Patents Issued in December 6, 2005
  • Patent number: 6971193
    Abstract: A shock absorbing bladder for use in the sole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder includes a plurality of inflated chambers at different pressure levels. The bladder includes a first sealed chamber formed of a barrier material. The first chamber contains a fluid at a first fluid pressure. A second sealed chamber also forms part of the bladder. The second chamber is formed of a second barrier material and contains an inflation fluid at a second fluid pressure that is greater than said first fluid pressure. The second chamber is operatively coupled to the first chamber so that the inflation fluid from the second chamber moves into the first chamber to replenish fluid leaving the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Potter, David B. Herridge
  • Patent number: 6971194
    Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Katrina L. McClelland, Curtis R. Lyons, Larry A. Johnson, Dennis J. Heyne
  • Patent number: 6971195
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit of a excavating-and-slewing working vehicle, comprising: actuators for a boom, a bucket, slewing and an arm; directional control valves for the respective actuators; a pair of first and second hydraulic pumps for supplying pressure oil to the actuators through the respective directional control valves; a delivery oil passage of the first hydraulic pump tandem-connecting the boom directional control valve for boom to the bucket directional control valve for bucket on the downstream side of the boom directional control valve; a delivery oil passage of the second hydraulic pump tandem-connecting the slewing directional control valve for slewing to the arm directional control valve for arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Kondou
  • Patent number: 6971196
    Abstract: A message sign includes a panel having a plurality of ribs each defining an interior channel. The plurality of ribs are preferably spaced apart in parallel relationship. At least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the ribs. In one preferred embodiment, the message sign includes a first and second panel, each preferably including a base web, wherein the ribs of the first and second panels extend outwardly from the base web of the respective panels. The base webs of the first and second panels are abutted with the ribs thereof extending outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. The first and second panels are oriented such that at least some of the channels of the first panel cross at least some of the channels of the second panel and form a plurality of junctures of crossing channels. Preferably, at least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the plurality of ribs at one of the junctures. A method of manufacturing a message sign is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: National Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fernandez, Carl L. Erwin
  • Patent number: 6971197
    Abstract: A mounting structure including at least one display board including a first mounting interface and a second mounting interface, a first pivotal interface including a first projection forming a retaining slot adapted to engage the first mounting interface of the display board wherein the first projection is a hook and the second pivotal interface adapted to engage the second mounting interface of the display board so that the display board is adapted to be removably pivotally coupled to the mounting structure at both the first pivotal interface and the second pivotal interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Anthony Seiber, Robert Peter Arko, Otto Daniel DeRuntz, William Charles Stewart, Steven Ryutaro Takayama, Frank Friedman, Kristine Rene Chan-Lizardo
  • Patent number: 6971198
    Abstract: A post cover with advertising for use with a substantially semi-circular guard post of the type commonly found surrounding fuel pumps at gasoline stations. The post cover has a substantially semi-circular shape with an interior cavity dimensioned to receive a generally semi-circular guard post in slip fit engagement. The cover is generally molded of a resilient, durable, low maintenance and exposure resistant structural plastic that can be treated during the molding process with coloring agents and chemical additives to enhance its esthetic and resiliency character respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6971199
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a sign board is disclosed. The structure includes: a post clamp having a pair of arched clamping bands which are hingedly coupled and joined to each other by a fastening element, at least one clamping band having a pillar; a hanger having a socket pipe joined to the pillar of the post clamp, a support bar inserted into the socket pipe and joined by a fastening element, the support bar having an axial coupling groove; at least one connector having a first coupling plate with a coupling bulge adapted to be fitted into the coupling groove of the support bar and with a first arched hinge holder, and a second coupling plate coupled to the first coupling plate having a second arched hinge holder; and a sign board having a coupling bulge and a guide slot through which the hinge holders of the connector pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hanyang Frame Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6971200
