Patents Issued in April 29, 2008
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Patent number: 7363768Abstract: The present invention reduces the size of an outdoor refrigerator unit of the type that draws in air from a lateral face, exchanges heat with the air, and blows the air out of a top face while ensuring that the electrical equipment box has sufficient volume and suppressing the increase in the air flow resistance. The air conditioning system outdoor unit is of the type that draws in air from air inlets provided in the rear panel and a pair of side panels of a casing, exchanges heat with the air, and blows the air out through an air outlet provided in a top panel. The outdoor unit is provided with an axial fan and an electrical equipment box arranged inside the casing. The electrical equipment box is arranged inside the casing and has a first box part that is provided below the axial fan and a second box part that is provided below the first box part and has a larger surface area in a plan view than the first box part.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Fuchikami, Hiroki Ishihara, Tadashi Sao, Toshiaki Mukaidani
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Patent number: 7363769Abstract: An electromagnetic signal transmission/reception tower and accompanying base station housing sensitive electronic equipment within an environment that is thermally controlled by a system employing a plurality of coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in a plurality of well bores, using thermally conductive material. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes: a helically-extending turbulence generator arranged along the outer flow channel formed between its inner and outer tube sections, so as to create turbulence along the flow of heat exchanging fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, and thereby increasing the heat transfer through the walls of the outer tube section to the Earth.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, LLCInventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
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Patent number: 7363770Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed which includes a damper adapted to select a desired path of air humidified by a moisture release portion of a desiccant wheel in accordance with a humidification or dehumidification mode. In accordance with operation of the damper, humidified air is heat-exchanged in a heat exchanger in the dehumidification mode, so that the air is dehumidified. The dehumidified air is discharged into a room. In the humidification mode, the humidified air is directly discharged to the room. Thus, the air conditioner can be used as a humidifier or dehumidifier in accordance with a user selection.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ki Su Hong, Jung Woo Lee, Seong Won Bae, Sim Won Chin
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Patent number: 7363771Abstract: In an air conditioner, the air conditioner includes a casing having an indoor space region and an outdoor space region; an indoor unit installed in the indoor space region, sucking air and cooling the sucked air through a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit installed in the outdoor space region, sucking air and releasing heat of the air to the outside through a second heat exchanger; and a turbo fan installed in the outdoor space region for generating air flows so as to flow air to the second heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dae-Hwan Choi, Kyungsoo Lee, Yoon-Seob Eom, Jeong-Hwan Koo, Jun-Sang Ryu
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Patent number: 7363772Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to a single phase system such as a glycol system.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Ice Energy, Inc.Inventor: Ramachandran Narayanamurthy
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Patent number: 7363773Abstract: A vegetable room for a refrigerator includes: a vegetable box (20) disposed inside a refrigerator in which cooling air is supplied and circulated and which a shelf (10) for receiving food item is provided, having a receptacle space (5) for receiving food items formed to be opened upwardly; a box cover (30) for covering an opening side of the vegetable box (20) to close the receptacle space (5) of the vegetable box (20) and having a cooling air ventilating hole (31) formed at one side thereof to allow cooling air to be introduced into the receptacle space (5); and a cooling air opening and closing unit (24) for selectively opening and closing the cooling air ventilating hole (31) of the box cover (30). A preservation condition of food items stored in a vegetable room can be optimized regardless of an environment outside a refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang-Ik Lee, Eun-Jeong Kim, Yeon-Yi Hwang
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Patent number: 7363774Abstract: An air cooling device includes a thermally insulated container packed with encapsulated refrigerant and configured to pass incoming air for cooling. A tubular housing accommodates the packed container. A fan blower within the top portion of the housing draws ambient air through the bottom of the container within the refrigerant-packed interior of the container against gravity to prolong the air cooling period. The encapsulated refrigerant is implemented as a plurality of compacted frozen glycol balls serving as primary source of cooling for the incoming air. A multitude of pockets filled with cold air form between the compacted frozen glycol balls during device operation. These cold air pockets serve as secondary source of cooling for the flowing air.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Misterchill, LLCInventor: Bernard Elan Urfig
