Patents Issued in July 24, 2007
  • Patent number: 7246967
    Abstract: A cross clamping device comprises a base plate with first and second legs and a clamping piece that connects the two legs with each other. The cross clamping device also comprises a first clamp screwed onto the first leg by a first screw, and a second clamp screwed onto the second leg by a second screw. The base plate and the two clamps are formed such that a first bar and a second bar, which is rotated by 90° in relation to the first bar, are able to be clamped. By tightening of the first and second screws, the two bars are clamped. The two screws perform a double function, so that separate screws for clamping of the first bar and for clamping of the second bar are not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Hansrudolf Iseli
  • Patent number: 7246968
    Abstract: A storm sewer inlet grate is provided, which is temporary and removable, to keep trash and debris and eroded soil out of a storm sewer. There are two parts: a rectangular box made of steel re-bars and steel mesh, and surrounding mesh bags filled with gravel and made of wire mesh. The device is placed in a gutter parallel to and against the street curb opening of the storm sewer drain. The mesh bags are easily removable one by one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Lawrence Priest
  • Patent number: 7246969
    Abstract: A storm drain inlet for a below-grade collection box including front, rear and side walls and a top. The inlet includes a pair of side columns, which connect to the collection box side walls. An upper crosspiece extends between the side columns and is attached to the collection box top. A lower crosspiece comprising a back plate extends between the side walls and provides a form for the rear edge of a concrete apron poured in front of the collection box. The side columns, upper crosspiece and concrete apron define an inlet throat open to the collection box interior. A roadway or parking lot structure can include curbs, which can be poured adjacent to the collection box into proximity with the inlet side columns. The curbs are preferably not rigidly connected to the inlet in order to accommodate relative movement therebetween. The inlet can be adapted for both poured-in-place and precast collection boxes. It can be scaled to accommodate various widths and heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Carl E. Orser
  • Patent number: 7246970
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with translating bunks supported by a base frame and having rollers mounted to the base frame to initially raises the watercraft upward when driven onto the lift sufficiently to be positioned above the bunks when in their lowered position and thereby permit operation of the lift in water too shallow for use of the bunks by themselves. The rollers are positioned relative to the translating bunks such that when the bunks are in their lowered position and the lift is used in sufficiently shallow water, the watercraft driven onto the lift initially engages the rollers, which lift the watercraft upward above the height when floating in the water and above the height of the bunks. The translating bunks are then used to lift the watercraft off of the rollers and upward to a raised position above the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 7246971
    Abstract: A stabilization system (10) for a section of submarine pipeline (11) comprising an end restraint (15) at each end of the section of pipeline and intermediate restraints (20) between the two end restraints (15) for limiting lateral movement of the pipeline (11) at the location of the restraints (15, 20). Each end restraint (15) is adapted to be secured to the pipeline (11) to transfer axial tension generated by lateral movement of the pipeline (11) to the seabed or ground on which the end restraint is installed. Each restraint (15, 20) comprises a pair of restraint faces (21) spaced apart to define a gap (23) through which the pipeline (11) can extend. Each restraint face (21) is configured to control curvature of the pipeline (11) during lateral movement thereof. A restraint device and a method of stabilizing a submarine pipeline is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: J P Kenny Pty Limited
    Inventors: Barry Errol Ellis, Antonino John Fogliani
  • Patent number: 7246972
    Abstract: A maritime unit and a method for operating a maritime unit. The maritime unit includes a frame structure. The maritime unit includes at least three legs moveable between a standby position and an extended position. A jack mechanism moves the legs between the standby position and the extended position. The maritime unit has at least its legs operated on a disk brake principle for enabling a substantially stepless drive therefor, whereby the maritime unit has each of its legs provided with a brake system, including one or more brake flanges extending longitudinally of the leg. The maritime unit has its frame structure provided with a brake system including one or more brake shoe elements operable in a vertical direction with the jack mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Pasi Törmälä, Iikka Pitkänen
