Patents Issued in August 21, 2007
  • Patent number: 7257909
    Abstract: A convertible yard tool is disclosed having an implement connected for rotation within a housing, wherein the implement and housing are operated relative to a ground surface in either a snow throwing orientation or a sweeping orientation. When operated in the snow throwing orientation and with the implement being a snow throwing impeller, the yard tool can be used to remove snow from a surface. When operated in the sweeping orientation and with the implement being a broom, the yard tool can be used to move debris from a surface to be cleaned. An adjustable handle may be provided to facilitate movement of the yard tool across various surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, John O. Hurst
  • Patent number: 7257910
    Abstract: Disclosed is an excavating machine, representatively a tracked excavator, having a boom stick portion on which both an excavating bucket and a hydraulic breaker are mounted for hydraulically driven pivotal movement between first and second limit positions. The bucket may be operated independently of the breaker for digging operations. Similarly, the breaker may be operated independently of the bucket for refusal material-breaking operations. The same excavating machine may now use the bucket and breaker in a rapid and continuous exchange to permit frequent removal of small quantities of broken refuse material with the bucket, exposing the bucket and breaker to fresh refuse material. The excavating machine disclosed incorporates an impact resistant deployment system with bifurcated and lubricated trunnion pivots and an in-line pivot restriction, or stop. The system provides a breaker assembly connection that permits quick installation and removal of the breaker, and significantly greater durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Lowell Underwood
  • Patent number: 7257911
    Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing apparatus comprising an iron (1), a water reservoir and a pipe (2) connecting the reservoir to the iron (1), the sole plate (4) of the iron (1) including an evaporation chamber (5) adapted to generate steam from the water coming from the reservoir, the evaporation chamber (5) including on one of its walls (6) a water inlet (7), the iron further including a device for closing and opening (8) said inlet (7). Said ironing apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a device for forcing the displacement of the water arranged between the reservoir and evaporation chamber (5), the latter including a mobile wall (8) arranged parallel and opposite the wall (6) including the inlet (7), said mobile wall (8) acting as valve for said inlet (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: LauraStar S.A.
    Inventor: Serge Voitchovsky
  • Patent number: 7257912
    Abstract: A module unit is to be mounted to the exterior surface of a trunk door or rear door of a vehicle for displaying a license plate. Without requiring a key or special tool, the module unit protects the license plate from being removed by an un-authorized person. The license plate can only be removed when a locking unit in the module unit is unlocked by activating a release unit from the interior side of vehicle. Such a module unit also protects the annual registration stickers from being removed by an un-authorized person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: David Ue-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 7257913
    Abstract: A signage system comprising a prism-shaped tri-panel louver having a slot at each corner into which can be slid a clip. The clip is generally V-shaped with a pair of opposing sides joined at one end to form an apex. At the apex end is a pair of opposing fingers which are generally parallel to the clip sides. The fingers form a slot on each side. The clip is slid and retained by a friction fit within the slot such that when three clips are installed the fingers and slots formed therein can hold the sign graphics strip. The clip can flex somewhat to allow for insertion in a slot in the louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ad-Tech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Heller, Richard Wanser, Dewey Pitts
  • Patent number: 7257914
    Abstract: A point-of-purchase display having a display board with a front surface and a rear surface. A graphical element, having an illuminated element, is disposed on the front surface, and an optical waveguide is positioned to be visible through an opening in the board to provide an illuminated pattern corresponding with the illuminated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki USA Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Sauer
  • Patent number: 7257915
    Abstract: A display system which is mounted on top of a gasoline pump includes a housing having a plurality of display stations. A display module containing replaceable advertising information is installable at each display station, the display module including a business card dispenser. The display module is installed in the housing via a back panel in the housing. A resilient spacer is installed behind each display module to urge the display module toward the front of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Christine A Lovett, Lawrence A Lovett
  • Patent number: 7257916
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for displaying plush items are disclosed. A display apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a column and a strap extending between the top end of the column and the bottom end of the column. The column and the strap cooperate to define an aperture. The aperture may be dimensioned to received a plush item (e.g., a pillow).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Quixote Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, Timothy A. Hall
  • Patent number: 7257917
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore defining a bore axis. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end, with a breech plug removably attached to the barrel and having a rear surface. An extractor is connected to the barrel and has a portion positioned rearward of the plug, and movable away from a position rearward of the plug, so that the plug may be removed without removing the extractor. The extractor may pivot, and may have a cylindrical portion received in a bore parallel to the barrel bore. The rear face of the extractor may be flush with the rear face of the breech plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Thompson Center Arms Company Inc.