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Patent number: 7363775Abstract: A Z-shaped, multi-channel conduit segment configured to transfer cryogenic fluid into and out of a cryogenic storage tank with minimal heat transfer. The conduit segment comprises a first channel operable to transport a cryogenic liquid from a supply source to the storage tank, and a second channel operable to transport gas from the storage tank to an end user. The conduit is preferably formed from a single piece of material, such that the first channel is separated from the second channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Rainer Pechtold
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Patent number: 7363776Abstract: A silica deposition tube is fused in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere and optionally baked in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere to substantially reduce the hydrogen content in the tube for decreased fiber attenuation. Alternatively, raw silica material is pre-treated in D2 gas followed by fusing of the raw silica tube in a D2 gas environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.Inventors: Larry Q. Zeng, Victor L. Lou, Frederic F. Ahlgren, Anil Raj Duggal
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Patent number: 7363777Abstract: A convection compatible closed cassette and method are described herein where the closed cassette is used to heat treat (compact) one or more glass sheets in a uniform manner and in a clean environment. In the preferred embodiment, the closed cassette includes multiple enclosed sections that are supported by a mounting structure in a manner where there is an open passageway between the major surfaces of each pair of the supported enclosed sections. And, each enclosed section is designed to hold and support multiple glass sheets in a manner where there is a space between the major surfaces of each pair of the supported glass sheets. In operation, the closed cassette is placed into an oven (e.g., lehr, batch kiln) so that hot/cold unfiltered air can flow across the major surfaces of each enclosed section and uniformly heat/cool the enclosed glass sheets.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Ronald A. Davidson
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Patent number: 7363778Abstract: A stretchable fabric sleeve is configured for use as a prosthetic shrinker or as a prosthetic sock and broadly comprises a unitary receptacle broadly including a tubular section and a rounded end section. In particular, the rounded end section includes opposite panels that are knitted in seriatim with a plurality of interlaced short rows that provide a progressive taper from the open margin of the tubular section to the lowermost toe end of the end section. The progressive taper of the knitted panels permits the outermost edge of the rounded end section to assume a rounded shape that comfortably conforms to an amputated limb and is devoid of any sewn seams that would otherwise irritate the sensitive end of the amputated limb.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Knit-Rite, Inc.Inventors: John Pickering, Jennifer Roberts, Jeffrey C. Dalbey
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Patent number: 7363779Abstract: A drum-type washing machine, by which an enhanced assembly of a top plate can be provided, is disclosed. The top plate for a washing machine includes a board covering a top of the washing machine, a front frame provided to a front side edge of the board to enhance a structural strength of the board, a rear frame provided to a rear side edge of the board to enhance the structural strength of the board, at least one connecting member provided to adjoining portions of the front and rear frames to secure the adjoining portions together, and at least one fixing guide spaced apart from the at least one connecting member, the at least one fixing guide providing a slip-fit connection between the front and rear frames.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Kyum Kim, Geon Kim, Chi Wan Hur, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
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Patent number: 7363780Abstract: Washing machine having means for detecting floating laundry, such as a pillow, over a preset height, and method for controlling the same, which enables performance of washing without spray of water or causing damage to the laundry even if the laundry floats, the washing machine including an outer case, a water storage tub inside of the outer case, a washing tub rotatably mounted inside of the water storage tub, a driving motor for rotating the washing tub, and floating laundry detecting means for detecting a case when a height of laundry held in the washing tub is higher than a preset position.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Deug Hee Lee, Seung Bong Choi
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Patent number: 7363781Abstract: An improved front loading washing machine is provided with a front panel having a round access opening. A glass door is reversibly mounted on the front panel via a hinge. The hinge can be moved to the left or right side of the access opening by rotating a carriage ring which extends around the access opening and which supports the hinge. A door lock is provided on the carriage opposite the hinge. Accordingly, the door is reversible for opening on the left or right, as desired by a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Donald E. Erickson
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Patent number: 7363782Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by utilizing a key.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: The Eastern CompanyInventors: Michael O. Misner, Jian-Bing Lu