  • Patent number: 7246973
    Abstract: A tangential milling cutting insert has two identical opposing end surfaces with two identical opposing major side surfaces of a generally parallelogrammatic shape and two identical opposing minor side surfaces extending between them. An ambidextrous tangential cutting insert has two non-identical end surfaces and two opposing major side surfaces of a generally trapezoidal nature. In either cutting insert, each end surface has a peripheral cutting edge and four corners of which two diagonally opposed corners are lowered and the other two are raised. Each end surface has four separate planar regions arranged in pairs, the planar regions do not protrude relative to the surrounding end surface and the two planar regions of a given pair of planar regions slope in opposite directions with respect to a median plane of the cutting insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company
    Inventors: William Bennett Johnson, Neil A. Vogeler
  • Patent number: 7246974
    Abstract: A tool head, which is adapted to receive a cutting insert for chip removal machining, includes a basic holder which has a lower support part and an upper clamping portion defining therebetween an insert-receiving pocket. A slot extends through the basic holder at a location spaced from the pocket, wherein the clamping portion is joined to a remaining portion of the basic holder by a hinge portion about which the clamping portion is elastically displaceable toward the cutting insert. A recess extends through the basic holder parallel to the slot and in communication therewith, the recess receiving a nut roll. A clamping screw extends through the slot and into threaded engagement with the nut roll, wherein the clamping screw includes a conical head arranged to enter the slot for expanding the slot and elastically displacing the clamping portion about the hinge and toward the cutting insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Per Hansson, Erik Berminge, Helena Olsson
  • Patent number: 7246975
    Abstract: A device for cutting a hole, such as in sheet metal is provided. The device includes an axially rotatably cylindrical body that is operable with a rotatable drive. A distal end portion of the body includes a replaceable cutting tip and a replaceable pilot. The cutting tip is secured within a notch in the body and extends distally from the distal end portion. A shank portion is also provided which is adapted for securement within a rotational drive mechanism, such as a hand held drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Chris Corso, Terry M. Corso
  • Patent number: 7246976
    Abstract: An embodiment of a spade bit has straight grooves at a lead angle of 4 to 8 degrees placed on flat edges of the spade bit. In an alternative embodiment, a spade bit has two steps of straight grooves at a lead angle of 4 to 8 degrees placed on flat edges of the spade bit. In other alternative embodiments, a spade bit has tapered flat edge which have straight grooves at a lead angle of 4 to 8 degrees placed thereon. The straight grooves on the flat edges of the spade bits allow the spade bit to pull itself through the workpiece with a minimal amount of penetration. The flat edges of the spade bit may also have cutting surfaces for cleaning the hole and permitting the easy removal of the spade bit from the hole after drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Nordlin
  • Patent number: 7246977
    Abstract: An indicating device with large graduations for a plane is installed at a combining section of a main base and a worktable of the plane, including a graduation ruler, a pointer and a rack. The graduation ruler formed as an arc is provided with graduations with number figures for readings. The upper end portion of the pointer faces exactly to the graduation ruler for pointing to one of the graduations. The pointer has gear teeth in its lower round edge for engaging with gear teeth located on one side of the rack. Therefore, a displacement the worktable moves relative to the main base can be clearly and easily read from the graduations of the graduation ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Patent number: 7246978
    Abstract: A body comprising a nut retaining apparatus mounted thereon for fastening a bolt to the body. The bolt is inserted into a bolt insertion hole at an end surface of the body from a direction inclined with respect to a direction tangent to the body. The nut retaining apparatus comprises a nut retainer and a nut holder, the nut retainer positioned at an insertion end of the bolt insertion hole in the body and against which a nut member having a threaded hole abuts, and the nut holder mounted on the body for supporting the nut member in the inclined direction. The nut member is retained and supported in the inclined direction at a position between the nut retainer and nut holder and continuous with the bolt insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunari Morishima, Youichi Zenda, Tsuyoshi Shimozato
  • Patent number: 7246979