    Inventor: Gene L. Garland
  • Patent number: 7257918
    Abstract: Double action, hammer trigger mechanism for a semi-automatic firearm (10) with a spring loaded slide (12) having a cam surface (28), a pivoting sear (46) to hold the hammer (20) in a cocked position and a transfer bar (26) connected to a pivot pin (54) on the trigger (24). The transfer bar has a cam finger (30) to move the transfer bar down when the slide moves in a rearward direction during firing. When the sear is holding the hammer cocked, a second finger (62) on the transfer bar is arranged to engage a single action let-off pin (56) on the sear and pivot the sear when the trigger is pulled so as to release the hammer. The cam finger also moves the transfer bar down when the slide is stationary and the trigger is operated. The transfer bar has a notch (60) receiving a double action let-off pin (58) on the hammer to cause the transfer bar to pivot the hammer in a cocking direction as the trigger is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Wildey J. Moore
  • Patent number: 7257919
    Abstract: A loader for a magazine having an upper open end, a lower closed end, a forward vertical side edge and a rear vertical flat side edge, loader having a vertical channel for receiving therein the rear flat edge of the cartridge, the channel being formed by a pair of flat vertical side members spaced apart in parallel relation and having a rear flat edge where it slidably engages the rear flat edge of the magazine, the magazine being made of ferrous metal and the loader being made of non-ferrous material. A vertically extending tab is mounted in the upper portion of the channel and is provided with a downwardly vertically extending plunger mounted at the lower end of the tab for engaging the edge of an uppermost bullet mounted within the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Allen D. Farley
  • Patent number: 7257920
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a reflective surface used in conjunction with an aiming device that provides the user targeting information on a surface directly on the aiming device. The reflective surface is moveably mounted directly behind the aiming device, where a user's eye would normally be positioned. In this configuration, a user, positioned at a point not directly behind the aiming device or system being used, may move the mirror to an angle appropriate to see where the system is being aimed, as indicated, on the surface of the aiming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: The United Stated of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian K. Shaffer, Paul Fennewald, John Monico, Richard Higgins, James Waldron
  • Patent number: 7257921
    Abstract: A banana shaped weight has a connecting eyelet on a forward end of a top side to which a line is attached to the decoy and a wider tongue member extending from a bottom side beneath the connecting eyelet. A reinforcing rib reacts any forces the tongue member may experience as it digs into the soil beneath the water into the central portion of the body of the weight to resist possible bending or breakage of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Paul F. Hellmann
  • Patent number: 7257922
    Abstract: A fishing rod support includes a restriction member configured to receive a portion of a fishing rod, wherein the restriction member is configured to substantially restrict rotational movement of the rod about a substantially vertical axis passing through the rod portion. The support is also provided with a retaining member configured to releasably inhibit vertical movement of the rod portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas Willard
  • Patent number: 7257923
    Abstract: A fishing lure includes a bait fish holder for receiving the head of a bait fish. Outwardly projecting wing members and fins on the bait fish holder promote the rotational movement and enhance the dive capabilities of the lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Leonard Urbano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7257924
    Abstract: A weather strip for an automobile includes an insert body which is made of resin and which includes a plurality of tooth portions and gaps formed between the tooth portions such that the insert body is roughly comb shaped. A filler at least partially fills the gaps between the tooth portions and which is made of a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic resin having a Shore A hardness of 20 to 90 (preferably 40 to 70). A weather strip material covers the insert body and the filler such that the insert body, with the filler in the gaps thereof, is embedded in the weather strip material, and the weather strip material does not constitute the filler. An elongation after fracture of the thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic resin is at least 300%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kounobu, Toshinari Tennoh
  • Patent number: 7257925