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Patent number: 7363783Abstract: An electronic marker device affixes a fishing rod to a fishing reel. The device includes a marker housing having a base and a cover to enclose the moveable socket of a fishing rod thereby preventing removal of the fishing reel from the fishing rod. The marker housing also supports an electronic marker so as to deter unauthorized removal of the rod and reel combination. The marker may be preferably an electronic article surveillance (EAS) marker.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Chester Kolton, Michael Norman, Robert Whittemore
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Patent number: 7363784Abstract: An independently interactive interconnected lock includes an interconnecting mechanism that retracts a latchbolt and a deadbolt when an inner handle is moved between an up position, an intermediate position and a down position. The deadbolt is retracted by a deadbolt lock mechanism as the inner handle moves from the up position to the intermediate position. The latchbolt is retracted by a latchbolt lock mechanism as the inner handle continues to move from the intermediate position to the down position. When the inner handle is moved to the up position, both the latchbolt and deadbolt are extended and the deadbolt lock mechanism is disconnected from the latchbolt lock mechanism such that manipulation of the latchbolt lock mechanism to retract the latchbolt does not retract the deadbolt. The inner handle operates with low handle torque because the deadbolt and the latchbolt are not retracted simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Assa Abloy, Inc.Inventor: Vladimir Shvarts
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Patent number: 7363785Abstract: A device for locking the steering shaft of a motor vehicle against rotation by means of a locking bolt cooperating with locking recesses of the steering shaft. A control member that can be rotated back and forth displaces the locking bolt back and forth radially relative to the axis of rotation of the control member between a locking position and a release position. The locking bolt has a laterally protruding pin that engages a spiral groove of the control member on the front face of the control member adjacent to the locking bolt and that winds about the axis of rotation of the control member. The locking bolt has a pin which is is spring-loaded and movable in the direction towards the control member. The control member can be rotated as far as into the position corresponding to the locking position of the locking bolt even if no locking recess of the steering shaft is located in front of the locking bolt to receive same.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: HUF Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co KGInventors: Hans-Joachim Limburg, Horst Zillmann
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Patent number: 7363786Abstract: A locking assembly for a truck bed closure includes an internal frame mounting a slider having a vertical portion with a dog-receiving aperture, a disk rotation flange, a manual actuation flange and a motor-actuator flange, and a horizontal portion with a pair of keyhole apertures for receiving the mounting studs. a hollow lock cylinder bushing secured to the mounting plate internally and rotatably receives a shaft and a lock tumbler. Rotation of the shaft by turning an exterior handle unlatches the truck bed closure. The interior end of the tumbler mounts a locking dog. Pivoting of the lock tumbler rotates the locking dog to shift the slider between the locked and unlocked positions. A lock disk fixed to the shaft engages the slider in the locked position, preventing unlatching. An electric actuator can be connected to the slider, enabling shifting of the slider from a wired or wireless remote switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Inventors: David Jay TerHaar, David Lee TerHaar
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Patent number: 7363787Abstract: A steering lock system with a control knob for a vehicle, comprises: a cylinder rotatably carried in a stationary housing; a rotor relatively rotatably inserted into the cylinder and having a key hole into which a mechanical key can be inserted; and a control knob mounted on the rotor. In the steering lock system, the control knob comprises: a knob body fixed to the rotor and having a key guide hole for guiding the insertion of the mechanical key into the key hole; and a knob cap detachably mounted to the knob body to cover the entire knob body in such a manner that its outer surface forms a design face.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Honda LockInventors: Jin Yukihara, Mikihiko Kawase, Kazunaga Kasai
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Patent number: 7363788Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having a first path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element. If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element is preferably movable into contact with the control element and can move the control element to its first path of motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Strattec Security CorporationInventors: Steven J. Dimig, James Edgar
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Patent number: 7363789Abstract: An enclosure suitable for housing computer/network equipment for which controlled access is desirable. The enclosure has at least one, preferably two, enclosure doors secured by respective lock assemblies selected from a group consisting of a lock cylinder assembly, an electronic lock assembly, a quarter-turn latch assembly, a compression latch assembly, a folding T latch assembly, a lift and turn compression latch assembly, a pawl/cam action latch assembly, a multi-point latch assembly and a bolt assembly for securing to a rotary latch. Each lock assembly a securing mechanism, a lock actuating mechanism and a standard mounting plate so that the respective securing assemblies may be easily exchanged within a standardized opening in the respective enclosure doors. The respective lock actuating mechanisms are constructed and arranged to actuate the respective securing mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: StockBridge Industries, Inc.Inventor: Randy L. Squier
