Patents Issued in August 9, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010011587
    Abstract: A cooling tunnel (1) includes a driven conveyor belt (4) being designed and arranged to support articles of candy (6) and to convey them through the cooling tunnel (1) in a moving direction (5). A treating region (11) for articles of candy (6) is surrounded by an insolating plate (9) and by a cover (10). An upper cooling unit (13) is arranged in a region above the conveyor belt (4). The upper cooling unit (13) includes a channel being designed and arranged for cooling air to flow therethrough. A bottom cooling unit (12) is arranged in a region below the conveyor belt (4). The bottom cooling unit (12) includes a cooling plate (14) being designed and arranged for cooling liquid to flow therethrough. The cooling plate (14) in the treating region (11) is designed and arranged to be spaced apart from the insolating plate (9) in a vertical direction. A free space (16) is formed between the cooling plate (14) and the insolating plate (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Sollich KG, Siemensstr.
    Inventor: Hans Heyde
  • Publication number: 20010011588
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprising a heatable component insulated by a heat insulating material, wherein the heat insulating material comprises a plurality of metal sheets that are spaced apart from each other by a separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: George T. Brown
  • Publication number: 20010011589
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: ALBERT AUGUSTUS MULLINS
  • Publication number: 20010011590
    Abstract: Pulsed power sources are installed in one or more wells in the reservoir interval. The pulse sources include (1) an electrohydraulic generator that produces an intense and short lived electromagnetic pulse that travels at the speed of light through the reservoir, and an acoustic pulse from the plasma vaporization of water placed around the source that propagates through the reservoir at the speed of sound in the reservoir and (2) an electromagnetic generator that produces only an intense and short lived electromagnetic pulse that travels at the speed of light through the reservoir. The combination of electrohydraulic and electromagnetic generators in the reservoir causes both the acoustic vibration and electromagnetically-induced high-frequency vibrations occur over an area of the reservoir where stimulation is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Sally A. Thomas, William W. Gilbert, Alan Royce Huffman
  • Publication number: 20010011591
    Abstract: The present invention provides an active downhole cutting tool guide device 14 for use in a hole 17 with sides between which a hole-cutting tool 15 mounted on a drill string and provided with said device may be disposed. The guide device 14 comprises at least one elongate longitudinally extending hole-side engagement member 20 mounted on a body 19 disposable, in use of the device, in-line with the drill string, so as to be movable relative to said body 19 between a retracted position and a radially outwardly displaced position for hole-side engagement. Each engagement member 20 has pressurised-fluid operable actuator means 24 formed and arranged for driving said hole-side engagement member 20 between its retracted and hole-aide engagement positions. The guide device 14 includes preasurised fluid supply means 28,18 formmed and arranged for controlling the supply of pressurised fluid to the actuator means 28,18 for operation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: HECTOR F. A. VAN-DRENTHAM SUSMAN, KENNETH R. STEWART
  • Publication number: 20010011592
    Abstract: A connection for oilfield use is disclosed. It features male and female components held together by dogs actuable through one of the members and into the other. Different configurations of the connections envision a built-in preload to the connection when made-up. This is accomplished by a cantilevered component at the extremity of one of the components of the connection. Alternatively, the preload feature can be incorporated into the dog or other locking assembly that holds the components of the connection together. The connection is particularly useful in subsea chokes which have a removable insert which can be mounted to or removed from the choke body which is located subsea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: GERALD BAKER
  • Publication number: 20010011593
    Abstract: A well completion system having a spool tree body defining a vertical bore extending therethrough. The vertical bore defines an annular recess adjacent to the lateral production fluid outlet port in the spool tree body. A tubing hanger is connected to the spool tree body. The tubing hanger defines a vertical production bore extending therethrough and has at least a lateral production fluid flow port. The tubing hanger is positioned within the vertical bore such that the lateral production fluid flow port in the tubing hanger is in flow communication with the lateral production fluid outlet port in the spool tree body. There is a removable plug that seals the vertical production bore extending through the tubing hanger above the lateral production fluid outlet port in the spool tree body. A stopper means seals the vertical bore extending through the spool tree body above the removable plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Lee Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20010011594
