Patents Issued in June 28, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010005070
    Abstract: A transport truck that can be used to safely move various articles of furniture, including heavy stacks of differently configured chairs from one location to another. The transport truck includes specially configured article support members and assemblies that can be affixed to the base of the transport truck to safely transport various kinds of furniture from auditoriums, conference rooms and like to storage areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald B. Kemnitzer
  • Publication number: 20010005071
    Abstract: A frame for skates comprising two bases for supporting a shoe and two blades for the axial support of wheels. At least two contact surfaces for mutual adhesive bonding are formed between the bases and the blades and are arranged on different planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Roberto Gorza, Luca Bertolo, Andrea Brait
  • Publication number: 20010005072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a glide board having at least one entropy-elastic inlay arranged at any position on the glide board between its top layer and the layers thereunder. In accordance with the invention, the region of the surface beneath which the entropy-elastic inlay is disposed in raised with respect to the remaining glide board surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Johann Heitzmann
  • Publication number: 20010005073
    Abstract: A wheelchair having a seat and a plurality of wheels for rolling the wheelchair along a ground surface. A plurality of legs are provided for supporting the seat. Each of the legs is positioned between the seat and one of the wheels. A plurality of struts are also provided. Each of the struts couples a first of the legs to a second of the legs. Each of the legs bears only compressive force in supporting the seat, and each of the struts bears only tensile force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Oong Choi, Fred E. Ingle
  • Publication number: 20010005074
    Abstract: A vehicle seat that detects a child restraint apparatus, which is attached to the seat by a seat belt, for operation of an air bag. A first load sensor is attached to one side of the seat to detect load and generate a first detection value. A second load sensor is attached to the seat at an opposite side of the seat to detect load and generate a second detection value. A control unit is connected to the first and second load sensors and determines whether the child restraint apparatus is present based on the first and second detection values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Morio Sakai, Kazunori Sakamoto, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Osamu Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20010005075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a gas bag module which has a front side, a side face and a rear side. The gas bag module further comprises a pot-shaped module cover having a first peripheral wall and an accommodation housing having a second peripheral wall. The module cover and the accommodation housing define a space for accommodating a gas bag as part of the module. The first and second peripheral walls are connected with each other by a latching connection and at least one of the peripheral walls defines the side face. A mounting body for the gas bag module in the form of a hub pot of a vehicle steering wheel is provided. The mounting body is disposed so close to the side face that it laterally supports the laterally outer one of the first and second peripheral walls upon opening of the gas bag module and secures the latching connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20010005076
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for assembling a pressure pipe to an oil pump in a power steering system, for allowing the pressure pipe to guide oil discharged from the oil pump to a power boosting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Won-Jin OH
  • Publication number: 20010005077
    Abstract: Padlocks adapted for one-handed operation are disclosed. Typically having a laterally asymmetric shackle, the lock includes an arm connected thereto so as to pivot when the locking mechanism is disengaged. A spring or other component facilitates latching of the device by biasing the arm toward an exposed end of the shackle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: L. Hanson Luquire
  • Publication number: 20010005078
    Abstract: A door lock apparatus has a handle switch (31), which is placed in the on condition when an actuator member for opening and closing a back door is operated, an open switch (16), which is placed in the on condition when the door is closed to within a prescribed closure range, a drive circuit, which is formed so as to drive a door lock disengaging motor (25) when both the handle switch (31) and the open switch (16) are in the on condition, and a self-holding circuit holding a condition in which the drive circuit is formed and, in response to the open switch going into to off condition, releasing the condition in which the drive circuit is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Fukushima, Noboru Takamura, Shigenori Taga, Jun Yamagishi
  • Publication number: 20010005079
    Abstract: An output mechanism includes a closing lever adapted to rotate from a neutral position in two opening and closing directions when a motor is allowed to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise and to rotate a latch from a half-latched position to a full-latched position when rotating in the closing direction and having an engagement portion at a free end portion thereof, and an opening lever having an engagement arm adapted to rotate from a waiting position to an open position by the engagement portion when the closing lever rotates from the neutral position thereof in the opening direction and to allow the engagement portion to move idly after having reached the open position and an opening portion adapted to release the engagement of a locking plate with the latch by virtue of the rotation of the engagement arm. The motor, the opening lever and the closing lever are fixed to and secured pivotally to a base plate secured to a lock main body, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: OHI SEISAKUSHO CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Noboru Takamura
