Patents Issued in December 2, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040237764
    Abstract: A hatch assembly and method for using the same that allows for enhanced ease of ingress and egress through a portal of a military vehicle. The hatch is advanced and cleared away from the portal through use of a hatch operating mechanism that employs an extendable cylinder assembly to advance the hatch and a rotational assembly operably connected to the telescopic assembly to rotate the hatch so as to clear the portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey Crotty, Stephen Sohm
  • Publication number: 20040237765
    Abstract: A reactive armour module (14) including a sandwich structure (16) which is enclosed by a housing (18) and which is formed by at least one sandwich surface element (20) which is angled in a roof ridge shape and which has an HE-explosive layer portion (40) between a front plate (34) and an intermediate plate (36) and which has a damping layer (42) of elastic material between the intermediate plate (36) and a rear plate (38). Preferably at least two sandwich surface elements (20) which are angled in a roof ridge shape are arranged in mutually superposed relationship turned crosswire relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Schluter, Karl Rudolf, Manfred Schildknecht
  • Publication number: 20040237766
    Abstract: A gas porting structure for an autoloading gun, wherein the structure consists of an insert fitting within a slot cut laterally thru the gun barrel and wherein one or more slot like gas ports are formed thru the insert in a longitudinal direction generally axial of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Boje Cornils
  • Publication number: 20040237767
    Abstract: An agricultural-implement hydraulic circuit includes a pump supplying pressurized fluid to a first service line and a second service line via a feed line and a device for varying the flow rate of the pump. A distributor valve is disposed between the first service line and the second service line, with the first service line and the second service line being connected and disconnected according to a position of the distributor valve. A hydraulic motor is coupled to the first service line through the valve and discharges fluid to a return line. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the second service line. An indicator-valve assembly is coupled to the feed line, with the indicator-valve assembly including an indicator sensitive to pressure in the feed line such that the indicator indicates a predetermined pressure in the feed line to an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Adrianus Naaktgeboren, Guy H.J. Osselaere
  • Publication number: 20040237768
    Abstract: A first control valve selectively connects a first port of a double acting actuator to either a pump supply line or a tank return line, and a second control valve selectively connects a second port of the actuator to either a pump supply line or a tank return line. A first pilot operated check valve restricts fluid flow to a direction only from the first control valve to the first workport unless a pilot pressure from the second port is sufficient to open the valve for the opposite flow direction. A second pilot operated check valve restricts fluid flow to a direction only from the first control valve to the second workport unless a pilot pressure from the first port is sufficient to open the valve for the opposite flow direction. A load sense circuit is incorporated to produce signal indicating the greater pressure at the actuator ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis R. Barber
  • Publication number: 20040237769
    Abstract: A master cylinder piston, more particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a flap (22), biased towards a position in which it shuts off a pressure-fluid passage (24), by means of a return spring (28) resting on a cage (30), which includes retaining means (38, 40) under a permanent set for their accommodation in an annular groove (44) provided in the housing (20) of the flap, when the cage (30) bears axially on an inner shoulder (64) of the housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Henri Pagot, Jean-Claude Hennebelle, Vincenzo Manzo
  • Publication number: 20040237770
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing an improved controlled airflow within a vacuum booster system. The system includes a vacuum booster assembly having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end in communication with the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. The system additionally includes an airflow control assembly operably coupled to the second end of the outer tube, and an inner tube, concentric to the outer tube, having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to the airflow control assembly, the second end in communication with the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. In the system, air flows from the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly to the airflow control assembly within the inner tube and air flows from the airflow control assembly to the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly within the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks, Ryan M. Elking, Derek T. Dreischarf, Patrick T. Maclellan
