Patents Issued in February 19, 2008
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Patent number: 7331166Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a reel-type mower cutting unit holds the cutting unit in a mowing position, a partially raised service position, or a fully raised transport position. The coupling mechanism is positioned to avoid blocking the discharge of grass into a grass catcher mounted directly in front of the cutting unit. Each reel-type cutting unit is positioned so that the reel axis is a maximum of 28 inches from the front wheel axis of the mowing machine when the cutting unit is in the mowing position.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: David Lawrence Phillips
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Patent number: 7331167Abstract: A mower has at least one powered cutting unit for mowing grass. A switch is provided for permitting operation of the cutting unit or for preventing operation of the cutting unit depending upon the state of the switch. The switch is linked in some fashion, e.g. mechanically or electronically, to the traction drive system of the unit. The ground speed of the mower is limited to a mowing speed when the switch is placed into the state in which operation of the cutting unit is permitted. When the switch is placed into the state in which operation of the cutting unit is prevented, the ground speed of the mower is not limited to the mowing speed but can attain a higher transport speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Jeffrey T. Drake, Gregory M. Kostik
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Patent number: 7331168Abstract: A baler with a rectangular baling chamber and in which a baling piston is accommodated. A supply channel with a supply arrangement for the conveying and compressing of crop in the supply channel and for bringing the compressed harvested crop into the baling chamber and with a sensor arrangement for the determination of the loading on at least one component of the baler. The crop to be baled is pre-compressed in the supply channel by a compression fork before it is pushed into the baling chamber by a loading fork. The sensor arrangement is configured in such a way that it detects or can detect one or more values that represent the distribution of the harvested crop with respect to the width of the supply channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jean-Yves Dubois
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Patent number: 7331169Abstract: Conventional auxiliary power units (APUs) may experience over-temperature shutdowns when attempting to start them at high altitudes. Further, such conventional APUs may also experience overspeed conditions when a generator load is removed during on-speed operations. A fuel control logic that controls the fuel flow cutback below the minimum blowout fuel schedule is provided. A temperature trim loop measures engine temperature to determine the onset of a possible over-temperature condition. The fuel flow may then be trimmed accordingly to correct this over-temperature onset. Further, when the onset of an overspeed condition is detected, such as when a generator load is removed, the fuel flow may be trimmed accordingly to correct this overspeed onset. The fuel control logic allows the control to find the individual minimum fuel flow for each fuel control without risking blowout of the APU itself.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Harold J. Riley
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Patent number: 7331170Abstract: Provided is an exhaust emission control device which can properly burn off soot and soluble organic fraction attached to and accumulated on electrodes of a plasma generator. The exhaust emission control device with a post-processing device (catalyst regenerative particulate filter) for allowing exhaust gas to pass therethrough for gas purification incorporated in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine (diesel engine) comprises a plasma generator arranged upstream of the post-processing device for discharging electricity in the exhaust gas to generate plasma, flow-through type oxidation catalyst arranged upstream of the plasma generator, fuel adding means (controller) arranged upstream of the oxidation catalyst for adding fuel into the exhaust gas, temperature increasing means (suction throttling valve or controller) for increasing the exhaust temperature to a level enough for oxidation reaction on the oxidation catalyst of the fuel added by said fuel adding means.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.Inventor: Masatoshi Shimoda
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Patent number: 7331171Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine that executes post injection, which is capable of accurately estimating the state of dilution of engine oil, thereby properly controlling the amount of oil dilution such that it does not become too large. In an internal combustion engine having an injector that injects fuel into a combustion chamber, post injection is executed in which fuel is injected from the injector during the expansion stroke or the exhaust stroke of the engine, based on a detected operating condition of the engine. The amount of dilution of engine oil diluted with fuel injected by post injection is calculated. The amount of fuel evaporated from the engine oil is calculated. A state of dilution of the engine oil is estimated based on the calculated engine dilution amount and the calculated fuel evaporation amount.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Isao Chiba, Ryuji Matsukado, Ryuta Matsui, Yoshinori Ishihara, Isao Kaneko
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Patent number: 7331172Abstract: A system and method for the regeneration of a particle filter (13) arranged downstream from a catalyzer unit (14) in an exhaust canal (10) arranged to an internal combustion engine (2), where the internal combustion engine (2) is arranged to assume a first operational mode (60) in which a driving torque is emitted and a second operational mode (80) constituting engine braking where the internal combustion engine (2) supplies compression work to a gas mixture which flows through the exhaust canal (10) without a corresponding expansion work having been emitted from the gas mixture, and a vehicle where the method is utilized.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Per Persson