  • Publication number: 20010005080
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch device comprises a one-motion door opening mechanism transmitting an opening movement of an inside open handle both to a lock lever and to a ratchet, an free-play type antitheft member, and a clutch mechanism provided between the one-motion mechanism and the inside open handle. The clutch mechanism is so connected to the antitheft member that the clutch mechanism is displaced to an uncoupling state where it does not transmit the opening movement to the one-motion mechanism when the antitheft member is changed over to a antitheft position, and that the clutch mechanism is displaced to a coupling state where it transmits the opening movement to the one-motion mechanism when the antitheft member is changed over to an antitheft cancelled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Jiro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20010005081
    Abstract: A trunk lid latch device comprises a latch unit and a striker. The latch unit has a latch engageable with the striker, a ratchet for keeping engagement between the latch and the striker, and an open lever for releasing the ratchet from the latch. An emergency knob formed of a luminous material is coupled to the open lever and accessible from inside the trunk room. The emergency knob is disposed inside a frame member of a trunk lid or a vehicle body so as not to protrude into the trunk room. The emergency knob comprises a printed symbol that suggests an opening of the trunk lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Hirofumi Watanabe, Miki Ogino
  • Publication number: 20010005082
    Abstract: The invention proposes a handle for an automobile door comprising a cam (38) and an actuation lever (44) that are connected in rotation and installed free to pivot around an axis (A2) of the handle support (14) parallel to the axis (A1) of the operating lever (16), and in that the operating lever (16) comprises a drive pin (24) that cooperates with a control surface (42) of the cam (38), such that in the unlocking query position, the actuation lever (44) actuates the unlocking, switching device (34), and in the locking query position the actuation lever (44) actuates the locking switching device (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Bogdan Suparschi
  • Publication number: 20010005083
    Abstract: In a vehicle ceiling-mounting electric equipment assembly of the invention, an FPC (12) is welded by heat to a casing (11) of a lamp unit (2), and an FFC (16) for external connection is electrically connected to the FPC (12) by press-clamping or welding. Switches (13) and lamp socket holes (14a) are provided at the FPC (12). An end portion of the FPC (12) is folded to be inserted into a fitting portion (11a) of a recess-shape in which an optional member (26) can be mounted, and a circuit pattern is exposed to a side surface of the fitting portion (11a) to form a connection portion. Therefore, the compact, lightweight design can be achieved, and parts, such as a connector, are unnecessary, thus reducing the number of the component parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Serizawa, Atsuyoshi Yamagushi, Keizo Nishitani
  • Publication number: 20010005084
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components, as well as is capable of receiving a plurality of components required to be mounted on a door of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the module is used to provide a support capable of supporting a plurality of tailgate components, such as a windshield wiper motor, electric door latches and illumination system for illuminating a license plate, stop light and even a cargo area of the vehicle. The system and method provide a module platform having an integrally-molded handle which permits an operator to pick up the module with its various components integrally-molded in or mounted thereon and situate the module directly onto the door, thereby substantially reducing the number of assembly steps and assembly time required in the past.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziani
  • Publication number: 20010005085
    Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip, such that the ramp lip acts as an extension of the ramp and is positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates “bottoming out” of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Cordell Eric Bauer
  • Publication number: 20010005086
    Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by movement along a track to which the trunk linkage is connected. The retractable hard top linkage includes a pivot bracket that is movable within the top guide track to limit the clearance necessary for folding the hard top into a stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: CTS FAHRZEUG-DACHSYSTEME GmbH
    Inventor: Frank G. Neubrand
  • Publication number: 20010005087
    Abstract: A means and method for protecting a windshield from damage and therefore the development of cracks due to stone or other impact on windshields around the peripheral area. An impact resistant barrier is placed around the periphery of the windshield. The barrier is preferably a clear polymeric film, but could be opaque, rubber, plastic or metal. The barrier is placed on the glass surface and in contact adjacent to the windshield molding. The width of the barrier is selected to eliminate the higher incidence of damage to the peripheral area. The barrier can be combined with a sunlight blocking ingredient to reduce degeneration of urethane which is used in mounting the windshield to the vehicle. A kit can be assembled with the elements needed to place the barrier on a windshield. The barrier can be applied in fluid form which achieves a film. The barrier can extend not only over the front surface, but also over the edge surface and the back surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Campfield, Timothy Evans
  • Publication number: 20010005088
