Patents Issued in November 22, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010042609
    Abstract: High speed continuous casting device and method, comprising an ingot mold provided with a crystalliser having side-walls between which the product as it cools is suitable to take shape, the product then being sent to a guide, containing and possibly pre-rolling assembly located downstream of said ingot mold and cooperating with secondary cooling means, and a system of primary cooling associated with said side-walls, the crystalliser having a longitudinal development with a radius of curvature (“R”) having a value at least five times more than the first radius of curvature of the product in the secondary cooling zone located at the outlet of said crystalliser, wherein the length (L) of the walls is more than 1050 mm, so that a progressive and gradual deformation of the product being formed is obtained which prevents tensions, inner cracks and surface lesions from forming thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Milorad Pavlicevic, Nuredin Kapaj
  • Publication number: 20010042610
    Abstract: A heat exchange system and method for heating outside air provided to a structure are disclosed. The system uses and recovers heat from waste products that are being exhausted from the structure. A heated products source generates heated waste products as a result of combustion. An exhaust duct passes the heated waste products through a heat exchanger before exhaustion from the structure. An intake duct that supplies fresh outside air to the structure also passes through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger couples the exhaust duct and the intake duct and transfers otherwise unused heat from the waste products to the outside air to increase the overall efficiency of the heated product source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Richard Donald Berg, Robb Edward Bennett
  • Publication number: 20010042611
    Abstract: A tapered section (128a) and a flange section (129a) constituting reinforcements are respectively provided in mounting members (128, 129) to which a blower (fan shroud) is to be attached, on the sides to be in contact with a longer side wall surface (120c) of a rectangular tank. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the longer side wall surface (120c) from being largely deformed, while mitigating the concentration of stress, which is generated due to a car oscillation, to the joint portions between the mounting members (128, 129) and the longer side wall surface (120c). Therefore, the mechanical strength of the header tank (120) (especially, the longer side wall surface (120c)) can be improved without increasing mass (weight) and production cost of the radiator (100) caused by the excessive reinforcement, whereby the reliability and durability of the radiator (100) can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Tatsuo Ozaki, Norihisa Sasano, Takaaki Sakane
  • Publication number: 20010042612
    Abstract: A forward in flight entertainment system (IFE) which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the (IFE) equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further, potential IFE generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The forward IFE equipment is located in forward sections of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Charles E. Kusuda, Quy Lam
  • Publication number: 20010042613
    Abstract: A tube heat exchanger intended to be used for the production of carbon black, includes a cylindrical closed chamber having a plurality of tubes which extend through the entire, essentially cylindrically shaped chamber. Upper end of the tubes are attached to an upper end wall, preferably by welding, and hang down to a tube plate. The tube plate equipped with compensating devices to enable thermally induced expansions and contractions of the tubes to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: GORAN BERGLUND, ULF ERIKSSON
  • Publication number: 20010042614
    Abstract: There is provided a boiling cooling system that exchanges heat between a higher-temperature fluid and a lower-temperature fluid through boiling heat transfer of a refrigerant sealingly contained within the boiling cooling system. The boiling cooling system includes a heat absorbing unit, a heat radiating unit, a vapor transfer pipe and a liquid return pipe. The refrigerant in the liquid state generally fills up to a top of an interior space of an upper tank of the heat absorbing unit and also generally fills up to a top of an interior space of a lower tank of the heat radiating unit while the boiling cooling system is not operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20010042615
    Abstract: A heat sink structure having a pipe attached to a plurality of fins for dissipating heat into an environment. Each fin in the plurality is constructed of a thermally conductive material and has a cavity formed therein dimensioned for seating about the pipe exterior surface. An opening or notch extends from the edge of each of the fins to the cavity to facilitate the spread of an adhesive or solder to the fin/pipe interface for providing thermal and physical coupling of the plurality of fins to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Aavid Thermalloy, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin F. Moore, David W. Gailus, Che M. Cheung
  • Publication number: 20010042616
