Patents Issued in January 26, 2010
  • Patent number: 7650715
    Abstract: A light-weight plant sheet including plant pieces between a base sheet and a top sheet is able to make growth by tearing the base sheet and top sheet, each having a mesh structure. The top sheet contains a paste to adhere the top sheet to the base sheet and to hold the plant pieces, and such a paste comes out of the fibers of the sheet when wet during the manufacturing process. When the plant sheet is placed on the desired surface, the plant pieces can grow using water and nutrition provided from the surface of the construction site and absorbed by the top sheet and the base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Tomoko Fujita
  • Patent number: 7650716
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable protective enclosure for trees or shrubs, comprising: a first enclosing portion having a upper region, and a lower region adapted to contact the ground, and comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending panels, each panel comprising a plurality first longitudinal members and a plurality of first transverse members, wherein the first longitudinal members and the first transverse members of a panel are attached to one another to form one or more first rigid frameworks; at least a portion of the longitudinal members or at least a portion of the transverse members, or both, are adjustable in length; each panel is adjustably attached to two adjacent panels to enclose one or more trees or shrubs; a second enclosing portion attached to the first enclosing portion in the upper region thereof, and comprising a plurality of second longitudinal members and a one or more second transverse members, wherein the second longitudinal members and second transverse members form one or more
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: James Brian Schemeley
  • Patent number: 7650717
    Abstract: A belt device for arrangements which are put under tensile load, particularly for systems for the securing of tree crowns, having a belt (10) with a loop at each end (12, 12?) which is formed by turning over the end parts of the belt (10) and fastening the ends to the belt, wherein the fastenings (14, 14?) and the belt (10) are adapted to withstand a pre-determined minimum tensile force. In order to guarantee a good visibility of the indicating element even from greater distances, it is proposed by the invention that the belt (10) is overlapped by an indicating element (16) in the vicinity of at least one of the loops (12), which indicating element shortens the belt (10) and is fastened with two end portions on the belt (10) such that one of the fastenings (18) gives way when a pre-determined tensile force acts on the belt (10), the tensile force being smaller than the minimum tensile force which the loop fastenings (14, 14?) and the belt withstand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Friedrich Drayer
  • Patent number: 7650718
    Abstract: A glass run attached to a doorframe of a vehicle. The glass run comprises a molded part attached to a corner part of the doorframe, and a fin, formed integrally with the molded part, and covering the corner part of the doorframe. The fin includes a pair of hooks that protrude from a back of a rim of the fin. When the glass run is attached to the corner part of the doorframe, each of the hooks is engaged with a cutout formed in a flange of the doorframe so that the flange holds the rim of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Eguchi, Toshifumi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7650719
    Abstract: A seal includes a body and two lips. The body includes two walls defining a space with an opening. The lips have fixed ends respectively connected to the walls adjacent the opening. A movable end of the first lip is within the space. A movable end of the second lip extends across the opening towards the first lip fixed end. The movable end of the first lip includes a first end portion extending from the first lip fixed end along the first wall to a middle portion extending across the space to a second end portion extending along the second wall towards the second lip fixed end. The second end portion includes a hook section meeting the second wall and the second lip fixed end. The second lip movable end moves into the space and presses the hook section against the second wall to clamp the hook section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Anders
  • Patent number: 7650720
    Abstract: A gutter protection system is adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter. The gutter protection system comprises an elongate sheet metal member or panel adapted to engage a portion of the gutter and to cover the gutter. The sheet metal member has a longitudinal axis and a generally smooth top surface interrupted by a plurality of canals and perforations formed therein. Each canal extends down and away from the smooth top surface. The canals are formed from the material of the sheet metal member, each canal formed so that water entering the canal exits through one of the perforations and flows into the gutter below. The canals enable water to move laterally within the canal, thereby increasing the water volume handled by the system without necessarily increasing the number of holes or perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: James E. Ealer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7650721
    Abstract: A window for absorbing sunlight heat in warm weather that otherwise would flow uncontrolled therethrough and discharging the sunlight heat to the atmosphere while permitting relatively unobstructed vision therethrough and passing the sunlight heat in cold weather therethrough for thermal warming. The window includes a frame, an inner pane, an outer pane, and a heat sink. The inner pane is pivotally mounted to the frame. The outer pane is affixed to the frame and spaced from the inner pane so as to form a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Nevins
  • Patent number: 7650722
