Patents Issued in June 14, 2005
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Patent number: 6904752Abstract: The invention provides a controller and cylinder deactivation system to regenerate an exhaust aftertreatment device for a multicylinder engine that operates primarily at an air/fuel ratio that is lean of stoichiometry. The invention uses the cylinder deactivation system to control temperature and air/fuel ratio of an exhaust gas feedstream going into an aftertreatment device. The invention also increases the amount of fuel delivered to each non-deactivated cylinder by an amount sufficient to maintain operating power of the engine. The regeneration action includes desorbing NOx from a NOx adsorber catalyst, desulfating the NOx adsorber catalyst, and purging a diesel particulate trap.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ralph Foster, Matthew G. Foster, Kenneth S. Price
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Patent number: 6904753Abstract: A servobrake (10) including a pneumatic brake booster (12) and a master cylinder (22) with a main piston (20) that slides in a front pressure chamber (24). The main piston (20) has a fixed first rear end (46) acted on by a pneumatic piston (16) of the booster (12) and a moving second rear end (48) acted on by a feeler (18) of the booster (12) that is a coaxial with the piston (16) and acts upon a reaction ram (52) to communicate pressure forces in a front pressure chamber (24) of the master cylinder to the second end (48). A hydraulic isolation valve shutter (58), independent of the internal piston (50) of the ram (52), is activated when the input force of the booster (12) exceeds a given rate threshold so that the braking force is not reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Juan Simon Bacardit, Bruno Berthomieu, Fernando Sacristan
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Patent number: 6904754Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steam generator for a liquid metal reactor and a heat transfer method thereof, and more particularly a steam generator for a liquid metal reactor having intermediate fluid forcibly circulated therein and structurally improved coiled heat transfer tubes installed therein, and a heat transfer method of such a steam generator, whereby an accident of the sodium-water reaction is practically prevented and heat transfer efficiency is improved. The heat transfer method of the steam generator for the liquid metal reactor including a reactor core, a steam generator, and a turbine, utilizes forced circulation for the intermediate fluid in the steam generator. The forced circulation is carried out through a flow channel defined in the steam generator, which forms a closed flow circuit for the intermediate fluid, by means of operation of a circulation pump installed in the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon Sub Sim, Seong-O Kim, Eui Kwang Kim, Do Hee Hahn, Myung Hwan Wi
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Patent number: 6904755Abstract: The rocket motor nozzle assembly of this invention includes a throat insert and a carbon or silica protective eyelid. The throat insert has a carbon throat support and a refractory metal shell. The shell is positioned radially inside the throat support to cover the inner surface of the throat support. The protective eyelid covers a sufficient portion of the forward surface region of the shell and the underlying converging portion of the throat support to protect these components against particle impingement. The protective eyelid extends sufficiently far forward along the converging/diverging pathway to cover and protect the forward face or edge of the throat insert and prevent the combustion gases from passing under the throat insert and reaching the radially outer surfaces of the throat insert. However, the protective eyelid leaves the throat surface region of the shell exposed to the converging/diverging pathway.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Canfield, John K. Shigley
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Patent number: 6904756Abstract: A wear cover for use on a gas turbine transition duct support bracket is disclosed. The wear cover, which is manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal, does not require complex manufacturing processes or tools, thereby reducing component cost. The wear cover comprises first and second leg portions substantially parallel to each other and each generally perpendicular to a third leg portion. Each of the leg portions serve to protect a surface of a support bracket finger from excessive wear associated with frictional contact with mounting blocks of a transition duct. The wear cover is designed to slip onto a support bracket finger through a first opening and is fixed to the finger by a means such as welding.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Power Systems Mfg, LLCInventor: Brian R. Mack
