Patents Issued in January 9, 2007
  • Patent number: 7160053
    Abstract: A bamboo mat board element with a double-layered construction, a constant dimension, each of the elements is formed with a projecting tenon at each of two adjacent sides, respectively, and a concave mortise at each of the other two adjacent sides, respectively, for inter-tenoning the elements of the mat board, in which a surface layer of the mat board is obtained by matting a plurality of mat board stuffs having different orientations, shapes, and sizes, while each of the mat board stuffs is obtained by matting a plurality of lumbers having a parallel orientation, respectively, to form a plurality of patterns having parallel stripes by specially matting at the longitudinal section thickness of the lumbers. A method for producing the bamboo mat board at least comprises steps as follows: cutting step, boiling for blanching step, drying step, rough shaving, bottom layer pre-forming step, adhesive applying and pressing step, pattern selecting step, matting step, and refined shaving, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Ao Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 7160054
    Abstract: An expanding grass or weed inhibitor around a growing tree or shrub trunk with a series of overlapping, semi-circular wings (16) attached to the base (10), rotating via multiple pivot bolts (18). With an expanding trunk (14) diameter, the pressure of the trunk forces the semi-circular winds to move away from the trunk. Due to the overlapping of the semi-circular wings, their mutually-applied pressure blocks sturdier grass or weeds from uplifting the wings (16) or permeating the base (10). Along the perimeter of the base (10), a barrier wall (12) prevents the semi-circular wings from rotating too far respective to the trunk (14). For the purpose of mounting, base (10) pivots via a pivot bolt (18) while opening along slit at pivot side of base (26). On the opposite side of the base (10), slit at opening side of base (24) opens to account for a wide range of trunk diameters. To secure the base (10), lockable bolt (20) transects a hole connecting to lockable bolt (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Gary LeRoy Smiley
  • Patent number: 7160055
    Abstract: A road mat having a mat body with a first coupling end and a second coupling end. A first locking mechanism is provided at the first coupling end that includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member. A second locking mechanism is provided at the second coupling end that includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the first locking mechanism is a reciprocating mirror image of the second locking mechanism. The road mat of the present invention may be used in a road mat system that includes at least one prior road mat and at least one successive road mat. The second locking mechanism of the prior road mat is suitable for interlocking with the first locking mechanism of the successive road mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: Shawn Beamish, Kelly Sparrow
  • Patent number: 7160056
    Abstract: A material transfer vehicle for transporting asphalt from a delivery truck to a paving machine includes a frame and a vehicle drive system. The vehicle also includes a turret that is rotatably mounted on the frame and a surge bin that is mounted on the turret. The surge bin has a front side and a rear side with a discharge opening therein. A truck-unloading conveyor is mounted on the frame. The truck-unloading conveyor has an inlet end, and an outlet end which is adjacent to the front side of the surge bin. A paver-loading conveyor is mounted on the turret and has an inlet end extending into the discharge opening on the rear side of the surge bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Roadtee, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Hoffmann, David Swearingen
  • Patent number: 7160057
    Abstract: A protective element for a breakwater or wave-retarding construction comprises a body that has at least two opposing projections. The projections are on either side of a flat base and extend transversely thereto. The periphery of the base is non-circular, so that rolling of the protective element under the influence of the beating of the waves is resisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: HBG Civiel B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Sebastiaan Reedijk, Martijn Klabbers, Markus Muttray
  • Patent number: 7160058
    Abstract: Methods and modules for use in a modular assembly are disclosed for retaining or detaining storm water beneath a ground surface. A module comprises a substantially horizontally disposed deck portion and at least one substantially vertically disposed side portion extending therefrom. The deck portion and side portion have respective end edges, and the side portion has bottom edges. The side portion and the deck portion define a longitudinal channel which is open at least at an end of the module. The side portion has at least one opening therein and defines a lateral channel in the module. The longitudinal and lateral channels are in fluid communication with one another. Each channel has about the same cross section and extends upwardly from the bottom edges to allow relatively unconstrained flow in the longitudinal and lateral directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: StormTrap LLC
    Inventor: Philip J. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 7160059
