating a patient's skin to access the fluid within the skin. The needle has a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. An interior surface of the body defines a fluid pathway extending between the ends. The second end is positioned to deposit fluid for testing. The first end has a beveled face on a front side of the body. The beveled face terminates at a penetration tip with the beveled face having an opening in communication with the fluid pathway. The penetration tip is burnished to a rounded shape and bent to facilitate low pain and rapid fluid collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Integ, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Edward Hilgers, Bruno J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6802200
    Abstract: An impact force is applied to a sensing element to enlarge the size of a hidden crack to a visible level to reveal the presence of a hidden crack. To apply the impact force to a sensing element, a gas sensor is supported by a holder which is fixed to a distal end of a shaft. The shaft swings about a proximal end thereof serving as a pivot. The holder, with the gas sensor held at its end, is released from a predetermined higher position so as to swing downward about the pivot of the shaft due to gravity. The holder hits a striking plate disposed on a swing path of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6802201
    Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a sensor, e.g., a sensor for measuring a pressure variable which characterizes the pressure of the air supplied to the internal combustion engine. A fault is detected if a change in an operating variable that characterizes the quantity of fuel to be injected results in no corresponding change in the output variable of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Otwin Landschoff
  • Patent number: 6802202
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal is positioned at a kickdown position. Then, an output value of a measurement device of an accelerator pedal position sensor is measured. Thereafter, the measured output value of the measurement device is stored in a correction output value storage of the accelerator pedal position sensor along with a corresponding correction value, which is used to correct the measured output value of the measurement device. A couple of fully opened position stop members is provided and is engaged with the accelerator pedal when the accelerator pedal is rotated to a fully opened position. Furthermore, a couple of fully closed position stop members is provided and is engaged with the accelerator pedal when the accelerator pedal is rotated to a fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunari Kato, Masahiro Makino