Patents Issued in January 30, 2007
  • Patent number: 7168236
    Abstract: A ramjet powered device that utilizes a novel swirl generator for rapidly and efficiently atomizing, vaporizing, as necessary, and mixing a fuel into an oxidant. The swirl generator converts an oxidant flow into a turbulent, three-dimensional flowfield into which the fuel is introduced. The swirl generator effects a toroidal outer recirculation zone and an inner central recirculation zone, both of which are configured in a backward-flowing manner that carries heat and combustion byproducts upstream where they are employed to continuously ignite a combustible fuel/oxidizer mixture in adjacent shear layers and stabilizes flame propagation and accelerates combustion throughout the entire combustor. The swirl generator provides smooth combustion with no instabilities and minimum total pressure losses and enables significant reductions in the L/D ratio of the combustor. Other benefits include simplicity, reliability, wide flammability limits and high combustion efficiency and thrust performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N Schmotolocha, Robert J Pederson, Calvin Q Morrison, Jr., Raymond B Edelman, Donald H Morris
  • Patent number: 7168237
    Abstract: To determine whether an exhaust gas purification catalyst (42) of an engine (1) has deteriorated, first deterioration of the catalyst (42) is determined on the basis of an excess air ratio difference, which is a value expressing a difference in the oxygen concentration on the upstream side and downstream side of the catalyst (42). When the catalyst (42) is determined to have deteriorated on the basis of the excess air ratio difference, the air-fuel ratio of the engine (1) is feedback-controlled to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and deterioration of the catalyst (42) is determined again on the basis of a value expressing a difference in the air-fuel ratio variation on the upstream side and downstream side of the catalyst (42) at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoharu Ueda, Manabu Miura
  • Patent number: 7168238
    Abstract: A method for heating up a catalytic converter in internal combustion engines having gasoline direct injection is presented and has the steps: shifting the ignition toward retard; checking whether the charge of the cylinders with air exceeds a pregiven threshold; and, dividing the fuel injection into two component quantities which are injected in advance of the ignition when the air charge exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Wagner, Andreas Kufferath
  • Patent number: 7168239
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Grant Alan Ingram, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 7168240
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can detect degradation of a three-way catalyst with high accuracy without causing deterioration in an exhaust. A pair of first and second air fuel ratio detectors are disposed in an exhaust system at locations upstream and downstream of the three-way catalyst for detecting a first and a second air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas. A target oxygen change amount calculator calculates a target oxygen change amount of the three-way catalyst, and an oxygen change amount calculator calculates an oxygen change amount of the three-way catalyst from an amount of exhaust gas passing through the three-way catalyst and the first air fuel ratio. An air fuel ratio operator inversely controls the air fuel ratio to a rich side and a lean side with a prescribed air fuel ratio width each time the oxygen change amount reaches a target oxygen change amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Tani, Kuen Yehliu, Keiichi Enoki, Tadahiro Azuma
  • Patent number: 7168241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for introducing fuel into an exhaust line (4) of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, with a fuel injector (2) for injecting fuel under injection pressure into the exhaust line (4) through a radial opening (5) in a pipe section (3) of the exhaust line (4). To improve the efficiency of such a device (1), the fuel injector (2) is connected to a coolant circulation system (7) in a manner suitable to transfer heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Josef Rudelt, Gerd Gaiser
  • Patent number: 7168242
    Abstract: This is a method for regenerating the NOx catalyst in a NOx purifying system provided in the exhaust passage with a direct reduction type NOx catalyst which directly decomposes the NOx during lean-condition operation and is regenerated at rich-condition operation, and the method prohibiting the rich-condition control when the temperature detected by a catalyst temperature detecting means is within the predetermined temperature range. Thus, when the exhaust gas are temporarily made rich-condition for catalyst regeneration which means recovering the NOx purifying ability of the direct reduction type NOx catalyst arranged in the exhaust passage of the engine, the NOx is prohibited from being discharged into the atmospheric air, and also the purifying ability can surely be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Yutaka Uematsu, Jin Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7168243
