Patents Issued in March 27, 2007
  • Patent number: 7194840
    Abstract: A portal covering such as door or window having a handle that rotates as the door or window rotates. The handle rotatably mounted onto the portal covering and drives the covering around an axis associated with a frame or wall. As the handle is rotated on its axis on the covering, the covering rotates on its axis on the frame. This allows a user to always have contact with the handle at all angles of rotation of the covering. The rotation is accomplished through a direct drive or a gearing system which in this case could be in the form of a miter gear, or other bevel gears linking two shafts together. Other embodiments are also possible such as drive mechanisms associated with a push plate, cables and pulleys, or gear boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Eric Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7194841
    Abstract: A fitting room (11) as a dressing room is adapted to have its entrance (12) opened and closed by drawing a curtain (14). The curtain is suspended from the tip ends of beam members of a curtain suspension apparatus (15) mounted on a ceiling plate (17). When closing the entrance (12), the curtain suspension apparatus (15) can deploy the curtain (14) in such a manner as to spread it outwardly relative to the fitting room (11) with respect to the entrance (12). The interior space closed with the curtain (14) can thus be enlarged when the curtain (14) is closed to use the fitting room (11). When the curtain (14) is opened, the space that was occupied by the curtain (14) when it was closed can be used for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Shima, Reiji Arikita
  • Patent number: 7194842
    Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it can be constructed as a stand-alone structure and transported intact to habitat sites on, for example a flat-bed truck. It can also be constructed as a trailer, or as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 7194843
    Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Patent number: 7194844
    Abstract: A prototype connector has a section in the general shape of the letter. “C”, thereby causing it to have a convex outer surface. Ends of the prototype connector form lips that are contiguously connected through respective flanges to ends of a web. A connector for making a butt connection between two cement composite panels is formed by two prototype connectors that have outer surfaces of their webs welded together. A connector for making an “L” connection between the two panels is formed by welding an outer surface of a flange of one prototype connector to an outer surface of a web of another prototype connector. A connector for connecting the two panels together at a preselected angle is made by using two sheet metal plates to connect each flange of a first prototype connector to a flange of a second prototype connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Dennis
  • Patent number: 7194845
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a stucco wall structure for a building. The wall substrate is arranged for receipt of subsequent layers of surface material. The margin or periphery of said wall to be treated has a screed attached thereto. A sprayed-on coating of urethane is applied onto the wall substrate between the screeds to insure continuous bonding and adherency to the substrate. A first layer of polymer-based base coat and mesh covering is applied to the sprayed-on coating of urethane to provide anchoring and adhesion of a subsequent layer of stucco. An outer layer of stucco applied over the first layer of polymer-based base coat as a final coat thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Michael R Belleau
  • Patent number: 7194846
    Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell B. Colson, Jason T. Throne
  • Patent number: 7194847
    Abstract: A method of filling a collapsible package in a cartridge for use with a caulking gun is provided. The method comprises pressurizing an internal space of a collapsible package to expand the package. Drawing a vacuum external to the collapsible package and removing the positive internal pressure. The vacuum maintains the package in an expanded state. A nozzle is then inserted into the collapsible package to reverse fill the package with a vicious material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sashco, Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot Summons, Wayne Summons
  • Patent number: 7194848
    Abstract: A diaper is folded about lengthwise foldlines between side elastic banded edges and is folded along a widthwise foldline such that the diaper length is reduced by at least 50%. A central portion of the diaper is visible and the remainder thereof is hidden from view within the folds. Thereafter, a height of the folded diaper is reduced by compressing the diaper with opposed surfaces of a press and the diaper is sealed within an encasement having an interior volume that closely corresponds to the diaper. Sealing is done under a vacuum sufficient to result in further compression of the diaper to a very firm and dense state in which the surface of the diaper is hard. The vacuum-sealed diaper is packaged with a diaper accessory with the diaper and accessory located within separate interior spaces isolated by an air impermeable material such that a pressure differential may exist therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Patent number: 7194849