    Abstract: A system for mounting a member such as a rail to a support surface such as a floor, made of a precast concrete material, without penetrating the floor. The rail mounting system includes a base plate secured to the upper surface of the floor via an adhesive, with one or more connectors extending upwardly from the base plate. An anchor plate is secured to the rail, and adjustment screws are interconnected with the rail for adjusting the elevation of the rail relative to the base plate. When the desired elevation of the rail is attained, engagement members such as nuts are secured to the threaded connectors extending upwardly from the base plate, to fix the height of the anchor plate, and thereby the rail. A grout layer is then applied between the base plate and the anchor plate. After the grout layer is set, the leveling screws are removed and a topping layer of concrete is applied over the components of the mounting system so as to encapsulate the base plate, the anchor plate and the engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Manogue, Mark P. Haubenschild
  • Patent number: 7257926
    Abstract: A method for installing tiles includes the steps of positioning a base in overlying relation to cementitious material. First and second spacer arms are formed on the base in normal relation to one another. Preselected corners of four tiles are positioned in overlying relation to the base and are spaced apart from one another by the spacer arms. A post having ratchet teeth is formed integrally with the base at the center of the base. A disc receives the post and a pawl formed in the disc prevents displacement of the disc away from the base. The disc is positioned in overlying relation to the four corners of the tiles so that it overlies and holds the tiles level between the base and the disc. After curing of the cementitious material, an installer twists the disc in a plane parallel to the tiles until the post breaks off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7257927
    Abstract: Frames are disclosed for mounting windows within the walls of enclosures for isolating or sealing substances such as radioactive or other hazardous substances from the surrounding environment. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a two-piece frame that is welded into the wall of an enclosure. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a three-piece frame that is clamped to the wall of an enclosure. The frame assemblies may also be used to mount structures other than windows to enclosure walls, such as ducts or pipes intended for passing power, gas, vacuum, or other utilities into the interior of an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Premier Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Sayer
  • Patent number: 7257928
    Abstract: The invention concerns a floor construction comprising a plurality of surface portions (12) which each comprise at least one respective material with possibly different properties, in particular properties in regard to human perception when standing on the surface portions (12), wherein the different surface portions (12) are of such an arrangement and configuration that when moving on the floor construction (10) a continuously changing, unforeseeable sequence of different surface portions (12) has to be unavoidably stepped upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Josef Glöckl
  • Patent number: 7257929
    Abstract: A module includes at least an associated two-layer structure with one first layer being a polymer base layer highly loaded with mineral fillers contributing to the rigidity of the module, and a second layer made from a printed polymer film defining the decorative part of the module, and the protection of the decorative part. An outer surface of a rigidifying base layer is designed to form a spacer means in the form of a plate of dimensions substantially greater than the format of the module, over all or part thereof, to constitute after abutment of the modules and/or edge jointing of the plate edges, a zone for receiving a sealant such as a binder, putty and like bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Geflor
    Inventors: Olivier Ceysson, Olivier Thill, Freddy Bosc
  • Patent number: 7257930
    Abstract: Exemplary methods and assemblies for preventing corrosion of metal connector devices, e.g., zinc-galvanized joist hangers and fasteners, used for assembling outdoor structures such as decks from wood components pretreated with alkaline copper quat (ACQ), ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ-B), copper azole (CA), or mixtures thereof. Membrane barriers separate metal from wood, and seal around fasteners thus minimizing corrosion of the connector devices and fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Antonio J. Aldykiewicz, Jr., Gerald L. Blay, Gregory N. Ciampa, Ann M. Jansen, Edwin C. Schaughency, Lawrence S. Shapiro, Albina N. Velikin, Walter W. Wydra
  • Patent number: 7257931
    Abstract: A device for patching wall holes caused by a doorknob or other item impact, which device is assembled in situ between the injured wall member and an adjacent rear wall member. A master plate having a circular opening with four ninety-degree apart radiating outward slots, is adhered to the interior face of the injured wall over the opening. Two inter-engageable body sections each having a tongue are centrally inter-engaged at right angles and retained by placement of a disk designated the central section having a central internal cross-shaped cutout over the engaged tongues. The disk bearing engaged body sections are recessed into the master plate up to the tongues, rotated and locked into position between the wall members. Spackle or plaster is applied, allowed to dry, and then painted/papered to yield a non-discernable repair is applied, allowed to dry and then painted or papered over to yield a non-discernible repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Jeff Jones
