Patents Issued in August 14, 2007
  • Patent number: 7254914
    Abstract: A hydrogen operated gun for shooting projectiles such as a paint pellet. Hydrogen gas is supplied to a combustion chamber and is combusted by a trigger controlled piezo igniter. The hydrogen may be supplied by a hydrogen generator or by a hydrogen storage container located in the gun housing. Suitable valve mechanisms are provided to control the flow of hydrogen to the combustion chamber and the expelling of exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lund Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael D. Starrick
  • Patent number: 7254915
    Abstract: An alligator clip holder is provided for supporting and retaining at least one fishing rod on a support device. The holder includes a first clip member and a second clip member pivotally connected to each other by a pivot pin. A resilient member is disposed about the pivot pin with two opposite ends in contact against respective surfaces of the first and second clip members so as to permit clamping attachment of the first and second clip members to a support device. A retaining bar assembly is rotatably and slidably positioned on a top end of one of the first and second clip members for supporting and retaining at least one fishing rod thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: John Adam Mrotek
  • Patent number: 7254916
    Abstract: A lure has a body (10) provided with a recess (12), forming a decoy and defining a longitudinal axis (AA?), a connecting member (26) inserted into the body (10) via an inner end thereof, and attachable to a line (30) at the other, outer end. The point at which the connecting member is inserted into the body (10) defines the forward portion of the lure with a hook (24) positioned in the recess (12), and an attachment device (22) for securing the connecting member (26) and the hook (24) provided in the body (10). The attachment device (22) include a resilient member (23) at least indirectly attached to the body (10) at one end and to the hook (24) and the connecting member (26) at the other end, and a guide member (22c) for guiding the hook (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Patrick Mussot
  • Patent number: 7254917
    Abstract: This fishing invention applies a kinetic energy-storing device along a fishing line to provide additional resistance to short-term stress applied to the line when the fish is tugging. The kinetic energy-storing device reduces occurrences of fishing line breakage, allows fishermen to use a lighter fishing line, and creates a means for fishing lures to snap themselves off of undersea objects. This invention, when secured between the fishing line and lure, allows fishermen to change lures without the need to retie the lure. Ultimately, this invention makes it more difficult for a fish to escape once hooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Blue Water Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Brickett
  • Patent number: 7254918
    Abstract: An emergency unlocking device for locking and unlocking systems for swinging sliding doors, in particular of rail vehicles. The emergency unlocking device has a traction device that engages on a first spring-loaded pivoted lever that is connected via a second lever to a third lever. The third lever is attached to the axial shaft of a spring-loaded rotary magnet and has elongate holes in which a bolt is displaceably mounted. When the traction device is subjected to tensile stress, the bolt engages with a fourth lever that is pivotably mounted on a shaft, and moves the fourth lever. The fourth lever is operatively connected via a coupling rod and deflection unit to a locking rod that moves the vertical direction. A rod, via which a force component that brings about the locking and unlocking of the door leaves can be applied, engages on the fourth lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Fahrzeugtechnik Dessau AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Fronz, Wolfgang Steiniger
  • Patent number: 7254919
    Abstract: A unitary, one-piece anchor for connecting a roof truss or other building structural member to a cementitious wall to resist uplift and lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: United Steel Products Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Lutz, John W. Schmidt, III
  • Patent number: 7254920
    Abstract: A device for setting and leveling tile is provided that comprises an elongated straight edge. The straight edge includes a horizontal tile support flange and a vertical flange. A support leg is adjustably attached to the vertical flange adjacent each end of the straight edge and a bubble level is centered on the vertical flange between the support legs. The thickness of the horizontal support flange is sized so that after all the courses of tile are laid and the straight edge is removed, only a layer of grout is required to complete the installation. If the floor is not level, the support legs are adjusted to center the bubble in the level prior to laying the tiles. When leveling tile around a bathtub, an adjustable brace is affixed onto each of the support legs. Each brace includes and adjustment slot therethrough and a rubber boot secured on one end for engaging the bottom of the tub for supporting the straight edge on the edge of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Roland Steele
  • Patent number: 7254921