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Patent number: 7363790Abstract: Method of preforming and forming a sheet metal article from a preheated blank of sheet metal uses opposing dies including a punch having a punch surface defining a final configuration for the article and a cavity die having a cavity surface defining a preform configuration. The blank is placed between the dies and has a first side surface facing the cavity die and a second side surface facing the punch. A vacuum is applied to the first side of the blank to draw and shape the blank into the cavity die to a preform configuration conforming to the cavity surface. The punch and the cavity die are then closed toward one another and gas pressure is then applied to the first side surface of the blank to press the second side surface against the punch surface to the finish configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Kruger, Chongmin Kim, Richard H. Hammar
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Patent number: 7363791Abstract: A rotary stamping apparatus for forming moving sheet metal and having a die assembly moveable forward and backward along a linear path, with upper and lower dies on respective sides of the sheet metal, the dies being closeable on the sheet metal for forming, and, a rotary drive crank system coupled to the die assembly, and operable to move the die assembly forward and backward along the linear pat, and being further operable to close the dies the sheet metal. Also disclosed is a method of forming moving sheet metal by such apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: GCG Holdings LtdInventor: Ernest R Bodnar
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Patent number: 7363792Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a metallic product (1) by rolling, comprising: a first area (2) inside of which slabs are produced by primary shaping; a second area (3), which is located downstream from the first area (2) in the direction of flow (F) of the material and inside of which at least one first rolling device (4) for rolling slabs is arranged; a third area (5), which is located downstream from the second area (3) in the direction of flow (F) of the material and inside of which at least one second rolling device (6) for rolling slabs or the intermediate product produced therefrom is arranged, and; a fourth area (7), which is located downstream from the third area (5) in the direction of flow (F) of the material and inside of which at least one aftertreating device (8) for the rolled material is arranged.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventors: Wilfried Modrow, Ulrich Skoda-Dopp
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Patent number: 7363793Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling mill (1) comprising several rolling frames (Fi) and support plates (7) that are provided on the operator side (BS) of the frames (Fi) and can be displaced transversally to the roll axes, said plates being equipped to receive sets of working rolls (14) and lying adjacent to the mill floor (9). The mill also comprises pits (8) that are situated on the operator side (BS) upstream of each frame (Fi), the bottom of said pits being configured to deploy sets of support rolls (12). The aim of the invention is to reduce the time required to exchange the rolls.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventor: Frank-Günter Benner
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Patent number: 7363794Abstract: While a rotational die and a predetermined position of a lower mold in which the rotational die is provided can be set in a zero contact manner, operation of setting the rotational die in the predetermined position of the lower mold can be easily performed, and occurrence of problems such as insufficient rotation of the rotational die and breakage of support shafts is reduced. To realize this, in a structure of bearing for rotatably supporting, in a bearing hole, a pivot support shaft of a rotational die arranged in a press molding apparatus, an inner diameter of at least an upper side of the bearing hole with respect to a horizontal line passing through a center of the bearing hole is formed slightly larger than a diameter of the support shaft, and a space is provided between the pivot support shaft and the inner surface of the upper side of the bearing hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Yourbusiness Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadatoshi Kinoshita
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Patent number: 7363795Abstract: A male die is adapted to be opposed to a first face of a metallic plate member. The male die includes a plurality of punches which are provided on the male die and arranged side by side in a first direction with a fixed pitch. A guide member is formed with a guide face which supports a side portion of the male die, at least when the punches are pressed into the plate member in a second direction, to form through holes therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Fujio Akahane, Nagamitsu Takashima, Kazushige Hakeda, Ryoji Uesugi, Akiharu Kurebayashi
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Patent number: 7363796Abstract: A method for cold-forming a nozzle for a laser includes placing a slug or tube of oxygen-free copper into a die. A mandrel is forced into the copper slug or tube. The resultant compressive force causes the copper to cold flow around the mandrel and the die to define an inner shape and an outer dimension of the part.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Laser Mechanisms, Inc.Inventor: William G. Fredrick, Jr.