  • Patent number: 7257932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight building material (1) for structural work. The light weight building material (1) comprises at least three walls, a first wall (11), a second wall (12) and a third wall (13) formed from a single piece of galvanized iron sheet to form a triangular-section. However, a circular section may also be used while a rectangular section is preferred. The galvanized iron sheet is cut and cold-rolled to form the light weight building material (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Hong Liang Ng
  • Patent number: 7257933
    Abstract: In a water diversion system, in a preferred embodiment, a first fold of a deflector is disposed into a first hanger cavity and a second deflector fold is disposed into a second hanger cavity. The first fold of the deflector cooperates with the first cavity of the hanger to allow a resistance hinge-like action of the deflector. The deflector may be lifted open by compression of a curve of the deflector to remove the second fold of the deflector from the second hanger cavity. Methods are provided in which, in a preferred embodiment, a deflector-forming machine is disposed above a trough-forming machine and the deflector-forming machine is moveable forward and backward relative to the trough-forming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Senox Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold Bruce Walters
  • Patent number: 7257934
    Abstract: A banding machine is useful for applying rubber bands on lobster claws, grocery bunches or other plural articles in need of bunching together. The machine has a pivotable sub-frame with two pairs of side-by-side fingers. The fingers in each pair are operable to move apart from the adjacent finger to spread a rubber band when placed on the fingers. The machine has two reels of a rubber tube stock and two pairs of grippers to safeguard controlled feed of the tube to band cutters. The fingers are each designed to facilitate disengagement of the rubber bands from the fingers when the fingers are spread i.e. in a band application position and an object, e.g. lobster claw, is placed between spread fingers of a finger pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Roland Swift, Clifford Morrison, Kenney Graham
  • Patent number: 7257935
    Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to packages as the packages are formed is disclosed. The system includes a dunnage forming machine having a work station for inflating and sealing plastic pouches to form dunnage units. An accumulator is positioned below the station for receiving and collecting such units as they are formed. The accumulator includes an outlet opening laterally offset from the station. A pair of counter rotating brushes having axes journaled in spaced relationship are mounted at the outlet. Each of the brushes includes circumferentially spaced bristle sets defining unit receiving spaces between adjacent sets. A motor drive is operably connected to the brushes for causing counter rotation. A unit volume sensor is provided for emitting a machine start signal when the volume of units in the accumulator reaches a predetermined low volume. A process for providing dunnage in packages being formed is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 7257936
    Abstract: Groups of products stacked on edge are wrapped in sealed stick packs by a method that involves passing a sheet (4) of heat-sealable wrapping material around each group (1) of products (2) and sealing the two side edges (8) in such a way as to fashion a tubular wrapper (12) with end portions (14) projecting axially from the assembled group (1), then spreading each end portion (14) flat by inserting a tongue (16) and heat-sealing each relative pair of flattened edges to render the wrapper airtight. Thereafter, the sealed ends are subjected to a cold crimping action from which each end portion (14) emerges with two impressed crease lines (24) positioned to delimit a central portion (25) that will be folded directly against the corresponding end face of the group (1), and two lateral portions (26) that will be folded inwards over the central portion (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Salicini, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7257937
    Abstract: A processing system which enables automation of processing of sheet bodies with a view to raising efficiency of operations, from stacking to packing. A plurality of paper sheaves, which have been produced by cutting and chopping, are transported in a width direction, sequentially fed to a transfer conveyor, transported from the transfer conveyor in a length direction, and fed to a cover sheet application device. At the cover sheet application device, the paper sheaves are superposed with cover sheets, and fed to an inversion apparatus. At the inversion apparatus, the paper sheaves are inverted such that the cover sheets are at upper sides, and are fed out to another cover sheet application device. At this cover sheet application device, the cover sheets are superposed with lower face sides of the paper sheaves. Hence, the paper sheaves, with the cover sheets superposed at both upper and lower faces thereof, are bagged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakagiri, Yasuhisa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7257938