    Abstract: A flat portion 12a and a slope portion 12b are provided on a thread 12 of a multi-pitch screw 10 alternately. The flat portion and the slope portion are provided on the thread of a multi-pitch nut which fastens with this. Consequently, a screw and a nut capable of preventing loosening securely by step are achieved. This enables comfortable and quick feeding and when a torque from a driving source is interrupted, step-like self-lock is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Imasen Denki Seisakusho, Nagoya Industrial Science Research Institute
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujii, Katsuhiro Sugiyama, Masashi Mitsukuchi, Kenichi Katayama, Yoshinori Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 7246980
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fastening member comprising a threaded part (150) and a head (100) with which the threaded part can be turned in order to tighten the fastening member in a corresponding element. The head (100) is formed of a plate (110) in one piece with the threaded part (150) and a cap (120) covering said plate. The cap (120) comprises a recessed portion (121) in which an offset is provided to form a housing (128). The plate (110) comprises a guide finger (111) located inside the housing (128) to form a stop against which the cap presses in order to impart a rotational movement to the plate in the tightening direction. The cap (120) further comprises a remotely interrogatable electronic component (130) comprising a data storage means (132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: European Community
    Inventors: Graziano Azzalin, Christophe Korn, Andre Poucet, Marco Sironi
  • Patent number: 7246981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding a stack of sheets which can be carried out using a conventional perfect binding machine. A stack to be bound is positioned between a pair of end leafs. Molten hot melt adhesive is then applied to the edge of the stack and to the first and second end leafs, preferably using the perfect binding machine. An elongated spine member is then applied to the edge of the stack and is secured by the hot melt adhesive. The elongated spine member is preferably part of a configuration having a form factor that generally matches that of the conventional cover so that configuration, including the spine member, can be applied using the traditional perfect binder machine. The respective edges of the spine member are secured to the outer sheets of the end leafs by way of pressure sensitive adhesives. In one embodiment, the pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed on the edges of the spine member and covered by release sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Powis Parker, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Parker
  • Patent number: 7246982
    Abstract: A machine for inserting plastic pre-formed helical coils into aligned holes at an edge of respective collated books for binding the books is adjustable to accommodate different thickness books and respective different diameter and pitch of coil. The machine has a platen having an edge comb at which the edge of the book is presented and a coil drive for rotating the helical coil parallel to the edge of the platen. Two spine formers support the book such that its spine takes up a curved shape in side elevation and a clamp with an edge comb clamps the book on to the platen. Both the edge comb of the platen and of the clamp are provided as insert portions attachable to the respective element for easy replacement of the pitch. The location of the coil drive is automatically adjusted by measuring the coil diameter with a gauge. The clamp moves along an arc which automatically adjusts the clamping location for thickness of the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Gateway Bookbinding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Desjarlais, Walter D. Klassen
  • Patent number: 7246983
    Abstract: The pipe racking system is designed to handle drilling tubulars (primarily drill pipe and drill collars) between the racked or setback position and the well center. The racking system can mechanically grasp a stand of pipe, lift the pipe sufficient for free movement, and deliver the pipe to either the setback area for storage or to well center to be added to the drilling string. The purpose of this newly developed system is to move pipe safely and efficiently in the vertical position for drilling operations. Together with the use of its mechanized fingerboard, the system automates the process of handling and storing pipe vertically, thus eliminating the need for a worker at the racking board level. The system is capable of being installed within the masts of smaller rigs and may remain installed in the mast during rig moves thus minimizing any disassembly for rig-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: National-Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventors: Baldwin E. Zahn, Mark J. Fillip, Ryllee Tab Tettleton, Tom Bui
  • Patent number: 7246984
