Patents Issued in September 25, 2007
  • Patent number: 7273315
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a drive assembly and control system for making speed changes on the fly and for providing controlled acceleration and deceleration. A bowl receiving portion may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position with a power bowl lift mechanism provided to effect such movement. Advanced control features and special function modes may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Premark Feg LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader, Howard A. Hartley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7273316
    Abstract: A method for thermogravimetrically testing the behavior of a solid material in the presence of a controlled gaseous atmosphere, characterized in that a plurality of samples (10) are placed in the presence of the gaseous atmosphere inside the same controlled atmosphere furnace (4); each sample is associated with a scale (38) proper thereto; the samples (10) undergo predetermined successive thermal cycles each including a heating step during which the samples are directly heated (by radiation or induction) and a cooling step during which the weight of each sample is independently measured and recorded in a continuous manner during at least one predetermined period such as a high temperature level during the heating step of each thermal cycle. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse
    Inventors: Daniel Monceau, Jean-Claude Salabura
  • Patent number: 7273317
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing (1) includes an upper casing (3) having an annular surface (2); an annular lower casing (5) which is superposed on the upper casing (3) so as to be rotatable about an axis (0) of the upper casing (3) and has an annular surface (4) opposed to the annular surface (2) of the upper casing (3); and an annular thrust sliding bearing piece (6) and an elastic ring (7) which are superposed on top of each other and are interposed between the annular surfaces (2) and (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Miyata, Ryohei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7273318
    Abstract: A thrust needle roller bearing and a method for manufacturing the bearing with improved lubricant circulating ability, reduced drilling abrasion of the cage, and improved durability of the bearing has a plurality of needle rollers and two annular cages. Each of the cages is formed with a plurality of pockets. Each pocket has a radial length longer than the height of the roller. The two annular cages hold the needle rollers by sandwiching them between the cages within roller holding portions formed in the pockets. The radial length of each of the roller holding portions of the cages is formed shorter than the height of the roller. The two cages are assembled by folding them as a unit so that both the portions of the unit on either radially outer and inner side of the roller holding portions have their axial thickness smaller than that of the roller holding portions. The two cages are secured to one another at both their radially outermost and innermost end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hayashi, Kousuke Obayashi, Shinji Oishi
  • Patent number: 7273319
    Abstract: There is provided a roller thrust bearing providing reduced differential slip, free of significant friction and wear, and providing increased longevity against flaking. The present invention provides a thrust bearing in the form of a roller thrust bearing including at least two radially arranged rows of rollers and a cage holding the rollers, the rollers including at least one roller crowned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Tamada, Kikuo Maeda, Tomoaki Kawamura, Hirokazu Nakashima, Takumi Fujita, Mitsuo Sasabe
  • Patent number: 7273320
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning particulate matter from contact surfaces of fiber-optics ferrules of an electronics assembly has one or more first connector halves for engaging one or more second connector halves hosting the ferrules to be cleaned, and one or more cleaning inserts provided within the one or more first connector halves, the cleaning inserts comprising adherent surfaces for removing particulates from engaged surfaces. The tool is characterized in that the one or more cleaning inserts are sized to contact the contact surfaces of the fiber optics ferrules with the first connector half engaged in the second connector half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Pluris, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Clay Ellis, Sam Novinsky
  • Patent number: 7273321
    Abstract: A configurable wrist or arm worn camera harness (1a) that facilitates convenient carry, access, and secure use of a camera during participation in a physical activity. Camera harness (1a) is comprised of an adjustable strap system for attaching harness (1a) to operator wrist or arm and a coupling system for attaching, one at a time, cameras of various shapes and sizes to aforementioned harness (1a) in a either a manner that allows camera to be moved pivotably while attached to harness (1a) and operator or in a manner that secures camera in a fixed, non-pivoting position. A clasping system is incorporated to harness (1a) to secure camera in a first secure flat carry position on operator wrist or arm. Clasping system can be released by operator to allow camera to be pivotably moved upright into a second secure position for the purpose of taking a photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Nicholas D Woodman
  • Patent number: 7273322