    Abstract: A protective device 104 for hoofed animals fabricated of a durable and flexible material is presented. The protective device 104 includes a base 106 and a wall 108, with the wall designed to enclose a hoof 100 of an animal such as a horse or cow. The protective device 104 includes a means for size adjustment 216 such as a sizing opening 214 in combination with a plurality of tread grooves 304, which assists in the adjustment of the size and shape of the hoof to fit a variety of hoofs. The protective device 104 preferably includes a shear-relief portion 302 formed such that the front of a hoof has minimal contact with the device 104. Ease of installation, decreased impact, and improved traction are all benefits provided by the protective device 104 disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: James England Clark, William E. Hart
  • Publication number: 20010011595
    Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. A secondary hitch mechanism is also provide to couple a second implement behind the forwardly folding tillage implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010011596
    Abstract: The invention concerns a high-frequency-shielded switchgear cabinet comprising a cabinet body which can be or is composed of wall elements and has at least one opening which can be closed by a cabinet door. Gaps formed in the cabinet body and between the cabinet body and door can be closed or sealed so as to be high-frequency-shielded by means of electrically and magnetically conductive sealing strips. In order to attain a corrosion-free switchgear cabinet which has a long service life and can be easily produced, the wall elements and cabinet door are made of aluminum-zinc-coated sheet metal and are provided at least in regions facing the gaps to be sealed without additional surface-protecting coverings. The sealing strips are directly connected to the untreated surface of the wall elements and/or cabinet door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: OSKAR ELM, WALTER NICOLAI, JURGEN SCHNAUBELT, MATTHIAS SCHULER
  • Publication number: 20010011597
    Abstract: A controller in which a dead space for wiring is reduced, its input-and-output response time is shortened, and miniaturization and cost reduction is ensured. A RS-232 connector connection unit (6) and a peripheral connector connection unit (7) are lowered than a projection (4) provided with displays (121 to 124) so that a cable connector does not exceed the projection (4) when the connector is mounted on the connector connection units (6) and (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: MASARU IMOTO
  • Publication number: 20010011598
    Abstract: A resin sealed electronic device has an electronic element (30), a first external lead (10) with an element placement pad (11) having a thickness t of less than 0.1 mm, and a second external lead (20), which is disposed at a distance from the element placement pad (11), the first external lead (10) being bent into an S shape, the bending depth d thereof being made at least the thickness t of the first external lead (10), and the thickness T of the sealing resin on the non-element side of the element placement pad (11) being made smaller than the bending depth d. The electronic element (30), part of the first external lead (10), and part of the second external lead (20) are sealed by a sealing resin(40). This structure provides a compact electronic device, the vertical, horizontal, and height dimensions of which are all under 1 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Matsushita Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kobayashi, Hideki Fukazawa, Satoshi Utsunomiya
  • Publication number: 20010011599
    Abstract: Joint between two electrical cables and protection element therefore. A joint between two electrical cables (1) having stripped end portions. The joint comprises electrical and mechanical connection means (2) connecting both end portions of the cables, a first electrical insulating sleeve (3) mounted on the connection means and the stripped end portions, a second sealing sleeve (4) surrounding the first sleeve (3) and extending on both sides of the first sleeve (3) on said cables (1), and a supplemental and impact-resistant protection element (5) surrounding at least both end portions of the second sleeve (4). The supplemental, impact-resistant protection element (5) comprises at least two layers (11,12): a hard external layer (11) to avoid initial cutting of the object causing the impact, and another layer (12) that is shock-absorbing at the inner side of the first layer (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: JO DE BUYST
  • Publication number: 20010011600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the electrically conducting contacting of an electrically conducting part of an outer surface of a tube, a cable, or the like, in particular a coaxial cable's outer conductor bared in sections. The device has a body (4) abutting the element to be contacted in the mounted position, said body (4) consisting at least partially of elastic material. According to the invention the elastic material of the body (4) contains at least one at least partially vulcanized ethylene-propylene rubber. The device (2) according to the invention can be produced simply and cost-effectively as well as being usable in a variety of ways, for example as a device provided with contact means for the electrically conducting contacting of an electrically conducting part of an, in particular oblong, for example essentially cylindrical, body, for example a tube or cable (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Britta Daume
