Patents Issued in November 2, 2004
  • Patent number: 6810932
    Abstract: A seal within the filler neck of a fluid reservoir is configured to provide fluid channels into the reservior while in the at-rest position, but seals the filler neck when deformed by an externally directed insert in the filler neck. The seal is a hollow bulb with a frusto-conical surface spaced from a parallel frusto-conical surface of the filler neck by a plurality of ribs therebetween. The gap between the ribs, and between the surfaces of the seal and the filler neck, from fluid channels for replenishing the reservoir. A plunger inserted into the filler neck deflects the seal outwardly into contact with the filler neck, closing the fluid channels and preventing matter from entering the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David Corven, Grigory Yezersky, Thomas S Moore, Gerald Cilibraise, Edmund Tworkowski, William W Doolittle, III
  • Patent number: 6810933
    Abstract: A crafter's purse is adapted for the storage, display, accessing, and carrying of crafter's tools. The crafter's purse has a generally rectangular bottom panel and an upright peripheral panel extending about the periphery of the bottom panel for forming a container having an open end. At least one exterior panel is attached to the exterior surface of the peripheral panel to form a plurality of exterior pockets for containing and displaying additional items. The crafter's purse has a pair of handles for carrying the crafter's purse and an elastic band which encircles the peripheral wall at a position above the pocket openings to secure the items contained in the pockets. At least one additional pocket may be attached to the interior surface of the peripheral wall for forming an internal pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Terri L. Gordon, Michael L. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6810934
    Abstract: A lamination system comprises; a film transfer means for transferring along a first transfer path a continuous film chosen from more than two kinds of films different in width, a cutting means provided along the first transfer path for cutting the film in a predetermined length, a card transfer means for transferring an ID card along a second transfer path that converges with the first transfer path at a predetermined point of conversion, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating the film cut on a surface of the ID card at the downstream of the point of conversion. The lamination system is provided with guide members for restricting the transverse movement of the film within a distance corresponding to the maximum width of the films, and alignment means for aligning the film along a desired side end of the first transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naotaka Sasaki, Kenji Sugaya
  • Patent number: 6810935
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio Velasquez, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6810936
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for sealing cover tape. A sealing mechanism is connected to an actuator that moves the mechanism toward an adhesively backed cover tape and a carrier tape. The sealing mechanism applies heat and/or pressure to the cover tape to activate and bond the cover tape to the carrier tape. A biasing member biases the mechanism away from the cover and carrier tapes. The actuator is actuable to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and to initiate contact between the sealing mechanism and the cover tape. When the actuator is disengaged, the biasing member moves the sealing mechanism away from the cover tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: International Product Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Merlin E. Behnke
  • Patent number: 6810937
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Stahl
  • Patent number: 6810938
    Abstract: A pivoting bracket for connecting adjacent panels of an articulated door. The pivoting bracket has a generally cylindrical base and an arm rigidly connected to and extending from the base. The arm has a mounting face on a base side which is generally parallel to a tangent to the base. A recess extends into at least one end of the base, generally co-axially therewith, for receiving a guidewheel shaft. The pivoting bracket interacts with adjacent articulated door panels to mount the panels to a guide track and allow articulated movement without requiring or modifying a conventional hinge. The arm has a first part proximal the base and a second part distal the base. The second part is securable to an upper articulated door panel. The base extends into a channel provided on a rearward face of a lower articulated panel. The base form of the arm pivots and interlocks itself relative to the channel while the door articulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony G. Aquilina
  • Patent number: 6810939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of spray forming a boron steel metal article, and to the formed article. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises (a) providing a spray forming pattern, (b) spraying metallic particles onto the spray forming pattern, and (c) allowing the sprayed metallic particles to cool to form a metal article. In at least one embodiment, the metallic particles are sprayed from a carbon steel feedstock having a boron content of 0.25-2.25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Allen Dennis Roche, David Robert Collins, Richard L. Allor
  • Patent number: 6810940
    Abstract: It is necessary for the stroke of squeeze pin to be controlled so as to reach a defined target stroke position or zone during each shot operation of a die-casting machine. To achieve such control of squeeze pin, controlled variables T, Q or P are set in a trial molding process. The setting operation of the controlled variable is executed in a short time automatically. In case of adopting flow rate Q supplied to the squeeze cylinder as a controlled variable, the initial setting value Q1 is defined as 50% with conversion of opening degree of a flow control valve. Then, if the stroke of the pin is out of target, flow rate Q2 is set, which is defined as 75% corresponding to a intermediate value between the maximum degree of opening 100% and 50% at Q1. In a similar way, flow rates Q3, Q4, Q5 are set, namely, each Q3, Q4, Q5 is defined as the intermediate value between controlled variables set in consecutive two shots ahead. In case of Q5 the detected stroke of the squeeze pin is within the target stroke zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Tsuji, Toshiaki Nakano, Toshioki Toyoshima