    Abstract: An opening roller assembly for an open-end spinning device of a textile machine, wherein an opening roller (12) is mounted on a bearing shaft (17) which is fixed in a bearing bracket (14) of an opening roller housing (11) in such a manner that the shaft can be easily removed. A drive (28) for rotating the opening roller is provided by a single electrical motor formed as an external rotor. A contact lead device (18) is mounted on the bearing shaft and includes leads (19) which are connected to the electrical motor, and a contact shoe housing (50) is provided which includes contact shoes or contact pins (21) which are connected to a power supply (27) of a corresponding textile machine and which can be selectively brought into contact with the leads (19) of the contact lead device (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Georg Wassenhoven
  • Patent number: 7257939
    Abstract: Sliding-Action Magneto-Mechanical Injector Throttling Device (SLAMMIT) provides on-demand, yet accurate, throttling of the mass flow of the fuel and/or oxidizer into the combustion chamber of a vortex injector. At least two SLAMMIT sub-assemblies comprise the SLAMMIT Device and each sub-assembly is integrated into a manifold and is driven to slide in a given direction by a drive block that is internal to the sub-assembly. The drive block is, in turn, actuated by an electromagnet that is external to the SLAMMIT sub-assembly. As the SLAMMIT sub-assemblies slide, flappers inside the sub-assemblies achieve the effective opening size of the injection orifices anywhere between fully open and fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert S. Michaels, Jerrold H. Arszman
  • Patent number: 7257940
    Abstract: A method of pumping a fluid includes: providing a pressurizer for pressurizing the fluid, the pressurizer including at least two storage tanks, where, for each storage tank, the pressurizer includes a propellant entrance valve, a propellant exit valve, a pressurant entrance valve, and a pressurant exit valve, where each of the storage tanks is configured to be filled with the fluid under a low pressure and drained of the fluid under a high pressure by the force of a pressurant; and for each storage tank, opening and closing its associated valves in cycles to sequentially fill and drain the storage tank of the fluid, the cycles each having a cycle time between approximately 1 and 500 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew F. Knight
  • Patent number: 7257941
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of detecting faults in an exhaust line fuel injection system. An expected relationship between a temperature within the exhaust system and a commanded fuel injection rate or amount is compared to an actual relationship in order to detect faults. The temperature is preferably a temperature of, within, or downstream of an exhaust system device that catalyzes an oxidation or partial oxidation reaction of the fuel, such as an oxidation catalyst or a fuel reformer. The expected relationship may be defined in terms of a thermal model of a system comprising the catalytic device. The invention can be used to detect spray quality faults or to detect fuel injector faults without the use of flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes Walter Reuter
  • Patent number: 7257942
    Abstract: Methods, constructions, and systems for treating engine emissions. An engine having a crankcase includes air intake, blow-by vent, and exhaust port; the crankcase emits blow-by gases through the blow-by vent and produces an exhaust stream through the exhaust port. The blow-by gases are directed through a blow-by filter to produce filtered gases. The filtered gases are directed back into the air intake of the crankcase; and the exhaust stream is treated with a catalyst arrangement. Total emissions of a turbo-charged diesel engine having an engine crankcase and an exhaust tailpipe are reducible. The total emissions includes particulate matter emissions from the engine crankcase added to the particulate matter emissions from the exhaust tailpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve D. Schmeichel, Fred W. Schmidt, Julian A. Imes, Robert Allen Dushek
  • Patent number: 7257943
    Abstract: A system for controlling exhaust emission oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during restarts of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The system includes a first sensor for determining a first level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location upstream of a catalytic converter, a second sensor for determining a second level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location mid-bed of the catalytic, and a controller for performing at least one process to reduce NOx emissions when a difference between the first level of exhaust gas oxygen and the second level of exhaust gas oxygen exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Midlam-Mohler, Brandon Masterson
  • Patent number: 7257944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. The oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst is adjusted by controlling engine spark in response to an estimate of a current amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst and an estimate of the total available oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst. To maintain engine speed in spite of adjustments to the engine spark, the engine air mass is also adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Jr., Stephen L. Hahn