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Patent number: 7331173Abstract: A hydraulic system (1) for a transmission with a starter clutch is described. The hydraulic system (1) is designed to comprise a primary circuit (24) and a secondary circuit (5). A cooling system (9) for the starter clutch, a radiator (7) for hydraulic fluid and a lubricant supply (10) for the transmission are integrated into the secondary circuit (5), where the radiator (7) is arranged upstream from the cooling system (9) for the starter clutch. A volume flow of the hydraulic fluid through the radiator (7) can be limited by way of a controllable bypass line (11), which opens up into the secondary circuit (5) downstream from the radiator (7) and upstream from the cooling system (9) for the starter clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichschafen AGInventors: Thilo Schmidt, Georg Gierer, Peter Schiele
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Patent number: 7331174Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Independent Natural Resources, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Welch, Jr., Curtis J. Rothi, Harold L. Rothi
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Patent number: 7331175Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a hydraulic system having a first source of pressurized fluid and at least one fluid actuator. The hydraulic system further includes a first valve disposed between the first source and the at least one fluid actuator. The first valve is configured to selectively communicate pressurized fluid from the first source to a tank in response to a first command. The first command is at least partially based on a predetermined flow area of the first valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignees: Caterpillar Inc., Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.Inventors: Michael Todd VerKuilen, Shoji Tozawa
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Patent number: 7331176Abstract: With regard to a transaxle comprising a housing, which houses a hydrostatic stepless transmission constructed by fluidly connecting a hydraulic pump with a hydraulic motor and an axle drivingly connected to the transmission, the housing is constructed by detachably joining a first housing element with a second housing element through a joint surface in parallel to the lengthwise direction of the axle, a counter shaft, drivingly interposed between the hydrostatic stepless transmission and the axle in the housing, is located its axis in the first housing element, a leg member is engaged with the first housing element, and one of ends of the leg member is engaged with a part of the counter shaft, and the other end of the leg member is engaged with the second housing element so as not to be movable.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignees: Kanzaki Koyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Katsumoto Mizukawa, Masaru Iida, Donald Wieber
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Patent number: 7331177Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle comprises: a housing, an interior space of the housing serving as a fluid sump; an axle supported by the housing; a hydrostatic transmission disposed in the housing so as to drive the axle, the hydrostatic transmission including a hydraulic pump disposed in the housing, a hydraulic motor disposed in the housing, and a center section disposed in the housing, wherein the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are mounted onto the center section, and wherein the center section is formed therein with a fluid circuit for circulation of fluid between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, and formed with an outwardly opened hole connected to the fluid circuit; a valve holding member fitted into the hole; and a relief valve connected to the fluid circuit through valve holding member.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoi Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigenori Sakikawa, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 7331178Abstract: A generating facility is provided for generating electricity from both solar and non-solar energy sources. The solar generating portion of the facility includes capability to directly generate electricity from solar insolation, or to store the solar energy in a tangible medium, including stored heat, or solar generating fuel. The generating facility is configured to generate electricity simultaneously from both solar and non-solar sources, as well a solely from immediate solar insolation and from solar energy stored in a tangible medium. Additionally, the solar generating capacity may be segregated; such that separate spectra of solar insolation are used to capture heat for steam turbine based electrical generation, capture light energy for photovoltaic based electrical generation, and to grow biomass to generate a solar fuel.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Los Angeles Advisory Services IncInventor: Arnold J. Goldman
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Patent number: 7331179Abstract: A technique is disclosed for a system and method for combined production of power and hydrogen utilizing the heat from a first working fluid heated by a geothermal energy source using a steam generator and an electrolyzer designed to receive the steam produced by the steam generator for the production of hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Chellappa Balan, Michael John Bowman, Daniel Preston Smith, Charles Max Byrd