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler is disclosed for interconnecting leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. A coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber. The coupler can comprise a mating feature and an adjustment feature. The mating feature can be used to mate the coupler between the first leaching chamber and the second leaching chamber. The mating feature can include a swivel connector matable to an end of one of the chambers. The adjustment feature can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. The adjustment feature can include a swivel connector. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: PSA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristen K. Hedstrom, Terrance H. Gray, William V. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7160060
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a remediation system and method of use thereof for degrading contaminants, including chlorinated organics, volatile organic chemicals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The system includes an oxygen source and pentane. The system provides an accelerated rate of remediation as compared to currently available remediation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: AquAeTer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Corn, Luke G. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7160061
    Abstract: A subterranean barrier and method for forming same are disclosed, the barrier including a plurality of casing strings wherein at least one casing string of the plurality of casing strings may be affixed to at least another adjacent casing string of the plurality of casing strings through at least one weld, at least one adhesive joint, or both. A method and system for nondestructively inspecting a subterranean barrier is disclosed. For instance, a radiographic signal may be emitted from within a casing string toward an adjacent casing string and the radiographic signal may be detected from within the adjacent casing string. A method of repairing a barrier including removing at least a portion of a casing string and welding a repair element within the casing string is disclosed. A method of selectively heating at least one casing string forming at least a portion of a subterranean barrier is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Reva A. Nickelson, Paul A. Sloan, John G. Richardson, Stephanie Walsh, Kevin M. Kostelnik
  • Patent number: 7160062
    Abstract: A milling cutter with two faces of cutting end and two mirror symmetrical central bores for the mounting in a shell mill holder on either one of them. The aligned key grooves are formed on the bottom surface of each central bore. The inserts are located on the periphery of each cutting end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Toan Dat Tran
  • Patent number: 7160063
    Abstract: A drill nozzle includes a housing having a bristle brush ring attached. The housing of the drill nozzle may include an air intake, multiple coolant inlets, multiple coolant jets, a vacuum tube, and mounting flanges. The air intake may provide a thrust-vectored down draft into the vacuum tube. The coolant inlets may receive coolant fluid that may be expelled from the coolant jets towards a drill bit. Drilling debris and coolant fluid may be contained inside the bristle brush ring preventing damage and soiling of surrounding structures and areas and may be extracted with the vacuum tube. The drill nozzle may be attached to a drill motor unit of a numerically controlled drill jig, enabling the use of such numerically controlled drill jig for drilling high quality holes effectively into non-flat surfaces, for example, the leading edge extension spar of the F-18 aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Kevin J. Sitton
  • Patent number: 7160064
    Abstract: The hole saw slug removal device is a device constructed to fit within a hole saw that provides for automatic ejection of waste slugs from within the hole saw. The hole saw slug removal device generally consists of two discs affixed on either end of a compression spring. The device is then inserted into the hole saw, and one disc retains the compression spring within the hole saw by locking onto the drill bit or against the inner surface of the hole saw. Upon operation of the hole saw, the spring compresses and the other disc is pushed down by the force of the sawing. After the sawing is completed, the spring decompresses, and the disc is pushed forward, automatically ejecting the waste slug that has become trapped within the hole saw. The slug removal device may lack one disc and instead be permanently affixed to a hole saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Abelardo Jasso
  • Patent number: 7160065
    Abstract: A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of jaws reciprocally disposed in the body in communication with a central bore in the body. A first detent extends radially into the central bore and is releasable in a radially outward direction. Upon insertion of an elongated tool shaft having a polygonal cross section into the bore so that a groove in the tool shaft is aligned with the first detent, the first detent engages the groove and axially retains the tool shaft. Upon movement of the jaws so that the jaw faces engage flat sides of the tool shaft, the jaws rotationally retain the tool shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Huggins, Stephen W. Steadings, James L. Weinhold, William C. Buck
  • Patent number: 7160066