    Abstract: A rocking hinge bearing system is provided. The rocking hinge bearing system comprises a first base plate, a second base plate, and a compressible member. A pintle mechanism is required to align the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member and to prevent relative horizontal movement between the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member. A tensioning mechanism inhibits axial separation of the first base plate relative to the second base plate and helps to return the first base plate into its original position relative to the second base plate after rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Lee Osmun, Nien-Yin Chang, Shingchun Trever Wang
  • Patent number: 7254922
    Abstract: A selectively releasable side curtain is provided with at lease one zipper member having a first portion secured to the side pad and a second portion secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. In a second embodiment, a snap stud and snap button member is provided having one snap stud or snap button that is secured to the side pad and a second snap button or snap stud secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. The side curtain is selectively pivotable mounted relative to the side curtain for being selectively moved from an operative position to a storage position. In addition, at lease one threaded fastener is provided and secured to the side pad and the side curtain for selectively, releasable securing the side curtain relative to the side pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Fairborn USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon, Dale Kreais
  • Patent number: 7254923
    Abstract: A prefixed advertisement structure which is positioned mainly in downtown areas or places of heavy traffic, belonging to the field of advertisement making effective use of the wall surfaces of a building (1) conspicuous to passersby, etc. and which, in particular, is integrated with a glass sash wall (2) of a building (1). A prefixed advertisement structure integrated with a glass sash wall (2) of a building (1), wherein a advertising site is secured in advance on wall surface of the building in consideration of harmony with the external design of the building (1), providing a source of income from advertisement from the time of completion of the building (1) with an advertising medium attached in advance, and the advertisement structure harmonized with the external design of the building prevents the external appearance of the building (1) from being spoiled and attracts people's attention, thus proving increased advertising effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Takenaka Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Hioki, Shuichi Saito, Mizuhiko Tamura, Kanji Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7254924
    Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a sheet of solar radiation reflective material disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel R. Regina
  • Patent number: 7254925
    Abstract: A concrete form panel has a plurality of studs. A first and second panel are fastened to the studs to define concrete receiving cavities between the first panel and the second panel. A fastening strip attaches the panels to the stud and is vertically oriented. In addition, a netting may span the studs. An opening extending from panel to panel may create a concrete-to-concrete interface between concrete in the form panel and a concrete footing. A column may be formed in this fashion. Moreover, ports, such as windows and door, may be provided in wall assembly. The assembly may be attached by a truss anchor to a truss for a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Efficient Building Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Oscar Stefanutti, Timothy Alvaro, Paul Stefanutti, John Willwerth
  • Patent number: 7254926
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for attaching a deck to a building. The apparatus and method disclose a deck bracket with an L shaped bracket, a solid bar, preferably threaded at both ends, and a sheath which would surround a support member of the building. The solid bar could be of various lengths, depending upon the structure to which it will be attached. The L shaped bracket has a support piece fixedly attached to the back side of its long, vertical side, and has a threaded bore through the support piece and L shaped bracket, with which to accept one of the threaded ends of the solid bar. The short, horizontal side of the L shaped bracket would hold one or more of the deck rim joists or deck supporting beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Barry Eldeen
  • Patent number: 7254927
    Abstract: A process of retrofitting an existing window that uses a gasket to secure a sacrificial member and a glazing. The sacrificial member forms a replaceable protective barrier between the glazing and occupants of a vehicle such as a bus. The gasket is traditionally used to secure the sacrificial member and the glazing to the window. Over time, after several removal and re-installations during replacement of the sacrificial member or the glazing, the gasket typically becomes unfit for subsequent use. The gasket is replaced with a rigid retainer member that fits into an existing recess that receives the gasket. The retainer member secures the sacrificial member and the glazing to the window so as to permit repeated changes of the sacrificial member without removal of the retainer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Transit Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Farrar, Dale Carson
  • Patent number: 7254928
