Patents Issued in November 20, 2007
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Patent number: 7296423Abstract: The use of sealants based on organosilanes for refrigeration and air conditioning systems is made possible by control of the rate of introduction and viscosity of the sealant mixture within certain ranges. An appropriate choice of organosilane sealant is made to allow effective sealing of small pinhole size leaks in the air conditioning or refrigeration system. The organosilane is then combined with a miscible lubricant at particular ratios to provide the proper mixture viscosity for injection into the refrigerant system to prevent bearing seizure. Specific orifice sizes are selected for an apparatus to ensure that the composition is injected at the flow rates required to prevent liquid slugging and subsequent compressor shutdown or failure. In addition, effective introduction of the mixture requires certain procedures be performed. Injection procedures are also described that prevent temporary or catastrophic equipment shutdown.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Brasscorp LimitedInventors: Paul Appler, Jack Brass, George E. Cranton
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Patent number: 7296424Abstract: A mounting system is provided for mounting an air conditioner on the exterior of a building adjacent to a window with an opening defined by a window frame having a lower sill and a height to an upper horizontal frame member. The air conditioner includes a main cabinet and a removable air duct. The mounting system includes two mounting arms, each arm being attached at a first point to a wall of the main cabinet and at a second point being engaged to the frame of the window. The main cabinet is suspended from the two mounting arms such that when mounted, a top surface of the main cabinet is positioned at a height of no more than 10% of the height of the window opening above the sill. The mounting system may provide support for the air conditioner at three points, namely, the sill of the window, an inside casing of the window and an exterior surface of the building, without requiring any fasteners to be driven into any of these points.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Christopher M. Thompson
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Patent number: 7296425Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting ice crystal formation on a heat exchange surface in an ice-making machine comprises at least one microphone monitoring the sound made by a rotating blade assembly within the ice-making machine during ice slurry formation. A filter filters the output of the microphone to remove background noise. A comparator receives the output of the filter and compares the filtered microphone output with a threshold to determine if the filtered microphone output signifies ice crystal formation on the heat exchange surface. The operation of the ice-making machine can then be adjusted in a manner to allow the formed ice crystals to be removed from the heat exchange surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Sunwell Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Vladimir Goldstein
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Patent number: 7296426Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: William P. Butler, Steven L. Carey, Hung Pham, Nagaraj Jayanth
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Patent number: 7296427Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
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Patent number: 7296428Abstract: A self-contained beverage chilling apparatus including a refrigerant cooling system comprising a refrigerant reservoir in a fluid communication with a cold plate, a refrigerator accumulator, a compressor and a refrigerant condenser mounted within a housing unit. The housing unit further included beverage inlet means in fluid communication with the cooling system cold plate, and beverage dispenser means in fluid communication with the cold plate wherein the beverage to be dispensed is chilled to a desired temperature as it passes through the cold plate to the beverage dispensing means.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Cleland Sales CorporationInventor: James M. Cleland