    Abstract: A printable form is disclosed having a first layer including a detachable portion in the form of a wristband with an incorporated electronic identifier. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive and has labels die cut into it. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Chicago Tag & Label
    Inventor: F. Paul Valenti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6971201
    Abstract: A label holder includes a front panel, a back panel connected to the front panel with a common bottom edge, the front panel and the back panel forming a cavity. The back panel is constructed to have a resilient rearward curvature that flexes to flatten against the shelf. The label holder further includes a retainer structure extending rearwardly from the back panel. The retainer structure includes a spring clip configured to resiliently clamp the label holder to the shelf. When mounted to the shelf, the shelf in combination with the retainer structure causes the flexure of the resilient rearward curvature to provide secure attachment of the label holder to the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brinkman, Craig Zadak, Kirk Lewis
  • Patent number: 6971202
    Abstract: A gas operated action for auto-loading guns may comprise a receiver, a biasing spring, a bolt-carrier reciprocable within the receiver, a bolt having a cam pin, and an action rod fixedly attached to the receiver. The cam pin may engage the action rod during recoil travel of the bolt and bolt-carrier, thereby preventing rotation of the bolt when the cam pin is engaged with the action rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Terrence Bender
  • Patent number: 6971203
    Abstract: The spring loaded fishing rod is a fresh or salt water fishing rod that allows a fisherman to cast without using any swinging force of the arm. This allows the angler more accurate casting as well as aiding him when casting from beneath trees or in dense underbrush. The first version of the present invention is basically a spring loaded fishing rod wherein the top portion of the rod slides into the lower portion of the rod, compressing a spring which propels the lure in the desired direction when the tension is released. The second version of the present invention can be added on to an existing rod and features a spring loaded cartridge with two eye hooks which is suspended from the last two eyes on the existing rod. The end eye slides along the cartridge to compress the enclosed spring. In the third version of the present invention, the spring is loaded in the distal portion of the rod, and the end eye slides through the tube to compress the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Darryl F. Foor, L. Suzanne Foor
  • Patent number: 6971204
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a detachable bracket suitable for horizontally supporting a potted plant from a vertical baluster of the type found on outdoor decks and stairways. The potted plant is supported by a cantilever arm which connects to four mutually perpendicular arms which engage all four faces of the baluster. The five arms of the bracket define three planes, and the angles between these planes enable the horizontal orientation of the mounted bracket and secure engagement of the bracket's locking arm with the side of the baluster. The bracket is mounted by orienting the locking arm vertically such that the bracket affords an aperture just wide enough to accommodate the baluster. The front of the bracket is then lowered into a horizontal position in which it can support a potted plant in an upright position. The bracket can be detached from the baluster by reversing this procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: James Gibney
  • Patent number: 6971205
    Abstract: A plant container has a semi-spherical opened top cup-shaped receptacle permanently attached to a vertical back panel. The cup and back panel form a pocket for retaining soil for a plant. The back panel has at least one opening for receiving a mounting element, such as a suction cup, for removably mounting the container to a vertical supporting surface, as for example, a window pane. The back panel also defines a reservoir for water and openings in communication with the receptacle for watering a plant received in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Keith E. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 6971206
    Abstract: An opening movement control device of a sliding door on a vehicle body. The sliding door having an outer panel connected to an inner panel to define a space therebetween, with a window glass slidably supported between the panels. A link mechanism disposed in the space includes a drive link coupled to the glass to cause reciprocal motion thereof. A drive shaft is rotatably supported by a module base, with one end passing through the module base, and another end fixed to the drive link. A cam member is fixed on the one end of the drive shaft, and a cam follower is movably supported by the inner panel and contacting the cam member. A stopper coupled to the cam follower contacts the vehicle body only when the glass moves down to prevent movement of the door when the window glass is down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoichi Fukumoto, Katsuhisa Yamada, Masayuki Uchitsunemi, Kenji Kobashi, Shinji Okada, Katsuaki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6971207
    Abstract: A wall construction with increased resistance to overpressure, such as over-pressure as a consequence of explosions, comprises an essentially flat panel with a wall panel that is welded to adjoining structural components. The adjoining structural components are provided with at least one stop element having a supporting face facing the wall panel, which supporting face can be brought into interaction with the wall panel on deformation of the wall panel under the influence of an overpressure on that side thereof that faces away from the stop element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Andre Schilt
