Patents Issued in April 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7363768
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fuchikami, Hiroki Ishihara, Tadashi Sao, Toshiaki Mukaidani
  • Patent number: 7363769
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
  • Patent number: 7363770
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Su Hong, Jung Woo Lee, Seong Won Bae, Sim Won Chin
  • Patent number: 7363771
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae-Hwan Choi, Kyungsoo Lee, Yoon-Seob Eom, Jeong-Hwan Koo, Jun-Sang Ryu
  • Patent number: 7363772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ice Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramachandran Narayanamurthy
  • Patent number: 7363773
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Ik Lee, Eun-Jeong Kim, Yeon-Yi Hwang
  • Patent number: 7363774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Misterchill, LLC
    Inventor: Bernard Elan Urfig
  • Patent number: 7363775
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Rainer Pechtold
  • Patent number: 7363776
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Q. Zeng, Victor L. Lou, Frederic F. Ahlgren, Anil Raj Duggal
  • Patent number: 7363777
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald A. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7363778
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Knit-Rite, Inc.
    Inventors: John Pickering, Jennifer Roberts, Jeffrey C. Dalbey
  • Patent number: 7363779
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Kyum Kim, Geon Kim, Chi Wan Hur, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
  • Patent number: 7363780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Deug Hee Lee, Seung Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 7363781
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7363782
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Michael O. Misner, Jian-Bing Lu
  • Patent number: 7363783
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Kolton, Michael Norman, Robert Whittemore
  • Patent number: 7363784
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Assa Abloy, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Shvarts
  • Patent number: 7363785
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: HUF Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Limburg, Horst Zillmann
  • Patent number: 7363786
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: David Jay TerHaar, David Lee TerHaar
  • Patent number: 7363787
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Jin Yukihara, Mikihiko Kawase, Kazunaga Kasai
  • Patent number: 7363788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, James Edgar
  • Patent number: 7363789
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: StockBridge Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy L. Squier
  • Patent number: 7363790
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kruger, Chongmin Kim, Richard H. Hammar
  • Patent number: 7363791
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: GCG Holdings Ltd
    Inventor: Ernest R Bodnar
  • Patent number: 7363792
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Modrow, Ulrich Skoda-Dopp
  • Patent number: 7363793
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventor: Frank-Günter Benner
  • Patent number: 7363794
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yourbusiness Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadatoshi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7363795
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Fujio Akahane, Nagamitsu Takashima, Kazushige Hakeda, Ryoji Uesugi, Akiharu Kurebayashi
  • Patent number: 7363796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Fredrick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7363797
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignees: Suruga Seiki Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawasaki, Michio Ono, Tetsuya Ogawa, Tadashi Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7363798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Nikkel
  • Patent number: 7363799
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James E. Hamm, Richard W. Ballas
  • Patent number: 7363800
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Patent number: 7363801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tsuchihashi, Akihiro Miki, Munehiro Katagi, Mayumi Nishikawa, Kei Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 7363802
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nanofactory Instruments AB
    Inventors: HƄkan Olin, Krister Svensson, Fredrik Althoff, Andrey Danilov
  • Patent number: 7363803
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamitsu Hayakawa, Masaharu Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7363804
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Wakahara, Akira Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7363805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Paramsothy Jayakumar, Marcello Berzeri, Anil Dhir, Bala Balendran, R. Ranganathan
  • Patent number: 7363806
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro C Corp.
    Inventors: Su Shiong Huang, Shengbo Zhu
  • Patent number: 7363807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sid Harvey Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7363808
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank T. Ormel, Alexander Donth, Thomas Siebers, Clement Faucherre, Henning Luetze
  • Patent number: 7363809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Miller, Steven H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7363810
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Nobukazu Ikeda, Kaoru Hirata, Kouji Nishino, Ryousuke Dohi
  • Patent number: 7363811
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dannhauer, Ralf Nuernberger, Dietfried Burczyk, ThiƩrry Moser, Oliver Graf, Raphael Erni, Stefan Muth
  • Patent number: 7363812
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventors: Mikael Eriksson, Tomas Wennerberg
  • Patent number: 7363813
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gunnar Heskestad, Paul A. Croce
  • Patent number: 7363814
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Okada
  • Patent number: 7363815
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohuchi, Toshiyuki Nozoe, Hiroyuki Aizawa
  • Patent number: 7363816
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Judy, Howard R. Samuels
  • Patent number: 7363817
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Leonard J. Bond, Aaron A. Diaz, Richard A. Pappas, Timothy L. Stewart, Albert Mendoza