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Patent number: 7296429Abstract: There is provided an energy recovery apparatus capable of recovering a hydraulic energy in a regenerative air-conditioning system including a pressure sustaining valve and capable of coping with a discharge change caused by variation in air-conditioning load, the air-conditioning system being capable of carrying out normal operation even in a case where the energy recovery apparatus fails. The energy recovery apparatus is configured so as to feed water from a water tank to air-conditioning loads such as a heat source or a fan coil at a higher place through a feed pipe line by a pump and to lead the water passed through the air-conditioning loads into the water tank via a return pipe line including the pressure sustaining valve, a branch pipe line is disposed so as to branch into the water tank from the return pipe line in upstream of the pressure sustaining valve, and the energy recovery apparatus is connected in to the branch pipe line.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Tanaka, Yukihiro Fujita, Eiji Koyama, Kouich Satou
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Patent number: 7296430Abstract: A burn-in oven is provided with a plurality of spaced, stacked burn-in-boards, each with a plurality of individual circuits being tested under heated conditions, and a plurality of valve trays positioned between two burn-in-boards to form a heat exchange compartment below the valve tray. Each valve tray has a plenum formed above it to provide a separate chamber that is a source of cooling air. Each valve tray has a plurality of valves, one over each of a number openings in the tray. Each opening overlies an integrated circuits or device under test on the burn-in-board below the valve tray. The valves control the flow of air for cooling the integrated circuits. The flow of air through the valves is the only path for cooling airflow to the integrated circuits on the burn-in-boards.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Micro Control CompanyInventors: Harold E. Hamilton, Chad M. Conroy
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Patent number: 7296431Abstract: An apparatus and method of cooling products includes a conveyor for transporting the products, through a refrigeration medium for cooling the products, agitation means disposed proximate to the conveyor for selective, intermittent contact with the conveyor to displace the conveyor from a plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor during freezing to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor or other of the products during freezing, at least one of the agitation means and the conveyor constructed and arranged to be positioned away from each other for the conveyor to move uninterrupted along the plane of travel.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.Inventors: Robert Muscato, Robert Boddaert, Stephen A McCormick, John Hamilton
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Patent number: 7296432Abstract: Refrigerator housing including an one-piece external housing made (6) from synthetic material; an internal housing (1) made (6) from synthetic material, which forms a cooling compartment and comprises an access opening (2); said external housing (6) and said internal housing (1) being in sealed manner connected to one another in the region of said access opening (2) on the front side, welded together or glued together in particular, and a hollow space (12) serving for isolation being formed between internal housing (1) and external housing (6); said external housing (6) on its rear side comprising an opening (11) through which essentially the entire hollow space is accessible for introducing isolation material.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Dometic GmbHInventors: Volker Müller, Manfred Lorek
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Patent number: 7296433Abstract: A drawer refrigerator, including an evaporator, compressor and condenser, has a partitioned cabinet with two vertically stacked pull-out drawers having drawer bins. A single evaporator is located adjacent both drawer cavities and is partitioned to keep the temperature in both drawer bins approximately equal. The pull-out drawers can have a bottle bin with recesses holding the necks of wine, soda or like bottles. The bottle bin slides on the top edges of the drawer bin at its sides and can be moved front to back. The pull-out drawers can have an underside compartment opening at both sides of the drawer containing a removable storage bin. The pull-out drawers can also have an adjustable divider fence with pairs of lateral and transverse divider rods extending between the side walls and between the door panels and the rear walls of the drawer bins. The rods are coupled by a hub having a hand operated screw knob for locking the position of the fence.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: U-Line CorporationInventors: Philip J. Uihlein, Jennifer U. Strazewski, William A. Reed, Thomas W. Rand, Joseph E. Braun, Jack L. Vaughn, Andrew J. Doberstein, Ami M. Verhalen, Daniel R. Bullis, Jr.