  • Patent number: 7257945
    Abstract: A method to use diesel fuel alchohol micro emulsions (E-diesel) to provide a source of reductant to lower NOx emissions using selective catalytic reduction. Ethanol is stripped from the micro emulsion and entered into the exhaust gasses upstream of the reducing catalyst. The method allows diesel (and other lean-burn) engines to meet new, lower emission standards without having to carry separate fuel and reductant tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: U T Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Delos Kass, Ronald Lee Graves, John Morse Elliot Storey, Samuel Arthur Lewis, Sr., Charles Scott Sluder, John Foster Thomas
  • Patent number: 7257946
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a buoyancy pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The buoyancy pump includes a buoyancy block that reciprocally moves in response to wave motion to pump an operating fluid that is delivered to a turbine to produce electricity. The buoyancy block is preferably sized such that a diameter of the buoyancy block is no less than about one-sixth a wavelength and no greater than about one wavelength of an average wave for a region in which the buoyancy pump is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Independent Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Welch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7257947
    Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pump interconnected with a power steering gear and a fluid coupling that operatively connects a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle with the hydraulic pump. The power steering system also includes an electronic controller operable to provide a variable control signal based on received input and a power electronic converter that energizes the fluid coupling in response to the control signal to vary torque transmitted via said fluid coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra S. Namuduri
  • Patent number: 7257948
    Abstract: A dual pump apparatus having first and second pump housings is disclosed. A first end cap is mounted to the first housing to form a first sump and a first pump cylinder block is located therein. A second end cap is mounted to the second housing to form a second sump and a second pump cylinder block is located therein. A charge pump is sandwiched between the end caps to provide charged hydraulic fluid to one or both cylinder blocks. An input shaft having a first end external to the hydraulic pump apparatus extends into both housings to simultaneously drive the first pump cylinder block, the second pump cylinder block and the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7257949
    Abstract: Through stroke control whereby the stroke of a piston is detected and controlled to be equal to a target stroke, the piston is prevented from colliding with a displacer, and the refrigerating performance of a Stirling refrigerator is enhanced. Different target strokes corresponding to different operation conditions of the Stirling refrigerator are stored in a storage portion in a control box, so that a linear motor can be driven with a target stroke that suits the current operation condition. Thus, the piston is prevented from colliding with a displacer, and the refrigerating performance of a Stirling refrigerator is further enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumi Shimizu, Naoki Nishi, Haruhiko Murakami, Toshiaki Hosono
  • Patent number: 7257950
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (100) includes a turbocharger (107) having a turbine (109) and a compressor (111). A charge-air cooler (121) is in fluid communication with an outlet (117) of the compressor (111) through a hot-air passage (123). An intake throttle (127) is in fluid communication with an outlet (125) of the charge-air cooler (121) through a cool-air passage (129). A junction (137) is located downstream of the intake throttle (127). An intake system (103) and an exhaust gas recirculation system (131, 133, 135) are in fluid communication with the junction (137). A bypass passage (139) containing an orifice (141) fluidly connects the hot-air passage (123) and the intake system (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Titus J. Iwaszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7257951
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar water cooler, which includes a water tank, a condensing panel, and an auxiliary refrigerating devices, wherein the water tank has an insulating panel transversely embedded into the water tank for separating the water tank into an upper cooling chamber and a lower chilling chamber, a pair of inner conduits for respectively communicating the cooling chamber to the chilling chamber, each of the cooling chamber and the chilling chamber has a water inlet port and a water outlet port, a plurality of conduits for respectively communicating the water tank to the condensing panel and the auxiliary refrigerating devices, wherein the auxiliary refrigerating device electrically powered by solar cells and by thermocells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Yicun Xing
  • Patent number: 7257952
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe is calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vehicle for transporting the gas. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in an enclosure having a nitrogen atmosphere. A displacement fluid may be used to offload the gas from the gas storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: EnerSea Transport LLC