  • Publication number: 20010011601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shielded bundles or harnesses of electrical conductors, provided with a metal shielding sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Thierry Jean-Pierre Renaud
  • Publication number: 20010011602
    Abstract: An electrical cable is described comprising a threadlike conductor, an insulator and a sheat. The cable according to the invention is characterized in that the outer surface of said sheat has some portions standing out with respect to an average line and portions which are below it. In particular, the portions standing out with respect to an average line and the portions which are below it define a plurality of longitudinal grooves. the cable according to the invention has many advantages over conventional cables such as a greater heat-loss capability, a greater flexibility, smaller overall dimensions and lower laying friction of the cable itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Bruno Vitolo
  • Publication number: 20010011603
    Abstract: The cable of the present invention has a plurality of flat cables each comprised of a plurality of ribbon-shaped conductors and an insulating covering layer covering the ribbon-shaped conductors. The plurality of flat cables are arranged closely in parallel and have adjoining side edges continuously or intermittently connected over predetermined lengths. The process of production of the present invention comprises feeding out a plurality of flat cables in one direction intermittently and transporting them intermittently in the closely arranged state, taking them up while continuously or intermittently heat bonding the adjoining side edges over predetermined lengths at the time of transport, and cutting them at predetermined timings. Due to this, it is possible to easily produce a cable at low cost without any discarded portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Ueno
  • Publication number: 20010011604
    Abstract: A head interconnect circuit for connecting transducer elements of a data head to drive circuitry including an alignment finger on a lead tip for aligning leads relative to connectors or solder pads for electrically connecting heads to drive circuitry. A method for connecting a head interconnect circuit to a printed circuit supported on an head actuator including aligning an alignment finger on the lead tip with a printed surface of a drive circuit for soldering leads on the lead tip to solder pads or connectors on the drive circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Kurt J. Korkowski, Kenneth R. Fastner, Adam K. Himes, Gregory P. Myers, Andrew R. Motzko
  • Publication number: 20010011605
    Abstract: An interposer for interconnection between microelectronic circuit panels has contacts at its surfaces. Each contact extends from a central conductor, and has a peripheral portion adapted to contract radially inwardly toward the central conductor response to a force applied by a contact pad defining a central hole on the engaged circuit panel. Thus, when the circuit panels are compressed with the interposers, the contacts contract radially inwardly and wipe across the pads. The wiping action facilitates bonding of the contacts to the pads, as by friction welding, or by a conductive bonding material carried on the contacts themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas H. Distefano, Joseph Fjelstad
  • Publication number: 20010011606
    Abstract: Invention refers to an electric component, preferably a component buried in a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including at least two conductive layers (13,21, 36; 15, 35) and an intermediate layer (14, 37). The intermediate layer (14, 37) further consists of at least two layers (16, 17, 22, 23, 38, 39, 40): at least a first layer (17, 23, 39) and a second layer (16, 22, 38, 40), which at least first layer has more elastic characteristic than the second layer (16, 22, 38, 40) at a certain temperature and/or pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: LEIF BERGSTEDT
  • Publication number: 20010011607
    Abstract: A multilayer thin-film wiring board includes a base material provided with a plurality of wiring layers and an insulating layer laminated on the base material, and includes a via formed by laminating the wiring layers so as to be provided through the insulating layer. A plurality of branching vias are provided by forming a plurality of branches in at least one of the wiring layers forming the via, the plurality of branching vias being placed along a direction of extension of the base material. The plurality of branching vias are joined to one of the plurality of wiring layers which is placed at a position closest to the base material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: KIYOKAZU MORIIZUMI, SHUNICHI KIKUCHI, NAOMI FUKUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20010011608
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a printed circuit board assembly comprising a via, wherein the method inhibits the flow of molten solder into the via during a wave soldering step, thereby preventing heat transfer that might otherwise degrade a solder joint at a top pad that is thermally coupled to the via. The method comprises the steps of: (1) fastening a bottom component to the bottom surface of the circuit board by a screening and reflow of solder paste that also generates a solder plug in the via; (2) fastening top components to the top surface of the circuit board by a screening and reflow of solder paste, wherein the top components comprise ball grid arrays and other surface mount devices that are to be affixed to pads which are connected to vias; and (3) wave soldering the bottom surface to affix additional components onto the circuit board, such as pin-in-hole components placed on the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Wesley M. Enroth, George D. Oxx, Jenny B. Porter
