Patents Issued in June 1, 2010
  • Patent number: 7726118
    Abstract: A method of managing vapors generated from an ammonia-containing reductant delivery system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of during at least a portion of engine-off conditions, storing ammonia containing vapors generated in the reductant delivery system, and after said storing and during at least a portion of engine operation, purging said stored ammonia into an exhaust of the engine to react in a catalyst in the exhaust flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Oberski, Giovanni Cavataio, Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt, Timothy Webb, William Ruona
  • Patent number: 7726119
    Abstract: A plurality of upstream main exhaust passages extend from cylinders of an engine. A downstream main exhaust passage is connected to the upstream main exhaust passages. A main catalytic converter is mounted in the downstream main exhaust passage. A plurality of upstream bypass exhaust passages extend from the upstream main exhaust passages. Each upstream bypass exhaust passage has a sectional area smaller than that of the corresponding upstream main exhaust passage. A downstream bypass exhaust passage is connected to the upstream bypass exhaust passages and has a downstream end connected to the downstream main exhaust passage at a position upstream of the main catalytic converter. An auxiliary catalytic converter is mounted in the downstream bypass exhaust passage. A gas flow switching device is provided which is capable of forcing the exhaust gas from the cylinders of the engine to flow toward the upstream bypass exhaust passages when assuming a given operation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sungi I, Takao Inoue, Kimiyoshi Nishizawa, Shunichi Mitsuishi
  • Patent number: 7726120
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold cooling jacket has internal passages for the circulation of liquid coolant and encloses an exhaust manifold such that a gap is created between the exhaust manifold and cooling jacket. Flowing coolant through the jacket regulates outer jacket temperature while enabling high intra-manifold exhaust gas temperatures for thorough intra-manifold combustion and improved emissions. A liquid-cooled exhaust system includes a turbocharger disposed between manifold and elbow, with liquid coolant flowing from manifold to elbow through the turbocharger. Another liquid-coolant exhaust manifold contains an internal exhaust combustion catalyst wrapped in an insulating blanket. In some marine applications, seawater or fresh water coolant is discharged into the exhaust gas stream at an attached exhaust elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: WBIP, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Westerbeke
  • Patent number: 7726121
    Abstract: An engine part has a construction which prevents the surface discoloration/deterioration associated with a high-temperature exhaust gas, irrespective of the type of Cr used in the formation of a chromium plating layer (hexavalent chromium or trivalent chromium). The engine part includes a metal substrate, a chromium plating layer covering at least a region of a surface of the metal substrate, the region being heated to a temperature of about 350° C. or more, and an intermediate plating layer provided between the metal substrate and the chromium plating layer. The chromium plating layer has a thickness of about 0.2 ?m or more in the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naohisa Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7726122
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter including a housing connectable to a drive element for rotation in common around an axis of rotation, the housing being fillable with a fluid; a pump wheel in the housing; a turbine wheel in the housing and connected to a takeoff element; and a supporting/sealing hub area on an axial side of the housing and facing away from the drive element, the supporting/sealing hub area comprising a first hub element permanently connected to the housing; and a second hub element connected to the first hub element for rotation in common around the axis of rotation, the second hub element being axially movable relative to the first hub element, the second hub element comprising an outside circumference, a sealing surface on the outside circumference, a first axial end facing away from the drive element, and a rotational driver formation at the first axial end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael Heuler
  • Patent number: 7726123
    Abstract: A wave energy device in the form of a self buoyant heave-resistant vessel (10) comprising two or more discrete flow paths into which water can be urged by wave action and a bi-directional energy extractor in fluid communication with said path(s) and atmosphere, arranged to extract energy from air movements in said path(s) caused by said wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Orecon Ltd.