    Abstract: A transferring apparatus transfers an article to be processed, which is carried by a carrier device, to a holder provided in a processing chamber defined by a processing vessel and adapted to hold the article at a specified processing position. The transferring apparatus includes a temporarily holding member, and transfers the article from the intermediate position to the processing position after receiving the article carried by the carrier device at an intermediate position distanced from the holder and temporarily holding it. The temporarily holding member is retracted to a position in the outside of the processing vessel after the article is transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho, Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Sarumaru, Hideshi Yamane, Katsumi Watanabe, Hiroyuki Ueno, Hideki Adachi, Eiji Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 7246985
    Abstract: A transfer system for use with a tool for processing a work-piece at low or vacuum pressure such as an ion implanter for implanting silicon wafers. An enclosure defines a low pressure region for processing of work-pieces placed at a work-piece processing station within the low pressure region. A two tier multiple work-piece isolation load lock transfers work-pieces from a higher pressure region to the lower pressure for processing and back to said higher pressure subsequent to said processing. A first robot transfers work-pieces within the low pressure region from the load locks to a processing station within the low pressure region. Multiple other robots positioned outside the low pressure region transfers work-pieces to and from the two tier work-piece isolation load locks from a source of said work-pieces prior to processing and to a destination of said work-pieces after said processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Ferrara
  • Patent number: 7246986
    Abstract: A slat carrier for facilitating transportation of slats to be used in an animal pen. The slat carrier includes a support assembly being designed for selectively receiving the slat to be transported. A mounting assembly is rotatably coupled to the support assembly. The support assembly is rotated with respect to the mounting assembly whereby the support assembly is designed for rotating the slat from a horizontal position to a vertical position to facilitate transportation of the slat through doorways. The mounting assembly is designed for being selectively coupled to a vehicle whereby the mounting assembly permits the vehicle to transport the slat supported by the support assembly. A wheel assembly is coupled to the mounting assembly. The wheel assembly is designed for engaging a support surface whereby the wheel assembly facilitates transportation of the support assembly across the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Doeden
  • Patent number: 7246987
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transporting a solid rocket motor, rocket or other object. A transport for an object suitably includes a trailer having a longitudinal axis. A tail support coupled to the trailer has a notch configured to receive a pin affixed to the object to prevent movement along the longitudinal axis during transport. A chock assembly includes a chock and a trolley, wherein the chock is configured to accept the solid rocket motor and to pivot about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. By pivoting with the object, the rotable chock maintains intimate contact with the object during transport and/or elevation, thereby improving response to flexing of the transport and reducing the possibility of damage to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roderick B. Jagos, Steve S. Lo
  • Patent number: 7246988
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for easily, safely, and securely tying down a Christmas tree to the roof top of any vehicle. The system allows the tree to be secured to the vehicle in minutes by using a cable tie system which adjust to any vehicle. The system includes a central loop attached to the tree trunk, a pair of lines extending out from the sides of the central loop, and a pair of outboard loops that operably attach to the vehicle. The outboard loops attach directly to the rails of a roof rack, or to each other in the interior of the vehicle if the vehicle has no roof rack. When the tree arrives at its destination, only the central loop and outboard loops need to be cut to remove the tree from the roof top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Zambetti
  • Patent number: 7246989
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a plurality of passages extending through outer platforms of turbine vane segments for directing cooling air in a choked flow condition towards a downstream turbine shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: David Glasspoole, Ricardo Trindade
  • Patent number: 7246990
    Abstract: A composite fan casing for a gas turbine engine is provided includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a core having a plurality of core layers of reinforcing fiber bonded together with a thermosetting polymeric resin. Each core layer includes a plurality of braided reinforcing fibers with the braids of reinforcing fibers aligned in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ming Xie, Stephen C. Mitchell, Donald George LaChapelle, Lee A. Blanton, Richard T. Price, David W. Crall, Frank Worthoff