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Patent number: 7363797Abstract: A device and a process for producing a corrugated plate having a plurality of bent-into-contact portions extending in parallel on one face of a metal plate employs a number of steps. A first pressing step sequentially molds a plurality of U-shaped bent portions in the metal plate. A second pressing step sequentially molds the bent-into-contact portions by sequentially crushing the plurality of U-shaped bent portions. In the first pressing step, the U-shaped bent portions are fed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the U-shaped bent portions, and positioned, and are pressed in a state in which the position is released. In the second pressing step, another face of the metal plate is pressed flat while molding the bent-into-contact portions by pressing the U-shaped bent portions from both sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignees: Suruga Seiki Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawasaki, Michio Ono, Tetsuya Ogawa, Tadashi Tsunoda
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Patent number: 7363798Abstract: A flexible extension device that can be mounted between a fastener installation tool and a pulling head. The device can flex over a range up to about 45 degrees and can operate under tensile and compressive loads required for installing fasteners. It includes adapters that can mate with a desired type of installation tool and pulling head.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Inventor: Robert E. Nikkel
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Patent number: 7363799Abstract: A jawset for crimping and punching an associated clamping workpiece has a pair of spaced apart side plates, a pair of pivot pins holding a pair of jawarms between the side plates, tooth members formed on the jawarms to crimp an associated clamp ring workpiece in a first direction, and a punch member slidable in the jawset relative to the jawarms to punch the associated workpiece in a second direction transverse the first direction. In one form, a timing disk is provided extending between the jawarms and through the slidable punch member. A biasing member is provided for urging the jawarms in an opening direction opposite the crimping direction. A workpiece alignment area is defined by a region of the spaced apart side plates for enabling relative alignment between the jawset and the associated workpiece. In a further embodiment, a pair of auxiliary side plates are carried adjacent ruggedized side plates for enabling an alignment area without adding undue weight or cost to the jawset.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: James E. Hamm, Richard W. Ballas
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Patent number: 7363800Abstract: An apparatus for measuring compositional parameters of solid, liquid, and gas components of a mixture flowing in a pipe is presented. The apparatus combines three different compositional measurements (e.g., the speed of light (microwave), the speed of sound (sonar), and mass loading of vibrating tubes or absorption of radiation) simultaneously to provide a real time, multi parameter, compositional measurement of gas-entrained mixtures.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: CiDRA CorporationInventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Patent number: 7363801Abstract: In a sample injector for a gas chromatograph, the present invention improves the throughput of a GC analysis including the derivation of a target compound and reduces the tedious work of handling a reagent for the derivation. According to the present invention, a derivation reagent R is suctioned into a microsyringe 10, after which a small amount of air and a sample P to be analyzed are successively suctioned so that the reagent, the air and the sample are held in this order, from top to bottom. Then, the needle 11 of the microsyringe 10 is inserted through the septum 3 into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2, and the plunger 12 is pushed halfway through so that only the sample is injected into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2. The sample thus injected is quickly vaporized into a gas sample and introduced into the column 6, where the target compound contained in the gas sample adheres to the inner wall of an inlet section of the column 6.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Tsuchihashi, Akihiro Miki, Munehiro Katagi, Mayumi Nishikawa, Kei Zaitsu
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Patent number: 7363802Abstract: This invention relates to a measurement device for use in an electron microscope. The device comprises a sample holder, for holding a sample to be studied, and an indentation tip, being arranged in proximity of the sample holder, whereby an interaction between the sample and the tip is arranged to be measured. The measurement device comprises a force sensor being positioned in proximity with an interaction area of the sample and the tip and is arranged to directly measure a force resulting from interaction between the sample and the tip.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Nanofactory Instruments ABInventors: HƄkan Olin, Krister Svensson, Fredrik Althoff, Andrey Danilov