  • Publication number: 20010011609
    Abstract: This invention is in the field of Chemical vapor infiltration and Chemical vapor deposition (CVI/CVD). More specifically, this invention is directed to method and apparatus for weighing parts being subjected to the CVI/CVD process, during the process itself to indicate a weight change thereof. The process may be terminated or altered as desired based upon the weight gain information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: JAMES W. RUDOLPH
  • Publication number: 20010011610
    Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Donald Teal, Eugene Gary Hayes, David Lewis Marchese, Barry Joseph Goebert
  • Publication number: 20010011611
    Abstract: A chassis for commercial vehicles, comprises a rigid axle that is configured as a portal axle. A wheel is rotatably mounted at each end of the portal axle, and each wheel is driven by at least one electric wheel drive motor arranged substantially at a right angle to the portal axle. A gear drive is arranged in each case between the drive motor and the rim of the wheel. The housing of the drive motor and housing of the gear drive are joined nonpositively to one another, and the housings of the gear drives are mounted nonpositively to the portal axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: KLAUS-PETER POERSCHMANN
  • Publication number: 20010011612
    Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus formed from an engine, a generator, a differential gear mechanism linking the engine and the generator, an electric motor, and a differential apparatus. The power transmission system on the side of the engine that links the differential apparatus with the output element of the differential gear mechanism and the power transmission system on the side of the electric motor that links the differential apparatus with the electric motor are each formed from separate power transmission elements and are each linked to the differential apparatus at the most downstream point of the power transmission system of each. As a result, it is possible to easily alter the setting of the total gear ratio on the engine side by altering the meshing diameter of the power transmission elements without altering the mutual positions between the axes of the engine, electric motor, and differential apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Masayuki Takenaka, Naruhiko Kutsuna
  • Publication number: 20010011613
    Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair is provide having a pair of drive wheels on the support frame below the seat. Castor wheels are positioned behind the drive wheels and rearward of the seat. A pair of anti-tip idler wheels are positioned forward of the drive wheels on opposite sides of the frame. The anti-tip wheels are normally positioned off the ground when the drive wheels and the castor wheels are in their normal ground-engaging position. The anti-tip wheels have a resilient mounting comprising a support arm attached at a rear end to the frame. The forward positioned anti-tip wheels are movable upwardly about the attachment of the support arm, with the suspension resiliently resisting such movement, in response to the engagement with a curb or obstruction or in response to a forward pitching of the chair about the drive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: PRIDE MOBILITY PRODUCTS, CORPORATION
    Inventors: Walter E. Schaffner, James P. Mulhern, Stephen J. Antonishak
  • Publication number: 20010011614
    Abstract: In a vehicle front end panel to which a front end member including at least a radiator is assembled, a water filling port for introducing water into the radiator is integrally formed with an upper beam of a panel body portion on a vehicle rear side of the upper beam. The water filling port is coupled with the radiator through a panel joint portion having an opening opened toward a vehicle front side, and the panel joint portion is formed integrally with the panel body portion. Accordingly, the radiator can be readily assembled to the panel body portion of the front end panel, and vehicle assembling performance can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Norihisa Sasano, Ikuo Ozawa, Noriaki Maeda, Toshiki Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20010011615
    Abstract: A speaker includes a diaphragm, a frame accommodating the diaphragm and an edge attached to an outer periphery of the diaphragm as well as to an inner periphery of the frame so as to retain the diaphragm within an interior of the frame. The edge has a thickness which is smallest at substantially a central portion between the diaphragm and the frame and the vicinity thereof, and increases toward the diaphragm and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: MIKIO IWASA, HIROYUKI TAKEWA, KAZUE SATO
  • Publication number: 20010011616