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement 1 is provided in which clamping pairs comprising a clamping pad 2 and seating pads 3 are arranged about a mounting end of a component 4. Thus, the component 4 is appropriately presented to a machining device but the component 4 can slip relative to the pads 2, 3 in order to relieve residual stresses in the component due to initial forging processes. A damper 8 is provided in order to augment vibration control in association with the contact abutments between the pads 2, 3. In such circumstances accurate machining of a component 4 to a final profile 6 from an initial rough profile 5 can be achieved more efficiently without periodic release of the component 4 so that distortions are avoided in the final component as a result of retained residual stresses by previous clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Ian J Baker
  • Patent number: 7160067
    Abstract: A tool holder assembly having a cutting tool, a tool holder, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion is configured to inhibit fluid leakage between the cutting tool and the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James Perry, Alexander Stoll
  • Patent number: 7160068
    Abstract: A flush-mounted securing device, preferably secured in a floor of a vehicle, to restrain a handicapped person in a wheelchair or scooter in a passenger vehicle. The securing device comprises a base plate, a top plate rotationally mounted relative to the base plate and including a series of belt or strap receptacles to fasten the transportable equipment, a low-profile shaft that axially supports the top plate for rotational movement against lateral forces between the top plane and base plate, a set of circumferentially disposed bearings (or slip rings) between the top plate and the base plate, and a retaining cap that secures the top plate to the base plate. Optionally, the device may include a locking/ratcheting mechanism to fixedly position the top plate at discrete rotational positions to assist passenger ingress/egress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ADA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmen Scialabba, James Liska, Jeffery Donati
  • Patent number: 7160069
    Abstract: A hook hanger for a cargo trailer includes a body defining (i) a mounting bracket conforming in shape to and slidably engageable with an associated sliding winch track of an associated cargo trailer; (ii) a hook anchor connected to the mounting bracket; and, (iii) a wall that cooperates with the hook anchor to define a channel between the wall and the hook anchor. The channel opens in a side of the body, and the wall limits vertical movement of an associated hook connected to the hook anchor to prevent inadvertent disengagement by vertical movement of the associated hook from the hook anchor. The associated hook is disengageable from the hook anchor only by sliding movement in the channel in a direction transverse to vertical. A retaining member is optionally connected to the body and movable to a locked position where it captures the associated hook in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Adams
  • Patent number: 7160070
    Abstract: A barrier net across a space defined by the fuselage of an aircraft and a floor of the aircraft comprises a plurality of intersecting net members, at least some of the members being attached to the fuselage by attachment structures attached to attachment points on the fuselage of the aircraft and held forward of the attachment points so that a major portion of the net is in a plane further forward than the attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Amsafe Bridport Limited
    Inventors: David Ackerman, Stephen Robert Carden, Stephen Mark Trafford, John William Startup
  • Patent number: 7160071
    Abstract: A truck bed divider apparatus includes a first side frame member, a second side frame member, and side-frame-to-side-frame spacing means connected between the first side frame member and the second side frame member. A pair of partition gates are hingedly connected between the first side frame member and the second side frame member. The partition gates prevent items carried on the truck bed from moving toward the front of the truck bed away from the tailgate. With one embodiment, the respective side frame members are fastened to walls of the truck bed, and respective partition gate are nested within the respective side frame members when the partition gates are not in use. The apparatus of the invention permits positioning of items carried on the truck bed near the end of the bed, near the tailgate, so that the items are easier to reach from the tailgate end of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Steven B. Legge
  • Patent number: 7160072
    Abstract: A method of attaching a functional element (10, 210), in particular a fastener element to a sheet metal part (12, 212), optionally in liquid and/or gas-tight manner, is characterized in that the functional element (10, 210, 410) is pressed against the sheet metal part (12, 210, 410) supported by a die (14, 114, 214, 414) and sheet metal material (13) is pressed by means of at least one movably mounted shaped part (16, 116, 216, 416) of the die (14, 114, 214, 414) into an undercut (18, 218, 418) of the functional element (10, 210, 410). The disclosure also claims a die, a functional element, and a component assembly comprising the functional element and a sheet metal part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Humpert, Jiri Babey, Oliver Diehl