  • Publication number: 20040237771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control apparatus of a hydraulic valve for holding load in which a drain line of a holding valve adapted to preclude momentary drop of load in a hydraulic actuator is substituted with a path in the interior of a directional control valve, so that a pipe line of a drain side functioning as a hydraulic hose and exposed to the outside is not needed in the present invention. The control apparatus of a hydraulic valve for holding load comprises a drain line adapted to allow hydraulic fluid returned during a switching operation of the sub-spool to flow in a pilot line of the side of a drain corresponding to the opposite side of a pilot line adapted to pressurize the spool of the directional control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Jin Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20040237772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable flow control apparatus for an actuator of a heavy construction equipment capable of implementing constant flow of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to an actuator even when a pilot pressure capable of driving a seat valve openably and closably installed in a discharge flow path of the hydraulic pump exceeds a certain pressure level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Jin Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20040237773
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for moving an object, for example for a retractable hard-top of a convertible car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Laurentius Andreas Gerardus Mentink
  • Publication number: 20040237774
    Abstract: A pair of throttle valves are installed to first and second installation holes of a cylinder tube, respectively. The throttle valve comprises a rotatable member, a needle which is engaged with the rotatable member and which controls the flow rate of a pressure fluid flowing through first and second bypass passages formed in each of the first and second installation holes, a covering member which covers each of said first and second installation holes, and a stopper ring which prevents the displacement of the rotatable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazushi Kita, Jun Yamada, Kazufumi Waki, Kouhei Toyohara, Yuuya Osamura
  • Publication number: 20040237775
    Abstract: A piston for use in internal combustion engines or reciprocating compressors such as those utilized in air-brake systems for heavy duty freight vehicles. The body of the piston of the present invention is contoured in manner to reduce the undesirable build-up of oil pressure that frequently occurs at the oil control ring or rings when the piston is in operation. The crown portion of the piston body includes a series of piston ring groove and piston ring lands, one of which is modified to include drainage notches. The skirt portion of the piston body includes a plurality of furrows near the face of the piston, a horizontal channel recessed into the surface of the piston skirt, and a horizontal groove formed in the outer skirt wall of the piston. These structures function individually and in combination to provide multiple means by which excess lubricating oil may be directed away from the oil control rings and back toward the crankcase or oil reservoir within the engine or compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Valery V. Dunaevsky, Susumu Ariga
  • Publication number: 20040237776
    Abstract: A system for preventing scuffing of a cylinder wall by a piston ring includes a piston ring, the piston ring including a surface, wherein the surface of the piston ring is coated with tungsten disulfide. The coating provides lubrication during the piston and piston ring break-in period and prevents localized high pressure and high temperature areas that produce scuffing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Steven J. Sytsma, Thomas J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040237777
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the removal of a number of molecular contaminants from surfaces within a device. A purge gas containing oxygen and/or water is introduced into the interior of the device, contacting at least a portion of the interior surfaces. A contaminated purge gas is produced by transferring a portion of the contamination from the interior surfaces into the purge gas. The contaminated purge gas is removed from the device and the process is continued until the contaminant concentration in the contaminated purge gas is below a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Alvarez, Jeffrey J. Spiegelman
  • Publication number: 20040237778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a phase separator (12) comprising a body (20), an inlet (18) for the diphasic mixture to be separated, a gas outlet (22) and a liquid outlet (30). The inventive separator also comprises a hydrophilic structure (24) which is disposed in the body and which defines an internal space (26) and an external space (28). Moreover, the inventive separator is provided with means (34) for creating swirls in the diphasic mixture such that the liquid is recovered against the walls of the structure. The gas outlet is in communication with the internal space (26), while the liquid outlet is in communication with the external space (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre Charlat