    Abstract: There are several advantages to installing roof insulation in industrial and commercial buildings from above, rather than from below after the roof is sealed. A reinforced facing sheet is used that can be rolled out between the purlins that support the steel roofing. This reinforced facing material is located at the bottom of an insulation system and is used to support the insulation from below. The reinforced facing sheet must be anchored to reduce pillowing of the insulation and provide a neat appearance to the insulation job. The anchoring system for the reinforced facing material is made up of a metal angle that is firmly affixed to the top of a rafter between purlins. The reinforced facing material is, thus, sandwiched between the angle and the rafter top, and securely anchored, there. A channel-shaped lower support member, usually vinyl, is located beneath the reinforced facing material and the angle is pressed, from above, into the open part of the channel shape as it is situated on top if the rafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Fligg
  • Patent number: 7254929
    Abstract: Process and machine for packing pasty, liquid or semiliquid products comprising: nonstop feeding two sheets (1, 2) sandwiching ducts (3) ending in nozzles (4) feeding pasty, liquid or semiliquid products to be packed (M); nonstop longitudinally sealing the said sheets (1, 2) through longitudinal continuous beads (5) adjacent to the said continuous sleeves (6); forming through the said longitudinal sealing narrowings arranged at intervals longitudinally regular in the said sleeves (6) making possible the passage of the said ducts (3) and defining in the sleeves (6) long, wide lengths (8) and short narrow lengths (9); nonstop injecting with nozzles (4) material (M) within the said sleeves (6) which are inflated forming units (28) of material (M) with prior pressure closing of a narrow length (9) each sleeve advanced to each nozzle (4) while the sheets (1, 2) are moving forwards, and pressure closing and transversally sealing at regular intervals the said sleeves (6) filled with material (M).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Alejandro Javier Schutz, legal representative, Jorge Antonio Schutz, deceased
  • Patent number: 7254930
    Abstract: A stationary tucker bar mechanism attached to a vertical form, fill, and seal packaging machine used to construct a vertical stand-up pouch and a gusseted flat bottom bag. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using the stationary tucker bar gusseting mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and positioned between two forming plates located inside the packaging film tube. While the tucker bar gusseting mechanism is stationary during operation, it is fully adjustable along multiple axes of orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Joseph Bartel, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Patent number: 7254931
    Abstract: A method for creating mailpieces from a single web of printed material. The web of printed material includes a continuous web having a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets is comprised of envelope sheets and content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. The method starts with cutting consecutive attached sheets into separated sheets. The content pages belonging to a same mailpiece are accumulated together. The separated envelope sheet is transported, bypassing the accumulating and turning steps. The accumulated and turned content pages are then merged with the envelope sheet, and the envelope sheet is folded and closed around the accumulated content pages to form a finished enclosing envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J Stemmle, Clare E Woodman, John W Sussmeier, Eric A Belec, Michael J Cummings
  • Patent number: 7254932
    Abstract: A multi-purpose air-packing method and system enables to pack a product having an irregular shape easily at low cost. The air-packing method includes the steps of placing a product to be protected in a container box; applying a first air-packing device having a plurality of air containers to side surfaces of the product in a manner to surround the product in the container box where each of the air containers has a check valve to maintain compressed air therein independently from one another; and inflating the air-packing device by supplying compressed air to securely hold the product within the container box. Two or more consecutive air containers at one end of the first air-packing device have a cross sectional size smaller than that of other air containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Air-Paq, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuzumi Tanaka, Katsutoshi Yoshifusa
  • Patent number: 7254933
    Abstract: A reinforced flexible pipe having a tubular core member and a plurality of reinforcing tape members wrapped on the core member; the innermost tape member includes a plurality of openings that communicate with the external surface of the core member; and a polymer material embedded in the openings in the tape such that the polymer material contacts the core member and the tape to improve the hoop strength and the collapse resistance of the pipe. The polymer layer may also be bonded to the outer reinforcing tape to provide abrasion resistance to the reinforced flexible pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Deepflex Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7254934
    Abstract: A power transmission belt with an embedded load carrier cord having a plurality of yarns and possessing a first twist corresponding to a first twist multiplier and a first twist direction, and possessing a second twist corresponding to a second twist multiplier in the opposite direction, such that the ratio of the first twist multiplier to the second twist multiplier is greater than about 1.5. The belt may be a multi-v-ribbed belt. The load carrying cord may have a plurality of twisted yarns having a first yarn twist and a second cord twist in a direction opposite the yarn twist and a ratio of yarn twist to cord twist from about 1.5:1 to about 4:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn Xiang Wu
