Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7334413
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine combustor is disclosed which includes a feed arm having a flange for mounting the injector within the combustor and a fuel nozzle depending from the feed arm for injecting fuel into the combustor for combustion. An optical sensor array is located within the fuel nozzle for observing combustion conditions within the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Myhre
  • Patent number: 7334414
    Abstract: A child care storage includes a refrigerating compartment for refrigerating the infant care products by using a thermoelectric element and a warming-in-water compartment for heating the infant care products by warming-in-water; a heat exchanging apparatus for heating the water in the warming-in-water compartment by using the heat produced from a heat-emitting side of the thermoelectric element; and a control unit for controlling temperature in the refrigerating compartment and the warming-in-water compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sungwoo Park
  • Patent number: 7334415
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided having a first heat exchanger for heating a cooling liquid, a second heat exchanger, which preferably comprises an evaporator, for cooling the cooling liquid, and a pump for guiding the cooling liquid through the first and second heat exchanger. The system includes a pellet reactor through which cooling liquid is fed, so as to remove impurities from the cooling liquid by grafting the impurities onto graft material in the pellet reactor. A method is also provided for using such a cooling system. An advantage of the system is especially that calcium salts can be grafted onto the graft material, as a result of which the concentration factor of the cooling system can be increased significantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Jozef Krabbendam, Andries Peter Van Der Vegt, Marcus Claudius Leon Francis Blommaert
  • Patent number: 7334416
    Abstract: A device for use with a refrigeration case (104) having a defrost cycle comprising at least one intake (154. 156, 158) for receiving a cleaning agent (155), a rising agent, and a sanitizing agent (159), at least one fluid outlet (140) disposable I the refrigeration case and being in fluid communication with the at least one intake, and wherein transfer of the agents from the at least one intake to the at least one fluid outlet is dependent on the defrost cycle of the refrigeration case and the order of the release of the agents is the cleaning agent, the rinsing agent, and the sanitizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 7334417
    Abstract: An air conditioner and a power line communication system high in reliability and free of malfunction facilitates the installation work such as the wiring. The air conditioner for conducting communication through a power line includes a bridge unit connected to at least an outdoor unit through a transmission line, and at least an indoor unit connected from the power line through a blocking filter. A side of the bridge unit far from the outdoor unit is connected between the blocking filter and the indoor unit. The bridge unit subjects a signal from the outdoor unit to spread spectrum modulation and transmits it by superposing the resulting signal on the power line. The superposed signal is received and demodulated by the indoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Tokushige, Yasuyuki Kojima, Tatsumi Yamauchi, Makoto Ito, Noriyuki Bunko
  • Patent number: 7334418
    Abstract: A microprocessor temperature control system including a microprocessor with on-chip fan control logic, a fan, and temperature sense logic. The fan control logic receives temperature information and provides a variable fan control signal to cool the microprocessor. The fan is externally mounted to the microprocessor and has a control input that receives the variable fan control signal. The temperature sense logic provides the temperature information associated with the microprocessor. The fan control logic may be configured to vary rotational speed of the fan and to adjust operation of the fan to achieve an optimum blend of reliability, power consumption, and speed. In addition or in the alternative, the temperature sense logic is external to the microprocessor for providing the temperature information via an external interface. The fan control signal may be a variable output in digital format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Via Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Glenn Henry, Darius D. Gaskins
  • Patent number: 7334419
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater system including a water storage tank and a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system includes a heat absorber positioned below the water storage tank and a heat rejecter in fluid communication with the heat absorber and positioned within the water storage tank. The heat absorber is configured to transfer heat to fluid in the heat exchange system, and the heat rejecter is configured to transfer heat from fluid in the heat exchange system to the water in the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bradford White Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Gordon, Eugene L. West
  • Patent number: 7334420