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Patent number: 6904757Abstract: A mounting assembly for a forward end of a liner in a combustor of a gas turbine engine including a dome and a cowl, wherein a longitudinal centerline axis extends through the gas turbine engine. The mounting assembly includes a pin member extending through each one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings formed in the forward end of the liner, an aft portion of the cowl, and a portion of the dome, with each pin member including a head portion at one end thereof. A nut is adjustably connected to an end of each pin member opposite the head portion. A bushing is located on each pin member at a position intermediate the head portion and the nut, wherein the openings in the liner forward end are sized to fit around the bushings.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Krista Anne Mitchell, David Edward Bulman, Mark Eugene Noe, Harold Ray Hansel, Thomas Allen Wells, Christopher Charles Glynn, John David Bibler, Toby George Darkins, Jr., Joseph John Charneski, Craig Patrick Burns
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Patent number: 6904758Abstract: A cryogenic vessel includes a first, outer vessel assembly having an outer vessel and a liquid fill line assembly and a second, ullage space vessel having a bottom and disposed within the first, outer vessel, adjacent to the top of the first, outer vessel. The liquid fill line assembly has a venturi assembly adjacent the bottom of the ullage space vessel. The venturi assembly is structured to create a low pressure zone, relative to the ullage space vessel, during a fill procedure whereby, during a fill procedure, fluid is drawn from within the ullage space vessel into the fill line assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Harsco Technologies CorporationInventors: Ivan Keith Hall, Justin Charles Gish, Karl Palframan
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Patent number: 6904759Abstract: A lubricant still for use in a compressor for separating oil from refrigerant, includes a vessel having an inlet for incoming oil laden refrigerant, an outlet for gaseous refrigerant, and an outlet for refrigerant laden oil. A separating structure is provided for separating transitioning oil laden refrigerant from the incoming oil-laden refrigerant, wherein the oil laden refrigerant progressively changes to the refrigerant laden oil closer to the outlet for refrigerant laden oil. A heating device is used for heating the incoming oil laden refrigerant and transitioning oil laden refrigerant, for facilitating the formation of the gaseous refrigerant and the refrigerant laden oil.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Stephen L. Shoulders
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Patent number: 6904760Abstract: A selectively controllable valve is arranged in a refrigeration circuit which interconnects the evaporator and the condenser and is controlled so that a pressure differential is built up across the valve. The valve is selectively opened to allow “batches” of working fluid to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the working fluid which is allowed to pass through the valve, is heated in a chamber to increase the amount of pressure on the downstream side of the valve. This produces expanded pressurized working fluid which increases the pressure in the condenser and forces previously condensed and liquefied working fluid through a flow restricting transfer device into an evaporator. Condensation of the just heated gas in the condenser subsequently reduces the pressure on the downstream side of the valve and establishes conditions suitable for the passage of a further amount of gaseous working fluid while itself becoming liquid to be forced through the flow restricting transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Crystal Investments, Inc.Inventor: Otto R. Butsch
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Patent number: 6904761Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment configured to preserve food, the compartment including a plurality of walls forming a cavity, a door coupled to the compartment configured to cover the cavity when in a closed position, and a passageway positioned on at least one of the walls and the door such that air within the cavity is in flow communication with air outside the cavity when the door is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich, Ziqiang Hu
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Patent number: 6904762Abstract: A novel pump pressure limiting method for preventing coolant in a cooling system from reaching pressures that exceed predetermined system coolant pressure limits. The method includes reducing the system coolant pressure, as needed to prevent system over-pressurization, by reducing the operational speed of a coolant pump used to pump the coolant through the system. In one embodiment, the system coolant pressure is determined directly, by measurement of the pressure of the coolant in the system typically using pressure sensors. The operational speed of the coolant pump is then reduced until the system coolant pressure decreases to within the predetermined pressure limits. In another embodiment, the system pressure is determined indirectly, by obtaining pressure-indicating data such as coolant temperature. The coolant system pressure is then correlated with the coolant temperature or other data and then the operational speed of the coolant pump is reduced accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William Schwartz, Mukesh Kumar, Gene Cox
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Patent number: 6904763Abstract: A casing 1 of an automotive air conditioner is formed with a recess 12 for accommodating a steering member S extending in a right-left direction of a vehicle. The casing 1 is divided into an instrument panel-side part Rp and a fire panel-side part Fp with the recess 12 as a boundary.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control CorporationInventors: Daisuke Araki, Hideki Nagano, Eiji Yanagida, Kazuhisa Katchi, Akitoshi Noguchi, Tsutomu Nakamigawa, Katsuichi Yamamoto, Takehide Matsumoto