    Inventor: Fraser Jon Edmund Johnson
  • Patent number: 7726124
    Abstract: A high velocity actuator, which may be used as a blast simulator, is provided with an actuator cylinder tube having an opening at first and second cylinder ends, and an actuator piston rod slidably mounted within the actuator cylinder tube and extending through the opening in the first cylinder end. A control valve concentric to the actuator cylinder tube is configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and controls admittance of the fluid under pressure to the actuator cylinder at the second cylinder end to act on the actuator piston rod to extend the actuator piston rod towards the first cylinder end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Martin M. Gram
  • Patent number: 7726125
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a variable displacement pump. The variable displacement pump may have a fluidic displacement control configured to vary a flow of pressurized fluid based on a fluid signal and an electronic displacement control configured to vary the flow of pressurized fluid based on an electronic signal. The flow of pressurized fluid may be controlled by the one of the fluidic and electronic displacement controls that requests the smallest flow of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic circuit may also have a control valve connected between the pump and the fluidic displacement control, and the control valve may be configured to transmit the fluid signal to the fluidic displacement control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Brinkman, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 7726126
    Abstract: A drive apparatus includes a pair of axial piston pump assemblies in an inline relationship, each pump assembly having an end cap mounted to a pump housing to form a sump. The pump assemblies are mounted to a gearbox at one end thereof, and an input shaft extends into both pump housings and the gearbox to drive the axial piston pumps and one of the gears. A power take off mechanism is also engaged to the gearbox at another end thereof and includes a drive shaft at least partially disposed in the gearbox and driven by one of the transmission gears, and an output shaft extending in the opposite direction from the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7726127
    Abstract: A solar-powered hydrogen production system includes a thermochemical system and solar heating system. The thermochemical system produces hydrogen. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer medium for providing thermal energy to the thermochemical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Z. Litwin, Stanley M. Pinkowski
  • Patent number: 7726128
    Abstract: A method for converting heat energy to mechanical energy includes expanding an evaporated working fluid with an expansion device connected to an evaporator. The expansion is carried out in a low-pressure expansion device and the energy contained in the expanded evaporated working fluid can be recycled into the evaporator and utilized for evaporating additional working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ecoenergy Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Oser, Michael Rannow
  • Patent number: 7726129
    Abstract: An intermediate duct (108) is connected between first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106). An inlet duct (107) is connected to the first positive displacement machine (104). An outlet duct (109) is connected to the second positive displacement machine (106). A heater (102) raises the temperature and pressure of a gaseous working fluid in the intermediate duct (108). There is a kinematic connection (111) between the first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106) and the arrangement is such that, in operation, the first positive displacement machine (104) causes the working fluid to flow through the intermediate duct (108) to the second positive displacement machine (106), the heated working fluid drives the second positive displacement machine (106), and the second positive displacement machine (106) drives the first positive displacement machine (104) via the kinematic connection (111). The positive displacement machines include at least one orbiting piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: E.A. Technical Services Limited
    Inventor: Ronald William Driver
  • Patent number: 7726130
    Abstract: The Stirling-Electric Hybrid automobile herein disclosed utilizes an electric drive motor which is powered by electric storage device. The electric storage device is kept at suitable charge by electric generator mechanically driven by external combustion of Stirling engine type, by thermoelectric generator thermally coupled to the exhaust of the Stirling engine and to kinetic energy recovery system which during deceleration of the automobile utilizes the electric drive motor as a generator and recovering the electrical energy generated by deceleration to the electric storage device. Almost any clean combusting liquid or gaseous fuel may be utilized by the Stirling engine with greater fuel economy and less atmospheric pollution than internal combustion engines presently used. The utilization of thermoelectric generator to recover heat from exhaust of the Stirling engine and utilization of kinetic energy recovery system provides even better fuel efficiency and reduced pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Shea McDowell