    Abstract: A pivot rod connection interface cover for covering the connection interface of a sun visor pivot rod which protects occupants from head impact injury in the event of a crash, yet allows the sun visor to both pivot and rotate in a fully normal and familiar manner. The pivot rod connection interface cover is composed of a base member and a cover member rotatively connected thereto. The base member is affixed to the roof of the vehicle and preferably serves as a pivot rod support which allows rotation of the pivot rod with respect to the roof. The cover member has a preferably hemispherical dome shape that snappingly engages the base member so as to be rotatable therewith and receives therewithin the pivot rod connection interface (ie., including the elbow). Preferably, but not necessarily, internal to the cover member are left and right guide walls which serve as crush features, as well as assistance to guiding the pivot rod therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: William J. Hennessey
  • Publication number: 20010005089
    Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: CTS FAHRZEUG-DACHSYSTEME GmbH
    Inventor: Frank G. Neubrand
  • Publication number: 20010005090
    Abstract: The invention relates to an unlocking device for a vehicle convertible top, comprising a handle for actuating the unlocking device, and at least one locking hook which locks the vehicle convertible top and is operatively connected to the handle by means of an actuating arrangement, a signal generator being provided which detects the position of the handle and which generates a signal when the handle is shifted by a predetermined extent, and the signal causing a catch to be released, preventing further shifting of the handle beyond the predetermined extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Franz Haberl, Michael Rauscher, Johann Fischer
  • Publication number: 20010005091
    Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle has a body frame; a driver's seat disposed on the body frame; a load-carrying platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, the load-carrying platform disposed behind the driver's seat; a cabin frame having a rear portion and surrounding the driver's seat. The cabin frame is disposed in front of the load-carrying platform. The rear portion includes a lower end which is positioned on a level below the load-carrying platform and a middle portion which is located on a middle level in a vertical direction within the rear portion. The lower end of the rear portion is joined to the body frame. The middle portion of the rear portion is bound by the front end portion of the load-carrying platform in an easily separable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumio Mizuta, Sosuke Kinouchi, Itsuo Takegami
  • Publication number: 20010005092
    Abstract: An operator's cab in a construction machine in which hollow pillar portions are formed each with an outer panel and an inner panel bonded to each other and the hollow pillar portions constitute an operator's cab frame, includes at least one reinforcement member constituted of thin plate that is bonded to the outer panel and/or the inner panel to divide an internal space of each of the hollow pillar portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sakyo, Toichi Hirata, Kazuhisa Tamura, Jun Sonoda, Takashi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20010005093
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part with at least one guide rail, which is to be secured to the roof. An adjustable closure panel is supported by a mechanism which is capable of sliding movement in the guide rail. The closure panel can be adjusted between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it at least partially releases the roof opening. The guide rail is provided with an adjustable cover, which can be adjusted synchronously with the movements of the mechanism, or can be made deformable locally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs
  • Publication number: 20010005094
    Abstract: A chair has a seat (4) and a backrest (5) which are independently pivotable within limits at extremities. The seat is biassed upwardly at the front and the backrest is biassed forwardly. The seat and the backrest have a common pivot joint (8), under the centre of gravity of the occupant. There are no occupant-operated controls as the chair responds automatically to the posture of the occupant, providing full support at all relative positions of the seat and the backrest in a balanced manner for occupants of a wide range of weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: William John Hancock
  • Publication number: 20010005095
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, part of the seat structure has a frame which encloses a construction space within which a module for optionally receiving subassemblies is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: RECARO GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Karschin, Peter Bertenburg
  • Publication number: 20010005096
    Abstract: In a seat back frame formed by attaching a spring unit to a frame body, the spring unit is easily attached to the frame without performing caulking. A projecting hooked portion is formed in one side of the spring unit, and an insertion hole that receives the hooked portion therein is provided in the frame. Thus, the hooked portion is inserted into the insertion hole and hooked at a position on the rear surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: ARACO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetaka Nagayasu, Masayuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20010005097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat portion, a seat pan integrated in the seat portion and a viscous mass arranged within the seat pan, wherein the viscous mass is activable to form a ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Heilig, Thomas Herpich
  • Publication number: 20010005098
    Abstract: A hub body including two lateral flanges having buttonhole-shaped borings provided for hooking the spokes with a large cross-section portion and a small cross-section portion. Each of the flanges includes an approximately axial barrel extended by a disk, and that the large cross-section portion is located in the area of the disk, and the small cross-section portion is located in the area of the barrel. The small cross-section portion is located at the base of the large cross-section portion, with reference to the direction in which the spoke exerts a traction on the flange when it is mounted and tensioned. The invention also relates to a hub as well as a bicycle spoke wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.