    Abstract: Covers for attic trap doors and pull down attic stairs or ladders are described each of which is formed of an insulating material. The covers are structured to effectively seal a ceiling access opening. In some embodiments, a closure member constructed of insulating material is cooperatively and frictionally received within a frame formed of the same material to form an airtight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Patent number: 7650723
    Abstract: An egress system for an interior space such as an attic covered by roof decking. In one embodiment, the egress system comprises a steel frame adapted for installation within an opening formed in the roof decking between two adjacent roof joists. A hatch panel is releasably secured within the opening defined by the frame by means of a plurality of removable pins. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an upper surface of the hatch panel is substantially flush with the upper surface of the roof decking, allowing for the uniform application of roofing material, such as composition shingles, overtop the roof decking and the hatch panel, thereby concealing the presence of the egress system beneath the roofing material. Deployment of the egress system is accomplished with the use of a cutting implement inserted from the underside of the egress system inside the interior space into a gap maintained around the periphery of the hatch panel when secured within said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Kotlarich
  • Patent number: 7650724
    Abstract: A tube with an external channel of a complex geometry. The channel does not distort or collapse when the tube is bent 90 degrees with a 4-inch radius. Fabric may be inserted into and securely held in the external channel. The tube is suitable for constructing frames of fabric structures, such as dodgers and biminis for boats, tents, chairs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hallett Canvas & Sails, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Hallett, Richard Anthony Dowzall
  • Patent number: 7650725
    Abstract: A device for electrically grounding an access floor panel to a floor panel support in contact with a ground including a clip fastened to the floor panel, the clip compressible against the support when the floor panel is placed against the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kingspan Holdings (IRL) Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce Mead
  • Patent number: 7650726
    Abstract: A floor panel for a raised access floor system, including a shallow metal pan with a bottom wall and a shallow upwardly-opening compartment. The bottom wall has a plurality of first hollow projections projecting upwardly therefrom, which projections adjacent upper ends thereof having sidewardly projecting rib structure. The bottom wall also has a plurality of microfeatures which project upwardly through a lesser extent. The number of microfeatures is substantially greater than the number of projections. The pan side walls and bottom wall are free of openings therethrough. A mass of solidified concrete fills the compartment. The floor panel is supported on a pedestal having a base which has clamping and mounting features integrated thereon for engaging grounding wires and cable management members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Haworth, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rupert Jakob-Bamberg, Dale Marshall, Darren Long, Jay Clintberg, Vincent Shivak, Paul Spavor
  • Patent number: 7650727
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7650728
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: UNILIN BEHEER BV besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7650729
    Abstract: A packaging system that includes an automated or semi-automated clipper and a conveyor mechanism in communication with the clipper, the conveyor mechanism comprising an axially telescoping conveyor with a belt defining a conveying surface having a conveying length configured to reciprocally axially extend and retract; the system also including at least one of the following: (a) at least one pair of upwardly extending product guide sidewalls residing at least partially above the conveying surface of the conveyor belt, the upwardly extending product guide sidewalls slidably attached to each other to axially translate substantially in concert with the axially telescoping conveyor between an extended and retracted position; (b) a first idler roller in communication with the belt with an idler in communication with the belt residing lower than the first idler roller and a substantially horizontal axially extending slot in a mounting bracket attached to the mounting frame, the slot and idler cooperate to allow f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Whittlesey
  • Patent number: 7650730
    Abstract: On a packing machine, packets of cigarettes, selected from different alternative packets of cigarettes of at least a first and second type, are produced by transferring groups of cigarettes relative to the selected type of packet from a forming path to a first packing path, along which an inner sheet of packing material is folded about each group of cigarettes, and then to a second packing path, along which at least a collar is folded about each group of cigarettes and on top of the inner sheet of packing material; each group of cigarettes is then transfer red, depending on the type of packet selected, to a third packing path, along which folding of a first outer blank about each group of cigarettes is completed to form a packet of cigarettes of the first type, or to a fourth packing path, along which folding of a second outer blank about each group of cigarettes is completed to form a packet of cigarettes of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Roberto Polloni, Andrea Biondi, Alessandro Minarelli
  • Patent number: 7650731
    Abstract: A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A drive system includes a drive belt for simultaneously driving the opposed rollers in both of the positions. A tensioner is connected to the belt and is movable generally transversely to a direction of the adjustment of the drive rollers to maintain a designated tension on the drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony J. Nowakowski, Jason J. Raasch