  • Patent number: 7726131
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided, the combustor having an outer shell with an outer surface exposed to cooling air and an inner surface, and at least one floatwall panel attached to the inner surface of the outer shell and having a trailing edge. At least one dilution hole is in the floatwall panel near the trailing edge and in communication with the outer surface of the outer shell, and at least one local air impingement hole is in the outer shell downstream of each at least one dilution hole, that directs the cooling air towards the trailing edge of the floatwall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Sze, Jeffrey Richard Verhiel
  • Patent number: 7726132
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for improving aerdynamic stability of a working fluid flow through a compressor of a turbomachine, in particular through a compressor of gas turbine used for power production, particularly against rapidly changing aero speed of the compressor. The method comprises to introduce a first water mass flow to the working fluid flow of the compressor. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a turbomachine, in particular a gas turbine, which can be driven according to the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Sasha Savic
  • Patent number: 7726133
    Abstract: A method is for operating a burner of a gas turbine. A fossil fuel is gasified and the gasified fossil fuel is fed as synthesis gas into the burner for combustion. The burner is connected to the gas turbine. The synthesis gas is divided into a first partial current and a second partial current and the partial currents are each fed into the burner for combustion. A power plant, particularly a gas and steam turbine system, includes a gasification device for a fossil fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Hannemann, Andreas Heilos, Michael Huth, Berthold Köstlin
  • Patent number: 7726134
    Abstract: A method for performing maintenance on a gas turbine engine assembly includes unplugging a first connector from a first socket, the first connector electrically coupled to the engine control unit, the first socket electrically coupled to the hydromechanical unit, plugging a second connector into the first socket, the second connector electrically coupled to a driver simulator, cranking the engine core to a low speed value, and operating the driver simulator to reposition at least one of the variable stator vane assembly and the variable bypass valve from a first operational position to a second operational position that is different than the first operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Pasquinelli, Kenneth Foster Cook
  • Patent number: 7726135
    Abstract: The invention provides an energy transfer apparatus having an energy transfer chamber (optionally bounded by an energy transfer tube) in which rotating flow is established. Preferably, the apparatus has a cold-fluid-discharge end and a hot-fluid-discharge end. Also provided are methods of using such apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Greencentaire, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7726136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MooBella, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Baxter, Steven A. Lowe, Paul R. Kateman, Charles S. Brunner, John M. DeCarlo, Roderick H. Beaulieu, Christopher T. Zirps, Jennie Kwo
  • Patent number: 7726137
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a user to change a filter dryer of a refrigerant recovery unit having a refrigerant determining module that is configured to determine a condition of the refrigerant or an amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter dryer, or a condition of the filter dryer, an alert device that notifies the user to change the filter dryer in response to the condition, a pressure module that regulates the pressure in the filter dryer, and a pressure-sensing device that is configured to detect a change of pressure in response to filter dryer maintenance. The refrigerant recovery unit is disabled from recovering refrigerant when the refrigerant determining module determines that the filter dryer needs to be replaced, and it is activated in response to the change of pressure detected by the pressure-sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Bakker, Gary Murray
  • Patent number: 7726138
    Abstract: A water production system (1) for making potable water (7) in an environment of humid tropical air (6) and cold deep ocean water (8) comprising a heat exchanger (2), means for controlling (3) the volume of the deep ocean water (2) passing through the heat exchanger (2) based on the amount of heat absorbed by the heat exchanger (2) in the process of condensing water vapor (7a) from the humid air (6), and means for enhancing (4) the rate of at which water vapor (7a) is condensed including a positive air pressure dome (9) system for enhancing the humidity, condensation rate, and water quality, and a continuous coil (2a) disposed in the flow of humid air (6) to condense additional potable water (7), and means for vibrating (38) elements of the system to increase condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7726139