  • Patent number: 6810941
    Abstract: An injection mold for casting a semi-solidified Fe alloy includes a scalping gate for eliminating surface oxide film of a semi-solidified Fe alloy injected into the mold cavity from a pressure chamber. The scalping gate is arranged between the pressure chamber and a runner that is in communication with the mold cavity. The mold halves and the scalping gate are each formed of a copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of not less than 120 W/(m·K) and a hardness of not less than 180 HB. The mold halves and the scalping gate each have a cermet layer consisting essentially of at least one member selected from a group consisting of Co, Cu, Cr and Ni. The cermet layer is formed by electro-spark deposition, via an intermediate layer of Ni alloy, which is also formed by electro-spark deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Tsuchiya, Hiroaki Ueno, Isamu Takagi, Naokuni Muramatsu, Masato Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6810942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous casting of metals, especially steel, for use in a solidified-bending method. Said device comprises, downstream of the continuous casting mold, a straight strand guide (1) and a bending device (3) that releases the cast strand path (2a) so that the cold strand (5) can be introduced. The object of the invention is to utilize the height of the device that has so far not been used for supporting the strand or to reduce the height of the entire installation. To this end, the bending device (3) comprises a folding segment (9) that is pivoted on the fixed side (1a) and that is provided with a row of rollers (10) that limit the bending path (3c) in the operational position. The bending device further comprises on the loose side (1b) a loose element (11) that can be swiveled into the operational position (3b) or that can be swiveled out from this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Karl Rittner, Günter Kneppe, Jürgen Müller
  • Patent number: 6810943
    Abstract: A continuous casting installation for producing thin slabs includes a laterally adjustable mold in which an immersion nozzle protrudes. In the mold there is opposite a larger crowned cross section on the charging side a cross section on the strand outlet side which is small and identically crowned in the central region. The installation further has pairs of supporting and guiding rollers which follow the mold and have a caliber adapted to the emerging crowned strand. The broad-face parts have planar-surface central parts which are arranged parallel to one another along their widths and taper toward one another in the casting direction of the strand. The broad-face parts also have planar side surfaces arranged so that they taper conically toward each other in the direction of the narrow faces. The planar-surface central plate is connected to the planar-surface side surfaces by transitional parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventor: Werner Rahmfeld
  • Patent number: 6810944
    Abstract: A heat pipe structure is provided for facilitating temperature stability of heat generating devices residing in a spacecraft. The heat generating structure comprises wall tubing made of a low thermal expansion alloy and a low thermal expansion saddle joined together and embedded into composite panel face sheets or face skins with minimal to no coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch. The saddle to composite radiating panel interface employs an adhesive as the joining material. The saddle to heat pipe interface is joined together employing a higher conductivity joining media, such as tin-lead solder, which improves the thermal performance of the heat pipe assembly and minimize the temperature drop across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Chris R. Wiacek, Hiroo H. Mahtani
  • Patent number: 6810945
    Abstract: A conditioner for the air in a structure which includes a gravel body beneath a building slab. The gravel is in thermal contact with the earth beneath the slab. The earth is a cold-sink which exchanges heat with the gravel body and thereby with air which is forced through the gravel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Mat Boissevain
  • Patent number: 6810946
    Abstract: An Advanced Loop Heat Pipe (“ALHP”) apparatus, for passively transporting waste heat over a long distance and rejecting it to a heat sink for heat rejection, an evaporator capillary pump (“ECP”) for heat acquisition, includes a reservoir for storing the working fluid of the ALHP, an auxiliary pump for vapor management of the liquid side of the loop, a primary condenser for condensation of vapor from the ECP, and a secondary condenser for condensation of vapor from the reservoir. The reservoir, ECP, and condenser are connected by transport lines to provide a conduit for the working fluid to flow from one component to another. The reservoir also connects to the auxiliary pump by an auxiliary pump transport line via the condenser. The auxiliary pump further connects to the condenser by a vapor transport line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: TTH Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Triem T. Hoang
  • Patent number: 6810947
