Patents Issued in January 20, 2009
  • Patent number: 7478504
    Abstract: An assembly for a framed system includes an elongated post and a mounting plate shaped for installation in a post channel of the elongated post. The elongated post includes a first rib integrated along an inner surface of the first lateral side and an elongated second rib integrated along an inner surface of the second lateral side. The mounting plate includes an aperture for receiving the fastener and includes a first slot for receiving the first rib and a second slot for receiving the second rib. When the mounting plate is installed in the post channel, the first and second ribs are deformed by the installation of the mounting plate such that the deformed first and second ribs retain the mounting plate in the post channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Plascore, Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Huebner, Kelly Van Koevering
  • Patent number: 7478505
    Abstract: A metal stud arrangement has a top track with a support rail fixed to the track-web and extending between track flanges into the trough of the track. The support rail has an enlarged hanger portion with a maximum width. A metal stud of the arrangement has an opening near the top end of the stud web for receiving the support rail, the opening having an entry passage with a width that is smaller than the maximum width of the hanger portion and the passage being adapted to receive the support rail. The opening includes an enlarged portion that is larger than the maximum width so that with the hanger portion in the enlarged portion of the opening, the stud hangs from the top track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond C. Frobosilo
  • Patent number: 7478506
    Abstract: An adaptor clip, for converting a standard tee grid ceiling to a snap-up panel system, comprising an injection-molded plastic body that includes gripping elements for engaging the tops of the flanges of the tee grid and support elements for mating with the upstanding peripheral flanges of the snap-up panels. The clip is arranged to be quickly and easily installed without tools by simply positioning it against the lower faces of intersecting tee grid members so that its center underlies the center of the intersection and rotating it about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, Martin E. Likozar, James J. Lehane
  • Patent number: 7478507
    Abstract: A splicing member for securing horizontally adjacent siding panels to one another in an abutting relationship includes a first substantially planar member having an upper edge and a lower edge. Each of a pair of flanges extends outwardly from opposed sides of the first substantially planar member proximate the upper edge. A shoulder extends inwardly from the lower edge of the first substantially planar member. A second substantially planar member extends downwardly from an inner edge of the shoulder. A pair of projections extends downwardly from the shoulder and outwardly from the second substantially planar member. A pair of siding panels include a substantially planar member with apertures formed therein and a flange extending rearwardly therefrom. Flanges extend outwardly form sides of the planar member. A shoulder extends inwardly from a lower edge of the planar member and a second substantially planar member extends downwardly from the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Associated Materials, LLC.
    Inventor: Walter M. Krause
  • Patent number: 7478508
    Abstract: A mounting clip is described and which includes a clip body which has an aperture formed therein; and an engaging component is provided and which is received in the aperture and which moveably mounts the clip body to a first structural member and which facilitates the movement of the clip body along individual first and second paths of travel which are substantially normal one relative to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Scafco Corporation
    Inventor: Neal L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7478509
    Abstract: The device for connecting profiles comprises a body exhibiting first and second connecting means on each of its opposed walls adapted for respectively engaging on a first and second portion of each profile, the first and the second portion being at different distances from the axis of said profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Top Glass S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alfonso Branca
  • Patent number: 7478510
    Abstract: Method for securing a foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method can include penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with one end of a stake, sealing a breach in the moisture barrier membrane around a periphery of the stake caused by the penetrating step; and removing a portion of the stake extending above the moisture barrier membrane. A sealing member can be disposed on the stake at a location along an axial length of the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Vista Investments and Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Wilson, Gregory S. Foster
  • Patent number: 7478511
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rennco LLC
    Inventors: Robin G. Thurgood, Brian C. Bowerman, Phillip D. Hillard
  • Patent number: 7478512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
  • Patent number: 7478513
    Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Baxa Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Eugene Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7478514