  • Publication number: 20040237779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite gas separation module and to methods for fabricating a composite gas separation module. The present invention also relates to methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream. In one embodiment, the composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate porous metal layer, wherein the intermediate porous metal layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense hydrogen-selective membrane, wherein the dense hydrogen-selective membrane overlies the intermediate porous metal layer. The intermediate porous metal layer can include can include palladium and a Group IB metal. For example, the intermediate porous metal layer can contain alternating layers of palladium and a Group IB metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Yi Hua Ma, Ivan P. Mardilovich, Erik E. Engwall
  • Publication number: 20040237780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a composite gas separation module and to gas separation modules formed by the method. The present invention also relates to a method for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Yi Hua Ma, Ivan P. Mardilovich, Erik E. Engwall
  • Publication number: 20040237781
    Abstract: A method of cleaning air, comprising a humidifying step for humidifying the air containing chemical contaminants by a humidifying means and taking a part of the gaseous contaminants in the air into excessive moisture to remove the contaminants from the air and a dehumidifying step for dehumidifying the humidified air by a condensing means and taking the gaseous chemical contaminants remaining, without being removed, in the humidifying step into condensed water for removal, wherein, by using a oblique honeycomb having both front and rear faces and both upper and lower faces disposedin open state, air is led from the front opening part of the oblique honeycomb and water is fed from the upper opening part thereof to one or both of the humidifying and condensing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicants: Nichias Co., Ltd, TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED, TAISEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isao Terada, Minoru Tanaka, Yuji Matumura, Sadao Kobayashi, Naoki Mori, Hiromu Itoh, Yoshihide Wakayama, Osamu Suenaga
  • Publication number: 20040237782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided of adding ozone and ozone and oxygen and ozone and another oxidizer such as chlorine dioxide or an acidifying agent to contaminated environments including high pressure work sites such as wells and sewage pipes and into high temperature solutions such as scrubber water. An apparatus is provided for on-site generation of oxygen and the generation of high pressure oxygen for use in contaminant remediation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Decker
  • Publication number: 20040237783
    Abstract: A process to separate solids from a solids laden gaseous feed stream having a solids part and a gaseous part by means of a cyclone separator provided with a tangentially positioned feed inlet and a tubular gas outlet conduit protruding a tubular cyclone housing from above, wherein at the external surface of the tubular gas outlet conduit and inside the tubular cyclone housing a secondary gas is provided having a lower density than the density of the gaseous part of the feed stream being solids free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Martin John Hawkins Borley, Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries
  • Publication number: 20040237784
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for, and a method of, treating gases, fumes and vapours with fragments of crustacean shell so as to extract one or more components/pollutants from the gases
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ashley John Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040237785
    Abstract: A device for protecting medical apparatus from contamination by infectious agents comprises a containment body having an inlet (5) destined to be set in fluid communication with an extracorporeal circuit (3) of blood, and an outlet (6) destined to be connected to a fluid line operatively connected to a pressure gauge of a medical apparatus (4). The inlet (5) is in gas communication with the outlet (6) across an internal cavity (11) of the containment body. Two hydrophobic membranes (12, 13) are predisposed in the containment body between the inlet (5) and the outlet (6). The membranes (12, 13) each define an anticontamination barrier which is gas-permeable. The device transmits the pressure of the extracorporeal circuit to the pressure gauge, with no relevant loss of head, while at the same time protecting, with a high degree of security, the medical apparatus (4) from risks of contamination by pathogens originating in the extracorporeal circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA AB
    Inventor: Roberto Neri
  • Publication number: 20040237786
    Abstract: Membranes comprising an aromatic ether ketone polymer (e.g. polyetherketone) in sheet or hollow fibre form are made by preparing at least a 12 wt % solution of the polymer in a solvent which is chemically inert to the polymer (e.g. concentrated sulphuric acid); forming a film of the solution in sheet or hollow form; and contacting the film with a non-solvent (e.g. more dilute sulphuric acid or acetic acid) thereby to precipitate the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Philip J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040237787