    Abstract: In a cooling device, a condensation unit is constructed by stacking plural unit plates and two outer plates. The plural unit plates are superimposed in a plate-thickness direction between the outer plates, and three sheets of unit plates are also arranged in the planar direction. The radiating fins are provided such that the width of the base is substantially equal to the width of the unit plate, and are arranged in parallel on one of the outer plates in the same manner as the unit plate. According to this structure, the number of the unit plates arranged in parallel with the outer plates and the number of the radiating fins are increased or decreased, so that it is possible to easily change the size of a radiating unit in accordance with a necessary cooling capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Takahide Ohara, Kazutaka Suzuki, Yuhei Kunikata, Hiroo Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6810948
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a shell having an open end and a closed end and defining a shell cavity. A steam inlet is located adjacent the closed end and communicates with the shell cavity to allow steam to enter the shell cavity. A flange is coupled to the shell adjacent the open end. The flange includes a first passageway communicating with the shell cavity for receiving a tube bundle, and a second passageway communicating with the shell cavity to allow condensate to drain from the shell cavity. Preferably, the shell has a longitudinal axis and the second passageway has a longitudinal axis that is oriented substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the shell. The second passageway is positioned in the flange to allow condensate to the drain from the shell cavity regardless of whether the heat exchanger is oriented vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Peterson Custom Stainless, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Peterson, Christopher T. Peterson, Lyle Clem
  • Patent number: 6810949
    Abstract: A multiblock heat-transfer system including a first heat-transfer unit and at least a second heat transfer unit mounted onto the first heat-transfer unit. The first heat transfer unit contains a first heat-transfer tubular block with at least a first collecting chamber at the side. The second heat-transfer unit contains a second heat-transfer tubular block with at least a second collecting chamber at the side. The first and second collecting chamber each consist of their own collecting pipe, and both collecting pipes are inserted into each other at their front faces and are connected in a fluid-tight manner. In the pipe connection area, the external diameter of one of the collecting pipes approximately matches the internal diameter of the other collecting pipe, and a transverse partition is provided for separating the two collecting chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Staffa, Hans-Joachim Krauss, Hagen Mittelstrass, Christoph Walter, Bernd Dienhart, Jochen Schumm
  • Patent number: 6810950
    Abstract: An easily removable protective radiator cover assembly having easily replaceable filtering material for protecting an air-cooled radiator. To attain this, a frame hanging on an air-intake radiator side receives a slidably mounted, filtering material accommodating screen case. In an embodiment, a hanging frame having a horizontal bottom section extending across the radiator and a pair of vertical, side sections extending from each end of the bottom section; a filtering-material-accommodating screen case, slidably mounted within the frame and resting upon the bottom section; and a pair of frame extensions affixed to and extending from the frame to the radiator top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Louis F. Manze, III
  • Patent number: 6810951
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tube (1) internally divided into two longitudinal channels (16) by a median spacer (9). In an end zone (4) penetrating a fluid box (19), the tube is deformed so as to be widened in its transverse section and shortened on either side of the spacer in the direction thereof. The space requirement of the fluid box in the longitudinal direction of the transverse sections of the tubes, and consequently the space requirement of the whole heat exchanger, can thereby be reduced relatively to the maximum space requirement of the array formed by the tubes and the separators (5) stacked therewith. The invention is applicable to cooling radiators of engines powering motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Yvon Dumetz
  • Patent number: 6810952
    Abstract: A refrigerant-fluid circuit has a compressor, a condenser serving as heat sink and a first evaporator serving as cold source. The circuit also has a second evaporator and the refrigerant fluid is made to flow either only in the first evaporator, or in the two evaporators, depending on the cooling power required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Mounir Ben Fredj, Bruno Hamery, Jean-Luc Thuez, Noureddine Khelifa
  • Patent number: 6810953
    Abstract: A shock absorber for use between the reciprocating member of an oil well pumping mechanism and a polish rod connected to the rod spring and movable along a vertical pumping axis. The shock absorber comprises an upper and lower end plate having a peripheral surface around the plumping axis and defining a polish rod clearance opening. A coil spring is located between the plates and is concentric with and surrounding the pumping axis. A friction reducing centering head secured to at least one of the plates (preferably the lower plates) centers polish rod in the clearance opening and holds the polish rod away from the peripheral wall of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Barnes Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack W. Adoline
  • Patent number: 6810954
    Abstract: A christmas tree to control the production from a subsea oil or gas well is disclosed. The christmas tree design including a tree body having a first flow port and a tree cap; a tubing hanger landed within the tree body; an actuation mandrel landed within the tree body, the actuation mandrel having a flow port; and a flow diverter disposed within the tree cap to divert flow through the flow port. The christmas tree arrangement allows for dual barriers within the tree cap without placing or retrieving any plugs from within the tubing hanger, thereby reducing the number of downhole trips required to complete and/or service the subsea well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kvaerner Oilfield Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Garrett, Scott K. Beall, Rogelio Ortiz