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Patent number: 7331180Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a differential in thermal energy between a first thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid and a second thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid is provided. The apparatus emplys a first vessel and a second vessel. Each of the vessels contain a gas under pressure The vessels contain heat exchanging coils that are connected to the thermal sources by fluid lines. A plurality of cooperating valves regulate the flow of the thermal conducting fluid from the first and second thermal sources to the first and second vessels. The valves alternate between first and second operating positions. In the first position, the valves permit a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the first vessel and from the second thermal source to the second vessel and prevent a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the second vessel and from the second thermal source to the first vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Ian A. Marnoch
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Patent number: 7331181Abstract: A heat control system of reheating steam of a power plant, in which method the reheating steam (S3) is superheated in a reheater in a first reheating stage and a second reheating stage. The steam (S6) superheated in the first reheating stage is directed via a heat exchanger (22) to the second reheating stage, and the temperature of the steam decreases in the heat exchanger. In addition, the invention relates to a heat control system and a power plant.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Metso Power OyInventor: Markku Roppo
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Patent number: 7331182Abstract: At least one Helmholtz damper is arranged at a combustion chamber for a gas turbine in order to damp thermoacoustic oscillations; the damping volume of this Helmholtz damper is in communication with the combustion chamber via a connecting passage. Optimum damping is achieved in a simple way by virtue of the Helmholtz damper being designed in such a manner that its damping frequency is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Peter Graf, Stefan Tschirren, Helmar Wunderle
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Patent number: 7331183Abstract: A personal portable environmental control system, which includes a thermoelectric device, two heat sinks, an exhaust fan for blowing ambient air across one heat sink and a blower for blowing ambient air across the other heat sink such that the blown air is conditioned (either heated or cooled). The thermoelectric device is disposed between the two heat sinks.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Gregory K. Askew
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Patent number: 7331184Abstract: A hot-cold cushion includes a heat/cool device, a connecting tube and a cushion with circulating pipes. The heat/cool device composed of a thermo semiconductor chip, a thermoconductor, a fan, a heat dissipation member, a box with liquid, and a hydraulic pump is connected with circulating pipes inside the cushion by the connecting tube so as to form a circulation loop. By exchange of the positive/negative electrodes of direct current, the thermo semiconductor chip produces heat or cold that is circulated and dissipated by the heat/cool device so as to regulate the temperature of the cushion into a suitable range for human bodies. Therefore, the hot-cold cushion achieves better effect.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Ching-Yang Lee
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Patent number: 7331185Abstract: A heat radiator having a thermo-electric cooler uses a plurality of heat radiation modules to induce forced thermal conduction at respective hot spots. The heat radiator comprises a first heat radiation module with a radiator fin set in which the fins are connected by a thermal conduction member attached onto a heat source. The thermo-electric cooler is attached to the heat source, whereby heat will be delivered from the heat absorption terminal to the heat release terminal thereof. The heat radiator further comprises a second heat radiation module with a radiator fin set in which the fins are connected by a thermal conduction member attached onto the thermo-electric cooler. Thereby, the heat generated in a heat source, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and an accelerated graphic chip, is dissipated through not only the first heat radiation module but also the thermo-electric cooler at the second heat radiation module.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Macs Technology Inc.Inventors: Tsung-Chu Lee, Chung-Yang Chang, Ying-Hung Kan
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Patent number: 7331186Abstract: Disclosed is a method of changing the temperature of a liquid sample, comprising: providing a receptacle having inner and outer walls defining an annular portion therebetween for receiving therein a liquid sample, inserting said liquid sample, at a first temperature, into said annular portion, and exposing said receptacle to a second temperature different from said first temperature. Further disclosed are a receptacle useful in the above method and a chamber useful for performing said method.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: I.M.T. Interface Multigrad Technology LtdInventor: Amir Arav
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Patent number: 7331187Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 7331188Abstract: A method for controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system having an air vent associated with a window for blowing an air flow of controlled temperature thereon; the HVAC system having a refrigeration unit with a compressor and an evaporator, and blowing means for forcing air over the evaporator to the air vent. The method includes a first step (a) of activating the compressor while deactivating the blowing means during a first period for condensing moisture of the air contained in the HVAC system. The method includes a further step (b) comprising, at the expiry of the first period, activating the blowing means and keeping the compressor active during a second period for sufficiently reducing the dew-point temperature of air blown by the HVAC system, and deactivating the compressor at the expiry of the second period.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Julien Quilliard, Jean-Francois Launois, Jean-Claude Petesch