  • Patent number: 7160073
    Abstract: A tapping screw fastened to a subject member in which a thread portion formed in a shaft portion of the tapping screw is used to form a female screw thread in a prepared hole of the subject member. An angle of a thread ridge is approximately 30 degrees, a plurality of notches are formed in a top portion of the thread portion over a predetermined range of an entire length of the shaft portion, and a joint portion for connecting the top portion and a bottom portion of the thread portion is formed to have a circular arc shape in an area having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the prepared hole of the subject matter, as viewed in a cross section including a shaft center of the tapping screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Mizuno, Mitsuru Kozawa, Kenya Yamada
  • Patent number: 7160074
    Abstract: In one aspect, a holder mountable to a friable substrate may include a self-drilling anchor, a wall engaging flange having an opening for receiving a fastener, and at least one leg extending from the flange for holding an object. In another aspect, a holder may include a self-drilling anchor having a drilling portion longer than a drywall thickness followed by a high-threaded portion, a wall engaging flange, and at least one leg for holding an object. In still another aspect, a holder may include a self-drilling anchor having a screw-like drilling portion longer than a drywall thickness followed by a high-threaded portion, a drywall engaging flange having a recess for receiving a rotary driver and a pair of openings each capable of receiving a threaded fastener and engaging threads thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, George B. Dowse, Joseph J. Dunk, Cheryl L. Panasik
  • Patent number: 7160075
    Abstract: A commercial or residential garaging system having at least a first movable element and a second movable element configured to form a ramp permitting a vehicle to be moved between a first and a second elevation. A drive apparatus configured to simultaneously lower the first movable member while raising the second movable member. A frame assembly is provided to provide the strength and stability required for proper functioning of the movable members and the drive apparatus. One or more bearing assemblies having a plurality of bearing members are utilized in connection with the frame assembly and/or drive apparatus and are adapted to simultaneously lift a second and third movable member. A method for allowing vehicles to be parked so as to efficiently and quickly park vehicles utilizing a garaging system. A tire blocking apparatus is provided to prevent vehicles from advancing inadvertently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Larry Lane Blackmore
  • Patent number: 7160076
    Abstract: A work machine has a lift arm assembly pivotably coupled to a frame assembly at a forward frame pivot. The lift arm assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart lift arms and an extensible lift cylinder. The lift cylinder is pivotably coupled to the lift arms at a lift cylinder connection pivot. The lift cylinder is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly such that extension of the lift cylinder moves the lift arms with respect to the frame assembly about the frame pivot. A boom stop is pivotably coupled to the lift cylinder connection pivot. The boom stop is movable from an inoperable position with a remote end adjacent the lift arms to an operable position wherein the boom stop engages the frame assembly and prevents lowering movement of the lift arms with respect to the frame assembly. The lift arm assembly also can include a latch assembly coupled to one of the lift arms for holding the boom stop in the inoperable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: William H. Curl, Daniel J. Krieger, Robert J. Celley
  • Patent number: 7160077
    Abstract: A grapple assembly for attachment to a boom assembly of a front end loader is provided. The grapple assembly includes a first pinching arm having a first end constructed for grappling an article and a second end constructed for attachment to the boom assembly at a first attachment arm connection, the first pinching arm having a first pinching arm connection. The grapple assembly also includes a second pinching arm having a first end constructed for grappling an article and a second end constructed for attachment to the boom assembly at a second attachment arm connection, the second pinching arm having a second pinching arm connection. A rotation arm constructed for attachment to the boom assembly at an attachment cylinder connection is provided, the rotation arm having a first rotation arm connection and a second rotation arm connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Neal W. Westendorf, Joseph W. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 7160078
    Abstract: A mechanical arrangement for protection against catastrophic nozzle failures includes a turbine nozzle segment including an inner platform rail, a turbine nozzle inner support ring in part in axial registration with the rail on one side, an inner retainer segment secured to the inner support ring and in part in axially spaced registration relative to the rail on an axial side of the rail opposite from the support ring, a first inclined conical surface on the inner retainer segment, and a second inclined conical surface on the inner platform rail of the turbine nozzle, the second inclined conical surface opposing the first inclined conical surface, so as to bind the inner platform rail to the turbine nozzle between the inner retainer segment and the inner support ring, resulting in a wedge lock that prevents the inner platform from being lost downstream into rotating hardware of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Walter Coign, David John Humanchuk, Leslie Tucker