  • Patent number: 7650732
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code for instructing a computer to first display a field selection screen which includes selection indicators for a plurality of label fields. Then there is displayed a field content screen responsive to the label fields previously selected with the field content screen allowing editing of at least one label field. A bar code corresponding with one of said label fields is then selected and a print preview screen containing a plurality of said label fields is displayed. Then a print command for printing a label substantially as displayed on the print preview screen and including the bar code (regardless of whether or not said bar code is included on said print preview screen) is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Pearson Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter G. Pearson, Todd R. Funderburk, W. Brent Pearson, Brett A. Tompkins, Charles Nunnink
  • Patent number: 7650733
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation (12a, 12b) in a perforated plate (10); b) directing powder (30) into said closed-off perforation; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Alan Anthony Wilson, Phillip William Farr, Marcus Edward Pike
  • Patent number: 7650734
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely and automatically calibrating a mass-flow sensor in a yield monitor of a combine. The invention uses a wireless communication device installed on a combine and a remote wireless communication device installed on a grain carrier or truck carrier. Once an actual weight is obtained, calibration information is sent to the combine to calibrate the mass-flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andy D. Beck, Terrence D. Pickett
  • Patent number: 7650735
    Abstract: A picker bar includes spindles which are nonaligned in the vertical direction to define two or more offset sets of spindles on the bar and increase the number of spindles per unit length of the spindle bar. A spindle assembly includes support carrying two spindles driven from a picker bar drive shaft by single drive gear. Driven spindle gears are spaced on opposite sides of the shaft axis to facilitate close spacing of the spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Fox, Mark S. Philips
  • Patent number: 7650736
    Abstract: A draper cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvester includes a pair of side platform sections, with each side platform section including a side belt. A center platform section is disposed in an area between the side platform sections. The center platform section includes at least one alignment device and at least one latch. A center conveyor assembly is removably attached to the center platform section, and carries a center belt. The center conveyor assembly includes at least one mating alignment device and at least one mating latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gordon L. Salley, Joseph Oberlander
  • Patent number: 7650737
    Abstract: A reel finger for use on a harvesting header for an agricultural machine includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate member has a retaining member located at the proximal end. A plate member is connected to the elongate member with the distal end of the elongate member extending beyond the plate member. The plate member has a continuous smooth front surface for engaging a crop in a direction of crop engagement that covers a portion of the elongate member not extending beyond the plate member. The plate member has a back surface opposite to the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Lovett, Todd N. Signer, Bruce A. Coers, Gregory S. Mccunn, Amy C. Berg
  • Patent number: 7650738
    Abstract: A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Dave Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7650739
    Abstract: A mulch plate adjustment apparatus for use with lawn mowers. The adjustment apparatus is used to adjust the height of a mulch plate attached to the lawn mower and to secure the mulch plate at the desired height by the use of a handle and handle-locking ratchet mechanism. The adjustment apparatus is affixed to the discharge chute of a lawn mower. The apparatus includes a handle-operated mulch plate raising-and-lowering mechanism that allows the mulch plate to be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different sized lawn mowers and different mowing conditions. The operator of the mulch plate adjustment apparatus can select a desired height for the mulch plate and safely secure the mulch plate at the selected height by simple operation of a handle. Further, the mulch plate apparatus provides a mechanism for allowing the mulch plate to be raised in a storage position without the need to provide extension wires or cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Walter R. Butler, Dena R. Butler
  • Patent number: 7650740
    Abstract: Removable scale for articulated receiving platform equipping small fruit machines such as for example, grape harvesting machines. The removable scale is made of two parts, namely a first anchor and articulation part. The first part has a fastening lug attached onto the carrying boom of a row of scales and a flexible articulation and assembling lug attached to the fastening lug. There is a second flat part forming the scale itself. The first and second parts are provided with additional quick assembly and disassembly device formed by an automatic locking device in an assembling position, accessible from the top of the removable scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: PELLENC Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Roger Pellenc, Jean-Marc Gialis
  • Patent number: 7650741
    Abstract: A windguard is adapted to be attached to the frame of a crop pickup in overlying relationship to the pickup tine rotor so as to control the incoming flow of crop materials. A transversely extending crop hold down portion of the windguard is pivotally supported between the front ends of a pair of fore-and-aft extending support arms that are pivotally attached at their rear ends to the frame of the pickup so that the windguard can articulate as it is moved up and down relative to the pickup by engagement with inflowing crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Graber, Ryan A. Zecha