  • Patent number: 7254935
    Abstract: A ratchet arrangement of a chain splitter comprises a rotating rod integrally formed at a side of the ratchet wrench, and the rotating rod is to be screwed in a threaded hole of a splitter body. The ratchet wrench can reduce the required revolving space and the whole packing of the chain splitter, thus saving the required space when transporting the packed chain splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Hong-Jhen Huang
  • Patent number: 7254936
    Abstract: A solid propellant rocket engine includes: a propellant formed into a predetermined shape having a combustion cavity and capable of deflagrating into hot, high-pressure gas upon ignition; and a nozzle configured and positioned to expand the hot, high-pressure gas into the atmosphere, where the propellant forms the nozzle as a part of the predetermined shape. A multi-stage rocket unit, a multi-engine rocket stage, and a super-staged rocket each has many rocket engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew F. Knight
  • Patent number: 7254937
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine including a compressor and a combustor includes providing a heat exchanger assembly that includes at least one heat exchanger, and coupling the heat exchanger assembly to the gas turbine engine such that the heat exchanger is positioned substantially concentrically with respect to a gas turbine engine axis of rotation, and such that the heat exchanger is configured to channel compressor discharge air from the compressor discharge air to the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Hull, Robert Vandermolen
  • Patent number: 7254938
    Abstract: A circuit for providing a potential difference across a gap between two electrodes of a fuel reformer, oxides of nitrogen trap or soot filter regenerator for an internal combustion engine or the like. The circuit includes a power source, a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding for coupling across the electrodes. The power source is coupled to the primary winding. A switch or switches is/are coupled to the primary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Goldschmidt, Wilbur H. Crawley
  • Patent number: 7254939
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification unit for purifying the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine which is preferably operated in lean burn mode, in particular a diesel engine used in motor vehicles, has a particulate filter and a SCR catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust pipe in succession in the direction of flow, and a reducing agent supply. Ammonia can be added to the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine on the entry side of the SCR catalytic converter by the reducing agent supply. A hydrogen-generating unit enriches the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine with generated hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Frank Duvinage, Christian Goerigk, Arno Nolte, Markus Paule, Henning Sander
  • Patent number: 7254940
    Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) of an internal combustion engine calculates a present deposition quantity of exhaust particulate matters based on operating states of the engine such as a differential pressure of a diesel particulate filter (DPF). If the present deposition quantity exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the ECU performs compulsory regeneration of the DPF to compulsorily combust and reduce the deposited exhaust particulate matters. The ECU determines that spontaneous regeneration occurs if a temperature of exhaust gas in the DPF is equal to or higher than a reference temperature. Thereafter, the ECU completes the compulsory regeneration to eliminate the deposited exhaust particulate matters if the ECU determines that the spontaneous regeneration stops and the deposition quantity becomes equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Saitoh, Shigeto Yahata, Kazuharu Tochikawa
  • Patent number: 7254941
    Abstract: In an engine, when it is determined that catalyst, which is held on a filter substrate of a particulate filter, is not in an active state, an ECU executes a fuel injection for mainly obtaining an engine power near a top dead center of a crank. Then, the ECU executes a subsequent fuel injection after lapse of a sufficient injection interval, which does not cause misfiring, to increase the temperature of exhaust gas outputted from the engine. In this way, the temperature of the filter is rapidly increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Okugawa, Kazuo Kojima, Hiroshi Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 7254942
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic machine with a turbo coupling comprising primary and secondary wheels together forming a torus shaped workspace, which can be filled with a working medium. A temperature-sensing device installed in a component, which rotates when the machine is operating, and sending a temperature —dependant signal. A stationary monitoring device connected to the temperature sensor in a remote query connection, and having means for creating a temperature measurement correction depending on the heating rate progression of the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Frank, Kurt Adleff, Harald Hoffeld
  • Patent number: 7254943