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening bags lying flat is part of a packaging system having a conveyor system, with receiving cups, located at equal intervals, for the bags. The bags are kept on hand in the form of blanks lying flat in bag magazines and are taken from the bags by means of a bag extracting device. By means of a gripper device, the blanks reach the region of suction plates, which open the blanks and insert them into the receiving cups. The apparatus according to the invention makes high capacity with a relatively simple construction possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Komp
  • Patent number: 7194850
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower comprises, a plurality of front wheels and a plurality of rear wheels; a vehicle body supported by the front wheels and the rear wheels, and supporting a driver's seat; an engine disposed in a rear position of the vehicle body; a hood housing the engine; a mower unit suspendible from the vehicle body; and a grass catcher for collecting grass clippings from the mower unit. The grass catcher includes a left side container portion; a right side container portion; and a center container portion communicating with the left and right side container portions in upper positions of the left and right side container portions, and having a planar bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Asahara, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Koji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7194851
    Abstract: A baler is equipped with a crop re-hydration system including a steam injection manifold mounted for discharging steam onto a windrow of crop as the windrow is being fed into the baler. The steam injection manifold has a steam discharge orifice arrangement which can be adjusted to vary the discharge width. A flexible duct guides discharged steam to the crop windrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Kraus, Randall John Rigdon, Daniel James Meyer
  • Patent number: 7194852
    Abstract: Propulsion from combustion of solid propellant pellet-projectiles for providing a useful propulsion that has the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion engines, and also can make use of either solid chemical propellants or fissionable nuclear material as the fuel. Preferred methods and systems can include a storage chamber for storing solid propellant pellets, a feeding system having a pellet feeding channel and a pellet feeding mechanism connected to the storage chamber and to a gun assembly, which is positioned along a longitudinal axis to eject the pellets at a certain velocity. A triggering system positioned between gun assembly and thrust chamber can initiate the propellant pellet-projectile, and a thrust chamber having a combustion chamber for combustion of propellant pellet-projectile with an exhaust nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Vinu B. Krishnan
  • Patent number: 7194853
    Abstract: A pump for pressurizing a fluid includes an engine portion including a first pressure vessel, a first piston movable inside the first pressure vessel, at least two pressurant entrance valves connected to the first pressure vessel, and at least two pressurant exit valves connected to the first pressure vessel. The valves are configured to be opened and closed automatically and directly as a function of a position of the first piston inside the first pressure vessel. The valves are also configured to be automatically opened and closed out of phase with each other. The pump also includes a pump portion including a second pressure vessel, a second piston connected to the first piston and movable inside the second pressure vessel, at least two fluid entrance valves connected to the second pressure vessel, and at least two fluid exit valves connected to the second pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew F. Knight
  • Patent number: 7194854
    Abstract: An engine control system for managing lean operation of an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap uses an indication of vehicle activity. A target amount of tailpipe emission per distance is adjusted based on the vehicle activity indication. Then, engine air-fuel ratio is controlled based on the adjusted target amount of tailpipe emission per distance. Also, the indication of vehicle activity is used to enable decontamination cycles of the lean NOx trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 7194855
    Abstract: A distributed hydraulic system having a plurality of hydraulic functions each including a hydraulic actuator, a valve assembly that controls flow of fluid to the hydraulic actuator, and a function controller which operates the valve assembly. The function controllers exchange messages over a communication network which has a finite bandwidth. Access to the network is controlled by determining which function controllers govern high priority operations and allowing those function controllers to send messages as often as once every first interval of time. The other function controllers are limited to sending messages no more often than once every second interval of time, which is longer than the first interval of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7194856