    Abstract: A continuous sheet-printing device including: an input buffer for printing data; a generation section that generates image data from the printing data that is supplied from the input buffer; an output buffer for the generated image data; a printing section that implements printing on continuous sheet in accordance with image data supplied from the output buffer; a determination section that determines, on the basis of a buffering state of the output buffer, whether or not generation of image data by the generation section will be timely for a print timing of that image data at the printing section; and a controller that, when the determination section determines that generation of image data by the generation section will not be timely, controls the printing section such that a predetermined page count of skip page(s) is inserted between printed pages according to the generated image data, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Torii
  • Patent number: 7273323
    Abstract: A printing apparatus (10) has at a printing station (11), a print head (12) with an array (13) of heating elements individually selectable by a computer controller (15), a feed path (16) for feeding carrier ribbon (18) through the printing satation (11), the carrier ribbon (18) carrying a layer of thermally sensitive print medium, pixels of the thermally sensitive print medium being in use deposited on a print area of a substrate (20), by selectively energizing the heating elements, as the substrate (20) and print head (12) are relatively moved, the apparatus (10) including a backing member (22) and the substrate (20) being position in use between the backing member (22) and the carrier ribbon (1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Markem Technologies Limited
    Inventor: David Anthony Troman
  • Patent number: 7273324
    Abstract: An adjustable wearable ergonomic split keyboard and mouse data input device is provided that includes two hand modules. Data and command input keys are provided in each module and arranged on fingerlike components which are attached to a palm support structure . Each key mounted on top of a fingerlike component is generally adjustable to the operator's wish and may be locked at a preferred position. A thumb section, located adjacent to the operator forefinger position, comprises a thumb support structure, a pointing device and a relatively flat area which may include the spacebar key or a group of command keys. The palm support is shaped with angles and curves which provide counter pressure points to the palm. Straps and arm support components are optionally attached to the keyboards for wearability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Cesar Mercier
  • Patent number: 7273325
    Abstract: A thermal printer includes a first module having a motor and a thermal head support member to fix a thermal head, the thermal head support member having a fixed blade part working as a blade and an a second module being detachably coupled with the first module, the second module having a platen roller, a movable blade member and a movable blade member movement mechanism to move the movable blade member, wherein the movable blade member is disposed to face the fixed blade part and driving force of the motor is conveyed to the movable blade member movement mechanism, and thereby a cutter part is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Sumio Watanabe, Yukihiro Mori, Masahiro Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7273326
    Abstract: A fluid receptacle which includes a low profile reservoir having a first peripheral surface, a second peripheral surface substantially perpendicular to the first peripheral surface and a third peripheral surface substantially parallel to the first peripheral surface and substantially perpendicular to the second peripheral surface; a handle connected to the first peripheral surface; a stand connected to the second peripheral surface; an applicator handle coupled to the fluid receptacle; and a lid coupled to the fluid receptacle wherein the lid covers an opening to the tire shaped reservoir. In other embodiments, the low profile fluid reservoir has a tire shape. In yet other embodiments, the receptacle uses a reservoir that does not have a tire shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Garon G. Jones
  • Patent number: 7273327
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleanser for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleanser. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleanser. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleanser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong
  • Patent number: 7273328
    Abstract: A highway marker and vehicle mounted detection system in which the highway marker includes LEDs of different colors that can be selected under different conditions, and non-visible light LEDs for transmitting information to passing vehicles and between highway markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Next Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Hunter, Drew G. Narayan
  • Patent number: 7273329
    Abstract: An improved boat lift with an hydraulically-powered jack is provided with a locking mechanism, not only for maintaining the lift in its raised position when water pressure in the jack cylinder is released, but also to make it difficult or impossible to unlock by a potential thief or vandal. In accordance with the present invention, this object is achieved by providing a pawl member that engages a recess in the piston shaft that can be removed only with water pressure applied through an attached hose. Access to the water supply should be restricted for purposes of security. The pawl member is attached by a pivoting flap to the end of the cylinder from which the piston emerges. The flap has a flat underside so that water pressure directed against it will easily dislodge it from a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventors: Steven L. Spratt, Jeff C. Peters