  • Patent number: 6971208
    Abstract: An isolation cell for transporting inmates, and a method of loading and unloading the inmates from the cell. The isolation cell features a number of separate compartments for holding inmates. Once in the compartments, the inmates are isolated to be out of contact with the other inmates within the cell. A number of interior walls are positioned throughout the cell to form the separate compartments. One or more of the interior walls are movable between first and second positions. In the first positions, the interior walls are moved in a manner for the inmates to be loaded and unloaded from the compartments. In the second positions, the interior walls are locked to complete the compartments and securely isolate the inmates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Bob Barker Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd D. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6971209
    Abstract: A stabilization system, including a drive head, stabilization cap and anchor is provided for boring an anchor into the ground and engaging the stabilization cap with the surface of the ground. The drive head engages the head of the anchor and the stabilization cap. Accordingly, rotation of the drive head results in rotation of the anchor and stabilization cap. It is by rotation that the anchor bores into the ground, the shaft of the anchor is placed at the center of the stabilization cap, and the stabilization cap engages the surface of the ground. After setting the anchor, the stabilization cap opposes lateral movement of the upper end of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Home Pride, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bradford Blevins
  • Patent number: 6971210
    Abstract: A grid system for torsion spring mounting of aluminum-framed panels is provided which includes a plurality of main grid beams and spacer bars. The main grid beams support a side load mounting clip formed with a slot in the side of the side load mounting clip to engage a torsion spring held by a spring retainer clip such that the panel is supported by the torsion spring. Disengagement of the torsion springs lowers the panels and permits access to the ceiling grid system above the panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the panel has a multifaceted profile including an edge surface that abuts a corresponding edge surface on an adjacent panel. The peripheral edges of the adjacent panel members diverge above the abutting edge surfaces to accommodate either the alignment fin or the tab of the tile stop and diverge below the abutting edge surfaces to form a reveal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Kliegle, Harry A. Alter
  • Patent number: 6971211
    Abstract: The present invention is a component such as a siding panel that may be comprised of various formulations of cellulosic/polymer composite materials. One embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that is comprised of a cellulosic/PVC composite material. This composite material may include at least one cellulosic filler in the amount of about 30% to about 60% by weight and a PVC material in the amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight. The PVC material may include about 1 to about 10 parts stabilizer(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, about 2 to about 12 parts lubricant(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, and about 0.5 to about 8 parts process aid(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin. Another embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that may be comprised of a cellulosic/polypropylene composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company LLC
    Inventor: Burch E. Zehner
  • Patent number: 6971212
    Abstract: A brace arm for connection to a crossarm of a utility pole. The brace arm includes an elongated wooden strut having a pole bracket at one end and a crossarm bracket at the other end thereof. Each of the brackets are injection molded of plastic or other polymeric material to the end of the strut. The injection molding of the brackets to the ends of the strut causes the brackets to be firmly fixed to the strut. Each end of the strut includes a passage therethrough for receipt of mold material during the injection molding process, and each bracket includes a finger of material which extends into the passage in each end of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignees: Cox Industries, Inc., Whitman Mold, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Michael Johnson, Timothy J. Whitman, Greg B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6971213
    Abstract: A method for the rejection of single defective items, in particular strip packages, during transferring from a packaging line to a conveying line, includes a preliminary check of the integrity of each product present on the packaging line and the subsequent removable gripping of each tested product by transfer device. The transfer device moves the products away from the packaging line and release the defective-tested products at a first collection section or at a second collection section, while each integral-tested product is released onto the conveying line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Packservice, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Battisti