    Abstract: The installation of an air conditioning unit upon a roof having a sloping surface includes providing a framework having a first frame and a second frame which are joined for relative reciprocal movement whereby the framework can be secured to roof and adjusted to provide a horizontal seat for receiving the air conditioning unit thereon. Next provided is a plenum assembly having a first element and second element that are relatively adjustable to be secured to the roof and to the air conditioning unit. Chambers within the plenum assembly conduct air from the air exchange openings in the air conditioning unit to respective openings in the roof defining terminalia of the air conduit system with the respective structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: David Garris
  • Patent number: 7334421
    Abstract: An air conditioning pad that is to be placed under an air conditioning unit to support it, raise it off the ground, and maintain it in a preferred position of use, even when subjected to strong winds or flooding. It has a plurality of openings therethrough for the insertion of tie-down straps, several central supports to give it strength, and has at least one interior cavity that can be filled with fluid or other material on site to provide the weight needed to meet new building code requirements relating to severe storm conditions and/or otherwise maintain an air conditioning unit in its originally selected position of use. Applications include, but are not limited to, use in supporting air conditioning units in outside locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Patent number: 7334422
    Abstract: An air conditioning system is provided with a cooling air ram that includes both air-to-air heat exchangers, and a liquid sink heat exchanger. The liquid sink heat exchanger receives a cooling fluid that has been utilized to cool a power electronics control for an electric motor. The liquid sink heat exchanger is necessary to properly cool the power electronics control, and by including it in the same cooling air ram with the air-to-air heat exchangers, there is no need for additional ram air cooling circuits to be added to the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Zywiak, Louis J. Bruno
  • Patent number: 7334423
    Abstract: An air conditioning system is provided that includes first and second turbines and a compressor. The second turbine is in fluid communication with a pack outlet. A passage fluidly connects the first turbine and the pack outlet. A valve is associated with the passages and is movable between open and closed positions. In the open position, the valve permits flow through the passageway from the first turbine directly to the pack outlet thereby bypassing the second turbine and reducing the resistance to the flow through the system. The valve is opened at higher altitudes to change the typical series fluid connection between the turbines to a parallel fluid connection. In this configuration, the air conditioning system operates more efficiently using reduced air pressure provided to the system. Another valve is also opened to permit additional reduction in the air pressure required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Douglas L Christians
  • Patent number: 7334424
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner having independent cooling and purifying paths. The air conditioner comprises a body casing formed by assembling a front panel with a rear panel, the front panel having a cooled air discharge opening and one or more suction openings to introduce indoor air into the body casing, a first fan arranged in the body casing to suction air via the suction openings, and a heat exchanger located above the first fan to perform heat exchange of the suctioned air. A cooler housing is arranged in the body casing to receive the first fan therein. Also, an air purifier is mounted in the body casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: WiniaMando Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Hyung Park, Jung Hwa Bae, Kwang Oh Moon, Hyoung Bok Jung
  • Patent number: 7334425
    Abstract: A rotative refrigeration unit having three separate modules, each having an exteriorly positioned door 12, mounted on a base 56. The freezer module 16 has a compressor 52 that is used to regulate the freezer temperature with the satellite refrigeration modules 14 having vents 40 in communication with the freezer interior whereby temperature sensors within the satellite refrigeration modules 14 regulate the exchange of air between the freezer and the satellites and thereby maintain a user designated temperature within the satellite modules. Each of the door modules has a base engaging member whereby unit rotation is prohibited when a door 12 is open. Circumferentially positioned along the rim are a plurality of lights 22 serving as night lights that are illuminated when the doors 12 are closed and extinguished when the doors are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Emed Johnson
  • Patent number: 7334426