  • Patent number: 7160079
    Abstract: A turbine fuel pump including a cylindrical casing, an electric motor accommodated in the casing, a pump housing mounted into the casing, and an impeller disposed within the pump housing and driven around an axis in a rotational direction by the electric motor. The impeller includes a plurality of vanes each formed into a generally rectangular plate including a tip end face that extends circumferentially to define an outer peripheral surface of the impeller, and front and rear faces respectively located on forward and rearward sides in the rotational direction of the impeller. The front face is curved such that a tip end portion thereof is positioned forwardly in the rotational direction of the impeller relative to a root portion thereof. A chamfer portion is disposed between the tip end face and a tip end portion of the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Iijima, Junichi Motojima
  • Patent number: 7160080
    Abstract: A fan frame provides fixing parts extending downward to embrace a radiator with a hook end catching lower side of the radiator respectively. A guard device is disposed on the frame with hard skeletons to surround a fan wheel so that fluid can enter the radiator via the openings. Hence, the openings of the guard device can increase flow rate of the fluid entering the radiator, decrease noise and prevent foreign objects entering the fan wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Asia Vital Component Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 7160081
    Abstract: A vacuum pump of the invention comprises, in a common pump body (100): molecular drag pump stages (5) in series with regenerative pump stages (9). The molecular drag pump stages (5) comprise a molecular drag rotor (5a) including a blind axial cavity (5c) open towards the downstream end, and the motor (7) is housed at least in part in said blind axial cavity (5c). The drive shaft (8) is coupled via its upstream end (8a) to the molecular drag rotor (5a), and it is coupled via its downstream portion (8b) to the regenerative rotor (9a). The motor (7) is secured to the central segment of the drive shaft (8). This provides a universal pump of small size, enabling pumping to be performed from 1000 mbar down to 10?8 mbar, and suitable for being placed in the vicinity of a vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Rival
  • Patent number: 7160082
    Abstract: An exemplary thrust collar for a turbocharger includes a substantially annular body that includes an axis of rotation, a bore, opposing end surfaces where one of the end surfaces is substantially normal to the axis of rotation and capable of seating a back end of compressor wheel, and a surface disposed in the bore where the surface is substantially normal to the axis of rotation and capable of seating a surface of a turbocharger shaft. The axial distance between the end surface for seating a back end of a compressor wheel and the surface disposed in the bore for seating a surface of a turbocharger shaft is selected to improve balancing of a rotating assembly. Various other exemplary devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Allen, Gary R. Louthan
  • Patent number: 7160083
    Abstract: Vertical and horizontal wind shears, yaw misalignment and/or turbulence act together to produce asymmetric loading across a wind turbine rotor. The resultant load produces bending moments in the blades that are reacted through the hub and subsequently to the low-speed shaft. As a result, the main shaft and main shaft flange are displaced from their at rest or non-aerodynamic load positions. The amount of shaft flange displacement is measured using one or more sensors. The output signals from the sensors are used to determine the magnitude and/or the orientation of the resultant rotor load. This information is used to effect the blade pitch change needed to reduce the load and thereby reduce fatigue and loading on various turbine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kirk G. Pierce, David Lawrence LeMieux
  • Patent number: 7160084
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine blade (31) having a root region (33), a tip region (37) and a blade airfoil (35), a rounded portion (73) being formed between the root region (33) and the blade airfoil (35), and relief slots (51) passing through the blade trailing edge (41) in the region of this rounded portion (73), thermal expansions being compensated for and thus thermal stresses being minimized by these relief slots (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Fathi Ahmad
  • Patent number: 7160085
    Abstract: A wind turbine, comprising a stationary vertical mast (or tower) on which a moving part of the wind turbine is arranged, which mast is at least partly composed from prefabricated wall parts, with several adjacent wall parts forming a substantially annular mast section. The invention also relates to a mast for a wind turbine, to a prefabricated wall part and to a method for building a wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mecal Applied Mechanics B.V.