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Patent number: 7331189Abstract: In a cooling system having a compressor for supplying refrigerant under pressure, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant supplied from the compressor, a liquid receiver arranged to temporarily store the condensed refrigerant supplied from the condenser, an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant supplied from the liquid receiver, and an evaporator arranged to effect evaporation of the expanded refrigerant for cooling the surrounding thereof, a bypass conduit is arranged to bypass the liquid receiver and expansion valve, and an electrically operated flow passage changeover valve is provided to selectively connect a supply passage of refrigerant to the liquid receiver and expansion valve and to the bypass conduit so that the supply passage of refrigerant is connected to the liquid receiver and expansion valve during operation at a cooling mode and is connected to the bypass conduit during operation at a defrost mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Yoshida, Kazuyoshi Seki, Akihiko Hirano, Masahide Yatori, Chiyoshi Toya
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Patent number: 7331190Abstract: Coolant systems, for power sources (e.g. internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and nuclear reactors) or microprocessors for example, are beneficially operated with coolant in a nucleate boiling state, but transitions to damaging film boiling are then possible. The disclosed coolant system includes a sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, that provides a signal representative of fluctuations in the temperature at a heated surface. The signal also includes at least one parameter. A controller processes the signal to determine changes in the parameter of the signal and/or to determine the state of the coolant and can responsively change the coolant flow to avoid undesirable coolant states. For example, coolant flow can be changed by changing the output of a coolant pump. The controller can change coolant flow automatically, or a signal can be provided to an operator that an undesirable coolant state change is imminent or has occurred, thereby allowing operator intervention.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Perkins Engines Company LimitedInventors: Colin Peter Garner, Adrian Holland
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Patent number: 7331191Abstract: A new feedback linearization approach to advanced control of single-unit and multi-unit HVAC systems is described. In accordance with the approach of the invention, this new nonlinear control includes a model-based feedback linearization part to compensate for the nonlinearity in the system dynamics. Therefore, the evaporating temperature and superheat values can be controlled by linear PI control designs to achieve desired system performance and reliability. The main advantages of the new nonlinear control approach include (1) better performance even with large model errors, (2) being able to adapt to indoor unit turn on/off operation, (3) much smaller PI control gains compared to that of current feedback PI controls, (4) much easier design procedures since there is no need for tuning the PI control gains over wide range operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Xiang-Dong He, H. Harry Asada
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Patent number: 7331192Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container (11) which can be evacuated and has an application (12) to be cooled, in which insulated container (11) a vacuum can be built up by means of a vacuum pump (22). In order to allow the vacuum pump (22) to be switched off during normal operation, a getter material (26) is arranged in the insulated container and binds gas components which penetrate into the insulated container as a result of unavoidable leakages. The invention provides for the getter material to be accommodated in maintenance areas (20), which can be disconnected by means of valves (21) from the working area (18) which contains the application (12). This allows the getter materials (26) in each maintenance area to be replaced or regenerated, while the operation of the application (12) to be cooled can be maintained owing to the partitioning of the working area (18) from the maintenance area (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Kummeth, Peter Van Hasselt
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Patent number: 7331193Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerating compartment evaporator cover to partition a storage space of a refrigerating compartment and a refrigerating compartment evaporator accommodator, a ventilator which is provided in a lower part of the refrigerating compartment evaporator cover, a damper which is provided in an upper part of the refrigerating compartment evaporator cover to control entrance and exit of cooling air to the ventilator, and a refrigerating compartment evaporator and a freezing compartment evaporator which are connected in serial. The refrigerator allows cooling air to flow smoothly and prevents cooling air continuously generated from a refrigerating compartment evaporator from being rapidly discharged to a refrigerating compartment when a refrigerating compartment stops operating.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: In-Bo Shim
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Patent number: 7331194Abstract: A coaster for a beverage container has an enclosed base and a cooling material encapsulated therein. The enclosed base has a top surface with a substantially planar portion. The beverage container engages on the top surface of the base. In another embodiment, a coaster assembly has a base portion and a collar portion. The collar portion attaches to the base portion and reveals at least a portion of a top side of the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: The Blue Swing LLCInventors: Brian Lefkowitz, Michael Wax