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Patent number: 6904764Abstract: A service device for a refrigerator having a refrigerating chamber, the device having an electric circuit portion and a mechanical portion. The electric circuit portion is connectable to the refrigerator outside the refrigerating chamber, and the mechanical portion is at least partly insertable inside the refrigerating chamber and cooperates with the electric circuit portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.r.l.Inventor: Alberto Bassi
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Patent number: 6904765Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for dispensing ice in a refrigerator, in which an automated ice-making device and an ice bank are installed at a door of a freezing chamber to thereby make its space utilization effectively. The structure of the present invention includes: an ice-making device installed in a door of a freezing chamber; an ice bank storing pieces of ice provided from the ice-making device; an ice transfer unit for transferring the pieces of the ice stored in the ice bank in a width direction; and an ice crushing part for crushing the pieces of the ice transferred by the ice transfer unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Wook Yong Lee, Seung Hwan Oh, Eui Yeop Chung, Myung Ryul Lee
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Patent number: 6904766Abstract: A heater for an air conditioner includes plural water tubes and plural refrigerant tubes which are arranged in parallel in an air flow direction. Therefore, the heater can heat air by using at least one of the heating sources while a pressure loss in the heater can be effectively reduced. For example, in a quick-heating mode, high-temperature refrigerant from a refrigerant cycle flows into the heater to heat the blown air, and low-temperature engine-cooling water from an engine bypasses the heater. In this case, thermal leakage from the refrigerant to the engine-cooling water is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Koji Ito, Tomohide Shindo, Yoshihiko Okumura, Takahiro Tokunaga, Yoshiyuki Yamauchi
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Patent number: 6904767Abstract: An improved air conditioner system for controlling a desired temperature and a reduced humidity level in a space to be environmentally controlled, that comprises an additional second heat exchanger in the separate indoor air flow path. The refrigerant circuit includes an anti-migration control device between the compressor and the second heat exchanger. An anti-floodback control device is located upstream of the compressor between the first heat exchanger in the indoor air path and the compressor. An expansion control device is also located in the refrigerant circuit between the heat exchanger in the outdoor air flow path and the heat exchanger in the indoor air flow path. The second heat exchanger effectively becomes a hot gas re-heat de-superheater heat exchanger. The system enhances the latent capacity for providing dehumidified air of from 25–40 percent.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: John J. Sheridan & Associates, Inc.Inventor: William G. Wright
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Patent number: 6904768Abstract: An absorption-type air conditioner system using lithium bromide solution as absorbent is provided, which has a small volume and compact structure. The system includes upper vessel 26, lower vessel 27, cooling heat exchanger 10, self-induced air circulation device 11, outdoor system controller 9 and water heater 8. Upper vessel 26 includes high temperature generator 1, low temperature generator 2 and condenser 3. The lower vessel 27 includes high temperature heat exchanger 4, low temperature heat exchanger 5, evaporator 7 and absorber 6. Upper vessel 26 is connected to lower vessel 27 by refrigerant water outlet pipe 28, LTG dilute solution inlet pipe 29, LTG concentrate solution outlet pipe 30, HTG dilute solution inlet pipe 31, HTG concentrate solution outlet pipe 32, HTG steam outlet pipe 56, heating steam switch valve 55 and HTG steam inlet pipe 57. The system is an ideal central air conditioner system for large houses.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Yue Zhang
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Patent number: 6904769Abstract: In an ejector-type depressurizer, a nozzle arrangement converts pressure energy of refrigerant supplied from a radiator into velocity energy to depressurize and expand the refrigerant, and a pressurizer arrangement mixes the refrigerant discharged from the nozzle arrangement with the refrigerant drawn from an evaporator and converts the velocity energy of the refrigerant discharged from the nozzle arrangement into pressure energy to increase the pressure of the mixed refrigerant discharged from the pressurizer arrangement. The pressurizer arrangement includes a refrigerant passage that conducts the refrigerant supplied from the nozzle arrangement and the refrigerant supplied from the evaporator, and the refrigerant passage includes a refrigerant passing zone, through which the refrigerant from the nozzle arrangement and the refrigerant from the evaporator mainly pass during operation of the ejector-type