    Inventor: Anton Herrius de Roest
  • Patent number: 7160086
    Abstract: A rotary machine cooling system is provided that includes a housing having an inlet and outlet. A rotor supported in the housing for rotation about an axis with the rotor including an outer surface. A stator is disposed within the housing about the rotor having an inner surface adjacent to the outer surface of the rotor. A gap is formed between the inner and outer surfaces sufficient to reduce friction and permit convection cooling. The gap is in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a pumping device pumps a cooling gas from the inlet into the gap and through said outlet. The pumping device includes an impeller affixed to an end portion of the rotor to create an axial airflow into the gap. Preferably, the present invention air cooling system is used in conjunction with a liquid cooling system arranged exteriorly to the stator. The liquid cooling system reduces the amount of air needed to flow between the gap to remove the desired amount of heat from the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sundyne Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Maceyka, James A. Stromley
  • Patent number: 7160087
    Abstract: A medical pump for use with a tube set having a slack portion includes a pump housing and a pumping mechanism to meter fluid into the outlet line from the inlet line. A tube snap or a tube snap set is located on the pump housing remote from the pumping mechanism to gather and hold a slack portion between first and second tube snaps. In addition or alternatively, a tube hanger can be attached to the pump housing to allow insertion of a slack portion between the tube hanger and the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan A. Fathallah, William C. Lindeman, Ami Marie Verhalen
  • Patent number: 7160088
    Abstract: A compressor includes a normally open discharge valve assembly for controlling compressed refrigerant flow from the discharge chamber through the compression members. This controlling of flow results in an increased performance for the compressor by reducing recompression volume and the elimination of reverse rotation at shut down. The discharge valve assembly includes a valve seat, a valve plate and a valve stop secured within a recess formed within the compressor with a wave ring retainer. The valve stop and the valve seat include a contoured surface that is engaged by the valve plate when it opens and closes. The contoured surface controls the movement of the valve plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse Peyton
  • Patent number: 7160089
    Abstract: An eccentric coupling device in a radial compliance scroll compressor including a bush rotatably fitted in a boss of an orbiting scroll, and provided with a crank pin hole extending vertically throughout the bush, a crank pin eccentrically arranged at an upper end of a crankshaft adapted to orbit the orbiting scroll, and fitted in the crank pin hole while allowing a radial movement of the bush in the crank pin hole, the crank pin having an oil passage, and a cover member fitted in the crank pin hole at an upper end portion of the crank pin hole, and adapted to guide oil, fed through the oil passage, to be supplied between the slide bush and the boss. The crank pin is fitted in the crank pin hole such that an upper end thereof is arranged at a level lower than an upper end of the slide bush. The crank pin is eccentrically arranged with respect to the crankshaft. The oil passage communicates with an oil passage extending through the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sog-Kie Hong, Song Choi, Hong-Hee Park, Nam-Kyu Cho
  • Patent number: 7160090
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring heat into a product, such as a tire, formed at least in part by molding is provided. The apparatus includes a mold that has a central axis with a forming surface disposed radially outward from the central axis. A heating conduit is included and is at least partially located radially outward from the forming surface of the mold. The heating conduit is configured for use with a gas, such as saturated steam, in order to effect heat transfer to the forming surface of the mold. The heating conduit extends helically with respect to the central axis in order to allow condensation formed in the heating conduit to be drained therefrom via the force of gravity. A drainage connector may be in communication with the exit of the heating conduit and have a lower longitudinal axis than the heating conduit to allow condensation to drain more easily therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Shaw Yang, Chris Kerechanin
  • Patent number: 7160091