    Abstract: The packaging method glues or otherwise secures a sheet of shrink wrap film to the bottom of a shipping package or carton. The sheet extends upward on both sides so as to be temporarily attached to the flaps of the shipping carton, typically by dots of glue. After the contents are placed in the shipping carton, the film is folded over the contents. Then a label, typically with a bar code, holds the film in place. The package is scanned to assure that the label is in place, and the package is exposed to a heat tunnel to shrink the shrink wrap film. The flaps of the carton are then sealed in a conventional way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Pearson Education, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Wenz
  • Patent number: 7478515
    Abstract: Systems and devices for automatically pressing a covering material against a product chute during a packaging operation to apply a braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown, David R. Gupton
  • Patent number: 7478516
    Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a storage bag including a base and a receptacle component for receiving the end of a storage bag. A vacuum generating device is disposed in either one of the base or the receptacle. The receptacle includes a vacuum chamber for accepting the open end of the bag. The receptacle is pivotally secured to the base and is rotatable relative thereto between a first and second position. A sealing device is disposed on the receptacle for sealing the open end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Landen Higer, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 7478517
    Abstract: A wrapping device is mounted at an exterior of a bale forming chamber of a large round baler and includes two wrapping material supply rolls comprised, if desired, of two types of wrapping material, which may optionally be brought together and introduced through an inlet of the bale forming chamber. In this way, it is possible, for example, to supply film with a netting in order both to bind and protect the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Frédéric Paillet, Didier Deiphigue
  • Patent number: 7478518
    Abstract: In a parallelepiped agricultural baler flake transfer events are sensed e.g. by the activation of a pre-compression chamber switch or other means indicating that the pre-compression chamber is full and a signal is sent to the baler control logic. The baler logic records in memory the GPS location of the baler at the time of the flake transfer event. A map is then generated showing the GPS location of each flake transfer event. The average crop quantity per flake is determined e.g. by weighing a finished bale and dividing the bale weight by the number of flakes per bale and programming the information into the baler logic. Finally the crop yield for a given field area is determined in the baler logic by multiplying the average crop quantity per flake by the number of flake events recorded in the given area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kraus, Timothy J. Trelstad
  • Patent number: 7478519
    Abstract: A mounting device to connect a rotary cutting deck to a lift arm includes a bracket having a first pivoting connection and a second pivoting connection parallel to the first pivoting connection. The first pivoting connection is connected to the lift arm and the second pivoting connection is connected to the rotary cutting deck. The pair of pivoting connections allow the deck to pitch. The bracket may be channel shaped and may have an opening or slot through which the lift arm extends. Additionally, a T-shaped pivot pin provides a third pivoting connection between the lift arm and bracket, the third pivoting connection being perpendicular to the first and second pivoting connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David Lawrence Phillips
  • Patent number: 7478520
    Abstract: A machine for the harvest of stalk-like plants is provided. The machine has a frame, two conveying elements supported on the frame and arranged one above the other with recesses distributed around their circumference for taking up and conveying a flow of crop that includes plant stalks. A stripper extends into the intervening space between the conveying elements in order to move the plant stalks out of the recesses. The stripper is connected to the frame by a free-standing post that extends vertically and is arranged outside the flow of the crop conveyed by the conveying elements. A point of the stripper interacts with the conveying elements located to the rear of the axis of rotation of the conveying elements relative to the forward operating direction of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Clemens Rickert, Martin Hüning, Leo Schulze Hockenbeck, Klemens Weitenberg
  • Patent number: 7478521
    Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes a plurality of platform sections positioned in end-to-end juxtaposed relation to each other. At least one platform section includes a frame, a plurality of float arms movably coupled with the frame, an endless belt carried by the plurality of float arms, and a cutterbar assembly carried by the plurality of float arms and movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Coers, Roderick James Jensen, Mark Michael Chaney, Bradley James Watts
  • Patent number: 7478522
    Abstract: A reciprocating knife cutter system for an agricultural cutting platform has reciprocating knife cutters having cutter bars with adjacent ends that are coupled together by a coupler that maintains the adjacent ends of the cutter bars in a predetermined relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Max Lovett, Bruce Alan Coers, Sheldon Joseph Grywacheski, Ryan Scott Heriyn, Corwin Marcus Raymond Puryk
  • Patent number: 7478523
    Abstract: A pickup for an agricultural harvester that employees C-shaped tine guards with a generally planar tine guide, the tine guide having a slot-like hook at the lower end thereof that fits into a slot on the tine guard and held in place by bolts in the upper end of the hook and the upper end of the tine guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, David M. DeChristopher