    Abstract: A cooling element with a sorbent material (4) which in vacuo can sorb a vaporous working medium that evaporates from a fluid working medium in an evaporator (29) and with a shut-off means which, up to the moment at which the cooling process is initiated, prevents the working medium vapor from flowing into the sorbent material (4), with the sorbent material (4) being sealed into a sorbent-containing pouch (22) which comprises a multilayer sheeting material which in turn comprises at least one metallic layer or one metallized layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ZEO-TECH Zeolith-Technolgie GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Maier-Laxhuber
  • Patent number: 7726140
    Abstract: A humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits. A hot gas re-heat circuit having a hot gas re-heat coil, an evaporator and a compressor, such as the evaporator and compressor utilized in one of the refrigerant circuits, is provided. The hot gas re-heat coil is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of the re-heat circuit. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas re-heat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity. During a second stage cooling operation using multiple refrigerant circuits and having a high cooling demand, the request for humidity control is suspended until completion of the second stage cooling demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Richard Rayburn, Stephen Blake Pickle, John Terry Knight, Stephen Wayne Bellah, Anthony W. Landers
  • Patent number: 7726141
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which can individually cool a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber by dividing a heat exchange region of an evaporator into a freezing chamber side region and a refrigerating chamber side region, forming individual circulation passages for supplying cool air from each region to the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber, and forming a freezing chamber fan and a refrigerating chamber fan on each circulation passage. Further, a method for controlling operation of the same is provided which can efficiently perform a cooling operation and reduce power consumption by effectively controlling the operations of each component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae-Seng Sim, Young-Hwan Ko, Jongmin Shin, Bong-Jun Choi, Jun-Hyeon Hwang, Young Jeong, Samchul Ha, Yunho Hwang
  • Patent number: 7726142
    Abstract: There is a need for a compact and high capacity HVAC system for a vehicle cab. This need is met by a roof enclosed HVAC system. The system includes a roof upper panel, a roof lower panel, a fresh air duct communicated with a fresh air inlet exposed to an exterior of the cab, a recirculation air duct communicated with a recirculation air inlet exposed to an interior of the cab, and a conditioned air duct communicated with an air outlet exposed to the interior of the cab. An HVAC unit is mounted between the roof upper and lower panels. The HVAC unit includes a fan unit, a heater unit and an evaporator unit. The heater and evaporator units are concentrically arranged around and surrounding the fan unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Eric Albert Keen
  • Patent number: 7726143
    Abstract: A glove box assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a storage bin, a dedicated climate controlled bin, and an air flow manifold. The air flow manifold is arranged to receive cooled air from a vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning unit and direct the flow of cooled air into the climate controlled bin for cooling the climate controlled bin independent of the storage bin. The air flow manifold is further arranged to draw cooled air from the heating ventilation and air conditioning unit upstream of a blend door when air conditioning is operating so as to provide cooled air to the climate controlled bin independent of a vehicle cabin temperature setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Calin Marginean, Richard Kukucka, Jeffrey I. Godshall, John Jezuit, Robert Dubiel, Leon J. Ozark, Jr., Ryan C. Nagode
  • Patent number: 7726144
    Abstract: A method of managing conditions in a data center comprises storing information relating to field replaceable unit thermal properties in at least one field replaceable unit non-volatile memory and generating information for real-time dynamic temperature mapping of the data center based on the field replaceable unit thermal property information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Thane M. Larson, Christopher G. Malone
  • Patent number: 7726145
    Abstract: A temperature control unit for an electronic component and a handler apparatus, which are excellent in responsibility during cooling and heating, is obtained. The temperature control unit for an electronic component includes a cooling cycle device having a refrigerant passage circulating through a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator; a thermally conductive block having an outer surface capable of coming in contact with the electronic component that is an object to be temperature-controlled, where an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface is placed opposite to the outer surface so as to be brought in contact with or apart from the evaporator; at least one first heater for heating the thermally conductive block; and a compressed air feeding circuit for feeding compressed air between facing surfaces of the evaporator and the thermally conductive block to part them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7726146