    Abstract: Device for the production of multicomponent fibers or of filaments, in particular bicomponent fibers, whereby a nozzle block assembly is provided. The assembly consists of a middle nozzle block and two outer nozzle blocks. Arranged in the nozzle block assembly are at least two inflow channels, each for a melt flow of one component. At the lower end of the nozzle block assembly is a nozzle with apertures for the outlet of the multicomponent strands. At least one inflow channel runs over at least a part of its length exclusively through an outer nozzle block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Reifenhauser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Michael Baumeister
  • Patent number: 7160092
    Abstract: A structure for presses includes: a resistant structure having at least one resistance element having a flat annular element internally of which and in diametrically opposite positions two facing surfaces are arranged, between which facing surfaces at least one tool can be inserted, for exerting a pressing action and compressing between two bodies, the two facing surfaces receiving equal and opposite reactions to the pressing action. Cuts at ends of the facing surfaces involve a total thickness of the facing surface. Each cut includes a first tract parallel to a pressing direction and a second circular part; the circular second part constituting a snug seating for discs. Interpositioning elements are provided for being interpositioned between ends of the facing surfaces so that two resultants, parallel to the pressing direction, of action exerted on each facing surface are located externally to centers of corresponding circular second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 7160093
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for continuously producing an artificial marble plate capable of simultaneously and uniformly hardening a raw material compound for an artificial marble plate, preventing the warpage of the artificial marble plate, and improving heat transmission efficiency and productivity. The apparatus includes upper and lower carrier films facing each other and receiving a raw material compound for the artificial marble plate into a gap therebetween; upper and lower horizontal heating plates receiving the upper and lower carrier films into a gap therebetween, each including temperature controller and heater for heating upper and lower surfaces of the raw material compound at the same temperature by the same heat transmission manner to harden the raw material compound; and a pair of gaskets disposed at horizontal edges of the upper and lower carrier films for regulating thickness and width of the artificial marble plate obtained by hardening the raw material compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong-Hyun Kwon, Hang-Young Kim, Dong-Jin Bae, Kang-Yup Lee
  • Patent number: 7160094
    Abstract: A die assembly (10) having a first die part (12), which includes a first lip (16) that, in combination with a second lip (18), defines a feed gap (20). The first die part (12) also includes a rear portion (22), a front portion (24), a slot (26) between these portions (22,24), and a gap-setting device (28) that is mechanically movable within the slot (26) so as to enable the movement of the front portion (24) relative to the rear portion (22). The first lip (16) is carried by the front portion (24), whereby movement of the front portion (24) in one direction moves the first lip (16) relative to the second lip (18), thereby adjusting the feed gap (20). The geometries of the slot (26) and the gap-setting device (28) are such that movement in a second opposite direction is limited to a known position, thereby providing a registration position for the front portion (24) of the first die part (12) and thereby providing a registration position for the first lip (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7160095
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel A. Getschel, Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh
  • Patent number: 7160096
    Abstract: A perforation apparatus particularly useful for creating perforations in a foam-in-bag cushion and methods of using such apparatus are provided. The perforation apparatus is comprised of a frame, a main shaft mounted in the frame so as to be rotatable about a central axis, at least one needle roller coupled to the main shaft such that rotation of the main shaft moves the needle roller through a predetermined arc of motion out of and into an operative position adjacent to and perforating a plastic film advancing past the needle roller, and an actuator coupled with the main shaft and operable to rotate the main shaft so as to move the needle roller. Optionally, the apparatus is further comprised of at least one backup roller. Methods of preparing and perforating a foam-in bag cushion using the perforating apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knaak, Andy Tyler, Dave Carson, Daniel C. George