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for coupling an air compressor to the driving shaft of an internal combustion engine that is used as the drive engine of a vehicle, wherein the air compressor supplies a pneumatic device. The arrangement contains a controllable turbocoupling, the pump impeller of which can be driven by the driving shaft of the internal combustion engine and that, by means of a fluid in the form of a working medium, drives the turbine wheel that in turn is operatively connected with the shaft of the air compressor that is to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Heribert Möller
  • Patent number: 7254944
    Abstract: An energy storage system in which a renewable power production facility, such as one having a wind energy collector, is used to power a compressor situated adjacent a wellbore. During periods of non-peak load on the electric power grid, the compressor is used to compress atmospheric gases and transfer these gases to a subterranean zone, where the gases are stored. During peak load periods, pressurized gases are allowed to flow from the subterranean zone, through the wellbore and to the surface. At the surface, the gases may be processed to remove residual hydrocarbons, and heated. Heat may be provided by combustion of the hydrogen output of an electrolyzer. The gases are then used to power a electric power production device which delivers alternating current to the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ventoso Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J Goetzinger, Terry L Brittenham, David W. Watson, Md L Alam
  • Patent number: 7254945
    Abstract: An operate check valve saves space and performs multiple functions by absorbing and integrating a switching valve. A switching valve for controlling the flow of a hydraulic fluid in both normal and reverse directions is coaxially contained with a check valve in a space inside a valve containing housing between a hydraulic pump and a tank for storing the hydraulic fluid. Check valves are located opposite one another on either side of the switching valve, with the switching valve integrated into the operate check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitake Sakai, Osamu Sato
  • Patent number: 7254946
    Abstract: A thermodilution catheter having a heating filament which is fabricated so as to be thin and flexible enough to avoid contact with the patient's blood. The heating filament is either inserted in a preformed catheter lumen, incorporated into a wall of the catheter body itself, or wrapped around the catheter body wall and surrounded by an external sheath. Generally, the covering of the heating filament is minimally thin so as to allow the heat from the heating filament to be transferred to the surrounding blood and to minimally increase the overall cross-sectional area. Since the heating filament does not directly touch the patient's blood, the outer surface may be made smooth so as to prevent inducement of blood clots. In addition, the heating filament may be maintained at a safe temperature by forming the heating element of a flexible material having a high temperature coefficient of resistance, low thermal capacitance and high thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Quinn, Mark L. Yelderman
  • Patent number: 7254947
    Abstract: A vehicle engine cooling system includes a primary cooling circuit having a primary radiator and a coolant pump. A secondary cooling circuit includes a secondary radiator, an EGR cooler, and a liquid/air charge air pre-cooler receiving engine inlet air from a turbocharger compressor. The coolant pump circulates coolant through the EGR cooler, through the charge air pre-cooler, and through the primary and secondary radiators. A fan blows cooling air through the primary and secondary radiators. The secondary radiator is downstream of the primary radiator in the fan airflow. The cooling system also includes an air-to-air charge air cooler which receives engine inlet air from the liquid/air charge air pre-cooler. The air-to-air charge air cooler is upstream of the primary radiator with respect to flow of cooling air. The cooling system also includes an auxiliary engine fluid cooler which is located between the air-to-air charge air cooler and the primary radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ronnie Franklin Burk, James Anton Miller, Alan David Sheidler, Teryl Marvin Oftedal
  • Patent number: 7254948
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation flow. The apparatus and method uses a pressure-bleeding device, such as a wastegate valve, to change the pressure in an internal combustion engine in order to alter the flow rate of the exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit. In one form, the invention includes an inlet conduit connected to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust conduit connected to exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The pressure-bleeding device is operatively coupled to the intake conduit. Altering the pressure in the intake conduit changes the pressure across the entire system. This change in pressure in the entire system results in a change in pressure across the exhaust gas recirculation conduit. Therefore, a flow is created through the exhaust gas recirculation conduit and can be controlled using the intake side pressure bleeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Gustafson, John M. Mulloy, Thomas McKinley
  • Patent number: 7254949
    Abstract: A machine designed as a centrifugal compressor is applied as an organic rankine cycle turbine by operating the machine in reverse. In order to accommodate the higher pressures when operating as a turbine, a suitable refrigerant is chosen such that the pressures and temperatures are maintained within established limits. Such an adaptation of existing, relatively inexpensive equipment to an application that may be otherwise uneconomical, allows for the convenient and economical use of energy that would be otherwise lost by waste heat to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: UTC Power Corporation