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Patent number: 7296434Abstract: A cooler comprising a first compartment defining an interior region and a portion of the first compartment extending into an interior region of a second compartment. The interior region of the second compartment carries a cooling material that cools the interior region thereof. Heat flow from the interior region of the first compartment into the interior region of the second compartment cools the interior region of the first compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Donald T. Scroggs
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Patent number: 7296435Abstract: A refrigerating system includes: an evaporator (2) for performing a cooling operation as a refrigerant is evaporated; a compressor (4) for compressing the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator as a mover is reciprocally moved; a condenser (6) for changing the refrigerant compressed in the reciprocating compressor to a liquid refrigerant; and a capillary tube (8) for decompressing the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and transferring it to the evaporator. The refrigerant is an HFC refrigerant, hydrogenated carbon fluoride comprising hydrogen, fluorine and carbon and the lubricant is an ester-based lubricant, a sort of synthetic fluid, so that a lubricating performance and a performance of the refrigerating system can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Gi-Bong Kwon
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Patent number: 7296436Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing contaminants from a GM type cryogenic refrigerator that incorporates an oil lubricated compressor where such contaminants are introduced during servicing the refrigerator where at least some of the oil is replaced with clean oil.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., SHI APD Cryogenics Inc.Inventor: Isamu Dekiya
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Patent number: 7296437Abstract: A process and an apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation. The apparatus has a medium pressure column thermally coupled to a low pressure column. Compressed and purified air is cooled to cryogenic temperature in an exchanger, and sent at least partly to the medium pressure column. Streams enriched in oxygen and nitrogen are sent from the medium pressure column to the low pressure column and, streams enriched in nitrogen and oxygen are removed from the low pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Emmanuel Garnier, Daniel Gourdain, Frederic Judas, Patrick Le Bot, Frederic Staine
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Patent number: 7296438Abstract: A bezel having a lumen open to the top and bottom and a recessed center section is used both to mount a stone to a piece of jewelry and to function as a clasp for the jewelry. The recessed center section of the jewelry can be coupled to a hook to secure the jewelry to the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Ronald W. Kolb
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Patent number: 7296439Abstract: The invention relates to jewelry. More particularly, the invention relates to jewelry settings. Even more particularly, the invention relates to jewelry settings for displaying multiple faces or gems in a setting of a piece of jewelry, such as a ring, bracelet, pendant, brooch, necklace, religious icon, watch, earring, pin for clothing, hat pin, and the like. The setting may use a face rotatable about at least one axis and an engagement mechanism. The face may be a two-sided face or two separate faces, one facing outwardly away from the user and being visible, the other one of the faces being movable for facing toward the user and being hidden when the one face is visible.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Joe Richard Tanory, Jr.
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Patent number: 7296440Abstract: When waste glass that is strongly laden with organic impurities is melted, the organic constituents present in the melt give rise to so-called “black hearts” which can no longer be eliminated in a subsequent refining process, thus impairing the quality of the glass. According to the invention, gas nozzles for introducing oxygen are installed in the area of the inlet opening of a melting unit thermally connected to a combustion chamber. This allows a targeted oxidation of the organic constituents, which are then exhausted in the form of exhaust gas. With the invention, even highly contaminated waste glass such as, for instance, glass fibers, can be returned to the production process.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbHInventor: Johannes Vetter
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Patent number: 7296441Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for low-contamination melting of high-purity, aggressive and/or high-melting glass or glass-ceramic. According to the invention, for this purpose a melt is heated in a crucible or melting skull crucible by means of high-frequency radiation and is mixed or homogenized in the melting crucible. It is preferable for a gas nozzle, from which gas bubbles, e.g. oxygen bubbles (known as O2 bubbling), escape into the melt, to be provided at the base of the crucible. This alone makes it possible to achieve surprising multiple benefits in the melting skull crucible. Firstly, unmelted batch which drops into the melt in solid form, for example from above, is melted down more quickly as a result of more intensive mixing with the liquid fraction of the melt, secondly the temperature distribution in the melt is made more even, thirdly a uniform distribution or mixing of different glass constituents is achieved, and fourthly the redox state of the glass can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Schott AGInventors: Michael Leister, Ernst-Walter Schäfer, Leopold Eichberg, Volker Ohmstede