    Abstract: An air conditioner with a cleaning member having an opening, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The member is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when a collector electrode array is moved. A lifting arm is mounted to the collector electrode. The lifting arm can move the member to clean the wire-like electrode as the collector electrode is moved (e.g., removed from the air conditioner for cleaning).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: John Paul Reeves, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040237788
    Abstract: A discharge electrode for an electrostatic precipitator comprises a collar having two oppositely disposed arms extending radially therefrom, with each radially extending arm terminating in a number of tines at the free end thereof. Each tine is pointed and is curved relative to a plane of the oppositely disposed radially extending arms. Adjacent pairs of tines are oppositely curved relative to the plane of the radially extending arms. The discharge electrode is a single metal pressing. A number of discharge electrodes are securable to an elongate shaft along its length, in an equidistant configuration, to form an electrode discharge assembly for an electrostatic precipitator. The discharge electrodes are securable to the shaft by means of tack welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: GEECOM (PTY) LIMITED
    Inventor: August F. Mischkulnig
  • Publication number: 20040237789
    Abstract: A gas recovery system comprising a source of gas having a preselected concentration of a desired component (9), at least one application (1) that adds impurities to said gas, and at least one an adsorption system (6) that purifies said gas to produce a purified gas for re-use in application (1), wherein said at least one adsorption system includes at least one adsorbent bed (A) having at least three layers of adsorbents. A recovery process is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh, Scot Eric Jaynes, Bernard Thomas Neu, James Smolarek, Mark Thomas Emley
  • Publication number: 20040237790
    Abstract: An adsorption filter material used especially for producing protective materials, such as NBC protective suits, has a first layer, a second layer, and an adsorption layer arranged between the first layer and the second layer. The adsorption layer has a first activated carbon layer with granular or spherical activated carbon particles. The first activated carbon layer additionally contains activated carbon fibers and/or the adsorption layer additionally contains a second activated carbon layer with activated carbon fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Blucher GmbH
    Inventors: Hasso von Blucher, Ludovic Ouvry, Stefan Kamper, Michael Moskopp, Ernest de Ruiter, Bertram Bohringer
  • Publication number: 20040237791
    Abstract: An air purifier employs photoelectrons to eliminate germs, viruses, funguses and airborne microorganisms or particles in the air comprising a three-dimensional housing 1, an exhaust frame grid 2 at front end of said housing 1, and a rear end of a panel 3. Ionized air is emitted from said exhaust frame grid 2. When said air full of germs, viruses, funguses and other harmful airborne microorganisms or particles in the air moved into an air aggregation wall 26 through said air aggregator 25, and then into said air inlet 7, which is between said ultraviolet radiation tube 21 and said air aggregation wall 26. When said air full of germs, viruses, funguses and other harmful airborne microorganisms or particles in the air, said ultraviolet radiation tube 21 generates extreme ultraviolet to eliminate said germs, viruses, funguses and other harmful airborne microorganisms or particles in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Se Kit Yuen
  • Publication number: 20040237792
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous cleaning of a liquid and a gas includes a centrifugal rotor delimiting in a casing a separation chamber that is arranged for through flow and cleaning of the liquid. On the outside of the casing separation discs are mounted for rotation with the centrifugal rotor. Between the separation discs there are formed axially extending separation passages formed for through flow and cleaning of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Ingvar Hallgren, Leif Larsson, Rolf Ljungtstrom
  • Publication number: 20040237793
    Abstract: A device for preparing drinks that incorporate a capsule selection function connected to a system for brewing the contents of the capsules to enable brewing to take place under optimal conditions. The device includes a storage system comprising capsules arranged in several sets, a mechanism for capturing a capsule individually from a set and releasing the capsule into a brewing system. The capture mechanism is able to move between the storage system and the brewing system and is designed in such a way as to adopt at least two positions, a first or reception position in which the capsule is held and is able to be transferred by the capture means and a second or release position in which the capture means can be opened to release the capsule from the capture mechanism. The device provides advantages in the handling of the capsule after its selection, in particular, its transfer, the brewing of its contents, and, optionally, the ejection of the spent capsule in a reliable, rapid and automated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Zurcher, Pierre Pillot
  • Publication number: 20040237794