    Abstract: The capacity of a compressor (21) in cleaning operation is set based on a Froude number Fr. The Froude number Fr expresses a ratio of an inertial force of a gas refrigerant flowing through a gas side communication pipe (70) to a gravity working on a liquid in the gas side communication pipe (70). The capacity of the compressor (21) in the cleaning operation is set so that the Froude number Fr is larger than 1, whereby the inertial force of the gas refrigerant flowing through the gas side communication pipe (70) becomes larger than the gravity working on the liquid in the gas side communication pipe (70) which contains mineral oil and foreign matters. In this connection, the liquid containing the mineral oil and the foreign matters is pushed up by the gas refrigerant even in a perpendicularly extending portion of the gas side communication pipe (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yoshimi, Manabu Yoshimi, Kazuhide Mizutani, Hiromune Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7334427
    Abstract: In an ejector, a nozzle includes a nozzle tapered section having an inner passage with a radial dimension reduced toward a nozzle outlet port, and a needle having a needle tapered section disposed in the inner passage. The needle tapered section has a cross sectional area reduced toward a downstream end of the needle, and the downstream end of the needle is positioned at a downstream side with respect to the nozzle outlet port. In addition, the nozzle tapered section has a taper angle (?1) which is equal to or greater than a taper angle (?2) of the needle tapered section. Therefore, a boundary face on the outside of a nozzle jet flow becomes in a balanced natural shape, and is controlled in accordance with an operating condition. Thus, the ejector cycle can be operated while keeping high efficiency, regardless of the thermal load of the ejector cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yukikatsu Ozaki, Tadashi Hotta, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7334428
    Abstract: A compressor system has a compression stage, a coolant circuit and a refrigerant circuit. The compression stage compresses ambient air and generates compressed air and heat. A coolant removes heat from the compression stage and the heat is transferred from the coolant to a refrigerant. A refrigerant expansion device is incorporated into the refrigerant circuit. The expansion device expands the pressurized refrigerant utilizing a rotary expander. Energy generated during refrigerant expansion is captured and used to drive components of the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sullair Corporation
    Inventor: John Holdsworth
  • Patent number: 7334429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling agent condenser (1) which comprises a finned tube block (2), collecting tubes (5) arranged on both sides thereof and a manifold (6) which is disposed in a parallel position with respect to the collecting tube (5) and connected to a cooling agent and said collecting tube (5) by means of an overflow opening (8, 9). Said manifold is embodied in the form of a monoblock tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Förster, Kurt Molt, Gerrit Wölk
  • Patent number: 7334430
    Abstract: A plurality of evaporators 5, 11 for evaporating an refrigerant at low pressure, which has passed through pressure reducing means 4, 10, are provided, an accumulator 9 is provided on the outlet side of one evaporator 5, an internal heat exchanger 3 is provided on the outlet side of the accumulator 9, the outlet side of another evaporator 11 is joined to a portion between the outlet side of the accumulator 9 and the inlet side of the internal heat exchanger 3, and the pressure reducing means 10 at the evaporator 11 side is composed of a fixed throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuharu Kakehashi, Hiromi Ohta
  • Patent number: 7334431
    Abstract: An evaporator including an evaporating chamber equipped with a drainage. The drainage drains accumulated liquid from the evaporator's lower parts and includes an external expansion driven injector and/or an external pump. The evaporator can be used e.g. in a heat exchanger, e.g. in a heat pump system or air condition system, and the vacuum driven injector can be integrated with an expansion device of the heat exchanger. A condenser can be used together with the evaporator in a heat exchanger of the plate type realizing an integrated superheater/supercooler. This is accomplished by the definition and use of delimited interacting zones through which the cooling medium circulates under heat exchange with itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: EP Technology AB
    Inventor: Lars Persson
  • Patent number: 7334433
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp having a pair of housings at the free ends of a piece of jewelry and are affixed together by magnetic forces. Each housing has a permanent magnet located therein and which magnets are attracted to each other when the housings are brought together. There is a safety catch on one of the housings having a protuberance extending therefrom that enters a slot in the other body. The slot passes entirely through the housing so that the protuberance can enter the slot in a first orientation and in a second orientation where one housing is inverted 180 degrees from the first orientation. The safety catch also includes a nib that aligns with an indentation formed in the slot and the entering of the nib into the indentation can be felt and/or heard by the wearer to provide assurance that the safety catch is in its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Esther C. Fuhrman, Robert J. Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 7334434