  • Patent number: 7273330
    Abstract: An adapter is used with a leaching chamber or like article to change the invert elevation for a pipe which carries water to the article. The first end of the adapter fits a hole or other port on the article. The body of the adapter rotates about that first end, changing the elevation of the second end relative to the base. Stops on the adapter body limit rotation: in one direction so the first and second ends are vertically aligned; and in the opposing direction so that the lengthwise axes of the first and second ends lie in an inclined plane. Thus, three positive invert elevations can be set for an inlet pipe for a particular article: a first and second at each limit of rotation of the adapter, and a third and lowermost elevation, wherein the adapter is not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Infiltrator Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Brochu, James J. Burnes
  • Patent number: 7273331
    Abstract: A boring bar has a shank having a cutter support head at one end. A flow passage extends longitudinally through the shank to the cutter support head and intersects a transverse flow passage that is defined in part by a clamp screw passage of the head. A metal cutting insert is clamped to the cutter support head by a clamp that is secured by a clamp screw being threaded into the clamp screw passage. The clamp member defines at least one coolant fluid flow passage having a discharge opening or openings each located and oriented to direct a jet of coolant fluid onto the metal cutting insert immediately at the site of cutting engagement within the rotating workpiece. The clamp screw defines an internal passage that communicates with the transverse coolant fluid flow passage and conducts coolant fluid onto the metal cutting insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Enrico R. Giannetti
  • Patent number: 7273332
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes selecting a first location on a first side of the building structure that will define a first opening of the through-hole; disposing a magnet at the first location; selecting a second location on a second side opposite the first side via a magnetic pointer magnetically pointing to the magnet; and drilling the through-hole from the second side through the building structure in a direction indicated by the magnetic pointer creating the through-hole defined by the first and second openings on the first and second sides, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rivers, Frederick Diggle, III
  • Patent number: 7273333
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counterbalanced manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tool relative to a surface of a workpiece includes a base adapted to be attached to the workpiece, a tool support coupled to the base, and a biasing device coupled to both the base and the tool support. The tool support is moveable relative to the base along a translation axis, and the biasing device is biasable along a biasing axis that is at least partially along the translation axis. The biasing device is adapted to at least partially counterbalance a force (e.g. a gravitational force) exerted on the tool support along the translation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Lyle M. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7273334
    Abstract: The first cutting edge can advantageously remove a large burr from the edge of a drilled hole with high effectiveness, because of the particularly aggressive cutting action of the first cutting edge. The following inclined second cutting edge advantageously allows precise chamfers to be cut, i.e., the surface and the angle of the counter bore can be precisely maintained, independent of the wear on the cutting edges. A control surface located adjacent to the cutting edge in the forward region enables a precise control of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Heule Werkzeug AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Heule
  • Patent number: 7273335
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a table supported by a bed for forward and rearward movement along a path of movement, left and right transversely aligned upright columns on opposite sides of the path of movement, a cross rail supported in the columns for movement upwardly and downwardly along forward and rear guide rails on inwardly facing column surfaces, a spindle head supported by the cross rail for movement leftwardly and rightwardly. The cross rail, the left and right columns, the spindle head and the guide rails are symmetrically positioned from front to rear and vertically by vertical or horizontal symmetry defining planes so that heat generated creates balanced self-cancelling forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Furuhashi, Koji Takenaka
  • Patent number: 7273336
    Abstract: A truck bed divider apparatus for use with a bed of a pickup truck or other cargo carrying bed of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes one or more divider assemblies that may be lowered into an operative position to restrain the movement of smaller cargo items being carried in the bed. The divider assembly may also be moved into a raised position thereby allowing the full volume of the cargo area to be used if needed. A plurality of movable screens are incorporated in the divider assembly that allow very long cargo items to be accommodated even while the divider assembly is in its lowered position. The pivot assemblies can also be moved and positioned as needed along a pair of support rails disposed on opposing sidewalls of the cargo bed to better restrain articles of various shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: JAC Products