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Patent number: 7331195Abstract: A refrigerant distribution device 10 situated in an inlet header 12 of a multiple tube heat exchanger 14 of a refrigeration system 20. The device 10 includes an inlet passage 32 that is in communication with an expansion device. Small diameter conduits 34 are disposed within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. A two-phase refrigerant fluid in the inlet passage 32 has a refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The conduits 34 have inlet ports 40 that lie below the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. Vapor emerging from the nozzles 34 create a homogeneous refrigerant that is uniformly delivered to the multiple tubes. The invention also includes a method for delivering a uniform distribution of a homogeneous liquid mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant through the heat exchanger tubes.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Advanced Heat Transfer LLCInventors: Younglib Bae, Michael E. Heidenreich, William G. Abbatt
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Patent number: 7331196Abstract: In the case that heat absorbing means that function in selectively different temperature ranges, are provided in a refrigerating cycle, an object is to provide a refrigerating apparatus capable of suppressing the deterioration of efficiency in either temperature range to make a highly efficient operation possible. The refrigerating apparatus includes a compressor, a radiator, first heat absorbing means, and second heat absorbing means provided in parallel with the first heat absorbing means. The first heat absorbing means includes first decompressing means, a first heat absorber, and a first heat exchanger capable of heat exchange between a refrigerant which has come from the first heat absorber and a refrigerant flowing in the first decompressing means.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Itsuki, Hiroshi Mukaiyama, Satoshi Imai, Masahisa Otake
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Patent number: 7331197Abstract: A decorative earring sleeve is disclosed, the decorative earring sleeve for slidable engagement with an earring of the type having an elongated, curved loop for insertion into a person's pierced ear. The decorative earring sleeve includes a plurality of decorative settings, each of which includes a front viewing surface and an opposing back surface. Each back surface includes an annular ringlet for receiving the curved loop of the earring. A plurality of flexible connectors are further included, the connectors being attached between each decorative setting. Preferably each connector further includes an elastic portion, such that the decorative settings are each urged toward each other linearly. In use, the ringlet of each decorative setting may be slid over the loop of the earring, in turn, such that each viewing surface is oriented away from the person's ear to enhance the appearance of the earring.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Elizabeth Burach
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Patent number: 7331198Abstract: A desired temperature distribution is efficiently formed on a glass sheet by a simple structure without lowering heat efficiency within a furnace. A heating furnace conveys a bending mold of a glass sheet and a radiation-heating device is provided in the heating furnace. A first group of a plurality of heating elements are fixed on an inner wall surface of the heating furnace. A second group of a plurality of heating elements are disposed separably from an inner wall surface of the heating furnace.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Yamakawa, Junji Tanaka, Toshimi Yajima, Masahiro Tsuchiya, Masaaki Konishi
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Patent number: 7331199Abstract: A prosthetic knit for medical or surgical use which has a structure made of monofilament and/or multifilament yarn which is biocompatible and optionally partially bicabsorbable. According to the invention, this knit comprises a monofilament sheet forming, on one face of the knit, spiked naps which protrude perpendicularly with respect to said sheet, that is to say naps each having a substantially rectlinear body and, at the free end of this body, a head of greater width than that of this body.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Sofradim ProductionInventors: Francois-Regis Ory, Michel Therin, Alfredo Meneghin
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Patent number: 7331200Abstract: Knitting machine that includes a plurality of guide bars, guides, associated with the plurality of guide bars, which are aligned to a working line, and drives, connected to the plurality of guide bars via coupling points, which are arranged next to one another in adjacent angle segments emanating from the working line and having a smaller width in an area adjacent the working line than in an area distant from the working line. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbHInventor: Kresimir Mista
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Patent number: 7331201Abstract: A control panel of a washing machine is provided. The buttons of the washing machine on a display panel are disposed independent from corresponding switches on a display substrate. The control panel includes a frame provided on a cabinet to form an exterior, a display panel on a front side of the frame to have at least one button formed thereon, a display substrate in rear of the display panel to have at least one switch formed thereon, and a lever between the corresponding button and switch to operate the switch by receiving an external force applied to the button.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Seong Jin Cho