depressurizer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Gota Ogata, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6904770Abstract: A multi-function condenser for an air conditioning system includes a first header, a second header, a plurality of tubes, and a conduit. The tubes extend in parallel relationship between the headers for establishing fluid communication between the first header and the second header. The second header includes a header portion and a receiver portion. A conduit extends into and out of and is surrounded by the receiver portion to define a space between the conduit and the receiver portion. Heat is transferred between hot refrigerant flowing in the receiver portion, the header portion, and cooler refrigerant flowing through the conduit as the refrigerant flows through the conduit independently of the refrigerant flowing in the space and in the header portion to increase an overall efficiency of the air conditioning system.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Paul Telesz, Edward Douglas Pettitt, Scott Edward Kent, David A. Southwick
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Patent number: 6904771Abstract: A glass forming assembly and method for forming complex shaped glass, with the glass forming assembly having a hood assembly including a hood lift superstructure movable horizontally back and forth over a cold ring and a cooling shuttle and movable vertically relative to the cold ring and the cooling shuttle, and a hood frame supported by the hood lift superstructure by a hood tilt mechanism. The hood tilt mechanism includes an air cylinder assembly actuable to tilt the hood frame relative to the hood lift superstructure, which allows for proper orientation of the glass prior to dropping it on the cooling shuttle, thus allowing for reduced glass chipping and cracking.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Moulding, Larry J. Scott, Jr., Robert Croft, Ronald Vandergrift
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Patent number: 6904772Abstract: Optical waveguide fiber having low water peak as well as optical waveguide fiber preforms and methods of making optical waveguide fiber preforms from which low water peak and/or low hydrogen aged attenuation optical waveguide fibers are formed, including optical waveguide fiber and preforms made via OVD. The fibers may be hydrogen resistant, i.e. exhibit low hydrogen aged attenuation. A low water peak, hydrogen resistant optical waveguide fiber is disclosed which exhibits an optical attenuation at a wavelength of about 1383 nm which is less than or equal to an optical attenuation exhibited at a wavelength of about 1310 nm.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: George E. Berkey, Dana C. Bookbinder, Richard M. Fiacco, Dale R. Powers
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Patent number: 6904773Abstract: A combination knitting needle and storage container is a set of knitting needles which are stored inside of one another by nesting of subsequently smaller needles within the larger needles, and intended to aid in the storage of knitting needles as well as reduce storage space. The largest needle in each set is equipped with a removable threaded cap, while the remaining needles in the set are equipped with an open ring on their top end. The ring allows for the detainment of the knitted article, yet allows smaller needles to be inserted inside of another. The use of the combination knitting needle and storage container allows users to store, transport, and keep track of their knitting needles in a manner, which is quick, easy and effective.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Mary Cushman
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Patent number: 6904774Abstract: A tongue (67) is provided, at a front end thereof, with a drop-loop preventing step (79), and the hook (11) is provided, on an outer edge portion thereof extending from a sharp-pointed tip (27) of the hook to a top (29) of the hook, with a loop escape surface (31) to hide the drop-loop preventing step (79) when the hook (11) is closed by the tongue (67). In addition, the front end of the tongue is lowered so that a height between a bottom of the needle body and a top of the drop-loop preventing step (79) is lowered more when the slider is in a knock-over position than before the slider arrives at the knock-over position and also the top of the drop-loop preventing step (79) positioned at the knocked-over position can be positioned at a lower level than the top (29) of the hook. This can allow can allow a further smooth knock-over of the loop without negative effects on the yarn feed requirements for the capture of the yarn by the needle hook.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiaki Morita
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Patent number: 6904775Abstract: The invention provides a pair of cuff locks joined by a universal joint and linkage system which provides for 360 relative rotation between the cuffs as well as allow the cuffs to be folded together into a compact position. The invention further provides for a push button cylinder lock which includes a rotatable plug and a fixed plug each having a plurality of aligned bores for receiving one or more tumbler pins. The push button cylinder lock further includes a non-rotatable push button shaft which is sildably mounted within the housing. One or more retaining pins engage locking indents of the push button shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Master Lock CompanyInventors: Timothy Makos, Joseph Elliott, Kenneth N. Grandy, Sr., Victor Yip