    Abstract: New technologies, such as NOx adsorber catalytic converters, are being used to meet increasingly stringent regulations on undesirable emissions, including NOx emissions. NOx adsorbers must be periodically regenerated, which requires an increased fuel consumption. The present disclosure includes a method of regenerating a NOx adsorber within a NOx adsorber catalytic converter. At least one sensor positioned downstream from the NOx adsorber senses, in the downstream exhaust, at least one of NOx, nitrous oxide and ammonia concentrations a plurality of times during a regeneration phase. The sensor is in communication with an electronic control module that includes a regeneration monitoring algorithm operable to end the regeneration phase when a time rate of change of the at least one of NOx, nitrous oxide and ammonia concentrations is after an expected plateau region begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Dennis L. Endicott, Maarten Verkiel, James J. Driscoll
  • Patent number: 7168244
    Abstract: When an engine cooling water temperature (Tw) detected by a cooling water temperature detection means (37C) exceeds a predetermined judgment water temperatures (Tw1 and Tw2) during the forced regeneration control of a filter using exhaust gas temperature raising means (351C), the actuation of the exhaust gas temperature raising means (351C) is interrupted. Thereby, in the case of the exhaust gas purification system having a DPF apparatus (13), it is possible to prevent a water temperature meter in a driver seat from abnormally rising during the forced regeneration of a DPF (13b) and to prevent a driver from taking the abnormal rise of the water temperature meter for an engine trouble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Akira Iizuka, Naomi Uchida, Hitoshi Sato, Tatsuo Mashiko, Minoru Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 7168245
    Abstract: A steering system for a work machine having a hydrostatic transmission is disclosed. The steering system has a primary source of pressurized fluid and a steering control valve. The steering system also has a first fluid passageway fluidly connecting the primary source of pressurized fluid to the steering control valve and a second fluid passageway fluidly connecting the hydrostatic transmission to the steering control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Allan S. Thunes
  • Patent number: 7168246
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a working machine includes hydraulic actuators, a hydraulic pump which functions as a hydraulic power source, control valves which control the actuators on the basis of operations by an operating unit, a common bleed-off valve which returns excess oil to a tank via an unload passage on the basis of the operations by the operating unit, and a control unit which controls the common bleed-off valve. The common bleed-off valve is capable of setting a position for closing the unload passage when the common bleed-off valve is in a non-operating state. The control valves have center bypass passages which function as individual bleed-off passages which open when the control valves are in neutral states. Opening characteristics of the control valves are set such that the center bypass passages are closed in initial stroke periods in which the control valves move toward operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Toji, Hidekazu Oka
  • Patent number: 7168247
    Abstract: A charge pump for hydraulic drive device such as a hydrostatic transmission or integrated hydrostatic transaxle using hydraulic porting having high and low pressure sides mounted in a sump to connect a hydraulic pump and motor. The charge pump comprises a body connected between the high and low pressure sides of the porting to pull hydraulic fluid from a charge sump to the low pressure side of the porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert E. Trimble
  • Patent number: 7168248
    Abstract: A Stirling engine, wherein when a linear motor reciprocatingly move a piston in a cylinder, a displacer also reciprocatingly moves in the cylinder storing the displacer. By this, working mixture moves between a compression space and an expansion space. Though a spring for generating resonance is combined with the displacer, a spring for generating resonance for the piston is eliminated. Gas bearings are installed for the piston at two or more positions at specified intervals in the axial direction. An inside flange formed at the end of the cylinder and a stopper plate fixed to the linear motor determine the moving limit of the piston. Since a pin projected from the stopper plate is received by a through hole in a magnet holder, the piston can be prevented from being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jin Sakamoto, Kazushi Yoshimura, Kenji Takai, Shinji Yamagami, Yoshiyuki Kitamura, Hiroshi Yasumura, Hirotaka Ohno
  • Patent number: 7168249
    Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical out-of-plane thermal buckle-beam actuator is capable of providing transverse-plane movement of shutters. The actuator includes a pair of structural anchors secured to a substrate and one or more thermal buckle-beams secured at respective base ends to the anchors. Each buckle-beam extends substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from the substrate and is releasable from the substrate at points other than at the anchors. The thermal buckle-beam actuators are suitable for use in a microelectrical mechanical optical display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7168250
    Abstract: An engine system (100) has a valve system (137). An inlet of a turbine (109) is fluidly connected to a first inlet (119) of the valve system (137). An outlet of the turbine (123) is fluidly connected to a second inlet (113) of the valve system (137). An outlet of a compressor (155) is fluidly connected to a first outlet (115) of the valve system (137). An inlet of the compressor (141) is fluidly connected to a second outlet (111) of the valve system (137). An inlet of an exhaust gas recirculation system (133) is fluidly connected to a third outlet (121) of the valve system (137), and an outlet of the exhaust gas recirculation system is fluidly connected to a third inlet (117) of the valve system (137).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Puning Wei, Zhengbai Liu
  • Patent number: 7168251
    Abstract: A wind energy turbine includes a tower, a nacelle rotatably supported by the tower, a rotor rotatably supported by the nacelle, and at least one unit to be cooled and arranged in the tower and/or the nacelle. The unit is adapted to be cooled by a cooling medium flowing in a cooling circuit from the unit to at least one heat exchanger. The at least one heat exchanger is located outside of the tower and/or nacelle and configured to be cooled by ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Wilhelm Janssen
  • Patent number: 7168252
    Abstract: A system for producing electricity includes a boiler unit which has a lens mounted thereon in a position to concentrate solar rays onto fluid contained in the boiler unit. A conduit system has an inlet end fluidically connected to the boiler unit to receive heated fluid therefrom and conduct the heated fluid to and through a turbine which produces electricity as a result of the heated fluid passing therethrough. The conduit system further fluidically connects an exit end of the turbine to a heat exchanger unit which contains a fluid that is heated by the fluid exhausted from the turbine. The fluid heated in the heat exchanger unit is conducted via the conduit system back to the turbine to assist the turbine in producing electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: David E. Price
  • Patent number: 7168253
    Abstract: A support arm (13) is intended to be installed in a radial position in an afterburner device of a bypass turbojet. The device comprises first and second inner annular casings defining a passage for a primary flow and an outer annular casing defining together with the first inner annular casing a passage for a secondary flow. The arm (13) comprises a monobloc structure made of composite material including two integral walls (14, 15), on the one hand, designed to define a groove (16) having a substantially V-shaped profile and, on the other hand, including first end parts (17) joined together and adapted to define a foot (18) and second end parts (19) adapted each to define at least one flange (20, 21) intended to be positively connected to the outer annular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Stephane Blanchard, Stephane Touchaud, Thierry Pancou, Eric Conete, Pierre Camy, Georges Habarou
  • Patent number: 7168254
    Abstract: Conventional auxiliary power units (APUs) may experience over-temperature shutdowns when attempting to start them at high altitudes. Further, such conventional APUs may also experience overspeed conditions when a generator load is removed during on-speed operations. A fuel control logic that controls the fuel flow cutback below the minimum blowout fuel schedule is provided. A temperature trim loop measures engine temperature to determine the onset of a possible over-temperature condition. The fuel flow may then be trimmed accordingly to correct this over-temperature onset. Further, when the onset of an overspeed condition is detected, such as when a generator load is removed, the fuel flow may be trimmed accordingly to correct this overspeed onset. The fuel control logic allows the control to find the individual minimum fuel flow for each fuel control without risking blowout of the APU itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Riley
  • Patent number: 7168255
    Abstract: The magnetic composite material of the present invention is used as a working substance in the magnetic refrigeration system and comprising at least two phases, including, a first phase composed of an intermetallic compound represented by a general formula: La(Fe(Co, Ni)Si)13, having an NaZn13 type crystal structure, and a second phase is composed of an iron alloy containing Si. The first phase is precipitated in an expansion size of 100 ?m or less in average. Preferably, the magnetic composite material contains Fe as a principal component, La in an amount from 4 atomic % to 12 atomic %, Si in an amount from 2 atomic % to 21 atomic %, and Co and Ni in a total amount from 0 atomic % to 11 atomic %, and the total amount of Fe, Co and Ni being from 75 atomic % to 92 atomic %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akiko Saito, Tadahiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7168256