  • Patent number: 7478524
    Abstract: A power generation plant includes a conventional steam turbo train, a high temperature turbo train, and a coal fired boiler (1) with a fluidized bed combustor. The high temperature turbo train is particularly arranged vertically and in parallel with the coal fired boiler (1) and separately from the conventional turbo train. Transfer flow lines (4, 5, 6) are run from the boiler (1) to the high temperature turbines over minimal lengths. The arrangement of the two turbo trains separately from one another and the vertical arrangement of the high temperature turbo train are advantageous in terms of plant efficiency and fabrication and maintenance thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Franz Kreitmeier
  • Patent number: 7478525
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling at least a portion of an engine are provided. The engine is cooled using a fuel, such as a high heat sink fuel, that is subsequently used for combustion in the engine. The fuel can be used to cool one or more of the gases and/or components in the engine, thereby cooling the engine including an exhaust nozzle. For example, the fuel can be circulated through one or more heat exchanging devices that are disposed inside or outside a passage of the engine, and the fuel can absorb thermal energy from the engine or air that flows in the engine passage. In any case, the cooling of the engine can result in a reduction to the infrared signature of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sridhar K. Iya, George M. Roe
  • Patent number: 7478526
    Abstract: A turbine for a sprinkler is disclosed for self-governing its rotational velocity. As a rate of fluid through the sprinkler increases, particularly when air is used to flush the sprinkler system, a portion of the turbine shifts outwardly so as to decrease alignment of vanes located thereon with directed water streams for controlling the rotation of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Cesar A. Gomez
  • Patent number: 7478527
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for estimating particulate production from a diesel engine. Engine conditions such as fuel rate, exhaust gas recirculation, and fuel injection timing are determined. Based on empirical evidence or theoretical calculations, or both, particulate production markers, each indicating a level of particulate production, are assigned to each engine condition. The markers are combined and the combined marker is used to interpolate between a minimum and a maximum level of particulate production from the engine to estimate a particulate production rate. The production rate may be combined with an oxidation rate to determine a particulate accumulation rate, which may in turn be combined with a particulate load estimate to produce a combined particulate load estimate. The combined estimate may be used to determine whether to initiate regeneration of a diesel particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc
    Inventor: J. Steve Wills
  • Patent number: 7478528
    Abstract: A particulate filter regeneration method for an internal combustion engine system is provided. The method includes: receiving an outlet temperature signal corresponding to a temperature at an outlet of a particulate filter; receiving an oxygen signal corresponding to an oxygen level in exhaust flowing from said particulate filter; and controlling at least one of airflow and fuel based on said oxygen level such that said outlet temperature is within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Ament, David B. Brown
  • Patent number: 7478529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic clutch which comprises a primary impeller and a secondary impeller which together define a working chamber. The clutch also comprises means for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic clutch, especially for influencing the circulation flow in the working chamber, said means comprising at least one baffle plate that extends at least partially into the working chamber. The inventive clutch is characterized in that the baffle plate can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Achim Menne, Heinz Hoeller
  • Patent number: 7478530
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a working machine includes hydraulic actuators which respectively drive a plurality of kinds of working devices and which are driven by a drive circuit having circuit states that correspond to the working devices, a directional control valve unit which, when one of the working devices is attached to the attachment, switches in response to a signal from a controller to select one of the circuit states, a detection sensor that detects the actual circuit state, and a display operated by the controller. The controller activates the display when the detected actual circuit state and the selected circuit state do not match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Ueda
  • Patent number: 7478531
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for heavy construction equipment to reduce a speed of a swing apparatus while a working apparatus such as a boom is concurrently operated has a work control valve which controls a working apparatus cylinder; a confluence valve which combines a hydraulic fluid of the second hydraulic pump with the work unit flow path based on a positions switch; a swing control valve which controls the hydraulic swing motor; and a disconnection valve which disconnects the hydraulic fluid supplied to at least one of the swing motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Toshimichi Ikeda, Yang Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 7478532