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Patent number: 6904776Abstract: Disclosed is a combination lock wherein responsive to unlocking the lock, use a tool to press the push button to advance a push button and a locking pin inside until a passage is clear from a ledge, insert a pointed portion of the tool into an indentation on a push button, rotate the push button to engage a projection with a tooth, further press the push button to advance a locking pin inside and matingly engage the push button with the locking pin, and rotate the push button and the locking pin until the ledge inserts into the passage with a spring biased pin being entered into an aperture of a sliding seat for locking during an operation of inhibiting the lock from being opened by a key.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Chu Pao-feng Lin
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Patent number: 6904777Abstract: A steering column ignition lock for a motorcycle comprises a lock housing, a closing cylinder, which can be rotated in the lock housing, and closing pins which can be moved in the closing cylinder and can be activated with a key, so that the closing cylinder can be rotated optionally relative to the lock housing or is blocked against rotation. To enable a remote control of the steering column ignition lock, a sleeve is installed rotatably within the lock housing, and the closing cylinder is inserted rotatably within the sleeve. The closing pins can be made to engage with said sleeve so as to block rotation of the cylinder relative to the sleeve. A locking bolt that can be slid in the lock housing can be made to engage with a slotted opening of the sleeve, preventing its rotation relative to the lock housing. The locking bolt has an electromagnet, which can be activated with a remote controller to cause it to disengage with the slotted opening of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ralf Kehr
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Patent number: 6904778Abstract: A combination lock configured to resist surreptitious compromise by radiographic imaging and automatic dialers. In one aspect, the combination lock may include gate wheels having one true gate positioned among a plurality of false gates in which the true gate is configured for disguising its angular position among the false gates. Additional resistance against radiation imaging is provided by the rotational symmetry of the features of the gate wheels. The combination lock may include a combination scrambler that rotates a gate wheel when an incorrect combination is dialed for defeating the operation of automatic dialers. The combination lock may also include a combination change key and the gate wheels may be configured to be selectively disengaged from the combination dial by the combination change key so that the lock combination may be modified.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Lockmasters, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Jasper
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Patent number: 6904779Abstract: A method of forming a finned tube in which the fins are planar, paralleled and extend radially to the tube longitudinal axis, including the steps of positioning at least one rotating forming roll against the tube exterior surface, the forming roll being spaced from the tube and rotatable about an axis that is parallel to said tube longitudinal axis, the forming roll having on the surface thereof an elongated helically arranged fin forming protrusion, the helical protrusion having a pitch of “x” and linearly advancing the tube past the forming tool a distance of “x” for each revolution of the forming roll.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Thomas E. Hickok
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Patent number: 6904780Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: United States SeamlessInventors: Michael J. Bullinger, Russell L. Cooper
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Patent number: 6904781Abstract: Disassemblable rolling mill stand, of the type involving a bedplate structure with a substantially “U”-shaped embedding structure (1), within which the rolling mill assembly is embedded and fixed (2), with at least one couple of horizontal rolling cylinders (210–310), by fixing means (202-10/12), of said substantially “U”-shaped embedding structure, which extends upwards at least up to the upper horizontal cylinder axis of said couple of horizontal rolling cylinders (210–310) and makes up vertical sliding jointed guide elements (11–110) with corresponding opposite vertical counter-guides (201) in the rolling mill assembly (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: S.I.M.A.C. SpAInventor: Lorenzo Narduzzi
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Patent number: 6904782Abstract: A body having a thin region in substantially a half lower portion and a head joined to the body by a neck. When the element is blanked out of a metal sheet, an excess amount of metal produced by pressing the substantially half lower portion of the body flows from the body into the metal sheet positioned on an opposite side of the neck and a metal flow is produced into laterally spaced ends of the neck. The head has relatively thick laterally spaced ends and the head neck and the body have respective thicknesses equal to or smaller than the thickness of the head. The laterally spaced side end regions of the body have a thickness smaller than a thickness of the lower region of the neck in the substantially half upper portion of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuo Suzuki