    Inventors: Joost J. Brasz, Bruce P. Biederman
  • Patent number: 7254950
    Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine, including a first compressor, a second compressor, a combustor and a turbine, coupled together in serial flow arrangement, and an intercooler coupled between the first compressor and the second compressor, the intercooler including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The method includes channeling compressed airflow from the first compressor to the first heat exchanger, extracting energy from the compressed airflow using a first working fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of the compressed airflow and to facilitate increasing an operating temperature of the first working fluid, and channeling the first working fluid to a process heat exchanger, and channel the compressed airflow form the first heat exchanger to the second compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Narendra Joshi, Michael Reale, James K. Prochaska, Joseph D. Peters
  • Patent number: 7254951
    Abstract: A system and method for adding superheat to the hot process gas at the discharge of a compressor drive turbine of a high compression ratio gas turbine or aviation gas turbine. The superheat brings the temperature ratio (T2/T1) of the power output turbine into equality with the pressure ratio (P2/P1)(K?1)/K to effect a highly efficient and adiabatic isentropic expansion across the power output turbine. The added superheat contributes to the output power of the engine less any inefficiency of the output power turbine. All of the variables are brought together to develop the proper superheat levels for obtaining the greatest power output possible at minimum fuel consumption levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Hanford N. Lockwood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7254952
    Abstract: A wine storage system is formed by a modular frame defined by upright members and cross members arranged to form a three dimensional array of compartments in rows and columns where the upright members and cross members have interconnections therebetween allowing addition of further members to form frames of different sizes in a modular construction. Each compartment is arranged to receive an independent wine cell having an insulated rectangular housing with a door and a semi-conductor or other based cooling element inside the housing for cooling the wine bottles. A modular electrical supply arrangement provides a single connection for the modular frame and a connector on each compartment for the housing as it slides into the compartment. Some of the housings can be replaced by less expensive knock down or collapsible non-cooling racks for temporary storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Harvey D. Lilke
  • Patent number: 7254953
    Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchange module includes a first substrate including a heat receptive side and a heat donative side and a series of undulatory pleats. The module may also include a thermoelectric material layer having a ZT value of 1.0 or more disposed on at least one of the heat receptive side and the heat donative side, and an electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the thermoelectric material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James J. Callas, Mahmoud A. Taher
  • Patent number: 7254954
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, one or more cartridges, an input line, an output line, and a scale preferably having an accuracy within about ±0.2 ounce. The cartridge is filled with refrigerant by transferring the refrigerant from the refrigerant source to the cartridge, after which, the filled cartridge is disconnected from the refrigerant source. An initial weight of the filled cartridge is obtained, and the cartridge is connected to the refrigeration system. Refrigerant is then transferred from the filled cartridge to the refrigeration system. A revised weight of the filled cartridge is obtained, and the revised weight is compared to the initial weight to determine if the refrigeration system has been completely charged. The cartridge is disconnected from the refrigeration system after the refrigeration system has been completely charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig F. Govekar, Anwar Suharno
  • Patent number: 7254955
    Abstract: In a refrigerating machine, a water cooling device having a cooling tower or an ice heat storage tank is provided as a heat exchanger for cooling refrigerant after heat-exchange in a heat-source side heat exchanger between an outdoor expansion valve and the heat-source side heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahisa Otake, Koji Sato, Hiroshi Mukaiyama, Ichiro Kamimura, Norio Sawada
  • Patent number: 7254956
    Abstract: A removable self-contained refrigeration unit is mounted within a vehicle, and is removable from a vehicle as a unit. The casing mounts both the evaporator and the condenser, and in one embodiment also mounts the compressor. With the embodiment that mounts the compressor, no refrigerant lines need be found anywhere except on the casing. The casing is removable from the vehicle as a one piece unit merely by connecting or disconnecting electrical connections. In a second embodiment the compressor is mounted remotely from the casing but the evaporator and condenser are still changeable as a one piece unit. In this embodiment a refrigerant connection need also be connected or disconnected to change the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Matonog, Xavier Petit
  • Patent number: 7254957