    Inventor: Herve Pont
  • Publication number: 20010005099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rim, spokes and a complete wheel, especially a cycle wheel, including such a rim and such spokes. The rim has a plurality of through holes demarcated by a chimney obtained by backflow. A threaded insert is housed in these openings. The end of the spoke includes a joining piece affixedly connected to the end of the spoke, a tension adjusting screw mounted to rotate freely on this side of the joining piece, and extended by a coupling sleeve with a tightening tool. The joining piece is provided to slide within the insert, and the screw is tightened within the joining piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A., Saint Trivier sur Moignans, FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Alban Minville
  • Publication number: 20010005100
    Abstract: A brake system includes first brake assist means arranged in a first brake circuit to increase a first wheel cylinder pressure to a level higher than a master cylinder pressure. The brake system further includes second brake assist means arranged in a second brake circuit to increase a second wheel cylinder pressure to a level higher than the master cylinder pressure. The second brake assist means includes a brake regulator mechanism that uses the increased first wheel cylinder pressure as a pilot pressure and adjusts the increased second wheel cylinder pressure to a pressure falling within a predetermined range from the increased first wheel cylinder pressure when the first brake assist means is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Masahiko Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20010005101
    Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the calculated vehicle body slip angular velocity, the front wheel steering wheel angle correcting section (33) corrects the actual steering angle. On the basis of the detected actual yaw rate, the detected vehicle speed, and the corrected actual steering angle, the target yaw moment calculating section (34) calculates a target yaw moment. On the other hand, the braked wheel selecting section (36) selects a braked wheel. Further, on the basis of the target yaw moment, the target braking force calculating section (35) calculates a target braking force to be applied to the braked wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20010005102
    Abstract: A passenger protection device of an automobile is triggered when a testable acceleration switch supplies a switch signal and an electrically controlled switching device is actuated by a control circuit depending on a collision. Actuation of the switching device is prevented on a triggering circuit side by a blocking device so that the passenger protection device is not triggered as a result of faulty control switching during testing of the acceleration switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Ludwig Riederer, Claus Schmidt, Marten Swart
  • Publication number: 20010005103
    Abstract: A light deflecting electric motor includes a stator assembly including a base, a fixed shaft fixed to the base and a stator mounted on the base, a rotor assembly including a rotating member rotatably mounted on a plurality of bearings further mounted on the fixed shaft, a polygon mirror mounted on the rotating member and a rotor mounted on the rotating member, the rotor assembly having a center of gravity located between the bearings, and a balancing plane provided in the vicinity of a plane which is generally perpendicular to a center of rotation of the rotor assembly and passes the center of gravity of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20010005104
    Abstract: The invention provides a stator for a dynamo-electric machine capable of preventing deterioration of efficiency. In the stator for dynamo-electric machine of which rotor is disposed inside the stator, a stator core 11 comprises: an inside ring core 9 formed annularly by laminating plate-type magnetic members in which a plurality of teeth are provided on one side of a yoke portion, disposing coils 8 in slots each formed between the teeth, bending the plate-type magnetic members so that the coils 8 are located inside, and bringing two end faces into contact with each other; and an outside ring core 10, being made of magnetic members and formed cylindrical in shape, which is fitted on outside of the inside ring 9 and holds the inside ring core 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Yuuji Nakahara, Naohiro Oketani, Katsumi Adachi, Akira Morishita, Hiroshi Matsui, Tsuyoshi Takahashi, Takushi Takizawa, Yoshihito Asao
  • Publication number: 20010005105
    Abstract: A self-excited reluctance motor capable of driving a motor with a commutator and without having to use a commutator logic for power electric circuit. The self-excited reluctance motor includes a stator having a plurality of stator poles respectively wound by wires of different phases; a rotator having a plurality of rotator poles formed on an outer circumference thereof, the rotator rotatably inserted in the stator; and a commutator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: You-young Choe
  • Publication number: 20010005106
    Abstract: An electromechanical machine includes a stator fixed with respect to a housing structure and a rotor fixed with respect to a driven shaft. The stator includes a magnetically permeable core having a plurality of parallel winding slots containing conductive windings. Coilheads are located at opposite axial ends of the magnetically permeable core where the windings turn to extend down a parallel winding slot. The motor is equipped with an electrostatic shield arrangement to reduce capacitive coupling between the stator and rotor during operation. The shield arrangement comprises a grounded conductive layer separated from the conductive windings of the stator by an insulative layer of cured resin material. Preferably, the conductive layer may be formed of a conductive paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Sidney Bell