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Patent number: 6904783Abstract: A system and method for detecting a stuck or malfunctioning fuel tank level sensor calculates an estimated fuel tank level sensor value and compares the estimated sensor value with the actual sensor value. Upper and lower threshold values may also be determined along with the estimated value. If the actual sensor value falls outside the threshold values, the sensor is considered faulty and an error signal is set in the system. The system also compares the actual sensor value with a reference sensor value to detect whether the fault is due to a stuck sensor or due to a different type of sensor malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: David Elenich, Dominique Salafia
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Patent number: 6904784Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient, the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from the first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn from the second reservoir into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby the controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Teledyne Isco, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Allington, Dale A. Davison, Scott L. Blakley
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Patent number: 6904785Abstract: A method for the analysis by on-line gas phase chromatography of a gaseous phase produced by an olefin polymerization process which includes carrying out a chromatographic analysis of a gaseous phase produced by an olefin polymerization process with carrier gases containing mainly hydrogen and/or nitrogen, wherein the content of oxygen and of water of the hydrogen and the nitrogen in the carrier gases is less than 5 ppm by weight.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: B.P. Chemicals LimitedInventors: Eric Cassisa, Marc Herzog, Christophe Ordan, Myung J. Shin
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Patent number: 6904786Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a cantilever, connected to a measurement circuit. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the liquid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Leonid Matsiev, James Bennett, Eric McFarland
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Patent number: 6904787Abstract: Particulate collector is carried onto airplane and collects suspended particulate matter in the atmospheric air in such a manner that suspended particulate matter is electrically charged by single-pole ions generated by a discharge electrode and the thus electrically charged particulates are attracted to a collecting electrode having an electric potential difference with respect to the discharge electrode so that the particulates are collected by the collecting electrode. The particulate collector is conveyed to an arbitrary altitude and driven so as to collect suspended particulate matter contained in the atmospheric air at the arbitrary altitude. Particulate collector is recovered onto the ground so as to make various measurements or the thus collected particulate collector is subjected to various measurements on airplane.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Shinichiro Totoki
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Patent number: 6904788Abstract: A sensor component that may be used in conjunction with a filter module may include a plurality of sensor packages. The latter, in turn, may incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. A single sensor component may be adapted to measure the pressure, temperature, flow rate, differential pressure, conductivity, viscosity, pH level, etc. of the fluid at an upstream and a downstream location. Sensor measurements may be obtained continuously in order to monitor and indicate fluid conditions, including the use of a warning mechanism to indicate an out-of-range condition when the measurements fall outside of pre-set limits. Depending on the application and the fluid being filtered, data, including measurement data, may be transmitted through electrical connections or wirelessly. In wireless configurations, a sleep-mode may be included to maximize the life of local power supplies.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Sandford, Fermin A. Sandoval Diaz
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Patent number: 6904789Abstract: A sensor to detect the presence of water or moisture in bulk materials includes a standard circuit board and a three element transmission line. The sensor electronics include an oscillator responsive to a direct current voltage supply which provides a square wave voltage signal. The sensor electronics further include a phase detector which detects the difference in phase between the reference square wave voltage signal and a signal provided to the transmission line buried in a medium. The phase difference is proportional to the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Decagon Devices, Inc.Inventors: Gaylon S. Campbell, Warren C. Greenway