    Abstract: An output shaft bearing portion which is provided in an extension housing to be attached to an outside of an end wall portion of a casing main body of a transmission casing is lubricated by lubrication oil which is supplied to lubricating portions inside the casing main body. In the end wall portion there is formed an oil guide passage which guides the lubrication oil supplied to the lubricating portions inside the casing main body. Inside the extension housing, there is formed a rib which guides the lubrication oil flown from the oil guide passage, into a position in which the lubrication oil can be scraped by a gear wheel provided inside the extension housing. The lubrication oil scraped by the gear wheel is supplied to the output shaft bearing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Isamu Kageyama, Masahiro Imamura, Gaku Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20010011617
    Abstract: An elevator drive machine includes multiple electric motors and a traction sheave. The traction sheave is placed between the motors. With this arrangement, a higher torque is generated by the drive machine as compared to conventional solutions. Furthermore, an elevator arrangement in which such a drive is utilized exhibits efficient space utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Harri Hakala, Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Tauno Pajala
  • Publication number: 20010011618
    Abstract: To reduce a total power amount required to drive an elevator by a commercial power supply during a peak power-consumption time period, for instance, afternoon in summer time, a control apparatus for this elevator is arranged by employing: a converter for rectifying AC electric power to be converted into DC electric power; and inverter for inverting the DC electric power into AC electric power having a variable voltage and a variable frequency; a motor driven by said AC electric power having the variable voltage and the variable frequency so as to operate an elevator; a power storage apparatus for charging thereinto electric power; and charge/discharge control means for controlling charging/discharging operation with respect to the power storage apparatus based upon a charging target value every time with respect to the power storage apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Shinobu Tajima, Hiroshi Araki, Ikuro Suga, Kazuyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20010011619
    Abstract: A parking brake for vehicles, which guarantees safe parking from the very first time it is actuated, comprises a drum and at least one shoe intended to press against a cylindrical surface formed on the inside of the drum, recesses and projections being provided on said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: ALBERTO GIORGETTI, ANTONIO BRAIATO
  • Publication number: 20010011620
    Abstract: A containment article, such as a luggage article, is provided which comprises a pair of substantially identical plastic shells which are hingedly connected to each other. The invention also includes an improved telescoping handle assembly for an article, such as wheeled luggage as well as a unique and novel safety latch for a containment article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Paolo M.B. Tiramani, John A. Bozak, Soohyun Ham
  • Publication number: 20010011621
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, particularly a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid coupling, comprises a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel which is arranged in the housing arrangement so as to be rotatable with respect to the housing arrangement about an axis of rotation, a lockup clutch arrangement by means of which a torque-transmitting connection can be selectively produced between the housing arrangement and the turbine wheel, wherein the lockup clutch arrangement comprises a clutch element which is connected by a connection arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation but axially displaceable relative to it, wherein the connection arrangement comprises at least one elastically deformable connection element which is fixedly connected with the housing arrangement on the one hand and with the clutch element on the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Rudiger Hinkel, Sven Koepke, Ralf Ronnebeck
  • Publication number: 20010011622
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle having a first hydraulic pump operated in operative association with the rotation of front wheels, and a second hydraulic pump operated in operative association with the rotation of rear wheels, such that a difference in rotational speed is produced between the front and rear wheels, a multi-plate clutch is brought into its engaged state by a hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pumps, whereby the mode of the vehicle is shifted into a four-wheel drive mode. A torque cam mechanism is disposed between a clutch piston and clutch plates, so that when the difference in rotational speed is produced between the front and rear wheels, the torque cam mechanism produces an axial thrust force immediately to promptly bring the multi-plate clutch into its engaged state. The engagement of the multi-plate clutch is achieved with a sufficient engagement force by the hydraulic pressure thereafter produced by the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Arai, Ryuichi Murakami, Susumu Takahashi, Yasunori Arai
  • Publication number: 20010011623
    Abstract: A one-way clutch device comprises a plurality of torque transmitting members interposed between an inner race and an outer race for transmitting a rotation between the inner race and the outer race through the torque transmitting members only in one direction of rotation. A side part of the inner race is formed with a plurality of oil paths for supplying lubricating oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ogata, Tomoharu Ando