    Inventors: Bill M. Silamianos, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald L. Muñoz
  • Patent number: 7273337
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a row of fasteners having a head, a tip, and a portion of a shank coated with a polymer composition. The polymer composition includes a polymer material such as polyurethane and metal particles. The polymer composition is used to provide improved corrosion and ultraviolet radiation resistance when used with naturally corrosive or pressure preservative treated wood. The fastener assembly is coated with the polymer composition by vacuum coating a dispersion of the polymer composition in a solvent such as water and removing the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Geronimo E. Lat, Daniel P. McDonald, Henry W. Schniedermeier, Paul L. Hicks, Harold D. Gray, Donald E. Bergstrom, Guenther Kram, Garry F. Tupek
  • Patent number: 7273338
    Abstract: A blind rivet and a method of assembly comprising a tubular shell and mandrel in combination. The mandrel comprises a stem and a radially-enlarged head which in use forms a blind head to the shell to set the rivet, in which either the head of the mandrel or the bore of the shell is formed with a plurality of depressions the bases of which lie on a notional circle having a diameter which, where the depressions are formed in the head of the mandrel, is less than the bore of the shell or, where the depressions are formed in the bore of the shell, is greater than the diameter of the head of the mandrel. The depressions, which are preferably generally longitudinally disposed, define ribs, ridges or other protusions therebetween which in use and on pulling the mandrel into the shell bore extend radially beyond the bore of the shell, so that material of the shell becomes displaced by contact with the ridges and occupies the depressions. The invention may be applied either to pull-through, or self-plugging rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Milladale Limited
    Inventor: Frederick Arthur Summerlin
  • Patent number: 7273339
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder paint delivery method and apparatus employing a pressurized reservoir pump that supplies a controlled stream of densely fluidized or dense phase powder paint to the applicator though a powder delivery conduit. The powder flow rate is a function of the pressure in the reservoir and the flow resistance from the reservoir to the applicator, and is therefore very stable over time, and simple to control. The powder flow can be controlled by holding the resistance of the powder flow path constant and varying the pressure in the reservoir, or by holding the reservoir pressure constant and varying the resistance of the powder flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Haden Schweitzer Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Johnson, Jeffrey R. Joyce
  • Patent number: 7273340
    Abstract: A cart lifter is disclosed for lifting and inverting a refuse collection cart. The preferred cart lifter comprises a base and preferably has a lift member pivotally mounted with respect to the base for engaging the upper engagement surface of a refuse cart and a hook for capturing the lower engagement surface on the cart. An actuator is mounted to the base and is operatively attached to the lift member and hook for moving them between a lower and a raised and inverted positions. An actuator arm pivotally connects the base to the hook and the hook is mounted for movement between a position for capturing the lower engagement surface of the collection cart and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Perkins Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ramiro Arrez, Carlos Arrez, James Rimsa
  • Patent number: 7273341
    Abstract: A tractor has a vehicle frame with a pair of right and left elongate frame members spaced from each other and extending in a longitudinal direction and interconnected in intermediate positions by a cross member, an engine supported by the elongate frame members in a front region of the vehicle frame, a rear axle unit connected to rear axle connecting members fixed to the elongate frame members in a rear region of the vehicle frame, and a drive transmitting mechanism for transmitting drive from the engine to the rear axle unit. A front loader and/or a backhoe are/is attachable to a front and a rear of the tractor as supported by the vehicle frame. A reinforcing frame unit is provided for reinforcing the vehicle frame. The reinforcing frame unit is connected to the vehicle frame by reinforcing frame connecting members spaced horizontally and/or vertically from the rear axle connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshii, Masashi Osuga, Hiroshi Shimada
  • Patent number: 7273342
    Abstract: A non-articulated boom extension is designed to be attached to the moveable support arm of a skid steer loader or similar construction vehicle, to increase both horizontal and vertical reach capabilities of the vehicle. The boom extension is formed with two longitudinally extending rigid arm members which are immoveably connected at an obtuse angle in relation to each other. An intermediate support section is secured to both arms to maintain a rigid connection, thus insuring that the extender, at all times, maintains this advantageous configuration. The boom extension has a base at the end of one of its arm members which allows the extension to be pivotally connected for angular adjustment with the support arm of the vehicle. At the other end of the boom extension, there is a connection for attaching an auger, hook, or other work-related apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: DeSilvio & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John DeSilvio