    Abstract: A sliding-type faster for accessary chain has a hollow sphere having a pair of through holes, an elastic disk having a hole provided in the hollow sphere, and an accessary chain that slides into the through hole of the elastic disk. The outer diameter of the elastic disk for inserting the accessory chain is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow sphere so that the outer surface of the elastic disk does not press tightly against the inner wall surface of the hollow sphere. Material such as polyurethane having high elasticity can be used for the elastic disk. The elastic disk can easily be installed in the hollow sphere by pressing or rolling it into a ball. Because of its increased thickness, the elastic disk will not slip out from the hollow sphere and achieve a long life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nihon Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Mishima
  • Patent number: 7334435
    Abstract: Process for the production of an intumescent fire resistant layer by drying a waterglass solution on the surface of a glass substrate are carried out in the presence of a salt of a carbonic acid or an ?-hydroxy carboxylic acid such as potassium citrate. The drying is preferably carried out at a rate which reduces of pH of the solution by no more than 2 units during an initial drying period of 5 hours. The resulting interlayers provide improved fire resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Pilkington plc
    Inventors: Karikath Sukumar Varma, John Richard Holland, David William Holden
  • Patent number: 7334436
    Abstract: A system component (1) for a knitting system is composed of a body (3) with butt (18), which projects outward from the narrow side (16) of the body (3). According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the butt (18) is positioned inclined or at an angle to the body (3). A corresponding bending line extends in longitudinal or movement direction of the body (3). The angle (?) is thus defined in an imaginary plane (E) that intersects the body (3) in transverse direction. As a result of this measure, the butt (18) can also be adjusted relatively precisely at a right angle to the cam movement if the system component (1) along with it the body (3) is arranged somewhat inclined inside a corresponding guide slot (4) of a bed (5), wherein the angle ? then compensates for the tilting. A line-type contact between the butt (18) and the guide track (7) is achieved, which reduces wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Uwe Stingel, Eckhard Fehrenbacher, Manfred Sauter
  • Patent number: 7334437
    Abstract: A device for accommodating a padlock, including two halves that each have a cavity and that are hingedly interconnected such that they are movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the cavities mate to form an enclosure for accommodating a padlock. At least one of the halves has a cutout for receiving the shank of the padlock. A latching mechanism retains the two halves in the closed position to contain the padlock body within the enclosure formed by the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Meyer
  • Patent number: 7334438
    Abstract: A latch assembly having a keyless toggle lock capability and capable of being unlocked by either a low level security key or a master key. When a user rotates the front handle or rear handle the actuator of the latch assembly provides for sliding movement of a sliding element so as to provide for actuation of a latching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Torsten Johansson, Claes Magnusson
  • Patent number: 7334439
    Abstract: An accessory lock assembly includes a latch assembly, an outer knob assembly mounted on one side of a door panel to connect with the latch assembly, an inner knob assembly mounted on another side of the door panel to connect with the latch assembly, and a lock reinforcing arrangement engaged between the outer and inner knob assemblies to block rotational movements of the outer and inner knob assemblies with the door panel. The inner knob assembly includes an inner actuation unit connecting with the latch assembly and at least a security binding element having a securing end connected to the outer knob assembly and an opposed operating end securely connected to the inner actuation unit within a receiving cavity of a protection shelter in such a manner that the operating end of the connecting element is isolated from outside of the accessory lock assembly by the protection shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Path Line (NG'S) Holding Limited
    Inventor: JiaQiang Ruan
  • Patent number: 7334440
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism includes a rotatable spindle, an invertable tubular adapter, a doorknob and an interchangeable lock core. The rotatable spindle has a first longitudinal assembling slot, a second longitudinal assembling slot and a pair of retaining notches. The invertable tubular adapter has a third longitudinal assembling slot, at least one positioning protrusion and an upraised engaging block. During assembly, the third longitudinal assembling slot of the invertable tubular adapter and one of the first longitudinal assembling slot and the second longitudinal assembling slot of the rotatable spindle are aligned to receive the interchangeable lock core. The upraised engaging block is engaged with one of the first longitudinal assembling slot and the second longitudinal assembling slot of the rotatable spindle. The positioning protrusion is positioned in one of the retaining notches of the rotatable spindle to prevent any radial movement of the invertable tubular adapter in the rotatable spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chiang-Lin Hsueh, Mei-Kuei Lee