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Patent number: 7296442Abstract: A system for directing cooling air onto a neck ring in a glassware molding machine that includes at least one air plenum stationarily disposed at a blank mold station and having an internal cavity for receiving cooling air flowing laterally inwardly toward the axis and at least one outlet opening adjacent to the axis, a plunger wear plate disposed overlying at least a portion of the air plenum, and having an array of axially oriented openings for receiving air directed from the air plenum, a plurality of openings in the neck ring arm for receiving air from the openings in the plunger wear plate across a gap between the neck ring arm and the plunger wear plate when the neck ring arm overlies the plunger wear plate, and a plurality of air passages in the neck ring for receiving air from the neck ring arm openings.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.Inventor: Robin L. Flynn
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Patent number: 7296443Abstract: An automatic washing machine including a drum, a sink, connection means for water and drain line, which are assembled in one integrated unit. It looks like a vanity with a built-in laundry machine and could be installed in any bathroom, kitchen or any utility room, mobile home, RV or even a boat having standard provision for sink connection. It could replace any existing standard sink giving customer an additional laundry capability.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Haier America Trading, LLCInventors: Boris Usherovich, Michael Jemal, Shariff Kan, Ilya Mosionzhnik
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Patent number: 7296444Abstract: An electric washing machine according to the present invention performs a washing process for washing laundry without the use of a detergent by generating water streams in an outer tub (2) containing an electrolyzed liquid produced through electrolysis by an electrolyzing device (31) when a zero detergent course is selected by a user. The electrolyzing device (31) is provided as a water treatment unit (60) attached to a lower portion of an outer side surface (66) of the outer tub (2), and includes a thin-box-shaped electrolyzing chamber (32), a pair of electrodes (33) supported at opposite edges thereof, and a pair of water communication paths (34, 35). The pair of water communication paths (34, 35) are disposed in a vertically juxtaposed relation to connect the outer tub (2) to the electrolyzing chamber (32) with the intervention of packings (81). Thus, an assembling operation and the like can conveniently be performed, and water can efficiently be electrolyzed for use in the washing process.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Mae, Akira Okuno, Koichi Kuroda, Masakazu Matsumoto, Yasushi Araki, Kiyoshi Sarada, Yoshikazu Banba, Kenji Yoshida
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Patent number: 7296445Abstract: A method of determining an imbalance condition in a horizontal axis washing machine comprises several steps, including establishing a speed profile for the washing machine, having at least three increasing speed steps, operating a motor to rotate the washing machine drum sequentially through the three speed steps, measuring the power output of the motor at each speed step, calculating an average power output by averaging the power output at the first and second speed steps, calculating the difference between the power output at the third step and the average power output, comparing the difference to a predetermined threshold difference value, and sending a signal indicative of an imbalance condition if the difference exceeds the threshold difference value.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Zheng Zhang, Huangsheng Xu, Daniel C. Conrad, Scott D. Slabbekoorn
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Patent number: 7296446Abstract: A lock assembly has a casing, a securing axle and a wheel. The securing axle is mounted rotatably in the casing and has a threaded end extending out of the casing. The wheel is mounted rotatably in the casing and selectively engages with the securing axle to rotate the securing axle. By rotating the wheel and the securing axle simultaneously, the threaded end of the securing axle can be screwed into an article. When the wheel disengages from the securing axle, the wheel cannot rotate the securing axle to keep the securing axle in the article. Then the article is in a position in cooperation with a cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Jin Tay Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tony Miao
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Patent number: 7296447Abstract: A wireless lock assembly includes a latch assembly that includes a wireless, electrically operated latching component, and a manually movable latching component. The wireless, electrically operated latching component is movable between activated and inactivated positions. The electrically operated latching component will remain in the activated position for a predetermined period of time, after which it will return to the inactivated position. The lock assembly also includes a handle assembly that is manually movable from a non-enabled position into an enabled position when the electrically operated latching component is moved to its activated position. When the handle assembly is in its enabled position, it can be manually moved so as to move the manually movable latching component from a locking condition to a releasing condition. The handle assembly can be manually moved from its non-enabled position to its enabled position by manual engagement and depression of an exposed surface portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: The Stanley WorksInventors: William L. Priest, Stephen A. Peterson, Aaron McKibben