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system has a source of pressurized fluid and at least one actuator having a first and a second chamber. The hydraulic control system also has a first independent metering valve disposed between the source and the first chamber, and a second independent metering valve disposed between the reservoir and the second chamber. The first and second independent metering valves each have a valve element movable from a flow blocking to a flow passing position to facilitate movement of the at least one actuator. The hydraulic control system further has an accumulator and a third independent metering valve disposed in parallel with the first independent metering valve and between the accumulator and the first chamber. The third independent metering valve is configured to selectively communicate the accumulator with the first chamber to cushion movement of the at least one actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc, Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd
    Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Aleksandar M. Egelja, Mikhail A. Sorokine
  • Patent number: 7194857
    Abstract: A ventilation valve of a hydraulic jack is dedicated to be mounted at an outer wall of an oil storage tank of a hydraulic jack. The hydraulic jack includes a valve seat, a valve ball, and a cap. When the jack is not operated, a valve hole is opened; the vent of the cap is communicated with the oil storage tank of the jack so as to maintain the equilibrium of the pressure of the oil storage tank; thereby the piston of the pump can suck oil successfully so that the oil is absorbed into the oil chamber of the pump to be saturated therein. At the moment that the valve ball ejects upwards rapidly, the oil buffer chamber can buffer high pressure draining oil until the oil return operation of the jack is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Hung
  • Patent number: 7194858
    Abstract: A working gas pressure equalization system for a multiple-cylinder, double-acting hot gas engine such as a Stirling engine of the type having a plurality of pistons reciprocatable within the cylinders defining a plurality of generally isolated cycle volumes of a working gas separated by the pistons. The equalization system incorporates passages through the piston connecting rods which connect between a space between piston rings and an equalization volume defined between a pair of sliding rod seals. This volume is defined by portions from each of the cylinders and is connected with individual cycle volumes by a valve, such as a one-way check valve. When a pressure is experienced in one of the cycle volumes different from the minimum pressure maintained and the equalization volume, minute gas leakage across the piston rings enables pressure among the volumes to be equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: STM Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Ziph, Christopher Domanski
  • Patent number: 7194859
    Abstract: An intensifier is operable to supply force and includes a housing defining a cavity. A ram is slidably positioned within the cavity and partially extends from the housing. The intensifier also includes a force transfer rod and a plurality of power pistons. The ram is moveable between retracted and extended positions along a longitudinal axis. The force transfer rod is selectively moveable between a retracted position where the force transfer rod is not axially aligned with the ram and an advanced position where the force transfer rod is axially aligned with the ram. The plurality of power pistons are axially aligned with each other and the ram. The power pistons are selectively operable to provide an output force to the ram when the force transfer rod is in the advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin G. Sawdon, Steven J. Sprotberry, Brian D. Petit
  • Patent number: 7194860
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder, in particular a master cylinder for a hydraulic clutch actuation system for motor vehicles, has a housing having a cylinder wall, in which a piston is slidably received to seal off the pressure chamber, whereas the pressure chamber in a rest position of the piston is connected to an after-running region by equalization grooves of an after-running device. The cylinder wall of the housing is provided with profiled cut-outs on its piston-side end at least in a lower region in the installed position of the cylinder, which cut-outs each have an upper boundary surface which in the installed position of the cylinder rises up to the equalization grooves of the after-running device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Tröster
  • Patent number: 7194861
    Abstract: A two stroke steam-to-vacuum engine comprises a plurality of cylinders (500, 502) each cylinder having a piston (504, 510), a piston rod (506, 512), and a steam chamber (508, 514), the piston rods connected for synchronous movement such that each piston is reciprocally moveable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. Admission of steam at 3–5 p.s.i. above atmospheric pressure into the steam chambers (508, 514) is controlled by steam valves (522, 524) and exposure of the steam chambers to a vacuum is controlled by vacuum valves (548, 550). Steam is supplied to the steam chambers (24, 38) through a boiler 520, a solar power source, or an alternative fuel of choice. An auxiliary vacuum tank (572) may be isolated from a primary vacuum tank (554) to replenish the vacuum in a condensate collector tank (560) after removal of condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Bishop
  • Patent number: 7194862