  • Patent number: 6971214
    Abstract: A work cell has an inbound portion and an outbound portion. The inbound and outbound portions are angled relative to each other, at approximately 135°. The inbound portion is comprised of an inbound cradle to facilitate the loading of items within containers. The outbound portion has a processing region comprised of a fastening device to secure the containers in a closed condition. The fastening device has at least one alignment device to facilitate the alignment of the containers with the fastening device. The fastening and alignment devices may be positioned to accommodate containers of different sizes. The outbound portion also has a labeling region with an outbound cradle to facilitate the application of labels to an exterior of the containers. The work cell is equipped with numerous ergonomic devices facilitating the storage and placement of items useful in the operation of the work cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hollingsworth Logistics Group
    Inventor: David W. Ringel
  • Patent number: 6971215
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting packaged material into packaging means is described. In the region of an insertion device and a preinsertion device, a packaged-material conveyor device and a packaging-means conveyor device are provided. The insertion device has at least one insertion tappet, and the preinsertion device has a covering tongue corresponding to the insertion tappet. The insertion tappets and covering tongue can be guided essentially transversely to a direction of motion of the conveyor devices, which motions can each be generated by means of a respective servomotor drive mechanism, coupled to the insertion tappet and to the covering tongue. The insertion device and the preinsertion device are adjustable in oscillating fashion parallel to the direction of motion of the conveyor devices via a further servomotor drive mechanism coupled to them, and the drive mechanisms are triggerable separately via a drive control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Wieduwilt, Guenther Lade, Eberhard Krieger, Ruediger Grabowski
  • Patent number: 6971216
    Abstract: In a device for singling out items coming from a feeder, with the feeder comprising an outlet channel for conveying the items an end section, compacting air jets are placed along the outlet channel for gathering the items one behind the other according to a continuous row, at the end section. The device is equipped with and abutment and catching comb for singling out a series of single and successive leading items of the row of items at the end section, and a driving belt moves the abutment and catching comb according to a direction of extraction at the end section, for abutting and catching a series of single and successive leading items and for transferring and placing the series of singled out items at a handling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 6971217
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wrapping machine for printed products that includes determining the size of an incoming gap in a printed product stream and controlling a speed of the wrapping machine as a function of the size of the incoming gap. The controlling step includes intentionally leaving, in the printed product stream in the wrapper machine, at least a single product gap corresponding to the incoming gap so as to create at least one empty bag. A newspaper finishing machine and controller are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Philipp Luxem, Richard Craig Meyer
  • Patent number: 6971218
    Abstract: Apparatus for banding a bundle of articles covered by a wrapping, such as tableware wrapped by a napkin, a manually wrapped bundle having at least one of said articles covered by said wrapping and being fed by a user of the apparatus into contact with a pre-cut elongated band having a cohesive material coated on at least certain surfaces of the band. The apparatus cuts the band to a desired length and positions the pre-cut band in surmounting relation to a pair of counter-rotating rollers, the rollers biasing the band about the bundle as the bundle passes between the rollers. On passage of the bundle between the rollers, cohesive material-coated ends of the band are brought together to adhere said ends together and to tightly band the wrapped articles together in essentially a single operational step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Clayton Huckaba, Bruce Gross
  • Patent number: 6971219
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage comprising of a filling machine, a bottle closing station and a labeling station configured and disposed to label filled bottles. The labeling station comprises a label storage magazine configured to hold a plurality of single-sheet labels in a stacked condition, pie-shaped grippers, that extract labels from the storage magazine and directly apply them on the bottles. The grippers are heated prior to applying the labels to the bottles to assist in securing the labels and then the grippers are cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Klaus Krämer, Heinz-Michael Zwilling, Thomas Stienen