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Patent number: 7363803Abstract: In a failure diagnostic system for a fuel vapor processing apparatus, a processing flow path comprising a vapor line, a canister and a purge line is closed with a vapor control valve and a purge control valve. The interior of the processing flow path is reduced in pressure or pressurized by rotating an air pump of a pump module in a forward or reverse direction. An electronic control unit (ECU) closes the vapor control valve and the purge control valve to close the processing flow path after stop of the engine and, when the fuel temperature detected by a temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined value, reduces the internal pressure of the processing flow path through an air pump, then checks air-tightness of the interior of the processing flow path based on behavior of a vapor pressure detected by a pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masamitsu Hayakawa, Masaharu Hayakawa
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Patent number: 7363804Abstract: A malfunction of a thermostat in a coolant circulating path is detected from an engine side coolant temperature in consideration of the following behavior of the coolant temperature. When an open-malfunction occurs, the coolant temperature becomes different considerably from that in the normal time in the temperature range in which the thermostat is to be normally closed. When a closure-malfunction occurs, the coolant temperature becomes different considerably from that during the normal time in the temperature range in which the thermostat is to be normally opened. Alternatively, the malfunction may be detected from a difference between the engine side coolant temperature and a radiator side coolant temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Keiji Wakahara, Akira Ichikawa
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Patent number: 7363805Abstract: A system is provided for full-vehicle analytical road-loads prediction, which reduces the time and cost of modeling tires and tire-road interface, using road load simulations rather than actual measurements. The system includes a method to perform tire tests in a virtual environment, a road-load tire model for simulations in multibody environments; a tire model for FE simulations; and a comprehensive graphical user interface to support the user in all the steps of the analytical process.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Paramsothy Jayakumar, Marcello Berzeri, Anil Dhir, Bala Balendran, R. Ranganathan
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Patent number: 7363806Abstract: A battery-less tire parameter sensor system for monitoring a vehicle tire parameter such as pressure and temperature. A sensor assembly has a power system, a processor/transmitter, a sensor, and a power coil mounted on a substrate. This assembly is mounted on or in the side wall or tread wall of a tire. A magnet is mounted on the vehicle in proximity to the path of the power coil during tire rotation. The moving power coil passes through the magnetic field and generates operating voltage for the sensor assembly components. The power system includes a voltage multiplier, a voltage regulator, and a storage capacitor. Two or more sensor assemblies can be mounted on the same tire to monitor different parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro C Corp.Inventors: Su Shiong Huang, Shengbo Zhu
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Patent number: 7363807Abstract: A pump testing apparatus includes a support structure having a first passageway having an inlet, an outlet, and an opening for receiving a pressure gauge, and a second passageway having an inlet, an outlet and an opening for receiving a vacuum gauge; a pressure gauge operatively connected with the opening of the first passageway; a vacuum gauge operatively connected with the opening of the second passageway; first valve means for controlling the flow of fuel from the inlet to the outlet of the first passageway; and second valve means for controlling the flow of fuel from the inlet to the outlet of the second passageway.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Sid Harvey Industries, Inc.Inventor: Richard Schmidt
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Patent number: 7363808Abstract: A technique for correcting measurement error in data produced by a nacelle-based anemometer and for determining free stream wind speed for a wind turbine involves ascertaining parameters related to the wind turbine and the operation thereof, and using the parameters and data from the nacelle based anemometer as inputs to an algorithm to provide for determination of corrected wind speed data.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank T. Ormel, Alexander Donth, Thomas Siebers, Clement Faucherre, Henning Luetze
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Patent number: 7363809Abstract: A system is described that is configured to determine a plurality of air data parameters for an air vehicle. The system includes a mass air flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The mass air flow sensor is mounted to sense an air flow caused by movement of the air vehicle. The pressure sensor is mounted to sense a static pressure at the air vehicle. The controller is configured to receive signals from the mass air flow sensor and the pressure sensor and determine an air velocity and a static pressure using the received signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Miller, Steven H. Thomas
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Patent number: 7363810Abstract: A corrosion resistant thermal type mass flow rate sensor, and a fluid supply device employing the sensor are provided thus allowing enhanced corrosion resistance of the thermal type mass flow rate sensor, improve responsiveness, to be achieved particle-free, and to prevent unevenness of product qualities. A thermal type mass flow rate sensor is constituted with a sensor part 1 comprising a corrosion resistant metal substrate 2 formed as a thin plate by applying electrolytic etching on the rear face side of a corrosion resistant metal material W, a thin film F forming a temperature sensor 3 and a heater 4 mounted on the rear face side of the corrosion resistant metal substrate 2, and a sensor base 13 hermetically fitted by welding to the outer periphery of the corrosion resistant metal substrate 2 of the afore-mentioned sensor part 1 fitted into a fixture groove 13a.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Nobukazu Ikeda, Kaoru Hirata, Kouji Nishino, Ryousuke Dohi