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a coolant gas from a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a coolant gas recovery section, and analysis section, and a coolant gas blending section. The coolant gas recovery section recovers a coolant gas containing contaminants from the heat exchanger. The analysis section monitors a condition of an analysis portion of the recovered coolant gas. The coolant gas blending section operates to produce, based on the condition of the recovered coolant gas monitored by the analysis section, a blend coolant gas comprising a virgin coolant gas and a reclaimed coolant gas that comprises at least a portion of the recovered coolant gas. The blend coolant gas has a predetermined contaminant concentration and is recycled into the heat exchanger. Thus, the coolant gas is recovered from, and recycled to, the heat exchanger at the predetermined contaminant concentration without using a purification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, André Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Patent number: 7168257
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a multi-stage compression type rotary compressor which can avoid the replacement of parts to be used as much as possible to reduce costs and also which enables easily setting an appropriate displacement volume ratio while preventing the compressor from being increased in size. The gist of the present invention is that an inner diameter of a lower cylinder is altered without altering its thickness (or height), and a displacement volume ratio between first and second rotary compression elements is set to an optimum value in accordance with the alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo, Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kenzo Matsumoto, Haruhisa Yamasaki, Masaya Tadano, Kazuya Sato, Dai Matsuura, Takayasu Saito, Noriyuki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 7168258
    Abstract: A real temperature output air conditioner which lowers the ambient temperature of an interior space to a desired temperature and, once that has been achieved, delivers a constant flow of air at that specific temperature thereto. The present invention further includes a reservoir within the evaporator unit in which the evaporator coils and heater element are immersed. The evaporator coils and heat element act upon the fluid wherein thermal transfer to the ambient air is enhanced and dissipated to the interior space by the evaporator fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Osama Othman Mostaeen Al-Khateeb
  • Patent number: 7168259
    Abstract: An air conditioner including a cabinet, a partition plate provided in the cabinet to partition an internal space of the cabinet, and an air inlet port and an air outlet port provided on the cabinet to draw and discharge indoor air into and from the cabinet, respectively. The air conditioner further has an evaporator placed adjacent to the air inlet port, a fan to draw the indoor air into the cabinet through the air inlet port, an air guide duct to guide the indoor, and an air discharging duct supported on the partition plate adjacent to the air guide duct. Because the air discharging duct is supported on the partition plate, the air conditioner prevents the air discharging duct from being displaced from a desired position regardless of a vibration or impact applied to the air discharging duct. Thus, the assembling process of the air conditioner is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Ho Yoon
  • Patent number: 7168260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator main body having a cooling chamber storing foods and a machine room; a base plate installed a lower portion of the main body and mounting a compressor; a lifting unit installed between the base plate and the main body, for supporting the base plate to be moved in an up and down direction; and a locking unit installed at one side of the lifting unit, for locking the lifting unit to restrict an upward/downward movement of the base plate when carrying the refrigerator, by which vibration generated from a compressor can be prevented from being transferred to a refrigerator main body through the base plate, and the compressor mounted on the base plate and pipes can be protected from being damaged by locking the base plate when carrying the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-Hoon Lee, Tae-Hee Lee, Yong-Gu Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Patent number: 7168261