  • Patent number: 7334441
    Abstract: A starter assembly for a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a vehicle ignition system. A carrier has a key opening and is movably mounted within the housing. A latch is movably mounted to the carrier and is movable between a first latch position and a second latch position. An electronic key is provided to be received in the key opening of the carrier. The key has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The first end includes a first end wall. The first end wall has an opening defining an axially extending cavity therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Amundson, Mark G. Feldman, Roberto Tomassi, John Stack
  • Patent number: 7334442
    Abstract: A privacy keypad providing privacy for keypad character entry and concealment of a joint in an escutcheon. A privacy keypad may include a faceplate, a keypad disposed on the faceplate, and at least one protrusion integral with the faceplate. An escutcheon for a door lock may include a housing, a keypad disposed on the housing for unlocking the door lock, and at least one protrusion integral with the housing. The protrusion may obstruct at least partially a line of sight to the keypad. An escutcheon may include top and bottom covers with the top cover projecting outward from the surface of a door more than the lower cover, resulting in an at least partially hidden joint between covers. Top and bottom covers may be interchangeable with covers having similar edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Yale Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher N. Case, Robert C. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7334443
    Abstract: A radio frequency (“RF”) electronic lock and a method of its operation are described. Also described is a programming key which may be used in connection with such a lock. It has several embodiments, including without limitations a mortise cylinder lock, a padlock, and a lever lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Glenn Meekma, Jesse Marcelle, Gary Burmesch, Martyn S. Nunuparov
  • Patent number: 7334444
    Abstract: A method is described for producing a gearwheel from a powder-metal blank which is pressed and sintered with an allowance in the toothing region, with the powder metal blank supported on a mandrel being densified in the region of the allowance by pressing on counter-toothing of a circular pusher tool engaging in the toothing of the powder metal blank under plastic deformation by the allowance. In order to ensure precise production it is proposed that during its densification the powder metal blank is radially clamped on both face sides over the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Miba Sinter Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Sandner, Horst Rössler
  • Patent number: 7334445
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an end lug of a spring member formed of a strand of wire, the strand of wire is initially gripped by two clamping jaws or a pair of tongs, held between said clamping jaws and, subsequently, at a predetermined distance behind the gripping tongs, while forming a rear wire segment protruding behind the spring element, is severed. In this regard, a shaping jaw conforming to the shape of the lug is employed as the one clamping jaw of the gripping tongs, around which the wire segment is bent by means of a shaping pin that can be inserted directly behind the other clamping jaw perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the wire segment over the latter to form the lug. The relative movements between the shaping pin and the shaping jaw required for this purpose are generated by means of program-controlled movements of the gripping tongs and/or shaping pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norbert Speck
  • Patent number: 7334446
    Abstract: This invention describes both a method and apparatus to practice a method which produces a strip-like pre-material from metal using rollers which have a roll gap in which the metal strip is discontinuously rolled in successively steps between the same two rollers with the metal strip being also recalled, but the recalled section of the metal strip is shorter than the circumference of the rollers. In this manner the surface quality of the metal is improved, especially relating to stamping of coins and metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hans-Jörg Bauder
  • Patent number: 7334447
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for draw forming a flat sheet blank into a 3-dimensional-nacelle nose cap for an aircraft engine in two stages; the blank having an outer annular portion and an inner annular portion. Draw forming the inner annular portion into a shape of an arcuate circular inner wall and then draw forming the outer annular portion into an arcuate outer wall adjacent the inner wall with the combination of walls being U-shaped in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cessna Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Pravin Kulkarni, Prabhakar Shashikiran