  • Patent number: 6971220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for wrapping a round bale pressed in a round bale press at least about its cylindrical surface area with an at least unilaterally adhesive film (12). With the inventive method, the film (12) is pulled off by means of a pulling-off device (6, 7) from a film roll (11) in its entire width. During a predetermined space o time of said pulling-off operation, a film rope (13) is formed from the film (12). Said film rope (13) is introduced into the gap between the round bales (3) to be wrapped and a device forming the circumferential press chamber wall (2). By setting the round bale (3) into rotation, the film rope (13) present in the gap is carried along. The round bale (3) is so long rotated until the desired number of film layers has formed on the surface area of the round bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: RPP America, LLC
    Inventor: Erwin Rampp
  • Patent number: 6971221
    Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus employ web material having cohesive on facing surfaces of two web portions between which an item is packaged. The cohesive adheres to itself by application of pressure alone, without heat, but tends not to adhere to other surfaces. The web portions are sealed together about the item by seal devices that apply pressure without heat to the web portions. The web portions and item can be passed through a resilient nip formed by two rolls, at least one of which has resiliently compliant roll portion(s) for pressing the web portions closely about the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Anthony O. Davlin, Eric A. Kane, Jesse S. Drake
  • Patent number: 6971222
    Abstract: A device for packing flat articles in transport containers includes a feeder for feeding the flat articles in imbricated form. A conveyor disposed downstream of the feeder, in transport direction of the articles, has an at least approximately vertically extending end for discharging the articles into the transport containers at a filling location. Electrically operated controllable servomotors serve as drives for the conveyor. Equipment is provided for further conveying the transport containers at the filling location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Klapp, Wolfgang Diehr, Klaus Steves
  • Patent number: 6971223
    Abstract: A wheeled vegetation trimmer with an adjustable height cutting element includes an adjuster member having a locking plate for positioning the adjuster assembly along a length of the shaft by selectively engaging the locking plate with a desired slot on a spindle and a partial ball-shaped and freely spinning ground contacting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Scott, Doug Johnson, Deborah Faircloth, Ben Knight
  • Patent number: 6971224
    Abstract: A lawn mower that includes a cutting blade rotatable about a blade axis to produce clippings and a mower deck including a side opening positioned to allow for the discharge of the clippings. A discharge chute is coupled to the mower deck adjacent the side opening. The discharge chute includes a first plate that at least partially defines the front of the discharge chute and a second plate that at least partially defines the rear of the discharge chute. The second plate is spaced apart from and arranged at a first angle relative to the first plate. A top plate is coupled to and arranged at a second angle relative to the front plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the top plate, are movable to move the discharge chute between a first position and a second position such that the first angle and the second angle remain substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventor: Frank Hancock
  • Patent number: 6971225
    Abstract: A control arrangement is configured to remotely control operation of a windrow merger pulled by a tow vehicle. The windrow merger includes a plurality of functional systems or assemblies configured to selectively collect and discharge crop material, and that can be adjusted to alter the operating characteristics or parameters of the windrow merger. The control arrangement includes a controller, a housing, and a harness configured to communicate control signals from the controller to the number of functional assemblies. The control arrangement further includes a manifold assembly configured to the control signals from the controller to respective control valves operable to control operation of the number of functional assemblies. Thereby, the controller allows the operator to regulate operation and activation of each of the number of functional assemblies from the operator's cab of the tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Gehl Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Kempf, Damion D. Babler, George B. Cicci
  • Patent number: 6971226
    Abstract: In the case of a procedure for preparing a piecing process in an open-end rotor spinning aggregate it is provided that a thread end, which is to be pieced in a fiber ring located in a spinning rotor, is first cross-cut, thinned-out and moistened. The dampening takes place subsequent to the thread being thinned-out, in that the thread end slides over a wetting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Spindelfabrik Suessen Schurr Stahlecker & Grill GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Boehnke
  • Patent number: 6971227