    Abstract: An icemaker adapter is suitable for use with different beverage dispensers available from different beverage dispenser manufacturers. The icemaker adapter includes a first member movably engaged with a second member, and a passage therebetween. The first and second members move toward or away from each other to adjust for a dispenser depth dimension. In use, the icemaker adapter resides on top of a beverage dispenser and above a storage chamber of the beverage dispenser. An icemaker is mounted onto a top portion of the icemaker adapter, such that ice from a dispensing zone of the icemaker falls through the passage to a storage chamber of the beverage dispenser. In alternative embodiment, the icemaker adapter adjusts for a side-to-side dimension of the beverage dispenser. In still another embodiment, the icemaker adapter adjusts in two perpendicular directions to accommodate by a width and a depth of the beverage dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd
    Inventors: Randeep S. Grewal, Harlan R. Davis
  • Patent number: 7168262
    Abstract: In external unit 19, three-way valve 25 provided downstream of CPR 23 enables a switching connection between CPR 23 and branch line 21A of first bypass line 21 with respect to liquid line 18 A. In internal unit 20, second bypass line 27 connects inlet side of receiver 13 and inlet side of evaporator 16, and open/close valve 28 is provided along second bypass line 27. At de-icing, three-way valve 25 switches to first bypass line 21 side and open/close valve 28 opens. There upon, hot gas from compressor 11 circulates from first bypass line 21 to liquid line 18A to enter evaporator 16 through second bypass line 27 while squeezing out liquid refrigerant. Evaporator 16 is heated by manifest heat of introduced hot gas, and when the internal pressure of vaporator 16 rises to a condensation temperature over 0° C., de-icing is performed efficiently by manifest heat plus latent heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hirano, Masao Sanuki, Chiyoshi Toya, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7168263
    Abstract: A stable portable beverage dispensing cooler includes a spring loaded dispensing unit for beverages with freezer packs between the rows of beverages for maintaining the beverages in a chilled environment. The portable cooler includes a lower drawer for storage and at least two snack trays and two beverage trays. The cooler lid can be formed in the shape of any outdoor activity, such as soccer, football or the like, to show support for the outdoor activity. The base of the cooler is wider and longer than the cooler body to provide greater stability to the portable cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Eugene R. Zenner
  • Patent number: 7168264
    Abstract: A refrigerant cycling device is provided, wherein a compressor comprises an electric motor element, a first and a second rotary compression elements in a sealed container. The first and the second rotary compression elements are driven by the electric motor element. The refrigerant compressed and discharged by the first rotary compression element is compressed by absorbing into the second rotary compression element, and is discharged to the gas cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenzo Matsumoto, Kazuya Sato, Kentaro Yamaguchi, Kazuaki Fujiwara, Masaji Yamanaka, Haruhisa Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7168265
    Abstract: An integrated process for producing LNG and GTL products is provided, wherein a CO2-containing natural gas feed to an LNG production zone is first pre-treated to separate at least a portion of the CO2 therefrom, and the resulting CO2 stream obtained thereby is then directed to a GTL production zone and utilized to make GTL products that include methanol and/or methanol derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Briscoe, Theo H. Fleisch, Michael J. Gradassi, Jeffrey H. Sawchuk, Pedro Ernesto Fischer-Calderon
  • Patent number: 7168266
    Abstract: Techniques for producing a glass structure having interconnected macroscopic pores, employing steps of filling polymerizable glass precursors into pores in a polymeric structure having interconnected macroscopic pores; polymerizing the precursors; and decomposing the polymers to produce a glass oxide structure having interconnected macroscopic pores. Further techniques employ steps of exposing portions of a photosensitive medium including glass precursors to an optical interference pattern; polymerizing or photodeprotecting the exposed portions and removing unpolymerized or deprotected portions; and decomposing the polymerized or deprotected portions to produce a glass structure having interconnected macroscopic pores. Techniques for filling pores of such glass structure with a material having a high refractive index, and for then removing the glass structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Ronen Rapaport, Elsa Reichmanis, Shu Yang
  • Patent number: 7168267
    Abstract: Methods of making amorphous material and ceramic materials. Embodiments of the invention can be used to make abrasive particles. The abrasive particles can be incorporated into a variety of abrasive articles, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz, Ahmet Celikkaya, Thomas J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7168268