    Inventors: William M. Bishop, Charles N. White, David J. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 7257953
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens includes a base supporting a pair of rotary motion platforms and a center platform. The rotary motion platforms are movable from an open, side-by-side position to a closed, center platform-covering position. The rotary motion platform includes a plurality of cryogenic discs, each identified for receiving a plurality of tissue samples. The center platform includes a plurality of cryogenic discs, each having a plurality of bores for receiving object holders thereon, each object holder for receiving a frozen specimen thereon. The center platform cryogenic discs each have a channel system with intersecting peripheral, chordal and radial channels. A moistening tray includes structure having a closed, object holder wetting position and an open, object holder elevating position. Further disclosed is the use of a tissue orientation map, usable on temporary tattoos and tissue receiving sheets for specimen orientation and mapping of tumor roots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: David C. Rada
  • Patent number: 7257954
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of assembling a device in both of a first device performing a first function with a predetermined part and a second device performing a second function without a second part, and instructing each of the first and second functions. Determining means (92) determines the presence or absence of an electronic expansion valve (91) and gives the result to a central processing unit (93). The central processing unit (93) allows a gate array (94) operate and instruct a first function including a function of performing communication between a communication network (83) and an indoor unit (92a). When there is no electronic expansion valve (EV), the determining means (92) sends a result of the determination result indicative of the absence to the central processing unit (93). The central processing unit (93) instructs a second function of making the gate array (94) inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Ushio, Keiichi Yoshisaka, Mitsuhiko Yamamoto, Masaaki Yokoi
  • Patent number: 7257955
    Abstract: A heat pump is provided with a discharge valve on a discharge line. The discharge valve can be positioned to modulate or pulse refrigerant flow from the discharge line heading toward an indoor heat exchanger, when in a heating mode. By providing this restriction, the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant increases. This increased temperature provides additional heating capacity as well as increases the temperature of the delivered indoor air, minimizing “cold blow” and making the end user more comfortable. The use of discharge valve can also minimize or entirely eliminate the ON/OFF unit cycling, as the amount of heat delivered can be precisely controlled by pulsing or modulating the valve, thus reducing unit cycling losses, improving user comfort and enhancing reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Patent number: 7257956
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus configured such that a cooling body provided with heat-dissipating plates is pressed against a device to which a socket of a burn-in board is attached, and air is provided by a blower such that the air passes between the heat-dissipating plates, and compressed air provided from a compressed air supply system is discharged by a nozzle so that it directly hits a portion of the cooling upper surface of the cooling body. By means of the cooling effects from these two types of air, a device generating a large amount of heat can be cooled with good temperature accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: ESPEC Corp.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimada, Katsuhiko Watabe
  • Patent number: 7257957
    Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with an unloader bypass line to selectively unload the compressor and deliver refrigerant from a partially (or fully) compressed location back to a suction port of the compressor. A section of this unloader bypass line is placed in the path of air having passed over an evaporator and towards an environment to be conditioned. This section of the unloader bypass line would contain refrigerant that is at a higher temperature than the refrigerant, which had been delivered into the evaporator by the main circuit. In this manner, this bypass line section will provide the function of reheating the air above the temperature to which it had been cooled in the evaporator to achieve a desired humidity level. Thus, the reheat function is obtained without requiring a dedicated reheat loop, associated components and additional structure. Also, through the refrigerant temperature reduction, compressor reliability and performance are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Patent number: 7257958
    Abstract: A refrigeration system has first and second evaporators which may be operated at first and second temperatures. Refrigerant from a lower temperature evaporator may be returned to a compressor suction port. Refrigerant from the higher temperature evaporator may be returned to an intermediate port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Bush, Steven J. Holden