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a compressor housing and a turbine housing wherein at least one of the compressor housing and the turbine housing includes an anti-ballistic material such as, for example, aramid fibers, S glass fibers and/or carbon fibers. A turbocharger system optionally includes a temperature controller that controls temperature in instances where operational temperatures may be detrimental to the performance characteristics of anti-ballistic material. Various other exemplary devices, methods, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Martin, Christopher O. Meade, Syed M. Shahed
  • Patent number: 7478533
    Abstract: An engine system includes a compressor system which is at least partially driven by an electric motor, and a turbine system. The system includes a detector for detecting an actual supercharging pressure. A target supercharging pressure is determined based on operational conditions of the engine. A first control demand value is calculated to drive the motor controller, such that the actual supercharging pressure approaches the target supercharging pressure. A target value of the first control demand value is determined based on the operational conditions of the engine. A second control demand value, a difference between the target value and the first control command value is applied to the turbine system to adjust the rotation of the turbine such that the first control demand value converges to the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Ueno
  • Patent number: 7478534
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a turbomachine combustion chamber, the arrangement comprising a chamber end wall pierced by at least one opening, an injector system, and a deflector mounted on the downstream side of the chamber end wall in the opening by means of an annulus, said injector system including a pinch ring mounted on the upstream side and fastened against the annulus with the pinch ring and the annulus together defining a groove, and a bowl mounted in the opening, the bowl being made up of at least two distinct parts, at least a first part forming an end plate suitable for sliding radially in the groove, and a second part forming a bowl collar that is provided with a collar extending parallel to the chamber end wall on its downstream side, said first and second bowl parts being fastened together by means of a twist-lock coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Dominique Guezengar, Didier Hippolyte Hernandez, Thomas Olivier Marie Noel, Michel Zischek
  • Patent number: 7478535
    Abstract: A system for condensing water from air includes a column having a substantially non-reflective surface effective for absorbing heat energy from the sun and transferring the heat to air in the interior of the column. A condenser is secured within the column, and includes a condensing surface with a thermoelectric cooler positioned thereon for cooling the condensing surface. A collector is positioned within the column for collecting water that condenses on and falls from the at least one condensing surface of the condenser, and an accumulator is coupled in fluid communication with the collector for accumulating the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: J. Glenn Turner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7478536
    Abstract: A floating hydrocarbon treating plant containing a vessel having a hull and a deck and having tanks located below the deck for storing hydrocarbons, and a plant for treating hydrocarbons located at the deck of the vessel is provided. The plant for treating hydrocarbons includes spaced-apart modules, wherein each module has related plant equipment mounted on a module floor, and the modules rest on closed support girders that extend under the module in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the deck, and wherein the module floor is secured to one of the closed support girders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Alan Edgar John Bliault, James Milne Cusiter, Andrew Neil Stephens
  • Patent number: 7478537
    Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioner includes a compressor to be driven by an engine. The vehicular air-conditioner includes a controller configured to reduce a load on the compressor in response to a braking condition of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Makishima, Hiroyasu Nadamoto
  • Patent number: 7478538
    Abstract: A vapor compression system including a closed fluid circuit having operably coupled thereto, in serial order, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, a second heat exchanger and a fluid vessel. The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and circulated through the fluid circuit. Thermal energy is removed from the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger. The pressure of the refrigerant is reduced in the expansion device, and thermal energy is added to the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. Upon ceasing operation of the system, refrigerant present in the vessel defines a lower temperature than the refrigerant present in the second heat exchanger. A thermal energy storage medium is operably coupled to the vessel and provides the vessel with thermal inertia wherein the temperature of the refrigerant in the vessel remains cooler than the temperature of the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dan M Manole, Rick L Bunch
  • Patent number: 7478539
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a two-stage linear compressor having a first piston disposed in a first cylinder and a second piston disposed in a second cylinder. The linear compressor is operable in an economizer cycle wherein the first piston operates as a first stage of the economizer cycle and the second piston operates as a second stage of the economizer cycle. A controller is coupled to the linear compressor to control a volume flow ratio of the linear compressor. The controller stores a plurality of coefficients of performance for a range of particular operating conditions of the linear compressor and each coefficient of performance corresponds to a desired volume flow ratio and a desired secondary evaporating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Doron Shapiro, Clay Rohrer