  • Patent number: 7246991
    Abstract: A wind turbine with a sensor that measures the out-of-plane deflection of the blades and a controller that uses the signal from the sensor to determine the risk of a tower strike. The controller takes any necessary action to prevent a tower strike when it determines that the risk of a strike is high. The sensor can include strain gages or accelerometers mounted on the blades or it can include a fixed sensor mounted on the side of the tower to measure tower clearance as the blade passes by. The control action taken can include pitching blades, yawing the nacelle, or stopping the turbine. The controller is preferably a fuzzy logic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: John Vanden Bosche
  • Patent number: 7246992
    Abstract: A turbine airfoil includes a leading edge and an axially spaced-part trailing edge, the leading edge having an axially-extending external surface curvature. A cooling circuit in the airfoil includes cooling holes formed in the leading edge along the span axis of the airfoil. The cooling holes have a diffuser section communicating with the leading edge surface. The diffuser section has four opposed walls defining a generally quadralinear exit opening on the surface of the leading edge. One of the diffuser walls has a convex curvature that approximates the external surface curvature of the leading edge whereby fluid flow from the cooling hole exits is evenly dispersed and spread along land portions of the leading edge adjacent the cooling holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ching-Pang Lee
  • Patent number: 7246993
    Abstract: A coolable segment for a turbomachine such as a combustion turbine, which turbomachine is operated with a hot fluid. The segment comprises a cooling wall extending in an axial direction and in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the axial direction; a hot fluid surface to be exposed to the hot fluid. Between the wall and the surface a cooling structure is arranged which is permeable to cooling fluid and provides cooling surfaces for cooling by heat transmission through radiation. The cooling structure comprises either a netting, in particular a wire netting or a porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Thomas Bolms, Andreas Heselhaus, Bernhard Hoffschmidt
  • Patent number: 7246994
    Abstract: A spacing arrangement for a gas turbine engine 10. The spacing arrangement being arranged such that as a rotor blade 26 of a compressor 13 rotates, the rotor disc 28 will move outwards and forwards to maintain a substantially constant gap 36 between the rotor blade 26 and an inclined casing 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Leo V Lewis
  • Patent number: 7246995
    Abstract: A seal usable to seal a transition in a can-annular combustion system of a turbine engine to a turbine vane assembly to direct exhaust gases through the turbine vane assembly. The seal may be formed from an elongated body extending along an outer edge of the transition and having first and second edges. The first edge of the seal may be attached to the transition, and the elongated body may extend away from the transition edge and contact a portion of the turbine vane assembly. The elongated body may flex during use without yielding or otherwise deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Zborovsky
  • Patent number: 7246996
    Abstract: A method for assembling a rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The engine includes an engine casing, a plurality of rotor blades, and at least one turbine shroud assembly. The method includes mounting a plurality of case segments together circumferentially to form the casing around the plurality of rotor blades and the at least one turbine shroud assembly, wherein each of the case segments includes at least two mounting flanges and a channel defined therebetween. The method also includes applying a thermal barrier coating to an inner surface of the channel and at least a portion of each mounting flange to facilitate maintaining axisymmetric running tip clearances between the plurality of rotor blades and the least one turbine shroud assembly during a cruise operation. The thermal barrier coating also facilitates controlling axisymmetric running tip clearances during a take-off operation such that an exhaust gas temperature and a specific fuel consumption is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Daniel John Harris
  • Patent number: 7246997
    Abstract: An integrated centrifugal blower wheel for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) blower unit includes a first blade support, a second blade support, and a plurality of S-shaped blades disposed between the first and second blade supports, wherein each of the S-shaped blades has a trailing edge bent in a forward direction with respect to a defined direction of rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Liu, Herman Weigman, Shixiao Wang
  • Patent number: 7246998