  • Patent number: 6810955
    Abstract: A side-pocket gas lift mandrel having tapered end caps threaded onto the ends of the mandrel with metal-to-metal sealing threads. The thickness of each made up thread set is the same as the thickness of the small end of each end cap, resulting in a mandrel having the same outside diameter as if the end caps were welded on, without sacrificing any inside diameter in the small ends of the end caps, compared to a welded mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian A. Roth, Roger D. Hegdahl, James H. Kritzler
  • Patent number: 6810956
    Abstract: A thread coupling for a drill string for percussive drilling has a male thread (5) and a cooperating female thread (4). The male thread is arranged on a first drill string element (3) having a first impact surface (6). The female thread is arranged on a second drill string element (2) having a second impact surface (7). The male and female threads are conical, and the crests (8) of the male thread (5) have a radius of curvature more than thirty degrees of the pitch of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Uniroc AB
    Inventor: Roger Sandström
  • Patent number: 6810957
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of inhibiting microbial growth in a well. A packing material containing a mixture of a first material and an antimicrobial agent is provided to at least partially fill a well bore. One or more access tubes are provided in an annular space around a casing within the well bore. The access tubes have a first terminal opening located at or above a ground surface and have a length that extends from the first terminal opening at least part of the depth of the well bore. The access tubes have a second terminal opening located within the well bore. An antimicrobial material is supplied into the well bore through the first terminal opening of the access tubes. The invention also includes well constructs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Brady D. Lee, Kirk J. Dooley
  • Patent number: 6810958
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cementing a casing string in a wellbore. A self-filling tubular cementing collar connected to the lower end of a casing string is provided with one-way flow valving that allows well fluid to enter and self-fill the casing string as it is lowered into the wellbore and automatically prohibits reverse fluid flow from the collar when washing or cementing during forward circulation through the collar. The one-way valving is carried by an axially movable support that can be shifted by a cementing plug moved by pump pressure to permanently seal the entry flow passage after the casing sting is properly positioned in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Szarka, Henry E. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6810959
    Abstract: A low residue well treatment fluid comprises: an aqueous solvent; a gelling agent comprising one or modified polysaccharides, the modified polysaccharides having hydrophilic groups; and a crosslinking composition. The fluid may optionally further comprise a gel breaker, a buffer and/or a proppant. The fluids generate no or minimal residue upon being broken, and are particularly useful in well fracturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Qi Qu, Xiaolan Wang
  • Patent number: 6810960
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for recovering productivity of an existing well. First, an assembly is inserted into a wellbore, the assembly includes a tubular member for transporting drilling fluid downhole and an under-reamer disposed at the end of the tubular member. Upon insertion of the assembly, an annulus is created between the assembly and the wellbore. Next, the assembly is positioned near a zone of interest and drilling fluid is pumped down the tubular member. The drilling fluid is used to create an underbalanced condition where a hydrostatic pressure in the annulus is below a zone of interest pressure. The under-reamer is activated to enlarge the wellbore diameter and remove a layer of skin for a predetermined length. During the under-reaming operation, the hydrostatic pressure is maintained below the zone of interest pressure, thereby allowing wellbore fluid to migrate up the annulus and out of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Giancarlo T. Pia
  • Patent number: 6810961
    Abstract: A fluid well pumping system includes at least one stage for removing fluid from a well. The at least one stage includes a product line assembly adapted for positioning in the well casing as a unit. The product line assembly includes a first product tube and first and second gas lines in a passage of the product tube. The at least one stage also include a fluid reservoir adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit that is attachable to the product line assembly in end-to-end fashion. The fluid reservoir includes a housing defining a chamber for storage of fluid and a float in the chamber. The fluid reservoir also includes a third gas line in fluid communication with the first gas line, a fourth gas line in fluid communication with the second gas line, and a product line in fluid communication with the product tube when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: John E. Marvel, Michael A. Porch, G. Ronald Stoughton
  • Patent number: 6810962
    Abstract: In a horseshoe (1) having a resilient intermediate layer (4) positioned to fill out the interspace between a rigid upper and lower parts (2, 3), which are mechanically connected at the front edge of the horseshoe (1), the upper and lower parts (2,3) are, in addition, interconnected by an interlocking device (A: A1; A2) near at least one of the rear edges of the branches of the lower part (3) to prevent separation of the upper and lower parts, while allowing elastic deformation of the resilient intermediate layer (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Triple International ApS