    Abstract: A refreshment bar includes one embodiment of a cooling or heating apparatus for food and/or beverage containers. The apparatus maintains a food or beverage container placed on one of the plates at a desired cold or hot temperature relative to the bar surface temperature and ambient temperature. The apparatus includes thermally conductive plates, for example stainless steel disks, positioned in recesses such that the upper surfaces of the plates are coplanar with the top surface of the bar, thereby providing a level surface. A thermal exchanger system is used to cool or heat the plates. The system includes a reservoir containing a thermal element and a thermal transfer fluid. The reservoir is located adjacent the lower surface of the bar top. The plates are thermally coupled to the thermal transfer fluid and thermal element, thereby cooling or heating the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: HCR, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Yeagy, Hal Yeagy, John Conover
  • Patent number: 7726147
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storing unit for storing vegetables; a light emitting unit for irradiating light onto the vegetables stored in the storing unit to promote photosynthesis of the vegetables; an input unit for receiving an operation instruction on whether the light emitting unit is to be turned on or off; a timer for detecting a current time to output current time information; and a control unit for controlling the light emitting unit in response to the operation instruction. If the operation instruction requests that the light emitting unit be off, the control unit controls the light emitting unit to be off; and if otherwise, the control unit controls the light emitting unit to be on or off depending on the current time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kee Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 7726148
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Dean A. Martin, Chad J. Rotter
  • Patent number: 7726149
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator which can perform direct cooling of circulating cool air by natural convection in a freezing chamber (F) and a refrigerating chamber (R), and which can selectively perform indirect cooling of circulating cool air by forcible convection in the refrigerating chamber. It is like that, frost or condensed water formed in the refrigerating chamber (R) of the direct cooling type refrigerator does not Influence the inside of the refrigerating chamber. In addition, the refrigerator efficiently performs a defrosting operation of the refrigerating chamber (R), sanitarily performs a cooling operation, and maintains uniform cooling performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Hee Kang, Deok-Hyun Youn, Su-Won Lee, Jong-Min Shin, Jung-Wook Bae
  • Patent number: 7726150
    Abstract: An ejector cycle device includes a compressor, a refrigerant radiator, an ejector having a nozzle part and a refrigerant suction port, and a branch passage for introducing refrigerant branched on an upstream side of the nozzle part of the ejector in a refrigerant flow into the refrigerant suction port. Furthermore, a first evaporator is arranged on a downstream side of the ejector in the refrigerant flow, and a second evaporator is arranged in the branch passage. In addition, in the ejector cycle device, a refrigerant flow rate ratio (?) of a flow rate of refrigerant flowing in the second evaporator to a flow rate of refrigerant discharged from the compressor is set within a range from 0.07 or more to 0.93 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nishijima, Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Etsuhisa Yamada, Makoto Ikegami, Hiroshi Oshitani
  • Patent number: 7726151
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of a working fluid in an evaporator of a refrigeration system by providing a constant volumetric displacement compressor and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the high pressure and low pressure portions of a refrigeration circuit to superheat, and hold substantially constant, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor. In doing this, the pressure of the refrigerant in the low pressure portion of the circuit, including the evaporator, and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant remain substantially constant. As a result, the temperature of the saturated refrigerant in the evaporator remains substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Dan M Manole
  • Patent number: 7726152
    Abstract: A releasable and separable magnetic clasp for a body-part encircling article of jewelry, such as a bracelet or necklace, or the article of jewelry itself comprising such clasp, the main body of the article being of semi-rigid, non-articulated construction and having an inherently curved configuration, and composed of one or more cables, braids or bundled wires or fibers. The clasp comprises a pair of ferrules joined to the main body. The ferrules are axially curved to match the inherent curve of the main body. A curved insertion member having a first magnet extends from one of the ferrules and is received by a bore present in the other ferrule, and a second magnet or magnetically receptive metal member is disposed within the bore, such that with the two ferrules joined the first magnet abuts the second magnet or metal member in order to maintain the clasp in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Guy Beard
  • Patent number: 7726153