  • Publication number: 20010005107
    Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer driving circuit comprises a piezoelectric transformer which boosts an input voltage to obtain a voltage required in igniting a cold cathode tube, a restart circuit which detects the voltage output from said piezoelectric transformer and allows said piezoelectric transformer to repeatedly output a high voltage required in initially igniting said cold cathode tube, a PWM controller which allows said piezoelectric transformer to intermittently output a voltage in order to adjust the brightness of said cold cathode tube, and a stopping unit which stops the control operation of said PWM controller when restart circuit is operative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Masaaki Totsuka, Kachiyasu Satoh, Takahiro Inokuchi, Toshihiro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20010005108
    Abstract: An electrically driven signal unit is adapted for one-step assembly or injection molding with a device housing to vibrate, flex, beep or emit audio signals, or to sense and provide tactile feedback or control. The signal unit is a package with one or more active areas each containing a layer of ferroelectric or piezoelectric material, connected by inactive areas which may position, align and conduct electricity to the active areas. The active areas may be coupled over a region to transmit compressional, shear or flexural wave energy into the housing, or may contact at discrete regions while bending or displacing elsewhere to create inertial disturbances or impulses which are coupled to create a tactile vibration of the housing. The unit may be assembled such that the housing, the sheet or discrete areas thereof form a bender to provide tactile or sub-auditory signals to the user, or may be dimensioned, attached and actuated to produce audio vibration in the combined structure and constitute a speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Erik Saarmaa, Kenneth B. Lazarus, Charles Van Hoy, Richard Perkins, Mark Beauregard
  • Publication number: 20010005109
    Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is disclosed in which lateral consumption of an electrode tip arising in the vicinity of a joined portion formed through welding is suppressed and which maintains excellent performance over a long period of time. The spark plug includes a center electrode which extends in the axial direction and is composed of a body and an electrode whose root end is joined to the end face of the body. The distance between a joined portion of the body and the electrode tip and the face of a free end of the electrode tip is at least 0.15 mm, particularly at least 0.2 mm. A diametral dimension of the electrode tip measured at a position located at the interface between the electrode tip and the joined portion and nearest to the free end of the electrode tip is at least 0.2 mm, particularly at least 0.25 mm, greater than a diametral dimension of the electrode tip measured at the free end. The depth of the joined portion is preferably not less than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Wataru Matsutani
  • Publication number: 20010005110
    Abstract: A method for forming an emitter tip for use in a field emission device. An emitter layer is provided over a substrate. The emitter layer is overlaid with a blanket dielectric which is in turn overlaid by a masking layer. In a first etching operation, a masking island and an underlying dielectric island are formed from the masking layer and the blanket dielectric, respectively. These islands serve as a masking structure during subsequent etching processes by which an emitter tip is formed from the emitter layer. Accordingly, a second etching operation is conducted, whereby an etch chemistry which exhibits both isotropic and anisotropic characteristics is used to remove a portion of the emitter layer by undercutting beneath the masking structure. A third etching operation is conducted, wherein the etch chemistry is substantially more anisotropic than the etch chemistry of the second etching operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Terry N. Williams
  • Publication number: 20010005111
    Abstract: An electron field emission device is provided by placing a substrate in a reactor, heating the substrate and supplying a mixture of hydrogen and a carbon-containing gas at a concentration of about 8 to 13 per cent to the reactor while supplying energy to the mixture of gases near the substrate for a time to grow a first layer of carbon-based material to a thickness greater than about 0.5 micrometers, subsequently reducing the concentration of the carbon-containing gas and continuing to grow a second layer of carbon-based material, the second layer being much thicker than the first layer. The substrate is subsequently removed from the first layer and an electrode is applied to the second layer. The surface of the substrate may be patterned before growth of the first layer to produce a patterned surface on the field emission device. The device is free-standing and can be used as a cold cathode in a variety of electronic devices such as cathode ray tubes, amplifiers and traveling wave tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Donald E. Patterson, Keith D. Jamison
  • Publication number: 20010005112