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Patent number: 6904790Abstract: A system and method for characterizing and measuring hydrodynamic grooves made by ECM processes is disclosed. The method includes a procedure for alignment of the work piece to the measurement apparatus as well as a technique for accurately reliably measuring the erosion pattern quickly. Additionally, the invention provides a system for characterizing and measuring the erosion of these grooves.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Mysore Venkatachalan Ananda, Steve G. Gonzalez, Christopher Rowe Hakes
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Patent number: 6904791Abstract: A scanning probe microscope simply and accurately confirms whether or not a sample shape satisfies specified conditions. A pseudo reference image Sref1 comprises a pair of reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2 arranged apart from each other in parallel. An operator moves and rotates the position of the pseudo reference image Sref1 on a screen so that a sample shape line profile fits between the reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2 of the pseudo reference image Sref1. If it is possible to fit the line profile of the sample shape between the reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2, it is determined that the sample shape is in spec, while if it is not possible to fit the line profile of the sample shape between the reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2, no matter how the pseudo reference image Sref1 is moved and rotated, it is determined that the sample shape is out of spec.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Honma
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Patent number: 6904792Abstract: A vehicle ECU performs abnormality diagnoses including a deterioration diagnosis for a catalyst, a leakage diagnosis for an evaporative gas purge system, an abnormality diagnosis for an EGR system, and an abnormality diagnosis for a secondary air introducing system. During abnormality diagnoses, the ECU calculates the performance frequency for each diagnosis. When the performance frequency has reached the required level, the ECU performs the abnormality diagnosis under the normal abnormality diagnosing condition (performance condition, diagnosing method, and judging condition) in order to not adversely affect exhaust emissions, vehicle drivability, etc. If the performance frequency has not reached the required level, the ECU performs the abnormality diagnosis by changing the abnormality diagnosing condition to emphasize an increase of the performance frequency of the abnormality diagnosis, thereby increasing the performance frequency of the abnormality diagnosis.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Keiji Wakahara
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Patent number: 6904793Abstract: An air flow meter which can decrease the error due to the backflow. Throttle valve 17 which opens and shuts the air intake passage is installed in the air intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The first sensor part 161 is installed in the air intake passage in the upstream of throttle valve 17. Further, the second sensor part 141 is installed in the air intake passage in the downstream of throttle valve 17. Pulsation compensating means 671 corrects the pulsation of the air flow rate signal detected by the first sensor part by using the output signals of the first and the second sensor parts 161, 141 based on each cylinder of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Kanke, Kohei Sakurai, Masatoshi Hoshino, Nobuyasu Kanekawa
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Patent number: 6904794Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the wheel loading of a motor vehicle wheel, with an attached air spring, with the aid of which the vehicle chassis is suspended relative to the motor vehicle wheel, including the following steps: a stationary wheel loading is calculated from the product of the effective cross-sectional area of the air spring and the pressure therein; a dynamic wheel loading is calculated from the product of the spring stiffness of the air spring and the deflection from the rest position thereof; the wheel loading is determined by adding the stationary and dynamic wheel loadings.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alexander Stiller
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Patent number: 6904795Abstract: A tire monitoring assembly is advantageously employed with a wheel and tire assembly having a wheel rim, with the wheel rim including a mounting hole having an anti-rotation feature. The tire monitoring assembly may include a mounting stud having a head and a shank extending from the head, with the head including a flange portion and an anti-rotation portion adapted to operatively engage the anti-rotation feature of the wheel rim, and with the shank including a threaded end spaced from the head. A grommet may be made of an elastomeric material and have an inner sealing portion, an outer sealing portion, spaced from the inner sealing portion, and a main body extending between the inner sealing portion and the outer sealing portion and adapted to be located in the mounting hole, with the outer sealing portion enclosing the flange portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Michael A. Uleski