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Patent number: 7363811Abstract: A measurement pickup is provided offering a high measure of safety and having a measurement pickup housing, a sensor element arranged in the measurement pickup, at least one connection element closing the measurement pickup housing, and an excess-pressure protection device, especially a burst disk or a pressure relief valve, integrated in the connection element, which serves to effect a pressure equalization with an environment of the measurement pickup in the case of a pressure overload in the measurement pickup.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Wolfgang Dannhauer, Ralf Nuernberger, Dietfried Burczyk, ThiƩrry Moser, Oliver Graf, Raphael Erni, Stefan Muth
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Patent number: 7363812Abstract: A pulsed radar level gauge, comprising a transmitter for generating and transmitting a signal in the form of a pulse train, means for receiving pulses reflected in said tank, and to form an analogue tank signal based on these reflections, an analogue to digital converter for sampling and digitizing said tank signal and forming a digital time domain reflectometry (TDR) signal, and means for varying the output power of said transmitter during the transmission of said pulse train, in order to adjust an amplitude of said analogue tank signal to match the dynamics of said A/D-converter. A gain function applied on the receiver side is thus replaced by varying the output power on the transmitter side. This allows the signal-to-noise ratio to be improved, as the noise will not be amplified together with the signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar ABInventors: Mikael Eriksson, Tomas Wennerberg
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Patent number: 7363813Abstract: A probe for measuring the temperature and moisture of a gas has an aspirated flow passage with a configuration that causes the gas to have turbulent flow and, therefore, to mix. A dry bulb thermometer and a wet bulb thermometer positioned in the flow passage downstream of the configuration that causes mixing measures the temperature and moisture of the gas. A wick and a water reservoir for keeping the wet bulb thermometer wet are cleaned and refilled by a flow of water through the gas passage. The gas passage is heated to prevent condensation of any moisture in the gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gunnar Heskestad, Paul A. Croce
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Patent number: 7363814Abstract: An angular velocity sensor for detecting angular velocity about a Z-axis in an XYZ coordinate system has a substrate oscillator, a flexible member for connecting the oscillator to a casing, a device for oscillating the oscillator in an X-axis direction, and a detection device detecting deviation of oscillation of the oscillator in a Y-axis direction for indicating the angular velocity about the Z-axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Inventor: Kazuhiro Okada
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Patent number: 7363815Abstract: An angular velocity sensor is provided with an oscillator including a pair of drive arms, a base portion coupled to one end of each drive arm, and a flexible arm extending from the base portion in a direction opposite from the drive arms. This angular velocity sensor is also provided with a driving member which oscillates the pair of drive arms in an approaching or separating direction, and a distortion detecting member which detects a distortion of the flexible arm in the oscillating direction of the drive arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Ohuchi, Toshiyuki Nozoe, Hiroyuki Aizawa
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Patent number: 7363816Abstract: In an inertial sensor, a mass is supported by a number of mass support structures positioned within an inner periphery of the mass. The mass support structures are affixed to a substrate by at least one anchor positioned proximate to the mass' center of mass. A number of sensing fingers are affixed to the mass support structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Judy, Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 7363817Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting the presence of foreign material in food utilizing optical backlighting and/or ultrasonic inspection are presented. In optical backlighting, a substantially monochromatic light source optically backlights a food stream with source light having a wavelength between about 500 and 600 nm. An image of the food stream is captured and the presence of foreign material is determined when a portion of the detected image exceeds a predetermined threshold. The technique is especially suitable for the detection of bone in chicken meat, and the light source can be a planar array of green LEDs. In ultrasonic inspection, a process stream is interrogated with pulses of ultrasound and the presence of foreign material is determined based on the detected off-angle ultrasound scattering response.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Leonard J. Bond, Aaron A. Diaz, Richard A. Pappas, Timothy L. Stewart, Albert Mendoza