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of colored structures of a glass, particularly for applying an inscription to the glass, by locally heating volume elements of the glass by means of a laser beam. The glass contains ions of metals which, in the form of submicroscopic particles, color the glass wherein the local heating of the non-doped glass is accomplished through a solution or gel of a metallic salt which transmits the laser beam well and is directly contacted with a surface of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sator Laser GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Czarnetzki
  • Patent number: 7168269
    Abstract: A glass melting furnace has a gas inlet positioned proximate to a charging section oxy-fuel combustion region to introduce gas into the region and to at least partially displace gas having a partial pressure of alkali vapor from the region, and optionally a gas outlet is adapted to provide an exit for a volume of furnace atmosphere. A method for reducing alkali vapor corrosion of glass furnace refractory structures includes providing a gas inlet proximate to the oxy-fuel combustion region; introducing a volume of gas from the inlet into the region, displacing a volume of gas having a partial pressure of alkali vapor from the region; and, optionally providing a gas outlet adapted to provide an exit for a volume of furnace atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil George Simpson, John R. LeBlanc, Gregory Floyd Prusia
  • Patent number: 7168270
    Abstract: A multiple orifice glass feed system for use with a glass forehearth including a plurality of closely spaced plungers, each of which is individually supported independently of each other. Each plunger includes a servo controlled linear actuator and an arm extending between each plunger and its respective servo-motor. Each servo-motor has an axis parallel to the axis of the plungers. An air spring is associated with each plunger for balancing the weight of each plunger and its respective arm. The center lines of the plungers lie generally in a plane. The arms have the major portions thereof generally parallel and closely spaced. A feedback system is provided to monitor the position of each individual needle independently of the other at all times and make corrections to the actual position of the needle if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: D. Wayne Leidy, Frank J. DiFrank
  • Patent number: 7168271
    Abstract: Knitted loops of a neckline of a right breast portion or a left breast portion knitted by dividing a breast are transferred to a needle bed where a back is retained, and a front collar knitting portion is knitted on a neckline of the other breast portion. The front collar knitting portion is cast off from knitted loops at a center portion edge of a torso to a position where knitted loops of at least one neckline do not overlap with at least knitted loops of the other neckline. The knitted loops of the front collar knitting portion are transferred to a needle bed wherein knitted loops of the back are retained, the knitted loops of the one neckline are returned to an original needle bed, and a front collar knitting portion is knit on the one neckline. A predetermined number of stitches are cast off from knitted loops of a center portion edge of a breast of the front collar knitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Yui
  • Patent number: 7168272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite fabric wherein a plurality of small tows are intermittently spaced between large tows forming channels. The channels formed by spacing the between the large tows thereby forming ridges. The irregular thickness that results from the ridges provides flow channels during resin infusion of the fabric. The flow channels permit resin to flow evenly and quickly through the fabric, which results in shorter processing time and a more consistent resin distribution, decreasing the likelihood of resin starved areas within the cured laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew W. Dunn
  • Patent number: 7168273
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package has at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, wherein the cavity contains additive materials to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is configured for use, for example, in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a plurality of cycles. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing director having a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of washing machine operating cycles. The dispensing apparatus further includes an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to selectively electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity. Also disclosed is a disposable unit dose package for use in a washing machine and with a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing director and an electromechanical actuator in communication with said dispensing director.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arthur Hampton Neergaard, Yousef Georges Aouad, Christopher Lawrence Smith, Lawrence Joseph Kelly