  • Patent number: 7478540
    Abstract: Refrigerant freezeout is prevented, and temperature is controlled, by the use of a controlled bypass flow that causes a warming of the lowest temperature refrigerant in a refrigeration system that achieves very low temperatures by using a mixture of refrigerants comprising at least two refrigerants with boiling points that differ by at least 50° C. This control capability enables reliable operation of the very low temperature system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Flynn, Mikhail Boiarski, Oleg Podtcherniaev
  • Patent number: 7478541
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for use in cooling electronic equipment includes a closed vapor compression circuit having operably disposed therein a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion device, a second expansion device, and a two-part evaporator. A first part of the evaporator receives working fluid from the first expansion device at a first pressure, and a second part of the evaporator receives working fluid from the second expansion device at a second pressure that is different than the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dan M. Manole, Donald L. Coffey, Michael J. Moore
  • Patent number: 7478542
    Abstract: Gases are vented from a waste site such as a landfill, and the gases are separated into at least three streams comprising a hydrocarbon stream, a carbon dioxide stream, and residue stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide stream and hydrocarbon stream are liquefied or converted to a supercritical liquid. At least some of the carbon dioxide gas stream (as a liquid or supercritical fluid) is used in a cleaning step, preferably a polymer cleaning step, and more preferably a polymer cleaning step in a polymer recycling process, and most preferably in a polymer cleaning step in a polymer recycling system where the cleaning is performed on-site at the waste site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventors: Jon P. Wikstrom, Dan Schiller, Jon R. Turner
  • Patent number: 7478543
    Abstract: A ring or other similar jewelry item includes a base, a plurality of platforms arranged on the base and a plurality of prongs, each prong being disposed on a platform. The prongs extend above the platforms and are arranged to form settings for precious or semi-precious stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Alfred Butler, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome D. Butler
  • Patent number: 7478544
    Abstract: A surface mixing burner (16) is positioned in alignment with a mold of a glass container forming machine of the I.S. type to produce a supply of soot to lubricate an inner surface of the mold, the soot being produced by combustion of a rich, combustible supply of a fuel and an oxidant. The supply of fuel and oxidant is intermittently ignited by a sparking device (54) that is positioned within a sooting head (10), and an ignition coil (56) is positioned within the sooting head to deliver a high voltage pulse to the sparking device by the inductive discharge method. The ignition coil is positioned sufficiently close to the sparking device, and preferably in direct contact therewith, to avoid interference with the proper operation of an electronic control system for the I.S. machine. A remotely-positioned power supply (62) is provided to energize the ignition coil, the power supply providing power to the ignition coil at a relatively low voltage, for example, 12-24 volts d.c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Green, D. Wayne Leidy, Adam W. Stienecker
  • Patent number: 7478545
    Abstract: A spherical crocheted object includes a portion that contains high quality embroidery and is made beginning with a fabric piece called an initial disc. By initially knitting the spherical crocheted object into a flat, round disc of specific and limited dimensions, this initial disc is created for the introduction of an external embroidery process. The crocheted initial disc is tied off to maintain durability during the embroidery step, which is usually performed on specialized embroidery equipment. Thereafter, by vigilantly following specific construction techniques, a ball will be produced that retains its spherical shape resulting in an end product with characteristics similar to that of a spherical crocheted object that does not contain embroidery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Adventure Trading Incorporated
    Inventors: Joshua A Gerak, Gerak Ellen Mary
  • Patent number: 7478546
    Abstract: Drum type washing machine including a tub of plastic having a wall for holding washing water therein and mounting a driving part thereon, a drum rotatably arranged inside of the tub, a shaft passed through the tub and connected to the drum for transmission of a driving power from a motor to the drum, at least one bearing for supporting the shaft, a bearing housing having a sleeve form of bearing supporting part, and a stator fastening part extended in a radial direction from the bearing supporting part, wherein both of the bearing supporting part and the stator fastening part are inserted in a tub rear wall, while stator fastening holes in the stator fastening part are exposed, a rotor engaged to a rear end part of the shaft to form the motor together with the stator, and the stator mounted on the stator fastening part of the bearing housing with fastening members on an inner side of the rotor to form the motor together with the rotor, wherein the stator includes an annular helical type core having multiple l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gon Kim, Chi Wan Hur, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je, Kang Mo Choi, Jae Kyum Kim, Ho Cheol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7478547