    Abstract: A combustion air delivery system comprising a compressor operable to provide a stream of compressed air and a bypass duct positioned to divide the stream of compressed air into a bypass flow stream and a primary flow stream. A recuperator is operable to preheat the primary flow to produce a flow of preheated compressed air. A premix chamber receives the bypass flow stream and mixes the bypass flow stream with a flow of fuel to produce a fuel-air flow. A can member at least partially defines a primary zone that receives the fuel-air flow and includes an aperture sized to admit a predetermined portion of the flow of preheated compressed air. The fuel-air flow and predetermined portion of the flow of preheated compressed air mix in the primary zone to produce a combustible flow. An igniter is operable to ignite the combustible flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ingersoll Rand Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Dolak, Jeffrey Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6971228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion device comprising a gas ejection nozzle and an injection chamber for injecting at least one propellant fluid. According to the invention, the device has an induction loop which surrounds a zone of the nozzle and also an electricity generator to feed said induction loop, in particular under drive from a heat engine whose heat source is a nuclear core and whose heat sink is a cryogenic liquid which is subsequently used for propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Agency Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventor: Christian François Michel Dujarric
  • Patent number: 6971229
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle includes a nacelle having an inlet and main outlet at opposite ends, and a main duct extending therebetween. A secondary bypass duct extends radially through the nacelle upstream of the main outlet and includes an unobstructed secondary inlet joined to the main duct, and a secondary outlet surrounding the main outlet for collectively discharging exhaust flow in confluent streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: The NORDAM Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Patent number: 6971230
    Abstract: A process is proposed for exhaust gas aftertreatment by afterinjection of fuel in a diesel internal combustion engine with a precatalyst and a particulate filter, in which process the afterinjection NE is performed as a function of the temperature in the area of the precatalyst Tcat and of the state of charging of the particulate filter. Since this process operates with especially high efficiency in heretofore critical short-distance operation of diesel internal combustion engines, the strict requirements of future legislation relating to exhaust gas emissions can immediately be met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Kurt Bluhm, Henning Loerch
  • Patent number: 6971231
    Abstract: A piston assembly for a magneto-rheological fluid damper is provided that exhibits good sealing properties at elevated temperatures. The piston assembly comprises a piston rod having an axial bore therethrough, a piston core coupled to a distal end of the piston rod for movement thererwith, an electrical terminal located on the piston core, a conductor, a sealing member and a support member. The conductor is coupled to the terminal to form an electrical connection and passes through the bore in the piston rod. The sealing member is adjacent to the distal end of the piston rod for preventing the penetration of fluid into the bore. The support member is located and sized to block an opening into the bore to prevent the sealing member from being forced through the opening when the piston assembly is subjected to pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Piotr A. Kos, Mike W. Hurtt
  • Patent number: 6971232
    Abstract: A control valve assembly (43) for use in a system in which a pump-motor unit (35) can either receive drive torque from a drive-line (17) or transmit torque thereto. The system includes a high pressure accumulator (41) and the control valve assembly is disposed between the pump-motor unit and the accumulator, and includes a mode valve (45) normally biased closed by pressure in a control cavity (89), the fluid pressure in which is controlled by a pilot valve assembly (49) in response to an electrical signal (133). A step-orifice valve (47) associated with the mode valve poppet member (79) provides a relatively larger orifice (115) into the control cavity (89) when pressure therein is high, and a relatively smaller orifice (119) into the control cavity when pressure therein is low, i.e., when the pilot valve assembly (49) is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney V. Singh
  • Patent number: 6971233
    Abstract: An end cap adaptable for use with either a dual hydraulic pump unit having two pumps in a side-by-side arrangement or a pair of separate hydraulic pumps having separate housings. The internal structure of the end cap is arranged in such a manner to permit the separation of the single end cap into two separate end caps. An adapter plate may also be used to attach separate end caps to a single pump housing for use as a dual pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 6971234
    Abstract: A pair of zero-turn, hydrostatic transaxles (HZTs) that may be joined to form an integrated, zero-turn, hydrostatic transaxle. Each of the hydrostatic transaxles are further comprised of a casing carrying a hydraulic pump driven by an input shaft, a hydraulic motor driven by a the hydraulic pump through porting contained within a center section, and an axle shaft driven by the hydraulic motor. The hydrostatic transaxles are joined along an interface extending generally perpendicularly to the axle shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Eric S. Phanco, Kenneth J. Rawski, Patricia J. Given, William H. Ward, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 6971235