  • Patent number: 7160097
    Abstract: A device and method for forming a groove pattern in a light-guiding plate for obtaining high luminance and decreasing processing time, thereby improving yield. The device has a tool unit including a tool guide and a head which is further provided with heating plate disposed below the tool unit; a stamper disposed under the heating plate; and a plurality of cutting tools extending from a lower side of the stamper at fixed intervals, for forming a plurality of groove patterns in a surface of the light-guiding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Ho Hwang
  • Patent number: 7160098
    Abstract: A string hopper making machine has a dough container removably mounted in a vertical manner in a frame. An extrusion piston is mounted on a vertical rod extending through a vertical guide channel formed in a guiding block mounted on the frame. The vertical rod is pivotally mounted to a front end of a lever arm which has a rear end pivotally mounted to a pivot arm of a pivot block rotatable relative to the frame. An elongated handle rod is mounted at a front end of the lever arm and is operative for pivoting the lever arm for moving the piston in an up and down vertical direction for mounting the dough container to the frame and for extruding the dough mixture from the dough container to form the string hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Rudland Eward Ingles
  • Patent number: 7160099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a feed roll assembly for reducing leakage of an elastomeric material in a feed section of an extruder machine. A shell, feed roll seal plates, and feed roll end plates are used to reduce the leakage of elastomeric material. Elastomeric material is redirected back to the feed section through the use of a varying bore diameter of the shell and grooves contained in both the feed roll seal plates and the feed roll end plates. The shell, feed roll seal plates, feed roll end plates, and a feed roll scraper are each coated with a solid, dry lubricant coating to reduce friction. The invention provides desirable feedback of overflow elastomeric material and permits a retrofitting of the feed roll assembly to existing extruder machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Davis-Standard, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Radovich, Jeffrey S. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7160100
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an injection molding apparatus, comprising a manifold including a plurality of manifold channels and a plurality of nozzles. Each of the nozzles defines a nozzle channel in fluid communication with one of the manifold channels and including a plurality of nozzle bodies coupled in tandem by a removable and secure connection. The nozzle bodies include at least a upstream nozzle body and a downstream nozzle body. The upstream nozzle body has an upstream end adjacent said manifold channel, and the downstream nozzle body has a downstream end adjacent a mold plate. A removable nozzle tip is retained in a downstream end of each downstream nozzle body. The nozzles also include a plurality of heaters, wherein at least one heater is embedded into each nozzle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Hans Hagelstein, Andreas Schrom, Denis Babin, Gino Colonico
  • Patent number: 7160101
    Abstract: A system and method provide an injection molding apparatus utilizing radiation energy as a heat source. The injection molding apparatus may includes at least a partially transparent nozzle or may include a thermally conductive nozzle having a nozzle body and a nozzle channel that receives a fluid material at an inlet. The fluid material has a pressure induced flow causing the fluid material to flow along an axis of the nozzle channel from the inlet to an outlet. A radiant energy heating device heats the nozzle channel to maintain the fluid material in a fluid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Hamid Reza Hashemi
  • Patent number: 7160102
    Abstract: An injection unit for injection molding machines includes an extruder as plasticizing unit and a plunger-type injection molding device that can be coupled to the injection molding machine by an injection nozzle. The plunger-type injection molding machine has an injection plunger, wherein the area in front of the injection plunger forms an injection space which is connected to a forward end of the extruder by a melt channel, with a shutoff valve disposed in the melt channel. The extruder can be continuously operated and has one or more plasticizing screws for plastification, wherein the extruder is so configured that a backup length is able to increase backwards into the extruder, when the shutoff valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Zimmet