    Abstract: A resonator for damping pressure waves or instabilities in a system supported by acoustic energy wherein the resonator adopts the use of counter-bored openings on the downstream side of the resonator within the flow path of the system. The resonator includes a first member and a second member where the second member includes a plurality of openings therethrough with each hole having a counter-bore on its upstream side. The first member has a size substantially smaller than the diameter of said flow path and a first plurality of openings therethrough. The openings are in fluid communication with the flow path. The second member has a size generally equal to the first member and a second plurality of openings therethrough, which openings are in fluid communication with the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley S. Sattinger
  • Patent number: 7194863
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a turbine control system that adjusts the control thresholds of two-position valves, which provide propellant to the turbine, based on turbine load so as to compensate for increased turbine speed overshoot at low load and the increased turbine speed undershoot at high load. These two-position on-off modulated valves are used in a bang-bang (fully open or fully closed) regulation scheme to eliminate or minimize speed droop by using variable speed bounds implemented as a function of load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Evgeni Ganev, Mike S. Koerner, Chung Y. Liu
  • Patent number: 7194864
    Abstract: Methods of increasing lifetimes of components in a gas turbine engine. Ordinarily, components are replaced after they experience a certain number of thermal cycles, or a certain operating temperature limit is exceeded. Under one form of the invention, the components are not replaced at that time, but are subjected to increased cooling, which decreases the highest temperature reached in subsequent thermal cycles. Also, many components are replaced when acceleration of an engine falls below a target. In one form of the invention, the components are not replaced, but (1) scheduled fuel flow is increased and (2) compressor stall margin also increased, in order to attain the target acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sridhar Adibhatla
  • Patent number: 7194865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for turbine overspeed protection, useful for steam and gas turbines, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spring-loaded rod held by a plurality of energized solenoids in an operating position any time the turbine's shaft rotational speed is less than a trip rotational speed set-point. When the rotational speed reaches the trip rotational speed set-point, both solenoids are de-energized and the spring-loaded rod moves to provide turbine trip. Increased reliability of the solenoids is provided by compressing the spring during the resetting of the rod with an additional electromechanical actuator and by using a plurality of solenoids, each of which is able to provide the force required to hold the spring in its compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Compressor Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Dmitry Drob
  • Patent number: 7194866
    Abstract: A static structure for a miniature gas turbine engine includes a forward housing, a forward cover, a diffuser housing, a diffuser, a turbine nozzle, a combustor liner, a combustor housing and an exhaust pipe with relatively uncomplicated assembly interfaces. The static structure defines airflow and lubrication passages which communicate lubricant and airflow to each shaft bearing such that an adequate measured quantity of lubricant is supplied to the bearings in response to engine speed. The airflow through the airflow passage carries the lubrication supplied to the forward bearing toward the aft bearing to further lubricate the aft hot section bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Jones, Mark Harris, Eric Alexander, Patrick Lydon
  • Patent number: 7194867
    Abstract: A single ducted valve assembly provides an integrated cryopump valve having a purge valve port connecting the assembly to a cryopump with a coaxial connection having an inner duct and an outer duct. A pressurized gas interface connects a pressurized gas source to the cryopump through the inner duct. A rough valve port can connect the outer duct of the assembly to a rough vacuum pump; and a relief valve port can connect the outer duct of the assembly to an exhaust stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen J. Bartlett, Gary S. Ash, Brian Thompson, Mark A. Stira
  • Patent number: 7194868
    Abstract: Multiple ice making is determined according to a time needed for an ice making step or a change in time in which a refrigerant temperature drops. An ice making machine alternately repeats an ice making step of cooling ice making plates 10 and 10 where an evaporation pipe 14 connected to a refrigeration system 12 by circulatively supplying a refrigerant to the evaporation pipe 14, and producing lumps of ice M by circulatively supplying ice making water in an ice-making-water tank 22, and a deicing step of separating the lumps of ice M produced at the ice making plates 10 and 10. When the ice making step at which the time needed from the start of the ice making step to the end thereof becomes shorter than a normal ice making time is consecutively detected by a predetermined number of times, it is decided that multiple ice making has occurred and the ice making machine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yoshida, Naoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 7194869