    Abstract: A coffee holder has a cup shaped to hold a coffee pod and having a radially projecting rim and a floor and a collar projecting downward from the floor, forming a downwardly open outlet passage opening upward into the cup, and formed with at least one radially throughgoing hole. A nozzle fitted to the collar above the hole has a small-diameter aperture. The nozzle blocks the passage so that coffee flowing out of the cup through the passage must pass through the aperture and is aerated as it moves along the passage past the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: SEVERIN ELEKTROGERATE GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Fulgoni, Hans-Josef Gerke, Siegfried Schnirch, Bernd Holz
  • Publication number: 20040237795
    Abstract: The electric coffee maker according to the invention comprises a device for preparing a coffee drink from ground coffee and water, a reservoir adapted to store water for preparing coffee, as well as a protective housing which encloses the device preparing the coffee drink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Nicolas Fouquet
  • Publication number: 20040237796
    Abstract: A household appliance for cooking under pressure, the appliance being provided with bistable calibrated leakage means suitable for taking up an open position in which the pressure inside the appliance is allowed to increase continuously to above a determined pressure P0, while also allowing air to be bled from the appliance, and a closed position corresponding to an absence of leakage of air to the outside, the open position being sustained until a predetermined pressure value P1 is reached. Rather than being sustained until the predetermined pressure P1 is reached, the open position is sustained for one of a predetermined time interval &Dgr;t after P0 is reached, and until a predetermined temperature value T1 is reached. The appliance is provided with at least one closure/opening safety means whose position is sensitive to pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Chameroy, Pascal Roland Clement Murat
  • Publication number: 20040237797
    Abstract: The invention relates to an identification system for insert elements for tempering food accommodated in containers. Advantageously, the invention can be used in particular for short-term, economic and high-quality heating of prefabricated food wherein heating can be preferably carried out in induction ovens. According to the object, the respective configuration and if possible also the equipment with containers of such an insert element shall be allowed to be recognized and taken into consideration for tempering. At the same time, the insert elements have definitely arranged containers which can be fixed in receiving means. An appropriately equipped insert element can be introduced into an induction oven or a cooling device wherein the containers of a horizontal plane are positioned at the same time. According to the invention, at least one electromagnetically or magnetically detectable element is mounted on the insert elements each in a predeterminable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hubert Eric Walter
  • Publication number: 20040237798
    Abstract: A versatile food and beverage preparation device that combines the advantages of steam cooking, the mixing action generated by a steam jet espresso frothing nozzle and a food processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ann Elizabeth Payne
  • Publication number: 20040237799
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for the manufacture of lollipops in which lollipops (3) are transferred from a substantially horizontal condition in a hopper (4), to a substantially vertical condition in a stick retainer (7) prior to placement in sugar confectionery. The apparatus comprises a hopper (4) for holding the sticks (3) with their longitudinal axes substantially horizontal, means (5) for ejecting a stick from the hopper in a substantially horizontal direction and feeder means (6) for feeding the ejected stick downwardly into a stick retainer (7) prior to placement in the sugar confectionery, the feeder means comprising a flexible tube (8) operable to conduct the stick from the hopper to the stick retainer whilst simultaneously changing the orientation at the stick to that of a downward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Martyn Thomas Wray, Russell Kevin Hall
  • Publication number: 20040237800
    Abstract: Apparatus for continuously pasteurizing meat and food products, characterized in that said apparatus comprises: a supporting framework supporting a top basin and bottom basin, both substantially longitudinally horizontally extending, and arranged one above the other, the top basin being supplied with hot water and the bottom basin being supplied with cold water; feeding means for feeding the products through the top basin; transfer means for transferring the products from the top basin to the bottom basin; means for varying the product holding time in the top basin; further feeding means for feeding the products through the bottom basin and withdrawing means for withdrawing the products from the bottom basin; and means for changing the product holding time, in a selective manner, at least in the bottom basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Adam Franck
  • Publication number: 20040237801