    Abstract: An evaporative burner that includes an igniter assembly, a swirler, an evaporation chamber, and a reverse throat. The reverse throat has raised ends that protrude into the evaporation chamber. The reverse throat in combination with the evaporation chamber and the swirler, facilitate the recirculation of air in the evaporation chamber such that a flame is stabilized near the evaporation chamber walls. This flame gradually evaporates the fuel in the lining of the evaporation chamber. The fuel-air mixture results in a steady and uniformly distributed flame in the combustion chamber. This flame can heat uniformly the walls of the combustion chamber, and thus be applicable for high efficiency and low emissions applications. Furthermore, this burner can start and reach full burner power rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan Keith LaRocque, Angus A. MacEachern, Michael G. Norris
  • Patent number: 6971236
    Abstract: A DCHP unit with a Stirling engine (1), a burner (3) and a supplementary burner (11). Water is heated by exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and from the supplementary burner. If a sensor (18) detects that the water temperature has risen indicating that there is insufficient demand for the heat in the exhaust gas, a fan (15), (20) which normally provides the flow of air to the supplementary burner is operated without firing the burner to generate a flow of cool air to cool the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: MicroGen Energy Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Robin Richardson, Heather Allderidge
  • Patent number: 6971237
    Abstract: A servoactuator (20) is operatively arranged to control the movement of an output member (21) in either of two directions in response to a command signal. The servoactuator includes an electric motor (25); a first transmission mechanism (34); a hydrostatic second transmission mechanism (35); a transfer mechanism (36) operatively arranged to selectively couple the motor output shaft to the output member either through the first transmission mechanism to impart a high-speed low-force drive to the output member, or through the second transmission mechanism to impart a low-speed high-force drive to the output member; at least one feedback transducer (29, 32); and a servo control loop (30, 33) closed about the motor, controller, transmission mechanisms, transfer mechanism, feedback transducer and output member for selectively controlling at least one of the position, velocity or force of the output member as a function of the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: David Geiger
  • Patent number: 6971238
    Abstract: A method and apparatus useful for disposing of the high volumes of produced water associated with coal bed methane natural gas wells. The method taught is to create steam from the produced water and vent the steam into the atmosphere. The apparatus taught utilizes the available field gas to produce heat for enhancing evaporation and drive a steam turbine generator to produce electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Weldon Eugene Walker
  • Patent number: 6971239
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine augmentor nozzle has an inlet for connection to an augmentor fuel conduit and an outlet for expelling a spray of fuel. A passageway between the inlet and outlet is at least partially bounded by outlet end surface portions diverging from each other. The nozzle may be used as a replacement for a non-divergent nozzle and may reorient a fuel jet centerline toward radial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy S. Snyder, Christopher R. Brdar, John R. Buey
  • Patent number: 6971240
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine. The method comprises mounting a core engine to a vehicle, coupling a fuselage radially outward and around the core engine, and coupling an exhaust nozzle to the core engine to channel exhaust gases discharged from the core engine. In addition, the method also comprises coupling an infrared suppression system in flow communication with the engine exhaust nozzle for channeling exhaust gases discharged from said exhaust nozzle to facilitate suppressing an exhaust infrared signature of the core engine during operation, wherein the infrared suppression system includes an access door and a flow channel that is coupled to the access door such that the flow channel is movable with the access door from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gary C. Wollenweber
  • Patent number: 6971241
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine integrates the functions of an auxiliary power unit (APU) with one or more functions of an ECS, and that is capable of operating in both an unfired mode and a fired mode. The gas turbine engine includes a combustor system that is configured to allow the gas turbine to quickly transition from the unfired mode to the fired mode, by bypassing a portion of the air flowing to the combustor system around the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ian L. Critchley, Barry J. Kingery, Cristopher Frost, David G. Walhood, Robert B. Sumegi
  • Patent number: 6971242
    Abstract: To meet emissions standards, many gas turbine engines use some form of lean, pre-mixed combustion systems. These systems may lead to combustion oscillations or other instabilities. Jet combustion techniques provide a stable alternative lean, pre-mixed combustion system. The present invention presents a jet combustion system that includes a first cylinder having a first array of orifices. A second cylinder is positioned coaxially with the first cylinder. The second cylinder has a second array of orifices offset from the first array of orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Boardman