  • Publication number: 20010011624
    Abstract: A baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) and jaw clutch teeth (36b,28 and 36c,30) for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). A plurality of rigid members (72) is drivingly interposed between blocker teeth (44,46) affixed to baulkrings (40,42) and self-energizing ramp surfaces (71a, 71b, 73a, 73b) on self-energizing members (70,72) mounted on an outer circumference of a hub 32 affixed to the shaft (12). A shift sleeve (34) is slidably splined to the hub (32) and is moved by an operator shift force (Fo) and an additive force (Fa) provided by the self-energizing ramp surfaces. Both forces (Fo and Fa) react against the blocker teeth to engage the friction surfaces. The self-energizing members (70,72) are slidable relative to the hub and are axially centered resiliently on the hub by detent assemblies (76,78).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graeme Andrew Jackson, Carl Christopher John Smith
  • Publication number: 20010011625
    Abstract: A clutch control apparatus includes a clutch disk, which is engaged with a flywheel, by means of a diaphragm spring; a release mechanism (including a rod and an electric motor) for pressing a central portion of the diaphragm spring; and a clutch control circuit. The flywheel and an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm spring abut each other via taper portions of a pressure plate and an adjust wedge member. The clutch control circuit calculates an ideal clutch load and an output torque of the electric motor for a detected stroke of the rod. On the basis of these values, the clutch control circuit obtains the acceleration of the rod. The clutch control circuit estimates a stroke of the rod from the obtained acceleration and causes the adjust wedge member to rotate such that a detected actual stroke and the estimated stroke become equal, thereby modifying the attitude of the diaphragm spring accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Takao Naito, Naoyuki Maki, Tomomitsu Terakawa, Tetsuya Kohno
  • Publication number: 20010011626
    Abstract: A slave cylinder which serves to disengage the friction clutch between the output shaft of the engine and the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle has a housing affixed to the case of the transmission and having an internal surface coaxial with and spacedly surrounding the cylindrical external surface of a hollow cylindrical guide coaxial with and surrounding the output shaft. An annular piston of the slave cylinder is reciprocable between the two cylindrical surfaces and carries a clutch release bearing at one end. The other end of the piston is adjacent an annular plenum chamber of the slave cylinder. An annular seal between an end portion of the guide at the transmission case and an adjacent annular centering portion of the housing is installed in such a way that it does not extend radially outwardly beyond the internal surface of the housing, i.e., radially of and beyond the plenum chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen Kupplungsbau Gmbh
    Inventors: Gerhard Meyer, Ludwig Winkelmann, Dieter Adler
  • Publication number: 20010011627
    Abstract: In a clutch disk for a motor vehicle clutch, fixing members which are produced in one piece with carrier plates of friction linings and are provided to engage behind edges of a recess in an adjacent component have a base that covers the recess, this providing the fixing members with a particularly high stability. The number of fixing members may therefore be kept particularly low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Norbert Lohaus
  • Publication number: 20010011628
    Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus for finishing the edge surfaces of fiberboards or like substrates. A pair of axially convergent drive wheels impart rotational and radial motion to a board and pushes the board against a foiling head or other surface finishing hardware. The foiling wheel is pushed by a pneumatic cylinder towards the board. An air clamp holds the board down against the drive wheels during operation. A speed indexer computer controls the rotation of the axially convergent drive wheels in inverse relationship to the rotational speed of the foiling head. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of angled hold-down wheels are used to hold the board against the drive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Theodore Voorhees, William W. Bollinger, Paul L. McDowell
  • Publication number: 20010011629
    Abstract: A device for carrying out a sequence of working steps on travelling work station wagons comprising an oval track wherein said work station wagons are circulating, wherein said wagons comprise at least one detachable connection element connected to a circulating chain which moves said wagons; at least one insertion and at least one removal guide track is provided on the outside of said oval track, wherein said at least one insertion and at least one removal guide track comprises a transfer point to which the chain is allocated; at least one coupling element is further provided at each transfer point via which the wagons may be coupled into the guide tracks on the side opposite of the side of said wagons comprising at least one detachable element, with at least one switchable points element located on said guide track, which during the insertion position, release said at least one coupling element and bring about the engagement of said detachable connection element to said chain or during the removal position,