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass particle deposited body in which a taper portion formed at an end portion of the glass particle deposited body is reduced without increasing the number of burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ooishi, Motonori Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishihara, Tatsuro Sakai
  • Patent number: 7726154
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing single microlenses or an arrays of microlenses composed of a glass-type material, in which method a first substrate is provided with a surface containing impressions over which a second substrate composed of a glass-type material is placed at least partially overlapping it and is joined therewith under vacuum conditions. The substrate composite is tempered in such a manner that the second substrate softens and flows into the impressions of the first substrate, thereby structuring the side of the second substrate facing away from the first substrate in order to form at least one microlens surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Hans Joachim Quenzer, Peter Merz, Uwe Bott
  • Patent number: 7726155
    Abstract: This invention involves apparatus and methods for making fibers by passing a molten material like glass, polymer, etc. through orifices or tips in a fiberizing bushing and then cooling the molten material coming from the tips and newly formed fibers using cooling tubes. The cooling tubes are made from precious metals and various alloys comprising precious metals, nickel and one or more of titanium, chromium, molybdenum, etc. The one or more fins attached to the top surface of a hollow tube to make the cooling tubes contain spaced apart gaps, notches and/or slots extending from the top edge of the fin to prevent warping of the fins and to make the cooling tube more bendable, adjustable during the operation of making fibers from molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Terry Joe Hanna, Thomas K. Thompson, Walter Alexander Johnson, Russell Donovan Arterburn
  • Patent number: 7726156
    Abstract: Proposed is a sinker (2) provided with a region (23) of reduced thickness on its working part (9). As a result, a clearance space is created on at least one side of the sinker (2). This clearance space makes it possible to reduce the distance between the sinker (2) and the latch needle (3) or to reduce the wear between these two elements. The clearance space furthermore does not change the distance between the sinker and the latch needle on the other side of the sinker. The sinker (2) according to the invention preferably has a clearance space on both sides, so that this sinker can be used in circular knitting machines which are designed for both rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Bob Hagens, Uwe Stingel
  • Patent number: 7726157
    Abstract: A clothing managing apparatus is provided. In the clothing managing apparatus, a panel coupling protrusion (130) has a plurality of sub protrusions (131, 132) for supporting a control panel (150) in different directions, and protrusions coupling hole portion (160) receives the panel coupling protrusion (130). A holder (120) can be provided to support the control panel (150) and a top cover (100). The holder (12) includes one portion (123) coupled to the control panel (150) and the other portion (122) coupling to the top cover (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Gyu Lim, Jae Cheol Lyu
  • Patent number: 7726158
    Abstract: A damper pin in a drum type washing machine is disclosed. The present invention includes a cabinet forming an exterior of the drum type washing machine, a tub provided within the cabinet, a damper having one end connected to the tub and the other end rotatably connected to the cabinet, a damper pin rotatably joining the damper to the cabinet to have prescribed elasticity, and an elastic member provided within the damper pin. Therefore, the present invention prevents the damper pin from being loosened for duration, thereby reducing noise and abrasion in driving the drum type washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong No Yoon, Bong Sang Lee, Sung Rak Gong, Bo Yeon Kim, Seong Yeol Lee, Dae Hee Kwon
  • Patent number: 7726159
    Abstract: A work table for an automatic machine for cutting leathers and the like, includes a plurality of holes opening outwards and communicating with a vacuum source, to make portions of leathers to adhere to the active surface (3) of the work table (1). The work table (1) includes a central body (1a), supported by a fixed structure (2). At least one lateral portion (1h, 1j), connected to the fixed structure (2), is moved by first motion means (10h, 10j) between at least one work configuration (K1), in which its active surface (3h, 3j) is aligned with the active surface (3a) of the central body (1a), to define the active surface (3) of the work table (1), and a rest configuration (K2) of reduced dimension, in which the active surfaces (3a, 3h, 3j) of the central body (1a) and the lateral portion (1h, 1j) are arranged at an angle with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Teseo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Gallucci
  • Patent number: 7726160
    Abstract: An automatic cycle storage system comprising a plurality of cycles, each of which carries a locking member designed to be received in a keeper of a locking station. Each cycle includes an anti-theft cycle lock which, when it is in the position in which it immobilizes the cycle, prevents the cycle from being locked to a locking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: JCDecaux SA