    Abstract: A combination of 2 Smoker/Grills, one horizontal and one vertical. The top of the vertical Smoker/Grill #B is connected to the bottom of the horizontal Smoker/Grill #A by a tube with a damper (#38). Cooking options from the Smoker/Grill HA include: cold or slow smoking, food warmer, spit or rotisserie cooking, conventional grill, oven and tabletop. Cooking options from Smoker/Grill #B include: conventional grill, two forms of a modified conventional grill, hot smoker, steamer, double boiler, deep fryer or turkey fryer, stew pot, two forms of an oven, an outdoor fireplace, an open fire pit and a table top. Accessories from FIG. 4. need to be used with most of these options. Most options from Smoker/Grill #A can be used with most options from Smoker/Grill #B. See CHART #1 for more clarification. Some combinations can use a single fire and some combinations can combine the fires from both grills to enhance/change cooking options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Roy Welcome Starkey
  • Publication number: 20040237802
    Abstract: The present invention provides a culture container and a cap for a container having a ventilation filter medium or a medium similar thereto that can exchange carbon dioxide gas in the culture container with atmospheric air, and prevent the contamination of sterilized culture medium inside the culture container with fungi, mites, and the like. A culture bottle includes a bottle unit, and a cap that is mounted on an opening. The cap includes a cap unit, and a ventilation filter medium. A hole is provided in the cap unit. The ventilation filter medium includes a plurality of micropores having a pore diameter between 0.1 and 50 micrometers, and is mounted on the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Osamu Tanaka, Hideki Aomi, Hideyuki Kiyotani, Yoshiyuki Shibuya, Seiichi Hirano
  • Publication number: 20040237803
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance apparatus (10) mountable on a work surface (12) for performing a culinary function includes a culinary unit (14) and a base (16) for the culinary unit. The apparatus (10) includes a suction assembly (48) that includes a suction member (50) that forms a bottom surface of the base (16). The suction assembly (48) is operable to form a vacuum between the suction member (50) and the work surface (12) that releasably connects the base (16) to the work surface. A clamp assembly (100) includes a clamping member (112) that has a clamping surface spaced from and presented toward the suction member (50). The clamping member (112) is movable toward the suction member (50) to clamp the work surface (12) between the clamping member and the suction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Palese
  • Publication number: 20040237804
    Abstract: It comprises a chamber for distributing the fluid through which are extending injection needles (4) having a penetration point (14) and a passageway (12) which communicates with injection holes (15) close to the point (14) and a end (18) distal from the point (14) with a limiting stop (17) the end (18) of which remains facing elastic retaining means for the needle back motion in the event it finds a bone in the piece meat to be injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Narcis Lagares Corominas
  • Publication number: 20040237805
    Abstract: A stopper portion (108c) is formed at an upper end of a picking plate (108) of a tape grasping apparatus. When a driver handle (102) and a clincher arm (107) are closed, the picking plate arranged at the clincher arm is pivoted to this side and a claw (108b) of the picking plate is pierced to a front end portion of the tape (T) and the stopper portion (108c) impinges on a tape guide (106) of the driver handle to stop the picking plate. When the driver handle and the clincher arm are opened, the stopper portion is detached from the tape guide and the picking plate (108) is brought into elastic contact with a tape support plate (111) to clamp the tape. When the claw of the picking plate is pierced into the tape, the tape is not applied with strong tension and the claw can be prevented from breaking the tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Susumu Hayashi, Makito Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20040237806
    Abstract: A method and control system for a strapping machine restarts the strapping machine at a point of interruption of the strapping machine cycle. The system and method determines the presence of a foreign object proximal the strapping machine during the strapping cycle, interrupts the strapping cycle upon determining the presence of the foreign object proximal the strapping machine during the strapping cycle, determines a point of interruption of the strapping cycle and restarts the strapping cycle at the point of interruption through the use of retained program timers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Sickels
  • Publication number: 20040237807
    Abstract: A self-cleaning limit switch is for use in a strapping machine of the type configured to convey strapping material around a load, receive first and second courses of the strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load. The strapping machine includes a strapping head having internal and external limit switch channels formed therein. The limit switch includes a sliding element having internal and external sliding portions rigidly connected to one another. The internal sliding portion is positioned in the strapping head internal limit switch channel and the external portion is positioned in the strapping head external limit switch channel. The internal and external sliding portions include an inclined surface at a rearward end thereof and upstanding walls at a forward end thereof. The internal sliding portion has a lip for engaging the second course of strapping material. The external sliding portion includes a position indicating element thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy B. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040237808
    Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lopez, Timothy B. Pearson, David B. Gerhart
  • Publication number: 20040237809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coal dewatering system, method and apparatus. The dewatering system includes a preheater vessel (82) comprising a chamber (101) for heating coal, an inlet means (84) to permit the passage of coal into the chamber (101), and an outlet means (86) for permitting the passage of coal from the chamber (101). The dewatering vessel also includes a heating means (98) associated with the preheater vessel (82) to heat coal contained in the chamber (101) and a non-return valve means (92) to substantially prevent heated coal removed from the preheater chamber (101) via the outlet means (86) from re-entering the preheater vessel (82) via the outlet means (86). The dewatering system further including a dewatering unit (60) adapted to receive the heated coal from the outlet means (86) via the non-return valve means (92) and to thereby dewater the coal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Malcolm John McIntosh, Danh Quan Huynh
  • Publication number: 20040237810
    Abstract: A device for compressing bulk goods into a bale, in view of packing it bale-shaped on a pallet, includes an upright, tubular shaft having an upper end and a lower end, a supplier adapted for supplying bulk goods to a feed opening in the shaft, a support placed below the lower end and adapted for supporting the bulk goods in the shaft, a press adapted for pressing the bulk goods present in the shaft downwards in order to compress said material into a bale, wherein the support comprises a pressing table, having a mover adapted for moving the pressing table between a position in which the bale is supported below the shaft and a position in which the bale is supported spaced sidewards from the shaft, wherein the device is furthermore provided with a mechanism adapted for keeping a pallet below the shaft, in a position below the pressing table, and with a discharger adapted for discharging the pallet including the bale away from them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Logitec Plus B.V.
    Inventor: Marius Cornelis de Baat
  • Publication number: 20040237811
    Abstract: A method and apparatus use an in-line printer to print on chips or swatches mounted on an underlying substrate such as a sheet or web of paper or paperboard. The chips may have varying heights due to variations of thickness of the paint on the chip and/or adhesive mounting the chips to the substrate. The sheets are continuously moving through the chip mounting machine and the printing machine which are synchronized to operate at the same speed. In the illustrated apparatus, conveyor pushers push the sheets through the chip mounting machine and through the printer machine and resilient strips on the printing roller form a nip with an underlying anvil roller to grip and hold the chips against shifting to prevent smearing of the ink as the sheets are pushed through the nip between the printing cylinder and the anvil roller. An in-line trimming apparatus such as die cutter may cut the chips to size and/or shape as to provide rectangularly mounted chips with arcs, curves, circles, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Color Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Winter, Stanley I. Lerner
  • Publication number: 20040237812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotation screen printing method for flat textile structures, especially textile strips (1). According to said method, at least one image which is represented as a pattern repeat is printed on the flat structure (1) by means of a continuously rotating printing cylinder (2) having at least one circumferential section in the lateral surface, which is permeable to printing medium. In order to print a pattern repeat in the circumferential direction, a flat textile structure (1) is moved into a printing position determined by the printing cylinder, is brought into active communication with the printing cylinder (2) and is taken out of communication after the printing. To this end, the flat textile structure (1) is moved back and forth, in steps, for each pattern repeat. A device for carrying out said method comprises a transport unit (4) having a reversible drive device (11) for displacing the flat structure by means of a step-by-step and back and forth movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: John Rush
  • Publication number: 20040237813
    Abstract: A screen printing apparatus and method in that in the print parameter setting process for setting print parameters including a squeegee movement speed, a printing pressure, and plate release conditions, a squeegee movement speed at which the squeegee is to be moved is set at the first step, then a printing pressure for realizing a desired cream solder charging state is set at the second step, and then plate release conditions for realizing a desired cream solder transfer state is set at the third step. Therefore, the print parameter setting process can be performed according to an efficient processing procedure and trial-and-error-based backward work can be avoided. Print parameters can be set quickly and properly for a wide range of solder types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Maeda, Tetsuya Tanaka, Yuji Otake, Seiichi Miyahara