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Patent number: 6904796Abstract: A tire positioning tool is provided that can be utilized to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers. The tire positioning tools are capable of activating RTMS tire sensors using one of a plurality of methods. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are cable of receiving signals from RTMS tire sensors using a plurality of different frequencies. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are also capable of transmitting data to a RTMS receiving unit and/or receiving data from a RTMS receiving unit using a plurality of signal frequencies. Using the provided tire positioning tool, a technician tasked to install a new tire or to rotate tires can utilize a single tool to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: G-5 Electronics, LLCInventors: Ernest Pacsai, Thomas Kenny, Carl Szasz, Robert Gilling
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Patent number: 6904797Abstract: A system and method for profiling and modifying fluid flow through a wellbore. The system comprises a logging system, a downhole unit, and a deployment system. The logging system comprises a logging tool. The downhole unit is operable to house the logging tool. In addition, the downhole unit is operable to selectively secure a retrievable fluid barrier within a wellbore casing. The deployment system is operable to deploy the downhole unit in the wellbore casing. The method comprises deploying the downhole unit into the wellbore and securing the retrievable fluid barrier below a first group of perforations. The method also comprises operating the logging tool to detect a wellbore fluid parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Peter J. Schrenkel, Terry E. Hix, Arthur M. Bedgood, Christopher Patrick Brown, Albert G. Ollre, IV
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Patent number: 6904798Abstract: A marine sensor device mounts in a single opening in a hull of a marine vessel. The sensor includes a housing secured in the opening. Positioned within the housing is a body containing at least two sensors. The body is removable from the housing. A magnetized paddlewheel can be disposed in a first cavity formed on a first half of the body, the paddlewheel has a plurality of paddles extending from a circular central hub and rotatably mounted on an axle extending transverse a fore and aft direction of travel of the vessel. A magnetic sensor can be located adjacent the paddles, the magnetic sensor senses the rotation of the paddles and provides speed indications. The magnetic sensor can be a Hall-effect device. A sonic transducer for depth detection can be disposed within a second cavity formed on a second half of the body. A thermal sensor for sensing water temperature can be disposed in a well formed in the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Airmar Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen G. Boucher, Robert M. Cullen, Jun Lan
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Patent number: 6904799Abstract: A system for measuring the velocity of a fluid can comprise a temperature sensor, for measuring the ambient temperature of the fluid, an RTD placed in the flow path of a fluid, the RTD being included as part of a Wheatstone bridge circuit, a digital potentiometer, the digital potentiometer also being included as part of a Wheatstone bridge circuit, and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor, the RTD and the digital potentiometer. In the system, the controller adjusts the digital potentiometer in response to an ambient fluid temperature signal from the temperature sensor such that the temperature of the RTD remains at a constant differential temperature above the ambient fluid temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Polar Controls, Inc.Inventors: Adam J. Cohen, Josh E. Tang, Thomas R. Thibodeau
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Patent number: 6904800Abstract: A low-water cut-off system [A] determines if fluid [W] within a boiler [16] or other enclosure drops below a predetermined level within the enclosure. A signal generator introduces a signal into the enclosure so that the signal is present for sensing at the predetermined level, where a probe [14] is provided for sensing the signal if present as occurs if the water is at the predetermined level. A control [18], which includes a microcontroller [25], is responsive to the probe for providing a control function in response to whether the signal is so sensed by the probe, and so to determine if water has dropped below the predetermined level. The function may be causing alarm signalling or boiler heating cut-off. Self-test and time delay features are also included. Provision is made so that the control compensates for variation in electrical conductivity of the water through which the probe signal is sent.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Potter Electric Signal CompanyInventor: Jeffrey Merwin
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Patent number: 6904801Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing the ability of an individual to lift objects under various conditions. During standard lifting tests, the average acceleration and velocity of each lift, as well as the distribution of force between the hands and feet of the patient, are electronically measured and recorded. These objective factors can then be used to determine whether the patient is exerting maximal effort, and to assess a patient's condition and progress during a rehabilitation program.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventors: Tony Bridges, Steven F. Windham