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Patent number: 7331202Abstract: A drum-type washing machine including a rotatable pulsator. The drum-type washing machine includes a water tub to contain water therein. A rotary drum is included in the water tub and rotating in alternating directions to hold laundry located in the rotary drum to be washed. A pulsator is rotatably mounted to a predetermined position of the rotary drum. A rotation guide unit rotates the pulsator by a rotating force of the rotary drum. The pulsator mounted to the rotary drum increases a physical force applied to laundry, thus enhancing a washing effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Ryong Park, Hyung-Gyoon Kim, Sang-Yeon Pyo, Seon-Woo Park, Hye Soon Yang, Seong Min Oak, Byoung Yull Yang, Hyun Sook Kim
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Patent number: 7331203Abstract: A merchandise lock has a shell, an external sleeve, an internal sleeve, at least one stationary locking sheet and a movable locking sheet. The external sleeve is mounted on an end of the shell. The internal sleeve is mounted in the shell and the external sleeve. The stationary locking sheet is mounted in the internal sleeve and has a locking recess and a tongue extending out of the internal sleeve. The movable locking sheet is mounted pivotally in the internal sleeve and has a locking recess and a tongue extending out of the internal sleeve. When the lock cylinder is locked, the locking recesses align with each other and the tongues misalign with each other. When the lock cylinder is unlocked, the locking recesses misalign with each other and the tongues align with each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Miko Lee
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Patent number: 7331204Abstract: A combination lock includes: a base mounted securely on a suitcase; a case locking mechanism mounted on the base and operable to move between locking and releasing positions; a dial lock mounted on the case locking mechanism, including a lock controlling member, and operable between locking and releasing states through operation of the lock controlling member; and a key-operated unlocking unit mounted on the case locking mechanism, including a core, and operable in a manner that the case locking mechanism is permitted to move from the locking position to the releasing position when the core is moved from a first angular position to a second angular position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Eminent Luggage Corp.Inventor: Dick-Ming Hsieh
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Patent number: 7331205Abstract: A rivet monitoring system is provided which has a micro-strain or micro fluid pressure sensor that measures strains or pressures within a tool component. These measured signals are compared to a number of tolerance bands formed about median strain or pressure versus time curve. Various techniques are provided to analyze the measured data with respect to the tolerance bands to determine if a particular rivet set is acceptable.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Eymard J Chitty, Brian M Taylor, Peter C Thomas, Daniel P Vigliotti, Geoffrey Weeks
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Patent number: 7331206Abstract: The present invention provides method of fabricating components having internal teeth and rolling machine thereof, enabling large deformation at main rolling step omitting broaching step and step using gear shaper. A container having toughness against internal pressure as high as that of cold forging is provided instead of gripping mechanism of a cylindrical material. A cylindrical material is inserted into the rotatably driven container in aligned manner. A rotatably driving rolling tool is acted on the inner side to press the cylindrical material and distance between tool rotational shaft and container rotational axis is sequentially changed to successively grow tooth profile. A component having internal teeth filling the container is obtained by enlarging outer diameter by spreading. It is desirable to provide in advance the same number of concave grooves as that of internal teeth to be formed, at equal intervals on an inner circumferential face of the cylindrical material.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: M.H. Center LimitedInventor: Tsuyoshi Aoyama
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Patent number: 7331207Abstract: A power hammer assembly providing forming capabilities while remaining economical with respect to performance, vibration, footprint size and acquisition costs. The power hammer assembly can provide for a single stroke speed and/or a single set stroke with respect to the striking of die assemblies against a piece of metal. The power hammer assembly can provide for a large throat area and/or a larger die gap for ease of use. The power hammer assembly can include adjustment features allowing for the use of die sets of varying configurations such as, for example, shank size, shank length or alternatively, die sets fabricated for use with other machinery. In addition, the power hammer assembly can include a belt transmission assembly designed to slip in the event of die interference during set-up or operation so as to avoid damaging the power hammer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Hot Metal Customs, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Borgwarth
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Patent number: 7331208Abstract: A die cushion controller uses position control to position die cushion members for placement of a metal sheet. A pressing process starts and the upper die is lowered. When a position detector detects a position at which the upper die touches the sheet metal, the die cushion controller switches over from position control to pressure control and applies a preset pressure to the sheet metal. When the position detector detects that the upper die has risen to a preset position, the die cushion controller clears the positional deviation accumulated in position control to zero, then moves the die cushion members to preset positions and holds them there.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Kentaro Fujibayashi, Tetsuo Hishikawa, Keisuke Tsujikawa, Noboru Hirose