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gagosz, Emmanuel Zeferino
  • Patent number: 7726161
    Abstract: A key including a retractable shaft mounted pivotably with respect to a case forming an operating head of the key, between a retracted position in which the shaft extends in a substantially longitudinal direction inside a housing of the case, and a deployed position in which the shaft extends outside the case. The shaft has a first end forming a heel by which the shaft is pivoted about a vertical pivot axis orthogonal to the axis of the shaft. The key includes a drive mechanism for driving the shaft toward one of the retracted position or the deployed operating position. The drive mechanism includes a resiliently deformable element, which exerts a resilient force to return the shaft toward the retracted or deployed position, according to the angular position of the shaft with respect to an intermediate position of the shaft between the deployed position and the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Louis Canard, Hervé Calor
  • Patent number: 7726162
    Abstract: Method wherein a) a container (1, 6) is placed in a two halves mould (2) having an internal shaped wall (21), b) an internal pressure P of a fluid is build up so as to shape the skirt (12), is characterized in that an external pressure P?of a fluid is applied in an upper space (101) contiguous to an external or upper surface (100) of the open top end (10) and/or in a lower space (141) contiguous to an external or lower surface (140) of the shaped bottom end (14), so as to have, during the span of time ?t, a pressure difference ?P|P?P?1 low enough to prevent any distortion of the shaped open top end (10) and/or the shaped bottom end (14), so as to form a shaped metallic container (1?, 6?). An apparatus for carring out the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Impress Group B.V.
    Inventors: Guy Druesne, Cornelis Verboom
  • Patent number: 7726163
    Abstract: A rolling monoblock comprises: a first block (B1) of rolling stands (G1-Gm) and a second block (B2) of rolling stands (Gm+1-Gn). According to the invention, an annular path (A) of cooling of the rolled section (11) is foreseen between the two blocks (B1, B2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Vai Metals Technologies S.R.L.
    Inventor: Roberto Formentin
  • Patent number: 7726164
    Abstract: An arrangement in connection with supporting a press roll which press roll includes a support shaft extending through a rotating roll shell in the axial direction and being supported using at least one bearing element in at least one bearing point to a support frame, such as a bearing block, and which arrangement includes a torque support for preventing the rotation of the support shaft. At least one torque support has been arranged to at least one of the bearing points inside a bearing housing or equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Vaahto Oy
    Inventor: Erkki Aho
  • Patent number: 7726165
    Abstract: The present invention provides a necking system including a plurality of necking dies each necking dies having an at least partially non-polished necking surface and a non-polished relief following the necking surface. The present invention further provides a method of necking an metal container including providing an metal blank; shaping the blank into a bottle stock; and necking the metal bottle stock, wherein necking includes at least one necking die having an at least partially non-polished necking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Myers, Anthony Fedusa, Robert E. Dick
  • Patent number: 7726166
    Abstract: A multi-step press system includes a press that consists of a press frame, a table provided on the press frame and a ram provided above the table for making movement in a Z-axis direction. The table has a standby station into which workpieces are loaded one by one and a plurality of press-forming stations in which the workpieces are sequentially press-formed. The system further includes a press die set consisting of a lower die attached to the table and an upper die attached to the ram. The lower die and the upper die are adapted to simultaneously press-form the workpieces placed in the press-forming stations. On one side of the press, there is provided a destacker for periodically loading the workpieces into the standby station. A transfer feeder is provided between the table and the ram for simultaneously picking up and transferring the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: GNS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon-Gyu Kong
  • Patent number: 7726167
    Abstract: A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements (24) arranged in an array, each element being supported on a cross rail (22) and being moveable relative to the other elements in the array. Each element terminates in a threaded support post (25) extending from a first end of the element, and is associated with a corresponding internally threaded aperture in the cross rail upon which the element is supported. The tooling system further comprises an adjusting component in the form of a fork (46) which is driveable in rotation and engageable with an element of the array to drive the element in rotation, upon rotation of the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Surface Generation, Ltd
    Inventor: Ben John Halford