  • Patent number: 7650742
    Abstract: A practical cable made of a high strength fiber composite material is provided, which has high and stable strength, in addition, has even axial tension against bending and thus has a stable shape, and can be wound on a reel without shape deformation, and is hardly buckled when it is inserted into a hole or cylinder. The cable is formed by singly twisting a plurality of high strength fiber composite materials is used as a strand, and a plurality of the strands are twisted together at a twist angle of 2 to 12 degrees in a direction opposite to a twist direction of the strands, so that a double twist structure is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Rope Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Ushijima
  • Patent number: 7650743
    Abstract: A line guidance unit, for the guidance of lines, cables or similar, with a fist end (10) which may be fixed and a second end (11) which is displaceable; is disclosed. The line guidance unit (2) comprises a channel (12), embodied as segments (13). The segments are connected with at least one support strip (1). The line guidance unit comprises means which embody the line guidance unit (2) in an arc relative to a straight line joining the both ends (10, 11), in the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Wehler, Uwe Kemper
  • Patent number: 7650744
    Abstract: A gas turbine systems of reducing NOX emissions and enhancing operability comprises a compressor; a combustor disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the compressor; a turbine assembly disposed down stream of and in fluid communication with the combustor; an oxygen-enriched gas source disposed in selective fluid communication with the compressor, the combustor, or a combination of the foregoing, wherein the oxygen-enriched gas source is a pressure swing absorption system, an electrolyzer, or a membrane reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Balachandar Varatharajan, Chellappa Balan, Michael John Bowman
  • Patent number: 7650745
    Abstract: A method to control valves in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve engine emissions as operating conditions vary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7650746
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates an exhaust treatment system having an SCR reactor following a NOx adsorber. Syn gas is used to regenerate the NOx adsorber. Another aspect relates to an LNT/SCR provided with an ammonia source separate from the LNT. A further aspect relates to a system comprising first and second LNTs and one or more SCRs downstream of the LNTs. A still further aspect relates to a device comprising first and second NOx adsorbers contained in a single housing. Another aspect relates to coating a surface of a moving part in an exhaust system with an oxidation catalyst to mitigate fouling. Additional aspects of the invention relate to strategies for controlling one or more of the time to initiate a regeneration cycle, the time to terminate a regeneration cycle, and the reductant injection rate during regeneration of LNT/SCR exhaust treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Haoran Hu, Thomas R. Stover
  • Patent number: 7650747
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for exhaust gas purifying, especially NOx reduction. The apparatus comprises an internal combustion engine adapted to operate primarily lean of stoichiometry. There is an aftertreatment system that is fluidly connected to and adapted to treat exhaust gas flowing from the internal combustion engine. The aftertreatment system comprises a hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reduction device. There is an injector device adapted to inject a blend of fuel and an ignition improver into the exhaust gas at a location upstream of the hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reduction device. A control module is adapted to control the injector device to inject the blended fuel and cetane-enhancer into the exhaust gas when temperature of the exhaust gas at the location of the injection is greater than about 280° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thompson M. Sloane
  • Patent number: 7650748
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regenerating a particle filter (10) arranged in the exhaust line (12) of an internal-combustion engine, notably of diesel type, wherein the clogging state of the filter is evaluated, this state is compared with a threshold value, then, if this threshold value is exceeded, a fluid and a fuel are mixed together, this mixture is subjected to catalytic combustion to generate the hot gases required for regeneration of the filter and regeneration of the filter is carried out by means of hot gases flowing through said filter and whose temperature is sufficiently high to provide combustion of the particles retained in this filter. According to the invention, prior to mixing the fluid and the fuel, the temperature of the fluid is raised up to the catalytic combustion light-off temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Airmees
    Inventors: Jacques Lavy, Jean-Baptiste Dementhon, Daniel Blancotto, Turkay Erol
  • Patent number: 7650749
    Abstract: A tidal power station device (1) in which at least one submerged sail (14, 14?) is displaceable between two magazines (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Are Borgesen
  • Patent number: 7650750
    Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power assembly comprising a wall mountable frame (13), a Stirling engine module (40) with a Stirling engine (41), and a heat exchanger module (20) for the recovery of heat from the Stirling engine. The Stirling engine module and the heat exchanger module are separate units which are mountable to the frame independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Microgen Engine Corporation Holding B.V.