    Abstract: A rotor blade includes a removable blade tip section which is mounted to an outboard rotor blade section by mechanically mounting a tip spar to a main blade spar with a spar interface section which bridges a butt joint between the blade spar and the tip spar. The spar interface section is mounted within the blade spar and the tip spar with a multiple of threaded fasteners which are under shear load during rotor blade rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Kovalsky, Kevin P. Viola
  • Patent number: 7246999
    Abstract: A turbine airfoil includes an internal cooling circuit between opposite pressure and suction sidewalls. The pressure sidewall includes a row of outlet slots for the circuit separated by converging partitions. Each slot includes an inlet, throat, and diverging outlet. Each of the partitions includes a step in a converging sidewall thereof for increasing divergence of the slots to diffuse coolant discharged therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Francis Manning, Thomas Edward Demarche, David Allen Flodman
  • Patent number: 7247000
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in automated welding repairs, particularly those repairs intended for impellers, blisks, and similar structures. There is provided a welding shield which is shaped to fit securely within valleys of an impeller. An individual shield is sized to match with a particular impeller design. When in place, the shield covers exposed areas of the valley and thus protects that area from welding damage. The shield may include welding resistant materials on exposed surfaces. A plurality of shields can protect as many impeller valleys as needed. The shield fits securely so that it does not dislodge during automated welding operations. If desired shields can be moved and repositioned so as to expose previously protected areas thus allowing welding to take place in the newly exposed areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Cahoon, Russell G. Swaffar, Randall E. Dowding
  • Patent number: 7247001
    Abstract: An impeller (1) according to the present invention has a disk-like main plate (10), a blade (20) joined to the main plate, and a side plate (30) having a suction port. A boss hole (12) is formed in a central portion of the main plate for attaching a boss which engages with a pump shaft to the boss hole. A step portion (14) is formed around the boss hole, which is formed in the main plate, by drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kajiwara, Sou Kuroiwa, Kikuichi Mori, Koichi Kunimasa
  • Patent number: 7247002
    Abstract: A component (10) for a gas turbine engine formed of a stacked plurality of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) lamellae (12) supported by a metal support structure (20). Individual lamellae are supported directly by the support structure via cooperating interlock features (30, 32) formed on the lamella and on the support structure respectively. Mating load-transferring surfaces (34, 36) of the interlock features are disposed in a plane (44) oblique to local axes of thermal growth (38, 40) in order to accommodate differential thermal expansion there between with delta alpha zero expansion (DAZE). Reinforcing fibers (62) within the CMC material may be oriented in a direction optimized to resist forces being transferred through the interlock features. Individual lamellae may all have the same structure or different interlock feature shapes and/or locations may be used in different groups of the lamellae. Applications for this invention include an airfoil assembly (10) and a ring segment assembly (82).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry A. Albrecht, Yevgeniy Shteyman, Jay A. Morrison, Daniel G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7247003
    Abstract: A stacked ceramic matrix composite lamellate assembly (10) including shear force bearing structures (48) for resisting relative sliding movement between adjacent lamellae. The shear force bearing structures may take the form of a cross-lamellar stitch (50), a shear pin (62), a warp (90) in the lamellae, a tongue (104) and groove (98) structure, or an inter-lamellar sealing member (112), in various embodiments. Each shear force bearing structure secures a subset of the lamellae, with at least one lamella being common between adjacent subsets in order to secure the entire assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Burke, Jay A. Morrison, Steven James Vance, Daniel G. Thompson, Vijay Parthasarathy, Gary B. Merrill, Douglas Allen Keller
  • Patent number: 7247004
    Abstract: An electronically controlled actuator for controlling a turbocharger has a motor, a speed change mechanism and a position sensor contained in a case consisting of a body and a cover. The driving force of the motor is transmitted through the speed change mechanism to an output shaft to drive the movable vanes of a turbocharger for turning. A first bearing supporting the output shaft for rotation is held on the cover, and a second bearing supporting the output shaft for rotation is held on the body. The position sensor is mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The reliability of the actuator is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Suganami, Hiroaki Saeki, Shigeki Yamada
  • Patent number: 7247005