  • Patent number: 7273343
    Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a first planetary member connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the first planetary member and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an offset cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least two apexes, with one apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion and another apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in a non-identical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7273344
    Abstract: A data storage library and method of operation are disclosed wherein access at least to part of at least one robotics mechanism from the data storage library's exterior is permitted. Access is accomplished through a service port in the library's housing. Access to the storage cells, and thus the data cartridges sitting therein, from the library's exterior is blocked. Blocking access to the storage cells may be provided by a geometry of the service port itself, or by a combination of a door and the robotics mechanism being serviced filling the opening created by the service port. For robotics mechanisms operating on a track, part of the track may be routed through the service port to bring the robotics mechanisms to the exterior of the library for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ostwald, Daniel James Plutt
  • Patent number: 7273345
    Abstract: Means for driving a flow are arranged in cavities which are formed, in particular, in multishell casings of turbo engines. In one embodiment, within the cavity, ejectors are arranged which are supplied via suitable means with a propellant flow which, in turn, activates the flow, for preference a circumferential flow. Preferably, during the operation of the turbo engine a propelling fluid which is colder than the fluid content of the cavity is injected via the ejectors. In this way, at the same time, the cavity is cooled and an equalization of the temperature of the fluid content of the cavity is brought about.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Birrell, Armin Busekrose, Olatunde Omisore
  • Patent number: 7273346
    Abstract: A system for controlling two stages of variable-pitch stator vanes of a turbomachine, the system comprising a drive element for turning the control ring of one of the stages via a leader member pivotally mounted on the casing, a synchronization bar for transmitting the turning movement of the ring driven by the drive element to the control ring of the other stage via a follower member pivotally mounted on the casing, and an additional pivot member interposed between the follower member and the follower ring, said additional pivot member being pivotally mounted on the follower member and being connected to the casing by a wheel sliding in a slot secured to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Michel Andre Bouru
  • Patent number: 7273347
    Abstract: A gas turbine blade (1) has a shroud (3) which is cooled by different cooling mechanisms in various regions (A, B, C) according to the different thermal load. In a first region (A), in a fin (8), bores are provided, by which a convective cooling of the fin and a film cooling of the hot gas side of the fin are implemented. A second region (B) is cooled by impingement cooling by a cooling air stream from a duct in the radially opposite stator housing. A third region (C) has a plurality of bores running parallel which run from a cooling duct of a cooling system for the blade leaf to the radially outer surface of the shroud. A cooling air stream flowing through these bores causes a convective cooling of this region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Ulrich Rathmann
  • Patent number: 7273348
    Abstract: A method for aligning an inner shell of a turbine assembly with an outer shell of the turbine assembly along a transverse centerline of the turbine assembly perpendicular to an axial centerline of the turbine assembly includes positioning a first gib key assembly with respect to the transverse centerline. The first gib key assembly is connected to a first end surface of the inner shell to form a first groove within the first gib key assembly. A projection formed on a first end of the outer shell mateably engages the first groove formed within the first gib key assembly to align the inner shell with the outer shell along the transverse centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeyaruban Amirtharajah, Thomas W. Swart, Michael Hamlin, Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7273349
    Abstract: The conventional fan blade is replaced by a frame over which any of a wide range of decorative fabrics or other similar materials is drawn and secured by a clamping method to form a lightweight fan blade of any surface design desired by the user. The decorative fabric replaces the heavy fan blade while still providing its function of air circulation. The same decorative fabrics or other similar materials are also used as coverings or trim for the body of the fan motor housing. The fan blade frame may take any shape suitable for causing the circulation of air as by a conventional fan blade. Elimination of the fan blade mass of conventional designs makes possible significant reductions in power consumption, and significant reductions in stress, wear, and tear on the fan's ceiling mountings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Cartwright
  • Patent number: 7273350