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Patent number: 7331209Abstract: A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency or effective mass coupling.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: MTS Systems CorporationInventors: Byron J. Saari, Steven C. Soderling
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Patent number: 7331210Abstract: The loadcell live idler platform scale has an idler to support a conveyor belt and a frame on which the rollers are mounted. The weighbridge has four load cells connected perpendicular to each end of the frame, strain gauges to receive deflections from each pair of load cells, a speed detector for the material passing upon the conveyor, and a controller for converting the signals of the strain gauges and the speed detector to the desired weight and volume data along with calibrating the scale. Beneath the idler, the scale has a calibration weight resting in a tray. Two cables, attached to the idler and its mounts, suspend the calibration weight and an activator raises and lowers the calibration weight. The calibration weight and activator are generally cylindrical and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Ronald Dietrich
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Patent number: 7331211Abstract: The present invention is a method with a 3-dimensional measuring apparatus for determining vehicle suspension parameters, which include roll center, scrub radius, etc. The apparatus measures the upper and lower control arm pivot locations, which include coordinate planes X, Y, and Z, where X is longitudinal distance from front axle centerline, Y is height above ground, and Z is distance from vehicle centerline. Suspension measurements are provided by at least one lower support (23a), at least one vertical member (24a), at least one horizontal arm (26a), and at least one indicator support (22) located at a ground plane in proximity to a tire's tread. Indicator (BC?) on indicator support (22) indicates at least one lower steering pivot location determined by horizontal arm (26a). Wheel pivot locator (21) connected to indicator support (22) locates kingpin trail (C?) and provides a way for measuring the scrub radius between kingpin trail (C?) and tire centerline (E).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Mitchell Craig Harrill
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Patent number: 7331212Abstract: A sensor module is provided having a compact housing containing a sensor. A low temperature co-fired ceramic substrate is located on the housing. The sensor and signal processing circuitry are located on the low temperature co-fired ceramic substrate. The sensor module further includes a metal shield substantially encapsulating the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Manlove, Stephen P. Long, Hamid R. Borzabadi, Timothy A. Vas, Kevin J. Hawes
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Patent number: 7331213Abstract: A device has at least one sensor for determining one or more constituents of a medium flowing in an installation duct. The device has a housing and a main channel, which is connected to said housing and is closed at an end remote from the housing. The main channel has a first channel and a second channel, which is separated from the first channel by a first separating wall. The main channel also has at least one first opening, which is away from the end and creates a first connection between the first channel and the installation duct, and at least one second opening, which is away from the end and creates a second connection between the second channel and the installation duct, so that the medium flows between the openings, through the channels and past the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AGInventors: Yves Lüthi, Ivan Zito
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Patent number: 7331214Abstract: The invention relates to a waste gas probe which is disposed in an internal combustion engine, comprising a plurality of cylinders and injection valves associated with the cylinders, in order to measure fuel. The waste gas probe is arranged in a waste gas tract and the measuring signal thereof is characteristic for the air/fuel ratio in the respective cylinder. The measuring signal is detected in relation to a reference position of the piston of the respective cylinder at a predefined crankshaft angle and associated with a respective cylinder. A manipulated variable which is used to influence the air/fuel ration in the respective cylinder according to the measuring signal detected for the respective cylinder is produced by a controller. The predefined crankshaft angle is adapted according to an instability criterion of the controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Reza Aliakbarzadeh, Tino Arlt, Gerd Rösel, Hong Zhang
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Patent number: 7331215Abstract: Apparatus for deploying equipment in a fluid container or fluid conduit comprises a fluid housing having an outlet aperture, the fluid housing being adapted to be secured to the container or conduit such that the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an aperture in the container or conduit. The apparatus further includes a piston in the fluid housing dividing the fluid housing into first and second fluid chambers, the second fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the interior of the container or conduit via the outlet aperture when the fluid housing is secured in fluid communication with the container or conduit. The piston is movable within the fluid housing toward the outlet aperture in response to increases of fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber. The apparatus further includes a guide means for guiding deployment of the equipment into the container or conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: WRc plcInventor: Anthony Bond