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: BERND WILLING
  • Publication number: 20010011630
    Abstract: Switch actuating mechanism comprising a toggle lever which includes a bearing part guided pivotably to all sides in a base and a shank secured to the bearing part, and which is pivotable in any direction starting from a central resting position. The shank is biased into the resting position by spring force, which is provided by a spring disk axially supported by the bearing part and having an outer circumference contacting an inside contact surface area of the base surrounding the bearing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Loschner, Lars Kukei
  • Publication number: 20010011631
    Abstract: An array of sonic hydraulic nozzles for injecting a mixture of water with dissolved or suspended particulate into a chamber to form a continuous spray of spherical droplets. Low pressure areas form in the wakes of the droplets which promotes a phase change and evaporation upon being submerged in heat vortices created along the edges of the sonic shock waves. All dissolved and/or suspended solid particles in the mixture precipitate from the spray upon the vaporization of the water. Shortly thereafter, the particle-free vapor re-condenses into a dense water mist of substantially pure water, while releasing the excess heat captured in the evaporation vortices. The water mist then is absorbed by nucleating screens located above the nozzles. The screens concentrate the dense mist into water streams through a channel running out of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Manuel G. Lumbreras
  • Publication number: 20010011632
    Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for vacuum distillation of liquids that includes feeding a polar liquid into a vacuum-producing liquid-gas jet apparatus as a motive liquid if evacuation of a nonpolar gas-vapor medium is to be effected. Further, the method includes condensing the nonpolar gas-vapor medium, forming a gas-liquid mixture, disengaging a gaseous phase from the mixture, forming a liquid emulsion containing the polar liquid and a nonpolar condensate, separating the emulsion into continuous layers, withdrawing the nonpolar condensate and recycling the polar liquid by pumping it back into the liquid-gas jet apparatus. A nonpolar liquid is to be used as the motive liquid of the liquid-gas jet apparatus if evacuation of a polar gas-vapor medium is required. There is another variant of the method applicable when an evacuated gas-vapor medium contains both polar and nonpolar components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Serguei A. Popov, Evgueni D. Petroukhine
  • Publication number: 20010011633
    Abstract: A process for working up hydroxylamine-containing solutions as obtained in particular in the electronics industry during the cleaning of electronic components is described. According to the invention, the hydroxylamine is stripped from the wastewater with steam. The products obtained are aqueous hydroxylamine and an aqueous solution of the amines. Both product streams can be purified in further process steps to give a saleable product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Otto Watzenberger, Heiner Schelling
  • Publication number: 20010011634
    Abstract: This invention provides a process for coating super fine ion particles of multiple elements on the surface of a micro router substrate, characteristics of which is that the coating step is operated under low temperatures and vacuums. First, raw micro routers are cleaned by electron beams under atmospheric pressures and room temperatures, then the raw micro routers are transferred into a vacuum environment, and increase the temperature of the environment. Next, the surface of the micro router is cleaned by ions, then proceed with the coating process. An arc source is used to bombard cations from a target, while a filtration net is used to get filtrate of small cation particles. Then, an ion assistant device is operated to further fine the filtrated particles, therefore only super fine ion particles are coated on the surface of the micro router substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Chung-Lin Chou, Chen-Chun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20010011635
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor includes an anodization part, a polymerization part, a cathode layer formation part, an assembly part, and a molding part. The polymerization part includes a plurality of polymerization baths of a substantially same structure and a conveyance mechanism. In addition the plurality of polymerization baths are placed around the conveyance mechanism within a conveyance range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Mitsuo Terada, Motonobu Ueno, Masaki Shiragami
  • Publication number: 20010011636
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution has a cylindrical cathode secured to and depending downwardly from a screw-on lid of the cell into the solution. The cathode is formed from a sheet of graphite foil laminated to a polyester base, and is clamped at its upper periphery around a boss of the lid. A metal connection ring is embedded around the outer periphery of the base and is contacted by the cathode. This arrangement is particularly suitable for allowing a thin, flexible disposable cathode to be conveniently removed from the cell by means of the lid, without the user being exposed to contact with the silver or with the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Bruce S. Gowans, Christopher B. Rider