  • Patent number: 7334448
    Abstract: A crimp tool and a method of assembling the crimp tool. The crimp tool is formed by a pair of handle plates forming a moveable handle and a pair of frame plates forming a fixed jaw and a fixed handle. The tool also includes a moveable jaw, and a transmission by which the moveable jaw is driven towards and away from the fixed jaw. The handle and frame plates respectively are mutually held in juxtaposition by having edge portions snugly received in handle and frame shells. The tool is assembled by stacking the plates of the moveable handle and the components of the moveable jaw and the link, as well as the frame plates, and then inserting the stack into the frame shell, which preferably has a tubular portion into which the jaw portion of the stack is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Pressmaster AB
    Inventors: Mats Norin, John Hutchfield
  • Patent number: 7334449
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for straightening dents and irregularities in wheels including a spindle, a platen mounted on the spindle configured such that the wheel can be mounted on the spindle with the spindle projecting through the central hub hole and at least one actuator device positionable between the spindle and a section of the wheel to be straightened, the actuator exerting a straightening force on the rim of the wheel and a mobile device including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7334450
    Abstract: Methods of correcting on-line analyzer measurements of the content of a first component, e.g., water, in a multiple-component fluid, e.g., petroleum, are provided. The first component content measurements in a flowing multiple-component fluid may be taken using an on-line analyzer. Mixture density measurements that correspond to the first component content measurements may also be taken using a densitometer. Next, an offset value for each first component content measurement may be calculated based on the following equations: if the first component content measurement is ? a predetermined content set point, offset=slope correction factor×(the corresponding mixture density measurement?a calibration density); and ??(a) if the first component content measurement is > the predetermined content set point, offset=the offset value calculated at the predetermined content set point. ??(b) The first component content measurements may then be corrected based on the respective offset values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
  • Patent number: 7334451
    Abstract: The invention is a method to detect a weak interface signal in a guided wave level measurement device. The device includes a waveguide, a signal generator and a signal receiver, the signal generator and signal receiver being operationally connected to the waveguide. The method includes the steps of transmitting an outgoing signal; monitoring the signal received at the signal receiver to detect a first signal level that exceeds or equals a first threshold level (TH1) and if such a signal level is detected, continue monitoring the received signal to detect a second signal level that exceeds or equals TH1. Finally, if a second signal level in excess of TH1 is detected, continue monitoring the received signal to detect a third signal level that exceeds or equals a second threshold level TH2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: K-Tek Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Fauveau
  • Patent number: 7334452
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a fluid composition include placing a mechanical resonator in the fluid composition and oscillating the resonator. The resonator can be a tuning fork resonator having tines oscillated in opposite directions and in opposite phases. A variable frequency input signal can be varied over a predetermined frequency range and oscillate the mechanical resonator at less than 1 MHz. A frequency-dependent resonator response curve can be stored in a computer memory and fitted to a model curve to monitor the fluid. The resonator can be coated with a protective coating. The resonator can be treated with a functionality designed to change a resonance frequency of the resonator after being exposed to a selected target chemical and the resonance frequency monitored to detect presence of the target chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Visyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Matsiev, James Bennett, Eric McFarland
  • Patent number: 7334453
    Abstract: A gas sampler includes an impact disc for removing larger particles from a gas flow drawn by a pump and a filter for capturing smaller particles, also positioned in the flow path. The sampler is conveniently dissembled and reassembled to remove and replace the impact disc and the filter. Particles removed, especially on the filter, may be observed or analyzed. The impact disc may be coated with an oil or other viscous substance to enhance its ability to retain larger particles. The flow path may be entirely annular after striking the impact disc—that is, around the outside of the impact disc but a portion of the flow path may proceed directly through a central aperture in the impact disc after striking it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: SKC, Inc.