    Abstract: A heat transfer arrangement comprises a target member (28 or 30), and an impingement member (32). The impingement member (32) defines a fluid path (38 or 40) there through to direct fluid onto the target member. The arrangement includes a fluid directing formation (42) on the impingement member (32). The fluid path (38 or 40) extends through the fluid directory formation (42) such that the fluid path directs fluid to exit there from at an exit angle that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid directing formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventors: Michiel Kopmels, Keith C. Sadler
  • Patent number: 7273351
    Abstract: A component such as a turbine blade of a gas turbine engine includes a film cooling arrangement which is optimized by a process in which a component is manufactured having a film cooling arrangement of an initial design and evaluation of the performance of the film cooling arrangement is conducted, for example on the basis of the blowing rate of cooling holes present in the initial design. The configuration of a cooling hole of the initial design is subsequently modified in order to improve the performance of the film cooling arrangement and a component is manufactured in accordance with the modified design. By way of example, the initial design may provide a single cooling hole 128 and the modification may comprise the provision of additional cooling holes 126, 130, each intersecting the initial cooling hole 128 adjacent its inlet end which opens into a source of cooling fluid 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventor: Michiel Kopmels
  • Patent number: 7273352
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, and mixtures thereof) are disclosed. A turbopump in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present invention comprises an impeller defining at least one flow channel and a shroud defining an opening communicating with the at least one flow channel. In certain advantageous implementations, at least one inlet partial of the impeller extends into the opening defined by the shroud. The at least one inlet partial may advantageously be capable of supporting the opening in the shroud. In some cases, the impeller may include a plurality of these inlet partials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Morgan Williams, Wei-Chung Chen, Khanh C. Hoang, Jeff H. Miller
  • Patent number: 7273353
    Abstract: A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The turbine blade includes an airfoil portion having a tip end, a shroud attached to the tip end, which shroud has an outer surface, and a knife edge attached to an outer surface of the shroud. The knife edge has a pair of cutter blades disposed substantially over an axis of the airfoil portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan P. Dube, Richard H. Page
  • Patent number: 7273354
    Abstract: Disclosed is an axial fan (1) rotating in a plane (XY) about an axis (2) having a central hub (3) and a plurality of blades (4), which have a root (5) and a tip (6). The blades (4) are delimited by a concave leading edge (7), whose projection in the fan plane of rotation (XY) is defined by two circular arc segments, and a convex trailing edge (8), whose projection in the fan plane of rotation (XY) is defined by one circular arc segment. The blades (4) are made from sections with aerodynamic profiles relatively extending in the direction of their centre line, providing good flow rate and air pressure relative to the overall dimensions of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: SPAL Automotive S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Spaggiari
  • Patent number: 7273355
    Abstract: A compressor assembly having a piston with multiple cross sections. The compressor assembly, in one form thereof, includes a cylinder block defining a cavity. A piston is at least partially disposed in the cavity and reciprocates along a central axis of the cavity. The piston includes a first piston portion and a second piston portion. The first piston portion has a cross sectional configuration and area substantially similar to a first portion of the cavity and the second piston portion has a radially outer surface at least partially engageable with the sidewall of a second portion of the cavity. The second piston portion may also have a larger cross sectional area than the first portion of the piston which may be used to compress a refrigerant within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Douglas A Collings
  • Patent number: 7273356
    Abstract: There is disclosed a control valve device for a variable capacity type swash plate compressor for use in an air conditioning system. The device comprises an introducing passage for connecting a discharge chamber to a crank chamber in the compressor, and a control valve for adjusting a pressure in the crank chamber in an autonomous manner to control a discharge capacity of the compressor. The control valve includes a valve unit for opening/closing the introducing passage and an electromagnetic solenoid assembly for operating the valve unit. The control valve device further comprises a resistance variable mechanism for varying a resistance of the magnetic circuit in the assembly in accordance with a differential pressure of the refrigerant between two points defined between the compressor and a condenser of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7273357