    Inventors: Helge Møller, Anders Moesgaard
  • Patent number: 6810963
    Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 6810964
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a gas generator for pressurizing a suppressant. The generator includes an ignition cord within a flexible tube extending within an interior of an extinguisher bottle. Advantageously, there is additional generant between the tube and the ignition cord. The extinguisher may be manufactured as a retrofit of an existing hand-held supercharged extinguisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Dynamics OTS (Aerospace) Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Arnot
  • Patent number: 6810965
    Abstract: A fire engine or a truck carrying a fire extinguishing system having a device for supplying a powder fire extinguishing agent coated with a waterproof film, e.g., a silicone resin, and a fire-fighting water delivery pipeline, is used. The powder fire extinguishing agent is added and mixed into the fire-fighting water delivery pipeline, and mixed water is delivered through a fire house and discharged from a spray nozzle provided at the distal end of the fire hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignees: Miyake Engineering Co., Ltd., A.R.P. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Matsukawa, Susumu Miyake
  • Patent number: 6810966
    Abstract: An extinguisher includes a compressed-gas generator for fighting fire and incipient explosions, and the extinguisher includes at least one rupture diaphragm having a rupture joint, in order to seal the extinguishing-agent vessel. In its center, the rupture diaphragm has a planar surface or a depression, which causes the rupture joint to simultaneously open at its entire circumference, in order for the extinguishing agent to escape in an axially symmetric manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Bayern-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Bauer, Joachim Sans, Steffen Schilling
  • Patent number: 6810967
    Abstract: A grass and soil trimming system comprises a motor driven yard tool. The tool has a housing in a generally cylindrical configuration with a periphery and a female threaded interior and an interior locking screw. The female threaded interior of the mounting screw is adapted to screwably couple to a male thread of a drive shaft on the tool. A first pair of metal cutting blades is coupled to the periphery. The blades are adapted to cut and dig soil. The blades have a generally triangular configuration. A second pair of metal cutting blades is coupled to the periphery. The blades are adapted to cut grass. Each blade has a generally triangular configuration. The second cutting blades have a generally 90 degree bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Danny L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6810968
    Abstract: Double acting cylinders on wheel lift structures of an agricultural implement are connected in parallel and include pilot operated check valve structure connected to the base ends of the cylinders to maintain timing of the lift wheel structure even under large differential loads without a rockshaft or other mechanical timing device extending between the wheel structures. The check valve structure prevents unwanted cylinder retraction and provides cylinder lock-up for transport without need for additional valves. When pressure is applied to the rod ends of the cylinders, the check valve structure allows fluid to flow from base ends. Orifices are inserted at the base ends of the cylinders 86 to provide optimum breakoff pressure for the check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Brian E. Myers
  • Patent number: 6810969
    Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool, in particular a drilling- and/or chipping hammer, having a machine housing (12), a tool guiding element (16; 54), a hammer tube (14; 52), and a safety catch (32)—fixed in the housing in stationary fashion in the axial direction—for a striker (24) that can be driven by means of a drive piston (22) and that is actively joined with a tool (20) situated in a tool guiding element (16; 54). It is proposed that the tool guiding element (16; 54) is designed to be axially displaceable in relation to the machine housing (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Meixner
  • Patent number: 6810970
    Abstract: A hand power tool has housing, a motor arranged in the housing and having a drive shaft with two opposite ends, bearings each supporting one of the ends of the drive shaft in at least one component, an insert tool, a drive element through which the drive shaft is operatively connected with the insert tool, at least one of the bearings of the drive shaft being supported on the component over one part of its length in a radial direction through a sliding seat, and also being supported on the component over another part of its length in the radial direction through a synthetic plastic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Kraenzler, Gerd Berner, Monika Renner, Joachim Mueller
  • Patent number: 6810971
    Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hard Rock Drilling & Fabrication, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John B. Sved
  • Patent number: 6810972
    Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hard Rock Drilling & Fabrication, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John B. Sved
  • Patent number: 6810973
    Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hard Rock Drilling & Fabrication, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John B. Sved
  • Patent number: 6810974