    Inventors: Saulius Trakumas, Donald Lee Smith, Charles W. Nachreiner, Peter M. Hall
  • Patent number: 7334455
    Abstract: A leak detector comprising a sensor unit including a measuring slim-tube (13b) via the lower end of which a liquid in a tank is led in/out, a measuring tube (17) connected to the upper end thereof and having a sectional area larger than that thereof, and temperature sensors (133, 134) and a heater (135) provided to the slim-tube (13b), and a leak detection control unit (15a) connected to the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Yanagi, Atsushi Koike, Toshimi Nakamura, Kiyoshi Yamagishi, Hideshi Sekimori
  • Patent number: 7334456
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Patent number: 7334457
    Abstract: This apparatus and method relates to the improved sensing of fluid differential pressures. The apparatus and method can be applied in multi-capillary solution viscometers and gel permeation chromatography systems used in the characterization of polymers. A valve is used to alter a flow path in a measurement circuit to reduce or eliminate an undesired fluid output and to accelerate the regeneration of the fluid for analysis of subsequent samples. The apparatus and method can be usefully applied to all instruments and systems comprising viscometers having two or more capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Viscotek Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Titterton
  • Patent number: 7334458
    Abstract: Particulate material concentration of a dispersion is detected by providing a known amount of dispersion including particulate material, a solvent, and other optional components; centrifuging the dispersion and separating the particulate material from the dispersion; drying the particulate material; and weighing the particulate material to determine a particulate material concentration of the dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Ng, Cindy C. Chen, Lanhui Zhang
  • Patent number: 7334459
    Abstract: An atomic force microscope includes a tip (12). The tip is shifted to determine a height of a surface interval (44) of an object, wherein the surface interval is substantially sloped at an angle above the horizontal and defines a point (42a). The atomic force microscope includes a light source (31) and an analyzer (33). The light source applies a number of light beams focused onto the point of the surface interval, and the applied light beams are reflected by the surface interval. The analyzer analyzes the reflected light beams in order to determine the angle above the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7334460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating the surface of a sample including a cantilever, a first tip mounted on the cantilever, and a second tip mounted on the cantilever, the first and the second tip being configured to combine to form an imaging probe and to separate to form a manipulation probe. The first and second tips are configured to form a first position characterized in that the tips combine to form an imaging tip and the first and the second tip are configured to form a second position characterized in that the tips separate to manipulate particles on a surface of a sample. The tips can be configured to form the first position when a voltage is applied across the tips, and preferable extend downwardly from the cantilever substantially perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ami Chand, Kevin J. Kjoller, Kenneth L. Babcock, Michael K. Harris
  • Patent number: 7334461
    Abstract: In a method of measuring exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, preferably in test benches, through the use of CVS (constant value sampling) full-flow systems, the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is mixed with combustion gas, preferably air, and the volume flow or mass flow of the combustion air is determined by the CVS full-flow system. This mass flow exceeds thereby the maximum quantity of combustion air needed by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Simperl, Hans Erlach, Kurt Engeljehringer
  • Patent number: 7334462
    Abstract: A method for detecting wear on a tire at one or more predetermined wear thresholds in tread pattern elements of the tire includes the steps of allocating a discrete wear variable to the tread pattern element to a discrete impedance variable representing the impedance of a passive tuned circuit contained in at least one of the elements. A system according to the invention for implementing this method comprises a detection unit intended to be incorporated in a tire and containing the passive circuit which is covered with rubber, the passive circuit comprising a coil and n (n?1) capacitor or capacitors connected in parallel to the terminals of the coil, and an active interrogation circuit to which the passive circuit is coupled, which is mounted fixed to the wheel and which comprises a frequency-sweep energy generator and a means of detecting the tuning frequencies between the passive circuit and the interrogation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Robert
  • Patent number: 7334463
    Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) comprises a vehicle-based unit (42) for receiving parameter signals. A tire-based unit (34) is associated with a tire (16) of the vehicle (10) and rotates with the tire (16). The tire-based unit (34) is located in a communication zone (134) for communicating with the vehicle-based unit (42) through only a portion of each rotation of the tire (16). The tire-based unit (34) is configured to sense a parameter of the tire (16) and to transmit a parameter signal (54) indicative thereof. The system (12) also comprises means (78) for monitoring the rotation of the tire and for providing rotation information indicative of the monitored tire rotation. The tire-based unit (34) is responsive to the rotation information for transmitting the parameter signal (54) while the tire-based unit (34) is located the communication zone (134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC, Societe de Technologie Michelin
    Inventor: Xing Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 7334464
    Abstract: The aircraft tank and gauge system of the present invention provides a fuel tank with a gauge chamber located generally aligned with the tank center of gravity and that has a general vertical orientation when the aircraft is level. The gauge chamber extends from the top of the tank to a height generally equivalent to a high collection point on the tank and/or extends from the bottom of the tank to a height generally equivalent to a low collection point on the tank. As the aircraft pitches and rolls, fuel within a complex-shaped tank, will be measured by a sensor in the gauge chamber. In order to prevent any type of vapor blockage in the gauge chamber, a first vent extends from the bottom of the gauge chamber to the low collection point of the tank and a second vent extends from the top of the gauge chamber to the high collection point of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Goto