    Abstract: The exhaust gas of a turbine engine can include water vapor. Aspects of the invention relate to various systems for recovering water from the exhaust gas of a gas turbine engine. In one system, a portion of the exhaust gas can be routed to an absorption chiller. In another system, a portion of the exhaust gas can be routed to a direct contact heat exchanger. In a third system, a portion of the exhaust gas can be routed to a fin-fan cooler. In each of these systems, the portion of gas can be cooled below its dew point temperature to release a portion of its humidity as liquid water. Aspects of the invention can be used with the turbine exhaust of simple and combined cycle power plants. A water recovery system according to aspects of the invention can minimize or eliminate a power plant's dependence on local water sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard McQuiggan, Gerald A. Myers, Nitin Chhabra, Giuseppe Gaio
  • Patent number: 7194870
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a compressor delivering hot compressed refrigerant, a desuperheater coil receiving refrigerant from the compressor and condensing same, a condenser coil receiving refrigerant from the desuperheater coil and condensing same, an expansion device receiving refrigerant from the condenser coil and expanding same, and an evaporator coil receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and evaporating same and delivering the refrigerant to the compressor, in a refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bou-Matic Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Steve S. Dingle
  • Patent number: 7194871
    Abstract: Cabinet for a refrigeration compressor delimiting an inner space designed to receive electrical and electronic components, characterized by having at least one support for the electrical and electronic components and a protective cap having an open side face delimited by an edge whose shape at least partially matches the shape of the side wall of compressor, cap being intended to be applied by its open side face against the side wall of the compressor, thus forming one of the walls of the cabinet. The cabinet accommodates the electrical and electronic command, control, and protection components on refrigeration compressors ensuring that the electrical and electronic components are held at their operating temperature and that tightness and vibrations are at an acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignees: Danfoss Commercial Compressors, Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Jean De Bernardi, Michel Augagneur, Renaat Vandelanotte, Yves Rosson
  • Patent number: 7194872
    Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is disclosed, which enables an effective usage of the inner space of the refrigerator and enables to always provide fresh water to a user. The dispenser includes a first pipe connected with a water supply source; a reservoir installed inside a door of the refrigerator and connected with the first pipe, for temporarily storing water supplied from the water supply source; a second pipe connected with the reservoir; and a discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging the water supplied from the reservoir depending on a user's necessity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill Shin Kim, Si Yeon An, Chang Hwan Seo
  • Patent number: 7194873
    Abstract: A refrigerating machine equipped with a compressor 2 having an intermediate-pressure portion 2M in which refrigerant having intermediate pressure higher than the pressure of the refrigerant at the suction side thereof and lower than the pressure of the refrigerant at the discharge side thereof can be introduced, and an intermediate-pressure receiver 28 that is inserted in a flow path between an expansion valve 27a (27b) of a heat source side heat exchanger 3a (3b) and an expansion valve 18a (18b) of a using side heat exchanger 6a (6b), carries out gas-liquid separation on gas-liquid mixed refrigerant after the heat exchange in the heat source side heat exchanger or the using side heat exchanger, and then feeds gas-phase refrigerant to the intermediate-pressure portion 2M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Air-Conditioners Corporation
    Inventors: Masahisa Otake, Hiroshi Mukaiyama, Koji Sato, Kunie Sekigami, Kazuaki Shikichi
  • Patent number: 7194874
    Abstract: A bushing for fiberizing molten material, such as molten glass, having a screen mounted in the bushing spaced above the tip or orifice plate with a central portion of the screen having a significantly lower percent of hole area than the percent of hole area in end portions of the screen. This bushing improves fiberizing efficiency in channel positions of a fiberizing operation. Also, such a screen can be laid on top of a conventional screen to convert a normal bushing to a channel position bushing. Methods of using these types of bushings to improve fiberization in the channel positions and for modifying conventional bushings for other uses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Russell Donovan Arterburn
  • Patent number: 7194875