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fluid coolant and structure which reduces a pressure of the fluid coolant through a subambient pressure at which the coolant has a cooling temperature less than a temperature of the heat-generating structure. The apparatus also includes structure that directs a flow of the fluid coolant in the form of a liquid at a subambient pressure in a manner causing the liquid coolant to be brought into thermal communication with the heat-generating structure. The heat from the heat-generating structure causes the liquid coolant to boil and vaporize so that the coolant absorbs heat from the heat-generating structure as the coolant changes state. The structure is configured to circulate the fluid coolant through a flow loop while maintaining the pressure of the fluid coolant within a range having an upper bound less than ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Martin Weber, William Gerald Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7254958
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which selectively opens or closes an inner cover according to the closing or opening of an auxiliary door. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door to open or close a refrigerator storage chamber, a door storage space provided at an inner side of the door, an access opening formed through the door to allow a user to take out items stored in the door storage space from the outside, the auxiliary door mounted at an outer side of the door to open or close the access opening, an inner cover mounted at the inner side of the door in an openable manner to separate the door storage space from the storage chamber, and an inner cover opening/closing device to close the inner cover when the auxiliary door is opened and to open the inner cover when the auxiliary door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Bhum Kim, Dong Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7254959
    Abstract: An air conditioning system has a compressor for generating compressed air that is delivered to Joule-Thomson orifice with the compressed air flowing therethrough becoming refrigerant air sent through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is defined by triangular tubes arranged in a spaced-apart relationship to define flow paths therebetween so that ambient air moving through the flow paths of the heat exchanger is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Cogo Aire LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Covert, Jr., Leon R. Goolsby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7254960
    Abstract: An air duct arrangement for a refrigerator with forced air circulation of the type that comprises a refrigerating compartment (20) provided with a diffusing duct (23) receiving a refrigerated forced airflow from an air cooling compartment (40). The arrangement comprises at least one distributing duct (60) disposed in the upper portion of a space (V) defined below at least one of the shelves (22). The distributing duct (60) presents a rear end (61) opened to the inside of the diffusing duct (23) and a front end (62) opened to the front region of said space (V) adjacent to the front door (21) of the refrigerating compartment (20) and provided with a plurality of front openings (64, 65, 66) turned to the front region of said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Multibras S.A. Eletrodomesticos
    Inventors: Alexandre Cury Schmid, Claiton Emilio Do Amaral, Ignacio Joao Dos Santos Junior, Adriano Cargnin, Rogerio Rodrigues Junior, Edson Luiz Izui, Marco Eduardo Marques
  • Patent number: 7254961
    Abstract: A first evaporator is arranged on a downstream side of an ejector, and a second evaporator is connected to a refrigerant suction inlet of the ejector. A refrigerant evaporation temperature of the second evaporator is lower than that of the first evaporator. The first and second evaporators are used to cool a common subject cooling space and are arranged one after the other in a flow direction of air to be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oshitani, Yasushi Yamanaka, Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Katsuya Kusano, Makoto Ikegami, Yoshiaki Takano, Naohisa Ishizaka, Takayuki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7254962
    Abstract: A jewelry system is provided with interchangeable components including at least one jewelry portion comprised of beads on a wire with first and second free ends. The first and second free ends of the wire pass through holes in corresponding first and second threaded caps; and corresponding findings are permanently affixed to the first and second free ends of the wire after passage of the wire through the holes in the caps to hold the beads on the wire between the threaded caps. First and second main body portions, each closed on one end and open on the opposite end with a threaded chamber therein, receive the first and second caps, respectively, with the findings located in the chambers in the main body portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Paul R. Scharr
  • Patent number: 7254963
    Abstract: The device and process allow for continuous processing of metal wire sheathed in glass (10) of considerable length. Normally a feed pipe (15) containing all the necessary metal, itself placed into a glass tube (20), so as to continuously supply a bead (14) to the lower part of the glass tube (20). Heat from a first inductor (23) around the glass tube (20) and a second inductor (24) under the glass tube (20) allow to maintain a bead (14) at a stable temperature and in a continuous manner and to obtain the continuous drawing process of a metal wire sheathed in glass (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Sylvie Deprot, Olivier Acher, Frederic Bertin