    Abstract: A retainer device (10) is provided for retaining a drill bit (12) within a percussive drill assembly casing (2). The retainer device (10) includes a generally annular body (16) having a central axis and an inner circumferential shoulder portion (18) disposable within the casing (2) such that the body axis (17) is substantially collinear with a casing axis (2a). The shoulder (17) is deflectable between a first position (P1), where the shoulder (18) is contactable with the bit head (14) to retain the bit (12) within the retainer body (16), and a second position (P2). The second position (P2) is spaced radially outwardly from the first position such that the bit head (14) is displaceable through the body (16) in a direction along the casing axis (2a). Also, the retainer device (10) includes a spacer (24) that locates the retainer body (16) at a desired axial position within the casing (2) and a centralizer (26) that centers the body (16) about the casing axis (2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Atlas Copco AB
    Inventors: Leland H. Lyon, Richard K. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6810975
    Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked vehicle, preferably having rubber tracks. The track assembly is mounted on a pivot shaft such that it can oscillate about the axis of the pivot shaft. The suspension system allows the track assembly to move vertically relative to the vehicle chassis to compensate for uneven terrain. For instance the track assembly can compensate for depressions or bumps in the terrain and preclude the chassis of the vehicle from tilting with each minor change in the terrain. In addition, the track assembly movement in the vertical direction provides a much smoother ride than do traditional tracked vehicles. The suspension system of the present invention is provided for use with a pair of track assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: WesternGaco A.S.
    Inventors: James A. Nagorcka, Lyal Allen
  • Patent number: 6810976
    Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for omnidirectional and holonomic motion control of a vehicle. The drive mechanism may be used in a wide variety of applications where omnidirectional vehicles are advantageous, such as forklifts, aircraft maintenance platforms, robotic systems, wheelchairs, and recreational vehicles. The drive mechanism includes at least one wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a vehicle chassis, the wheel assembly including at least two wheels coupled to a wheel assembly chassis. The drive mechanism further includes a wheel constraint module configured to control the orientation of the wheels and a power module configured to rotate the wheel assembly. Vehicle motion may be controlled by actuation of the wheel constraint and power modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Rohrs
  • Patent number: 6810977
    Abstract: An engine of a hybrid vehicle that is to be preheated before being started is connected to a heat accumulator that stores a portion of a cooling water that is kept warmed. During cold start of the vehicle, when a temperature of the cooling water in the heat accumulator is equal to or higher than a temperature of the cooling water in the engine by a preset amount, the cooling water kept warmed in the heat accumulator is fed into the engine. The motor is driven to operate the vehicle until the engine is sufficiently preheated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6810978
    Abstract: An assembly comprises a mounted component that is located relative to a mounting component through one or more compilmentary locating-structure pairs that comprise locating structures of the mounted component and of the mounting component that are engaged to one another. The locating structures of the mounted component and the mounting component are those portions thereof that are engaged to one another and through which the forces of gravity and other acceleration forces are transmitted between the mounted component and the mounting component. One or more of the locating structures of the complimentary locating-structure pairs includes a locating-point insert that is integrally molded or cast into parent material of the locating structure. The locating-point inserts are harder, more wear-resistant, stiffer, and/or stronger than the parent material that they are integrally molded or cast into.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Bivens, Jerry L. Steiner, Peter J. Voors, Charles W. Kipfer, James Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6810979
    Abstract: A propulsion engine housing for a motor vehicle having at least one door arranged to allow positioning in one closed and one open position. The inside of the door is provided with steps in order to facilitate access to the engine for the driver/mechanic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Articulated Haulers AB
    Inventors: Peter Johansson, Roger Melander
  • Patent number: 6810980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a driver protection structure and a device supporting the same which secure driver's safety according to the international standardization organization when collided with a falling object and upon equipment's rollovers, comprising a first stopper which allows a driver's cabin and the driver protection structure mounted over the driver's cabin to move in a vertical direction and restricts the driver's cabin to move in a horizontal direction, and a second stopper which allows the driver's cabin to move in the vertical direction and restricts the driver's cabin to be lifted when a load is applied to the driver's cabin from external.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Chun Ho Jo, Chun Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 6810981
    Abstract: A traction control system (TCS) in which the engine torque is reduced after a slip threshold has been exceeded by at least one driven wheel and is raised again after the slip has fallen below the threshold, the traction control system further including an arrangement for detecting cornering and coefficient of friction. In order to improve vehicle stability when cornering, upon detection of cornering on a road surface having a low coefficient of friction, the gradient of the engine torque increase during the TCS control action is set lower than when traveling straight ahead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Sauter