  • Patent number: 7168274
    Abstract: The combination washer/dryer and method for operating a combination washer/dryer. The washer/dryer has a containment drum which receives wash water, and includes a perforated clothes drum which rotates within the containment drum. A heat plenum is provided in heat transfer relationship with the containment drum, and a source of heat coupled to the heat plenum supplies heat for water in the containment drum. During a drying cycle, hot air from the heat source supplied from the fire box to the containment drum for heating wash water during a washing cycle, and for supplying hot air during a drying cycle. A drying air plenum is connected to receive drying air from the source of heat, delivering the drying air to the top of the containment drum, where it enters the rotating basket. An exhaust plenum discharges hot air laden with moisture from the containment drum through a lint filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: American Dryer Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Slutsky, Craig F. Bliss
  • Patent number: 7168275
    Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 7168276
    Abstract: An electric lock with multiple-function spring, with a locking element, a decoding assembly for a code bearing component, a first actuation element connected to an internal handle, and a second actuation element connected to an external handle both coupled to the locking element by an electromechanical device; the second actuation element comprises a protruding stem that ends with a rotating plate, a rotatable contrast plate that rests freely on a rotatable sleeve coupled to the locking element, the plates and the sleeve being provided with respective notches; the electromechanical device has a motor with a worm screw on its shaft, a slider, coupled to the screw through a spring with one end fixed on the lock body, the central portion engaged on the slider, and the opposite end accommodated between two crests of the screw, and a coupling element for entering notches to couple plates and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cisa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Deo Errani, Luciano Darchini
  • Patent number: 7168277
    Abstract: Devices are provided for detecting a mutual reference position of tool parts of a pressing tool, e.g., a punch and die. The device include (a) first and second reference elements that are moveable, by the pressing device, into a relative position that corresponds to a predetermined relative position of the first tool part and the second tool part as mounted in the mountings; (b) a control pressure generator that generates a control pressure when the first and second reference elements are moved into the relative position; (c) a switch that is activated by the control pressure; and (d) a detection unit that is activated by activation of the switch to detect the relative position of the first and second reference elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Thomae, Peter Bytow
  • Patent number: 7168278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deep rolling roller head (1) of a deep rolling tool for deep rolling radii or recesses (22) on the main and lifting bearing journals of crankshafts (21). Said deep rolling roller head is equipped with a housing (2) inside of which one or two laterally interspaced deep rolling rollers (4) are rotationally guided in a loose manner and with little play in two roller cages (5, 6). The roller cages (5, 6) are fastened to supports (15) on the face (3) of the housing (2) oriented toward the crankshaft (21). Said supports support the roller cages (5, 6) on their faces (10) oriented away from the deep rolling rollers (4) while laterally guiding them at the same time. The face (3) of the housing (2) oriented toward the crankshaft (21) is provided, on both ends thereof, with a projection (11, 12) for supporting each of the roller cages (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hegenscheidt-MFD GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich-Wilhelm Derichs
  • Patent number: 7168279
    Abstract: A metal ring with smaller stress concentration is manufactured, and the manufacture and maintenance of a rolling roller for transferring a mesh-shaped unevenness to the metal ring is facilitated. A mesh-like unevenness 8 is formed to the surface of an inner circumference rolling roller 6. This unevenness 8 is formed by rotating the inner circumference rolling roller 6 at a predetermined speed, and moving a grinder 9 back and forth in the axial direction of the inner circumference rolling roller 6 while biasing the grinder toward the surface of the roller 6 with predetermined force. The grain size of the grinder is between #270 and #1000. When the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 1 is rolled using the inner circumference rolling roller 6, a mesh-like unevenness 2 is transferred onto the metal ring 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Nakajima, Hitoshi Imai, Masanobu Ishikawa, Hiroshi Takeda, Tomomi KoSaka
  • Patent number: 7168280