    Abstract: A motor-driven gear pump assembly includes a rotary shaft rotatably mounted in a housing, and a pump mounted on the rotary shaft. The pump has a pressure chamber. A high-pressure seal is disposed around the shaft between the pump and the motor. A low-pressure seal is provided around the shaft between the high-pressure seal and the motor. An annular oil seal chamber is formed between the high-pressure seal and the low-pressure seal to surround the shaft. A recess chamber is formed around the oil seal chamber. Oil is introduced into the oil seal chamber until the portion of the rotary shaft in the oil seal chamber is completely submerged in the oil introduced while leaving air in the oil seal chamber. The oil in the oil seal chamber thus serves as a seal which positively prevents infiltration of air into the pump. If oil in the pump leaks through the high-pressure seal into the oil seal chamber, the air is compressed, thus absorbing any increase in the volume of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fuchida, Yoshitake Hisada
  • Patent number: 7247006
    Abstract: An ultrahigh-pressure fluid system, such as an ultrahigh-pressure fluid pump, includes an improved dynamic seal assembly that can withstand pressures above 40,000 psi, and more preferably, pressures up to and beyond 87,000 psi. The dynamic sealing assembly includes a plastic seal having a bore through which the plunger reciprocates, and a bearing positioned adjacent the seal, also having a bore through which the plunger reciprocates. A seal carrier surrounds the circumference of the bearing and is subjected to a compressive force that is sufficiently high to circumferentially collapse the seal carrier in a radial direction against the bearing. This collapse of the seal carrier against the bearing causes an inner surface of the bore through the bearing to achieve substantially uniform contact with an outer surface of the plunger when the assembly is subjected to ultrahigh-pressure, thereby eliminating gaps that occur in prior art systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan J. Hopkins, Adrian Hawes, William L. Old
  • Patent number: 7247007
    Abstract: A linear compressor includes a cylinder part and a piston part. A spring connects the cylinder part and the piston part and operates in the direction of reciprocation of the piston part relative to the cylinder part. The piston part includes a radially compliant but axially stiff linkage and piston. The cylinder part includes a cylinder and a cylinder liner therewithin. A bore runs through the cylinder liner and the piston reciprocates in the bore. Gas bearing passages are formed between the cylinder and the cylinder liner leading to opening through the wall of the cylinder liner to the bore. A gas bearing manifold receives compressed gases and supplies the compressed gases to the gas bearing passages. The gas bearing passages follow a tortuous path to the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
    Inventors: Lindsey Jack Roke, Ian Campbell McGill, Gerald David Duncan, William George Ferguson, Andrew Paul Taylor
  • Patent number: 7247008
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is provided for a fuel delivery system that includes a pump (10) having a housing that rotatably receives a rotor (20) carrying vanes (26) thereon, a cam ring (70) received between the housing and rotor (20), and a support member of yoke (50) encompassing the cam ring (70) to selectively vary fuel flow. The bearing assembly (80) is a journal bearing between the yoke (50) and the cam ring (70) and includes an annular surface having a central opening therethrough. The annular surface includes a first, high pressure pad (102) and a second, low pressure pad (104) substantially diametrically opposite the first pad and separated by first and second lands (106, 108). The circumferential extent of the first pad (102) is at least as great as an inner diameter of the cam ring (70). Circumferential ends of the second pad (104) are wider than circumferential ends of the first pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Argo-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Clements, Robert Nyzen
  • Patent number: 7247009
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a novel slider block with an upper surface that extends for a greater extent than the prior art. By extending this upper surface, the upper surface is better able to withstand wear on the slider block during the life of the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventor: Zili Sun
  • Patent number: 7247010
    Abstract: An encapsulation machine utilizes servo-driven components and a control system to control the encapsulation machine. Servomotors drive the fill supply mechanism, the die rollers and the casting drums. The control system uses a programmable controller to establish relationships between the servo and non-servo-driven components of the machine and a virtual gear to facilitate and automate the operation of the encapsulation machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Technophar Equipment & Service Limited
    Inventors: Herman Victorov, Toma Tacescu, Corina Calin, Daniela Tacescu, Liviu Marcu, Victor Calin