    Inventors: David Johnston, John Coppendale
  • Patent number: 7650751
    Abstract: A Stirling engine is provided with a piston and a displacer. When the piston is made to reciprocate inside a cylinder by a linear motor, the displacer reciprocates inside a cylinder with a predetermined phase difference relative to the piston. In parts of the displacer and the cylinder that receives the displacer, the parts facing a compression space are made of metal, and the parts facing an expansion space are made of a low-thermal-conductivity material. In the metal part, the fitting accuracy is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shohzoh Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7650752
    Abstract: An actuator has two shape memory alloys (SMAs) connected in a push-pull arrangement to a movable part. By passing current to each of the SMAs from a drive circuit part, the movable part can be driven. When a target position signal of the movable part is input to the drive circuit part, a current is passed to an SMA of the contraction side on the basis of a drive waveform obtained by adding a voltage according to the target position signal to a bias voltage, and a current is passed to the SMA on the expansion side on the basis of a signal waveform obtained by subtracting the voltage according to the target position signal from the bias voltage. Consequently, the SMA of the expansion side maintains a pre-heat state and is not cooled excessively, so that response delay at the time of the next heating can be prevented. As a result, the response of the actuator can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Masamichi Oohara
  • Patent number: 7650753
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (A) for cooling recycled exhaust gas (AG) and charge air (LL) in a motor vehicle comprising a turbocharger respectively comprising at least one heat exchanger for the exhaust gas flow and a least one heat exchanger for the charge air flow. At least one heat exchanger for the exhaust gas flow and one heat exchanger for the charge air flow form part of a common low temperature cooling circuit (NK). The invention also relates to a method for operating one such arrangement (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Müller, Eberhard Pantow
  • Patent number: 7650754
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for translating angular rotation between rotary components. The system includes a rotor and a contact wheel. The rotor is rotatable about a rotary axis at a rotary angular velocity. The rotor includes a radial distance which extends between an exterior radius and an interior radius. The contact wheel is rotatable about a contact axis at a contact angular velocity. The contact axis extends in parallel relationship to the radial distance. The contact wheel is disposed in rotational contact with the radial distance. Rotation of one of the rotor and contact wheel is translated to rotate the other one of the rotor and contact wheel by virtue of the rotational contact between the rotor and contact wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Gilbert Staffend
  • Patent number: 7650755
    Abstract: A water recirculation system for a steam power plant includes a tapoff line which receives water from a downcomer, and an economizer link which receives water from the tapoff line and transports the water to an economizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Danny E. Gelber
  • Patent number: 7650756
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for generating thermal units using magnetocaloric material, with low energy consumption, evolutive, of a simple design, reliable operation, which allows to generate thermal units in a cost effective way while at the same time removing the risks of thermal fluid leakage and limiting the number of mechanical parts. The device (1a) for generating thermal units using magnetocaloric material comprises a magnetic element (2a) coupled to a power supply (3a), a magnetocaloric element (4a), a circuit (5) for thermal exchange fluid in which one or more thermal exchange fluids are made to circulate by means of circulation (6), and two heat exchangers (7, 8). The power supply (3a) is set up to generate electric pulses so as to create an impulsive magnetic field that causes the heating and the cooling of the magnetocaloric element (4a) and hence of the thermal exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Cooltech Applications
    Inventors: Christian Muller, Jean-Louis Dupin, Jean-Claude Heitzler
  • Patent number: 7650757
    Abstract: A thermoelectric heat transfer system is provided. The thermoelectric heat transfer system comprises a coolant circuit with a pump circulating coolant through the circuit. A first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit to remove heat from the coolant. At the same time, a second heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) are integrated into the second heat exchanger to create a temperature differential between fins and conduits of the second heat exchanger. The coolant flows through the conduits to draw heat from the TEMs, while a fan assembly conveys air through the fins into a climate-controlled area to cool the climate-controlled area to a desired temperature. In other embodiments, a sleeve acts as the second heat exchanger. The sleeve is adapted to receive and cool beverage containers and like items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohinder Singh Bhatti