    Abstract: A bushing for fiberizing molten material, such as molten glass, having a screen mounted in the bushing spaced above the tip or orifice plate with a central portion of the screen having a significantly lower percent of hole area than the percent of hole area in end portions of the screen. This bushing improves fiberizing efficiency in channel positions of a fiberizing operation. Also, such a screen can be laid on top of a conventional screen to convert a normal bushing to a channel position bushing. Methods of using these types of bushings to improve fiberization in the channel positions and for modifying conventional bushings for other uses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Russell Donovan Arterburn
  • Patent number: 7194876
    Abstract: A lock plug comprising a top end having a key way etched out of a solid wall, the key way leading to an interior of the lock plug housing a locking mechanism; and, a break away wall bordering a cavity carved out from the solid wall on a side of the key way, the break away wall forming a side of the key way. The locking mechanism in a lock plug usually employs the wafer technology and in this case, the interior of the lock plug includes a wafer cavity having wafers designed according to a particular key code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Western Hardware Company
    Inventors: Gayle E. Pacheco, Frank Glover, Tom Gulley
  • Patent number: 7194877
    Abstract: A multiple entry locking system including a U-bolt shackle having slotted legs. Various link members are adapted to be inserted through the slots in the U-bolt shackle legs. Each of the link members have first and second ends, and each of the link members have at least one lock shackle opening passing therethrough adjacent one of the ends thereof. Each of the lock shackle openings is adapted to receive the shackle of a lock. Stop members located adjacent the other of the first and second ends are adapted to prevent withdrawal of the link member through its slot in the direction of the lock shackle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Scott W. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 7194878
    Abstract: A device for booting the wheel of a vehicle comprises a dual capability for locking the wheel of either small or large vehicles. The booting device comprises a dual pair of pincer arms that are juxtaposed with respect to each other about a base member. The base member is composed of two sliding linkages that allow the pincer arms of one of the pair, to be adjusted about a wheel of a vehicle. The other pair of pincer arms acts as a stand member to prevent movement of the wheel. A lock in the base member secures the position of the arms, and prevents tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Glenn Johnson, Kevin Mak, John Pallay
  • Patent number: 7194879
    Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Sedon, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., William Shepler
  • Patent number: 7194880
    Abstract: An anti-theft case (1) is disclosed, particularly for videocassettes, DVD, compact disks, cassette tapes, comprising: first and second mutually hinged half-cases (3, 5); a separate opening and closing member (12) and a locking and unlocking member (18) of the case. In order to optimize assembling and costs of the case (1), the two half-cases (3, 5) are of a same shape and size; the opening and closing member (12) is shaped as an elongated slider and is inserted into a seat (20?, 20?) obtained in the half-cases (3, 5); and the locking and unlocking member (18) is composed of a cylindrical pin adapted to go in and out of a seat (22) obtained in the opening and closing member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Pietro Necchi
  • Patent number: 7194881
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating apparatus for a lock mechanism, in particular of a door or panel of a motor vehicle having a handle body, in which an actuating device for driving an actuating element for the lock mechanism is mounted in a handle-body end region. A moveable coupling link is provided, with which the actuating device can be brought out of operation, the coupling link being connected driveably to a locking device having a remote-controllable driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: D. La Porte Sohne GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Kutschat
  • Patent number: 7194882
    Abstract: A cold forging apparatus for forming complex shapes at a single station includes a plurality of multiple function punch assemblies disposed on intersecting axes. Each of the multiple function punch assemblies includes an inner or a center punch and an outer or ring-shaped punch surrounding and in sliding contact with the inner punch. The apparatus also includes a die holder for positioning a mass or slug of metal between the punches. A computer system controls movement of the punches and is programmable to form parts of different shapes at a single station. Off axis punches and angularly offset punches and an additional punch or punch assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Ray Travis, Paul Stone
  • Patent number: 7194883
    Abstract: The hydroforming tool of the present invention comprises a pair of upper and lower tool inserts having open axial ends and defining an elongated cavity there between when the tool inserts are forced together. The upper and/or lower tool inserts are composed of segments that are attached to the upper and a lower base plates, by bolts. Retaining elements, such as pins, are introduced into holes in the base plates and continues into cavities formed in the segmented inserts. This prevents the insert segments from moving during the forming operation. In this way the use of base blocks may be omitted. Sometimes the friction force acting between the base plate and segmented inserts, caused by the high pressure applied to the tool surfaces, is sufficient to prevent the separation of the segments, whereby the segments are kept in place without the use of retaining elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sapa Profiler AB