    Abstract: A control device includes a shot-pulse control unit that provides, at a time of starting a synchronous motor, a predetermined current to each phase of a stator of the motor for a short time; a detecting unit that detects a current flowing through each phase when the predetermined current is provided; an estimating unit that estimates a position of the rotor by comparing detected values; a voltage control unit that controls application of a voltage to the synchronous motor based on a high-pressure side pressure of the compressor when the compressor is failed to be started due to any cause; and a magnetism-resistant section having a conductive layer sandwiched by insulating layers. The magnetism-resistant section covers a portion of a substrate of the control device, and a portion at which the conductive layer is exposed is in contact with the housing or a part conducting heat to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hattori, Masahiko Asai, Takayuki Takashige, Koji Nakano, Takashi Nakagami
  • Patent number: 7273358
    Abstract: An air pump includes a body being composed of two semi-housings. A sleeve is received in an opening at a top of the body. A rim is formed at a top of the sleeve and an annular recess is defined at a bottom of the sleeve. By fasteners through the rim, the sleeve is secured in the body. A motor is mounted on the body for driving a gear assembly in the body. A piston has a movable block movably received in the sleeve and a linkage eccentrically connected to the gear assembly. A discharge valve with a nozzle is mounted on the sleeve for discharging compressed air out from the nozzle. Whereby, the sleeve can be made with a small thickness, so its cost is low. Moreover, it is easy to install the sleeve in the correct position to ensure the piston to smoothly reciprocate in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Wei-Chi Wang
  • Patent number: 7273359
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump tubing system for use with a peristaltic pump roller assembly in a surgical procedure. The system comprises a uniquely shaped disposable cassette for retaining tubing to be used during the procedure and a uniquely shaped cassette receiving station situated adjacent the roller assembly. The cassette comprises a frame for holding the tube in a loop shape for engagement with the peristaltic rollers. The frame supports a one-sided pressure transducer to indicate the pressure within the tube. The cassette receiving station includes a sensor for engaging the one-sided pressure transducer and is situated adjacent the rollers of the peristaltic pump on the pump housing. A retaining bracket cooperates with the inherent resiliency of the tubing loop to hold the tubing in place against the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Linvatec Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Blight, Eric N. Stubkjaer, Joseph A. Fritz
  • Patent number: 7273360
    Abstract: A vane-type hydraulic motor includes a rotor (30) having a main shaft (70) and a plurality of vanes (35), a cam casing (10) having a chamber (11) for rotatably housing the rotor (30), a first port (13) and a second port (15) for supplying a working fluid into the chamber (11) and discharging the working fluid from the chamber (11). A bypass path (80) is provided for allowing the working fluid to flow from bearing portions (51, 61) supporting the main shaft (70). A drain port (17) is provided for discharging the working fluid to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Shinoda, Chishiro Yamashita, Shimpei Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7273361
    Abstract: A coupling structure of an eccentric bush of a scroll compressor, comprising: an orbiting scroll; a rotary shaft provided with an eccentric part and transferring rotary power of a driving motor to the orbiting scroll; and an eccentric bush coupled between the orbiting scroll and the eccentric part of the rotary shaft, wherein an insertion hole provided with two plane contact portions having predetermined areas is formed at the eccentric bush, a cutting surface surface-contacting the plane contact portions of the eccentric bush is formed at the eccentric part of the rotary shaft, and the eccentric part is inserted into the insertion hole of the eccentric bush. Accordingly, damage to the eccentric bush or the rotary shaft can be prevented by dispersing the power applied to the rotary shaft and the eccentric bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyu-Hyung Park
  • Patent number: 7273362
    Abstract: A scroll compressor assembly includes a shaft having an eccentric pin that orbits a first scroll member relative to a second scroll member. The eccentric pin has a length extending from a base end to a distal end, which defines a contact area having a slight crown that engages a slider block. The contact area is moved toward the distal end of the eccentric pin to improve the stability of at least one of the first and second scroll members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Tapesh P. Patel, Zili Sun, Thomas R. Barito
  • Patent number: 7273363
    Abstract: A slider block for a scroll compressor has a recess formed in a wall between a flat portion on the outer surface and a chamfer formed on the inner surface. The recess eliminates a high stress area of the prior art, and reduces cracks originating from this area of the slider block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Zili Sun, Tapesh Patel
  • Patent number: 7273364
    Abstract: A drop box for a rotational molding system includes a substantially rigid outer shell, a substantially rigid inner shell, configured to contain unmelted polymer material, and thermal insulating material, disposed between the inner and outer shells. Substantially rigid bridge material interconnects the inner and outer shells and forms part of the rigid structure thereof. The bridge material is configured to provide a thermal break between the inner and outer shells, to reduce heat transfer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: MFS, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Laws, M. Taw Lindsey