    Abstract: A drum washing machine including a cylindrical drum, a DC brushless motor directly connected to the drum, a current detector detecting current flowing through the motor, a torque control vector-controlling the motor on the basis of the current detected by the current detector so that motor torque becomes optimum at least in a wash or dehydration operation, and a laundry weight estimator accelerating the motor with a maximum output torque developed when determining that motor speed is between a first speed at which laundry is assumed to start falling from an uppermost part of inner periphery of the drum when motor speed is reduced from a high speed side and a second speed at which laundry is assumed to start sticking to an uppermost part of the inner periphery of the drum, estimating laundry weight according to a q-axis current value in the vector control during an accelerating period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Ha Products Co., Ltd., Toshiba Consumer Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Yoji Okazaki, Tsuyoshi Hosoito
  • Patent number: 7478548
    Abstract: Tubing reaming apparatus comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to tubing to be reamed. The housing provides mounting for a reamer shaft adapted to mount a cutter within the tubing. The housing also provides mounting for a drive arrangement. A gear arrangement is provided between the drive arrangement and the reamer shaft. The housing may comprise a clamping arrangement adapted to reduce residual bend and ovality of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford U.K. Limited
    Inventor: James Edward Fogg
  • Patent number: 7478549
    Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus (100) comprises a transporting device (20), a planishing device (30) and a driving device (10). The transporting device comprises a base (21). The base comprises a front portion (212), a rear portion (214), and a pair of parallel middle portions (216) each comprising a slideway, which defines an opening therein. The base still comprising a sliding block (26) received in the opening (218), with two sides of the sliding block respectively slidably received in the slideways in the pair of middle portions. The planishing device comprises a pair of mounting blocks (32) fixed on the sliding block, at least one axle (34) fixed between the mounting blocks, and at least one wheels (342) fixed on the axle. The driving device is used for driving the sliding block to slide in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Nan Ou, Rong-Mou Bao, Cheng-Bin Su
  • Patent number: 7478550
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus for forming a shell. The apparatus has a die center and a panel punch located in opposed relation to the die center. A panel punch piston is coupled to the panel punch. The panel punch piston has an upper end and a spacer member is disposed concentrically around an outside surface of the panel punch piston at or proximate to the upper end of the panel punch piston. The upper end of the spacer member is in contact with a lower end of the panel punch and the spacer member is located proximate to a peripheral surface of the lower end of the panel punch. A method for manufacturing a shell is additionally provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: David Keith Wynn, Steven Todd Albright
  • Patent number: 7478551
    Abstract: A calibration weight 100 for a gravimetric measuring instrument includes a calibration weight base module 101 which is equipped with at least one attachment area 106. The calibration weight 100 further has at least one positioning means 104 and at least one transfer element 105. The attachment area 106 allows supplemental weights 102 to be built onto the calibration weight base module 101; the positioning means 104 serves to position the calibration weight 100 in relation to the calibration weight arm 20; and the transfer element 105 serves as the place through which the transfer mechanism lever 31 applies its force and effects a transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Jean-Maurice Tellenbach, Urs Loher, Richard Bruderer
  • Patent number: 7478552
    Abstract: A method of operating a probe based instrument includes a light source that generates and directs a beam of light towards a probe of the instrument to detect a property of probe deflection. The method automatically adjusts the position of the light beam on the probe based on movement of the probe by a Z actuator so as to eliminate apparent parasitic deflection of the probe. A light source assembly for detecting deflection of a probe preferably includes a base, a tip/tilt stage mounted on the base and a light source supported by the tip/tilt stage. The tip/tilt stage includes at least one electrically actuated fine adjustment actuator that controls the tip/tilt stage, preferably independently of movement of the AFM scanner used to move the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Gotthard, Ben Ohler
  • Patent number: 7478553
    Abstract: In an excessive burn detection method for detecting an excessive burn during a regeneration process, in which particulates accumulated in a particulate filter arranged in an exhaust passage of a diesel engine are burned and removed for regenerating the particulate filter, an oxygen concentration in exhaust gas in the exhaust passage downstream of the particulate filter is measured in predetermined time intervals after the regeneration process starts and it is determined whether the excessive burn occurs by determining whether the measured oxygen concentration decreases with a predetermined tendency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Higuchi