    Inventors: Jonas Bjuhr, Tomas Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7194884
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing lithium or lithium alloy anodes for electrochemical cells by an extrusion process wherein a lithium or lithium alloy ingot is formed into a thin sheet. The method is adapted to extrude thin sheet having a width exceeding the diameter of the lithium or lithium alloy ingot and enables the extrusion of lithium or lithium alloy thin sheets with more than one lithium or lithium alloy ingot. The invention also provides a die assembly adapted to allow adjustment and fine tuning of a die aperture while the extrusion process of a lithium or lithium alloy ingot is being carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Avestor Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard Laliberté, Jonathan Dubé
  • Patent number: 7194885
    Abstract: Continuous extrusion apparatus includes a rotatable wheel, the rotatable wheel including a circumferential groove. Continuous extrusion apparatus includes a shoe including an arcuate tooling bounding a radially outer portion of the groove provided with an exit aperture in a die body and an abutment displaced in the direction of rotation from the exit aperture. The shoe includes a heater body assembly including an electrical induction heating coil assembly arranged to be energisable to co-act with a magnetisable element to effect electrical induction heating thereof; and an element is provided to thermally induce movement of co-acting members for one of expanding and contracting to adjust clearances between the rotatable wheel and the abutment and the shoe within requisite limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: BWE Limited
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 7194886
    Abstract: There is disclosed a punch for forging a metallic plate member. A first die is adapted to be opposed to a first face of the plate member. A second die is adapted to be opposed to a second face of the plate member. A plurality of first projections are provided on the first die and arranged in a first direction with a fixed pitch. Each of the first projections is elongated in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A plurality of second projections are provided on the second die and arranged in the first direction with the fixed pitch. Each of the second projections is elongated in the second direction and provided with a concave portion extending in the second direction at a distal end portion thereof. The plate member is sandwiched between the first die and the second die so that the first projections and the second projections are cut into the plate member in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, to perform a first forging work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Fujio Akahane, Nagamitsu Takashima, Akiharu Kurebayashi, Kazushige Hakeda, Ryoji Uesugi
  • Patent number: 7194887
    Abstract: The press of the invention includes a first component and a second component for holding and pressing a workpiece to be processed between them, the first component being driven into translation relatively to the second component by an air cylinder. Thus, the first component is floatably mounted relatively to the second component, said components comprising means for positioning them relatively to each other at the limit of travel. Proper centering of the workpiece between the components, without stresses, may thereby be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Patrick Aubry, Alain Paul Bourgeois, Alain Georges Henri Lorieux
  • Patent number: 7194888
    Abstract: A method of vehicle suspension testing includes conducting actual road testing of a vehicle including collecting data, and generating a drive file from the collected data for road test simulation. A vehicle suspension parameter is changed to result in a changed vehicle. Initial simulated road testing of the changed vehicle is conducted using the drive file, and results from the simulated and actual road testing are compared using acceptability criteria to determine whether to conduct further actual road testing of the changed vehicle before conducting further simulated road testing of the changed vehicle in response to the changed suspension parameter. Further simulated road testing of the changed vehicle is conducted if the acceptability criteria are met. Otherwise, further actual road testing of the changed vehicle is first conducted to develop a new drive file for use with additional simulated road testing of the changed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Temkin, Ryan A Vaughan, Yung-Li Lee
  • Patent number: 7194889
    Abstract: A multi-directional shock sensor including two masses arranged to move in directions, which are mutually perpendicular to one another. A moveable locking member prevents movement of a slider, which is used in the arming arrangement of a submunition. In response to an acceleration in a plane, one or both masses will move. The masses are operably coupled to the locking member to effect its movement out of its locking engagement with the slider, due to such acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel Jean, Gabriel Smith, John Kunstmann