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Patent number: 7296448Abstract: Described herein is a locking device which integrates mechanical components in a hollow metal door frame with electronic access components. The preferred embodiment comprises a magnetic field generating device, an appropriately shaped metal solenoid housing and a cam retaining locking bar attached to a hollow stem. The electronic components override the original mechanical components of the lock to create a fail-safe situation in which the original mechanical lock may be disabled. In the preferred embodiment, my upgraded locking device can be re-installed within a hollow door frame, thereby minimizing service costs and doorframe modification costs.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Barry M. Shaw
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Patent number: 7296449Abstract: A method for shaping an aerosol container (10) to a desired body contour. A container body (12) is formed into a cylindrical shape and installed into a mold (30) whose inner surface defines the desired body contour. A bladder (74) is fitted onto a tool (50) insertable into an open end (M) of the container body. Once the tool is inserted, the bladder is inflated with a hydraulic fluid. Pressurizing the bladder forces the bladder against a sidewall of the body forcing the body outwardly and deforming it against the inside of the mold. After the container body is shaped, the bladder is de-pressurized and the tool withdrawn leaving the container with a defined body contour. The hydraulic fluid with which the bladder is pressurized is, at all times, contained within the bladder and does not contact the container sidewall so no subsequent drying of the container is required after the shaping process is complete.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Ball CorporationInventors: Edward F. Kubacki, John Czamota
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Patent number: 7296450Abstract: A production apparatus for a tapered steel pipe which holds the two ends of the steel pipe by shafts on carriers and moves it in the axial direction while rotating it to draw it to a taper by an intermediate working roll, wherein the shaft of the working roll is inclined 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the axis of the steel pipe and a roll caliber of the working roll is made an outwardly curved surface with little difference in roll peripheral speed; the face plate for mounting the working roll is positioned and supported with respect to the body by a hinge mechanism and is fastened to the body by fastening members; and the bearing of the working roll at the side close to the steel pipe is made smaller than the bearing at the side far from the steel pipe and the two bearings are connected by a tie-rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Yasuyuki Kuroda, Yukihisa Kuriyama, Manabu Ueda, Hirotoshi Hishida, Itsuroh Hiroshige, Takashi Motoyoshi
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Patent number: 7296451Abstract: A roller tool for forming circumferential grooves around a pipe is disclosed. The tool is rotatable about an axis of rotation and has a circumferential surface engageable with a pipe. The tool surface includes first and second surface portions positioned in spaced relation and oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. A radial surface portion extends between the first and second surface portions and is oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. An angled surface portion is positioned adjacent to the second surface portion. The angled surface portion is oriented at an angle up to about 70° and slopes away from the second surface portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Victaulic CompanyInventor: Douglas R. Dole
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Patent number: 7296452Abstract: Disclosed are metallic wire with high surface quality and low-cost suitable for use as material for grip rings and a producing method and apparatus thereof. Metallic wire 34 deformed in a coil shape is passed through a shape correction unit 14 so as to straighten it. Furthermore, while upper and lower pressing rollers 19, 20, 26, 27 prevent the metallic wire 34 from warping upwardly and downwardly, wedge-shaped grooves are continuously formed on the metallic wire 34 by means of a first cutting roller 21 and a second cutting roller 23.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: HiroakiInventor: Shin Sumimoto
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Patent number: 7296453Abstract: A method of making nano/sub-micron sized grains in a work piece material having a lateral side has the steps of providing a die. The die has an entrance channel with a longitudinal axis and an exit channel. The entrance channel and the exit channel are connected to one another to form an angle. The method has the step of providing a first sacrificial material with a complementary size to the work piece and placing the sacrificial first material and the work piece in an entrance channel. The first sacrificial material and the work piece are aligned with the longitudinal axis. The method has the step of extruding the combination of the first sacrificial material, and the work piece through the intersection of the entrance and the exit channels. The resulting shear deformation forms the nano/sub-micron sized grains in the work piece. This configuration reduces frictional effects thereby producing homogenous nano grain structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ramkumar Kashyap Oruganti, Pazhayannur Ramanathan Subramanian, Judson Sloan Marte