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to efficiently concentrate an electric field and to improve electron emission efficiency in a field emission cathode constituting a flat display device. A field emission cathode constituting a flat display device is constituted to have an electron emission section arranged to face an electron applied surface. At least the electron emission section is formed out of conductive, thin plate-like fine particles. A substance having a work function of 2 to 3 [eV] is bonded on the surfaces of the thin plate-like fine particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Saito, Kouji Inoue, Shinichi Tachizono, Takeshi Yamagishi
  • Publication number: 20010005113
    Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube apparatus has a compensation mechanism for generating a magnetic field that compensates a change in a horizontal-deflection magnetic field due to a change in the temperature of horizontal-deflection coils. The compensation mechanism is formed of auxiliary coils to which a current is supplied in synchronism with horizontal deflection of electron beams, and a control element for controlling the current supplied to the auxiliary coils in accordance with a change in the temperature of the horizontal-deflection coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Yutaka Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20010005114
    Abstract: A resonant microcavity display (20) having microcavity with a substrate (25), a phosphor active region (50) and front and rear reflectors (30 and 60). The front and rear reflectors may be spaced to create either a standing or treaveling eledtromagnetic wave to enhance the efificenty of the light transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Jacobsen, Steven M. Jaffe, Hergen Eilers, Michieal L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010005115
    Abstract: A plasma display device comprises a discharge chamber (11, 22), and electrodes (3, 4, 8, 24, 25). The electrodes are covered by a dielectric layer (5, 9, 22). Said dielectric layer comprises a metal oxide matrix comprising alkyl groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: U.S. PHILIPS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Johannes Maria Marcus Busio, Siebe Tjerk De Zwart, Henricus Albertus Maria Van Hal
  • Publication number: 20010005116
    Abstract: In a high intensity discharge lamp, at least one of an arc bend amount and an apparent width of arc is controlled by a simple configuration at low cost. A high intensity discharge lamp system 110 has a high intensity discharge lamp 111 and an operating circuit 113 for driving the high intensity discharge lamp 111. In the high intensity discharge lamp 111, a rare gas and a filling material 136 containing a metal halide as a light generating substance are enclosed in the arc tube 121 provided with a pair of electrodes 122a and 122b. The lamp system is disposed such that the line connecting the electrodes 122a and 122b is horizontal, and by applying a magnetic field having a vertical magnetic flux thereto and by varying the frequency of alternating current for driving the high intensity discharge lamp 111, at least one of an arc bend amount and an apparent width of arc can be easily controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takahashi, Makoto Horiuchi, Yuriko Kaneko, Hideaki Kiryu, Mamoru Takeda, Takayuki Murase, Ryo Minamihata
  • Publication number: 20010005117
    Abstract: A high-voltage discharge lamp has a bulb made of quartz glass, a pair of electrodes and molybdenum foils, wherein the pair of electrodes are arranged so as to oppose each other and are joined to respective ones of the molybdenum foils, and the bulb and molybdenum foils are hermetically sealed at seal portions of the bulb. The joints between the pair of electrodes and the respective molybdenum foils are covered by cylindrical members having slits on an outer surface and/or an inner surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Nishida, Yasushi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20010005118
    Abstract: A new and improved outdoor lighting control system for an outdoor lighting system network for automatically sensing, conveying, and recording data relevant to the operation of the lighting system network so that both control and maintenance can be performed more efficiently. At each of plural lamp locations in the network, there is a controller module that receives electric power input and that supplies electric power to the remaining lamp locations. Each controller module has a first relay to deliver current to one or more outdoor illumination lamps at the controller module's location, and a second relay for switching electric power on to a succeeding lamp location. A first current sensor monitors current to the lamps at each lamp location, and a second current sensor monitors current to the remaining locations. The network's power lines form portions of a bi-directional data link via which data is transmitted from each controller module to a command station, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Josef Levy
  • Publication number: 20010005119
    Abstract: In order to uniformly neutralize a large current and a large diameter ion beam so as to irradiate an ion beam having a reduced beam divergence on a process target, an ion beam processing apparatus comprises an ion source for producing a processing plasma, a processing chamber as a vacuum chamber for accommodating a process target, an extract electrode for extracting an ion beam so as to irradiate on said process target, an annular electrode disposed in said processing chamber for forming an annular magnetic field therein, through which said ion beam is irradiated on said process, and a wave guide for introducing microwave through an opening provided on a wall forming said processing chamber, into said annular magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ogura, Shotaro Ooishi, Isao Hashimoto, Satashi Ichimura