  • Patent number: 7247011
    Abstract: A patty forming system which includes a first generally disc-like mold chamber and a second loading chamber in which a manually operated plunger is mounted for reciprocal movement. When the plunger is moved towards the mold chamber, the mass of material from which a patty is to be formed will be forced into the mold chamber and be molded into the shape of such chamber. Preferably the diameter of the mold chamber is variable depending upon the quantity of material forced into such chamber by the plunger. An automatic spring loaded patty ejector may also be incorporated with the plunger mechanism to facilitate removal of the patty from the mold chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Barett A. St. Germain, Andrew Millson
  • Patent number: 7247012
    Abstract: A polymer extrusion crosshead assembly for forming a spirally-striped extrusion. The assembly includes conventional components for admitting, turning, and accelerating primary molten polymer toward a novel rotating die sub-assembly. A body element includes an axial counterbore for receiving a manifold supply block in communication with a source of secondary striping polymer. A wear plate is attached to the manifold block. The die sub-assembly includes a striping die having an annular passage for conveying the primary polymer to form an extruded tube or a core material coating. The die is loaded against the wear plate by a Belleville washer. The die includes one or more striping nozzles in communication with the manifold block for injecting secondary striping polymer into the annular stream of primary polymer flowing through the die, creating a longitudinal stripe of striping polymer. Rotating the die while extruding both polymers yields a helically striped (spiral) extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cangen Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Prem Anand, John C. Giardina
  • Patent number: 7247013
    Abstract: Improved powder compacting apparatus for feeding powder between rollers to form a compressed material with enhanced physical properties including uniformity to facilitate forming tablets and similar items therefrom. Side seals confine the powder between the rollers and can be movable independently from the rollers and optionally independently from one another to enhance even compaction. A housing defines a guide channel with a linear feed and shearing zone immediately prior to the nip zone for smoothing and leveling powder flow. One or more vents are provided for releasing gases generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Edward J. Roland
  • Patent number: 7247014
    Abstract: A compression molding machine includes a support mounted for rotation around an axis and a plurality of angularly spaced molds disposed around the support. Each of the molds includes a first mold segment and a second mold segment. At least one of the mold segments is movable with respect to the other mold segment between a closed position for compression molding a plastic article, and an open position for removing a molded article from the mold and placing a mold charge into the mold. An apparatus is provided for placing mold charges into the molds in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Mattice, David C. Thompson, Wendell D. Willingham, B. Jack Rote
  • Patent number: 7247015
    Abstract: A piezoelectric lighter includes a lighter casing, an ignition nozzle, a gas releasing valve, a piezoelectric unit, and a hidden push button arrangement. The hidden push button arrangement includes a push button which has a pusher end portion, a pivot end portion pivotally mounted at the lighter casing at the button receiving slot thereof, and a button surface extended from the pusher end portion and the pivot end portion, adapted to pivotally fold between an operation position and a hidden position. At the hidden position, the pusher end portion of the push button is folded into the button receiving slot to align the button surface of the push button with the outer surface of the lighter casing so as to completely hide the push button in the button receiving slot within the lighter casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Zreative Products Inc.
    Inventor: John Hu
  • Patent number: 7247016
    Abstract: High-pressure air is discharged in the form of jets moving at a high velocity from nozzles (32) mounted on a ring manifold (30) that encircles the flare stack (10) at a predetermined distance below the flare tip (12), the upper portion of the flare stack being surrounded by an exterior shield (50) that is provided with internal guide vanes (36) at the top portion and perforated with air passages (52) at the bottom portion. The high-velocity air movement in the annular space creates a low pressure zone that in turn induces a larger volume of air from the atmosphere to enter the annular space between the shield and stack where it rises to the flame zone (58), thereby lifting the flame and enhancing turbulent air, fuel and waste gas mixing in the flame zone to minimize or eliminate smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mazen M. Mashhour