    Abstract: Roll-changing tool having a dismantling device which can be supported on a rolling machine by a hook and which, on a carrier, has a lifting device mounting and a roll holder for a roll journal of a roll, the carrier having a trolley which can be moved in its longitudinal direction into the region of its head, carries the roll holder, whose holding opening faces the head and is located underneath the carrier, and the hook, which opens at the bottom, being fixed to the head of the carrier with a shaft extension ending in a projecting manner transversely with respect to the running direction of the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmgH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mark, Jörg Prey, Bernd Diepers
  • Patent number: 7168281
    Abstract: A method for producing an annular element having an inner toothing, especially a sliding sleeve. An outlet ring element can be arranged in an extrusion device which includes an annular matrix element with an inner bore hole, a sleeve stamping device which is arranged therein and has first and second annular sleeve stamping elements which can be moved in relation to each other in the inner bore hole, and an inner stamping device having first and second inner stamping elements and first and second partial regions which are interspaced in the circumferential direction. When the inner stamping device is closed, the partial regions form cavities for producing the inner toothing. The outlet ring element is arranged between the first and second inner stamping elements and is measured in such a way that when closing the sleeve stamping device, material from the outlet ring element flows into the cavities for the formation of the inner toothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor GmbH
    Inventors: Ekkehard Koerner, Michael Roesemann
  • Patent number: 7168282
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering rack bar (6) by forging, the method comprising the steps of pacing a heated cylindrical rack bar (6) in a first forging die (15) and forging a first toothed protion (37) at one end thereof; removing the rack bar; heating the rack bar at or near the other end of said rack; and placing the other end of the rack bar in a second forging die and forging a second toothed portion (39) wherein, prior to forging the second toothed portion, the rack bar is axially and angularly aligned to a predetermined axial location and angularly orientated utilising the first toothed portion or features at or near the one end of the rack bar as a datum, and placed and held in the predetermined axial location and angular orientation prior to forging of the second toothed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bishop Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Lyle John McLean
  • Patent number: 7168283
    Abstract: A method of creating a cobalt chronic femoral knee component includes the steps of: providing a forging press including first and second bust forging die parts spaced apart from each other and movable toward each other, the first and second bust forging die parts including respective femoral knee component shaped cavities; placing a cobalt chrome ingot heated to a temperature of between about 2050° F. and about 2300° F. between the first and second bust forging die parts in alignment with the femoral knee component shaped cavities; and bringing the first and second bust forging dies parts together in a bust blow against the cobalt chronic ingot under a pressure between about 1500 tons and 2000 tons creating a femoral knee bust forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: AST Acquisitions, LLC
    Inventors: Edward P. Van Note, Reaghn Azelton
  • Patent number: 7168284
    Abstract: A system for forging a rack bar from a blank pipe. A blank pipe 1 is held between dies 2 and 3. Stockers 7L and 7R are arranged on respective sides of the die set. In the stockers 7L and 7R, left-handed shuttles 6L1, 6L2, 6L3, . . . 6Ln and right-handed shuttles 6R1, 6R2, 6R3 . . . 6Rn are stored. First, a left-handed presser rod 5L inserts the shuttles 6L1 to the blank pipe from the left-handed stocker 7L. Then, a right-handed presser rod 5R inserts the shuttles 6R1 to the blank pipe from the right-handed stocker 7R, causing the shuttles 6L1 to be entrained and returned to the left-handed stocker 7L. Vertical shift movement is alternately executed between the left-handed and right-handed stockers 7L and 7R, so that a shuttle of step-likely increased working height is selected for executing a working process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Seiji Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 7168285
    Abstract: A single sheet of a metal member is pressed to form an integrally molded structure of a front, a side, and a top of a door body without any joint. In addition, the front of the door body and a concave for displaying sample products or the like are integrally produced by molding. By virtue of this constitution, a door device for a vending machine can be realized which can be easily produced and possesses excellent appearance and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sakanoue, Koji Hachii, Toshiyuki Horiguchi, Takeshi Sasaki