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Patent number: 7296454Abstract: An upsetting method high in productivity of an upsetting manufactured product is provided. An extruder 11 and a closed-die 20 divided into two pieces are prepared. The divided members 21 and 21 of the closed-die are combined with each other so that the tip end portion of an extrusion nozzle 13 is arranged in a cavity 25 of the closed-die 20 with the extruded raw material 1 extruded from the extrusion opening 15 of the extrusion nozzle 13 of the extruder 11. With this, the closed-die 20 is formed, and the extruded raw material 1 is clamped by and between clamping portions 22 and 22 provided at both the divided members 21 and 21.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Showa Denko K KInventor: Atsushi Otaki
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Patent number: 7296455Abstract: A bending tool system is provided for forming a three-dimensional structure from a two-dimensional sheet material which includes a predetermined fold line. The system includes a tool base for receiving and supporting the sheet material in a work plane, a clamp for engaging against the sheet material to secure a portion of the sheet material relative to the tool base, a locator for positioning the sheet material relative to the tool base such that the clamp extends through the clamping aperture, and a bending arm located adjacent the clamp, the bending arm movable from an initial position located below the work plane to an upper position in order to apply an upward force against an unsecured portion of the sheet metal to effect bending of the sheet material about the fold line. A method of using the tool system for bending sheet materials is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Industrial Origami, Inc.Inventor: Max W. Durney
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Patent number: 7296456Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article (420) having a peripheral portion (422) may include reverse squeezing an initial peripheral portion (22) of an initial article (20) to form a first intermediate article (12) having a first intermediate peripheral portion (122) that is partly thinned, and squeezing the first intermediate peripheral portion (122) of the first intermediate article (120) to form a second intermediate article (220) having a second intermediate peripheral portion (222) that is thickened throughout.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Araco Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kouhei Ushida
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Patent number: 7296457Abstract: The invention provides press brake technology. In more detail, the invention involves a press brake tool holder having a thermally-responsive actuator. In certain embodiments, the actuator comprises a thermally-expandable polymer and/or a shape-memory alloy.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.Inventors: John H. Morehead, Heath E. Harrington
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Patent number: 7296458Abstract: A (MEMS)-based gas sensor assembly for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. Such gas sensor assembly in a preferred embodiment comprises a free-standing silicon carbide support structure having a layer of a gas sensing material, preferably nickel or nickel alloy, coated thereon. Such gas sensor assembly is preferably fabricated by micro-molding techniques employing sacrificial molds that are subsequently removable for forming structure layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, IncInventors: Frank Dimeo, Jr., Philip S. H. Chen, Ing-Shin Chen, Jeffrey W. Neuner, James Welch
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Patent number: 7296459Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator for storing foods at a low temperature. An avatar refrigerator and a method for sensing contamination of the same receive measurement values from various sensors installed around the refrigerator in a contamination sensing mode, decide kinds and degrees of contamination in each position by analyzing the measurement values of the sensors by a control means, decide contamination solving methods, and display the kinds and degrees of contamination in each position and the contamination solving methods through a display means formed at the refrigerator door side with avatars. As a result, the avatar refrigerator and the method for sensing contamination of the same maintain the clean air environment and improve health by notifying the air contamination in the peripheral regions of the refrigerator installed at the center of the residential space and the contamination solving methods as well as freshly maintain the foods by storing the foods at a low temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ku-Young Son, Eun-Jeong Kim, Eun-Young Park
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Patent number: 7296460Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Frank Dimeo, Jr., Philip S. H. Chen, Jeffrey W. Neuner, James Welch, Michele Stawasz, Thomas H. Baum, Mackenzie E. King, Ing-Shin Chen, Jeffrey F. Roeder