  • Patent number: 7650758
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for evaluating a non-measured operating variable in a refrigeration plant, which can be derived from at least one signal which is sensed at specific points in time, enabling early recognition of errors. An error indicator is formed by means of the following steps: a) the error indicator is set to a specified value at a first moment in time; b) a sum if formed from the error indicator of a predetermined earlier moment in time and a first variable derived from an estimated value for the operating variable taking into account at least one signal-dependent variable; c) the error indicator is set to the value of the sum if the sum is greater than the specified value, and set to the specified value if the sum is less than or the same as the specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Claus Thybo
  • Patent number: 7650759
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a refrigerant level comprises a first detecting unit installed at a lower side of the inside of a refrigerant tank, for detecting whether a refrigerant stored at a lower side of the inside of the refrigerant is a liquefied refrigerant or a gaseous refrigerant, a second detecting unit installed at an upper side of the inside of the refrigerant tank, for detecting whether a refrigerant stored at an upper side of the inside of the refrigerant tank is a liquefied refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant, and a control unit controlling intake and discharge of the liquefied refrigerant according to a value measured by the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bong-Soo Park, Sai-Kee Oh, Chi-Woo Song, Ju-Won Kim, Baik-Young Chung, Se-Dong Chang
  • Patent number: 7650760
    Abstract: A motor controller (101) according to the invention comprises an inverter circuit (3) for driving a brushless motor (4) and a control unit for controlling the rotational speed of the brushless motor (4) by controlling the phase of the motor current of the brushless motor (4) through the inverter circuit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Nakata, Mitsuo Ueda
  • Patent number: 7650761
    Abstract: In a refrigerating device comprising waste heat utilization equipment having: a refrigerating cycle 200 formed by sequentially connecting a compressor 210, a condenser 220, an expansion valve 240, and an evaporator 250; and a Rankine cycle 300 formed by sequentially connecting a heater 310 using the waste heat of a heat generating device (for example, an internal combustion engine) 10 as a heating source, an expansion device 320, the above-mentioned condenser 220, and a pump 330, in which the drive shafts of the compressor 210 and the expansion device 320 are separated from each other. Then, the output of the expansion device 320 is used mainly for generating electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Inaba, Yasushi Yamanaka, Shigeru Hisanaga, Takashi Yamanaka, Hironori Asa, Hiroshi Kisita
  • Patent number: 7650762
    Abstract: A burn-in oven is provided with a plurality of spaced, stacked burn-in-boards, each with a plurality of individual circuits being tested under heated conditions, and a plurality of valve trays positioned between two burn-in-boards to form a heat exchange compartment below the valve tray. Each valve tray has a plenum formed above it to provide a separate chamber that is a source of cooling air. Each valve tray has a plurality of valves, one over each of a number openings in the tray. Each opening overlies an integrated circuits or device under test on the burn-in-board below the valve tray. The valves control the flow of air for cooling the integrated circuits. The flow of air through the valves is the only path for cooling airflow to the integrated circuits on the burn-in-boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Control Company
    Inventors: Harold E. Hamilton, Chad M. Conroy
  • Patent number: 7650763
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit for vehicles with work-doing expansion of the carbon dioxide is provided, the air conditioning unit including a combined refrigeration and heat pump circuit, wherein the air conditioning unit is switchably configured to change a flow direction of a refrigerant for switchable operation from the refrigeration circuit to the heat pump circuit. A method for operating the air conditioning unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Heyl
  • Patent number: 7650764
    Abstract: A vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass includes a vacuum housing which is evacuated to be depressurized therein; a vacuum degassing vessel which is provided in the vacuum housing to vacuum-degas molten glass as the molten glass flows therein; an uprising pipe which connects to the vacuum degassing vessel, and sucks and draws up undegassed molten glass to introduce the undegassed molten glass into the vacuum degassing vessel; and a downfalling pipe which connects to the vacuum degassing vessel and draws down the degassed molten glass from the vacuum degassing vessel to discharge the degassed molten glass. The cross sectional area of the path at the upper end portion of the uprising pipe is larger than the cross sectional area of the path at the lower end portion of the uprising pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Sakai, Michito Sasaki, Hajime Itoh, Rei Kitamura, Atsushi Tanigaki