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Patent number: 7296461Abstract: A moisture detection system includes an electrical conductor disposed on a surface of a substrate, an oscillator for outputting an oscillator signal at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency, and a resonator circuit coupled to the electrical conductor and responsive to the oscillator signal for outputting a resonator signal having an amplitude related to a resonant frequency of the electrical conductor. A filter circuit responsive to the resonator signal can output a rectified and filtered signal, and an analog-to-digital converter responsive to the rectified and filtered signal can output a digital signal related to the rectified and filtered signal. A sensor can be provided having a property that varies as a function of a temperature at or adjacent the electrical conductor. A controller can be responsive to the digital signal and the property of the sensor for causing another system to operate as a function thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Pascal Barguirdjian, Michel Haigron, Allan Rex Hawk, Kwaku Koi Koram, Shelby Chun, Charles S. Voeltzel
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Patent number: 7296462Abstract: A multi-purpose downhole tool comprising packers for isolating an interval of a downhole formation traversed by a borehole to form a packed-off interval annulus. The tool further comprises a reversible pump and more than one interval access port located between the packers. The ports provide fluid communication with fluid in the packed-off interval annulus. The tool further comprises a fluid conduit system and valves for controlling fluid communication between the interval access ports and the reversible pump. The multi-purpose tool is capable of pumping from the packed-off interval annulus as well as pumping into or “through” the packed-off interval annulus for determining formation pressures as well as introducing well enhancement fluids downhole.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gilbert N. Gregory, David E. Ball, Russell Scott Somers, Jeffrey L. Grable, Clive D. Menezes
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Patent number: 7296463Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring of positions or movements of two objects relative to one another with a force and/or moment sensor and a conversion spring element, with the force and/or moment sensor being elastically connected with one of the objects at least via the conversion spring element. A force and/or moment sensor with the measuring apparatus. A joystick with the measuring apparatus or the force and/or moment sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: 3DConnexion GmbHInventor: Bernd Gombert
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Patent number: 7296464Abstract: The present application provides a system, method and apparatus for measuring at least one physical and/or chemical variable at a plurality of different locations within a body of water. The method includes the steps of: providing dynamic measurement means configured to measure the at least one physical and/or chemical variable; towing said measurement means in said body of water at a predetermined depth, and simultaneously taking measurements of least one physical and/or chemical variable, at least periodically, and generating measurement data; and determining the location of the measurement means while taking said measurements of the at least one physical and/or chemical variable and generating corresponding location data. A method for mapping at least one physical and/or chemical variable for a body of water is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Paul Blair Hostetler
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Patent number: 7296465Abstract: A thermal mass flow meter for measuring flow rate of a fluid includes a conduit that is configured to receive the fluid and that defines a primary flow path between an inlet and an outlet of the conduit. The conduit is bound at least in part by a sensor receiving surface. A thermal sensor tube has a thermal sensing portion that is mounted relative to the sensor receiving surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to both the primary flow path and the sensor receiving surface. When the thermal mass flow meter is mounted in a vertical direction so that fluid within the conduit flows in the vertical direction along the primary flow path, fluid within the sensor tube flows in a horizontal direction so as to substantially prevent thermal siphoning when the sensor tube is heated.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Junhua Ding, Michael L'Bassi, Kaveh H. Zarkar
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Patent number: 7296466Abstract: An underwater weighing container for measuring specific gravity, requiring relatively a small amount of reference liquids for measurement and offering wide space for mounting specimens to be measured are provided. The underwater weighing container includes a tubular body and a circular bottom plate. The tubular body has openings on both ends. One end has an introvert circular rim formed thereon and the other end has a plurality of stoppers attached to the internal surface thereof. The circular bottom plate has a mesh or a porous structure and is inserted between the circular rim and the stoppers. The underwater weighing container is immersed in a reference liquid, and a solid specimen is placed on or inserted underneath the bottom plate. The underwater weighing container is hung by means of a hanging member 13 to measure the weight of the solid specimen and determine the specific gravity.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Tetsuro Kusumoto
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Patent number: 7296467Abstract: An angular velocity sensor 1 includes support members 10A1, 10A2, 10B1 and 10B2, bonded to two nodal points of a pillar-shaped oscillator, generated on oscillations of the oscillator, in a manner of sandwiching the nodal points from upper and lower sides of the oscillator. The support members simultaneously serve for mechanically supporting and providing for electrical connection of the oscillator. Upper support members 10A1, 10A2 and lower support members 10B1 and 10B2 for the nodal points include bent parts, the bent parts being bent in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the oscillator. The upper support members and lower support members also include arms 11 extending at right angles to the up-and-down direction and to the longitudinal direction of the oscillator and connecting portion 13 for the arms and the oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Kawamura, Yoshinori Satoh, Toru Matsunaga, Takeshi Maeda, Naoya Sasaki, Kazuhiro Chiba
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Patent number: 7296468Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to control the frequency of a plurality of gyroscopes are disclosed. The gyroscopes are configured such that each individual gyroscope operates independently of one another and at the same pre-determined frequency. To accomplish this, the natural frequency of each gyroscope is determined, and a reference signal is added to the output signal of its respective gyroscope such that the sum of the natural frequency and the reference signal frequency equals the pre-determined frequency. Thus, each individual gyroscope, though it may include its own individual natural frequency, operates autonomously at the pre-determined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Guy Thomas Varty, Anthony Matthews
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Patent number: 7296469Abstract: A method of measuring acceleration includes suspending an inertial body using a magnetic fluid; generating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid; modulating the magnetic field to counteract a change in position of the inertial body relative to sources of the magnetic field due to acceleration; and calculating the acceleration based on the modulation. The calculating step derives the acceleration based on an amount of current through drive coils required for the modulation. The acceleration includes linear acceleration and/or angular acceleration. The drive coils include permanent magnets, electromagnets, or a combination of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Sensing coils can be used for detecting the displacement of the inertial body. Each sensing coil can be positioned substantially within a corresponding drive coil. The inertial body can be non-magnetic, weakly magnetic, or have a ferromagnetic coating.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Innalabs Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dmitri V. Simonenko, Anton E. Suprun, Yuri I. Romanov
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Patent number: 7296470Abstract: A flexure plate accelerometer system includes a flexure plate and two fixed plates on either side of the flexure plate. The flexure plate generates a flexure plate signal as a function of reference signals received in the fixed plates. A precision transformer generates the reference signals from a precision sine wave generated by a symbol generator controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the symbol generator and activates an analog-to-digital converter in response to a signal coincident with a positive and negative peak of the precision sine wave. The analog-to-digital converter generates a digital word from the flexure plate signal, which is processed further in the microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joan D. Wada, Ray F. Campbell, Patricia S. Quan
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Patent number: 7296471Abstract: A structure with superior shock resistance is proposed for a parasol-type acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor comprises a support portion the lower end of which is fixed to a substrate; a beam portion on which a detection element for applying changes to an output signal in correspondence with strain caused by acceleration acting on the detection element is formed, one end of the beam portion being connected to the top part of the support portion; a suspended weight connected to the other end of the beam portion; and a stopper substrate with a window portion through which, in order to guide an output signal of the detection element via a pad that is formed on the upper end face of the support portion, a conductor lead that is connected to the pad passes. Overswing of the weight is limited by means of the stopper substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: Fujitsu Media Devices Limited, Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Nobuko Ono, legal representative, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Hiroshi Tanaka, Sumio Yamada, Masaaki Ono, deceased
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Patent number: 7296472Abstract: A method and system provides for acoustic sensing of structures, including a general shape and/or configuration of the structure and movement within the structure. Acoustic waves are used to characterize structures, including any activity within. As waves from a sound source travel into the structure, they resonate within cavities and connecting tunnels or halls. This acoustic resonance is received at an acoustic receiver. The received signal is analyzed in comparison to the generated signal, and properties of the structure are determined, including the size and shape of the structure, as well as movement of objects within the structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: University of DenverInventor: Wesley N. Cobb