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cooling apparatus and method, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for cooling the air exiting an electronics enclosure. Cooling the air exiting the enclosure causes the enclosure to present a neutral heat load to a room containing such enclosure. Cooling the exiting air obviates the necessity of increasing the room air conditioning capacity to account for the heat added to the room by the electronics within the enclosure. Further, the invention decreases the possibility of moisture condensation within the enclosure and also provides a more efficient cooling system than is available from prior art devices and techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel B. Baer
  • Publication number: 20010042617
    Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Kent Beck, Clark E. Robison, Arthur Isadore Burke, Ian Colin Phillips, Elbert Juan Smith, Tance Jackson
  • Publication number: 20010042618
    Abstract: A gate valve for a component which includes an elongated body and a flow passage extending generally longitudinally through the body, the flow passage including a generally lateral first branch connected to a generally longitudinal second branch. The gate valve comprises a gate which is moveable generally longitudinally across the first branch between an open position in which a hole in the gate is aligned with the first branch and a closed position in which the hole is offset from the first branch; a conduit which extends through the body from the gate; an actuating mechanism positioned in the conduit for moving the gate from a first position to a second position; and a return biasing mechanism for moving the gate from the second position to the first position; wherein one of the first and second positions corresponds to the open position of the gate and the other position corresponds to the closed position of the gate; and wherein the conduit extends generally longitudinally through the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher E. Cunningham, Christopher D. Bartlett, Thomas L. Hergarden, Philip S. Hernandez, Michael E. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20010042619
    Abstract: A tubing hanger incorporates a flow control valve that is ordinarily found in a horizontal christmas tree. A branch passage forming a production fluid outlet has a mouth that intersects with a vertical production bore. A valve closure element in the form of a rotatable sleeve or saddle is disposed in the bore for co-operation with a seat disposed in the branch passage. Rotation of the sleeve, e.g. by means of a shaft extending through a crown plug, brings a hole into or out of alignment with the seat to control production fluid flow. In other embodiments, the sleeve is axially movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Nicholas Gatherar, Richard D. Kent
  • Publication number: 20010042620
    Abstract: A water well filter apparatus includes a conduit with multiple layers. The conduit comprises an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer with each layer comprising a composite of polymers, preferably ABS and unplasticized PVC. The thicker middle layer also includes a higher proportion of ABS than the other layers for rigidity and heat deflection. The inner and outer layers have a higher proportion of UPVC for greater chemical and impact resistance. The conduit further includes slots and mating end portions enabling the conduit to be coupled end-to-end with additional conduits to form an elongated filter assembly. A dual cylinder apparatus comprises an inner conduit and an outer conduit with each conduit having an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer composed of a composite of polymers. A permeable cover is disposed over the inner conduit. Filter granules are disposed in the gap between the two conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Harout Ohanesian
  • Publication number: 20010042621
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Leising
  • Publication number: 20010042622
    Abstract: A method and a tandem spacer consisting of an aqueous lead spacer fluid and an aqueous tail spacer fluid for displacing a drilling fluid from an annular space in a wellbore with a cement slurry is disclosed. The aqueous lead spacer fluid and the aqueous tail spacer fluid are formulated to minimize mixing between a displaced drilling fluid and a cement slurry and to clean contaminants from the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Albert F. Chan
  • Publication number: 20010042623
    Abstract: One or more brush bodies fabricated from an incompressible material, for example, from high density polyurethane, high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, nylon, Orlon*, high density plastics, phenolic resin-based materials hard rubber, wood, aluminum, or other easily drillable metals, are connected to, or integrally fabricated with one or more elastomeric, conventional cement plugs, and are pumped down within the interior of oilfield casing situated within an earth borehole, to minimize or eliminate the need to run a workstring of drillpipe and drill bit to clean out the interior of the string of casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: James Scott Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20010042624
    Abstract: A controls bridge for a flow completion system which comprises a tubing spool having a production outlet, a tubing hanger having a production bore that communicates with the production outlet and at least one service and control conduit extending therethrough, and at least one external service and control line that terminates near the tubing spool, the controls bridge comprising a first body portion; a mechanism for securing the first body portion to the top of the tubing spool and/or the tubing hanger; at least one first coupling member which is adapted to engage a second coupling member that is mounted in the service and control conduit; at least one third coupling member which is adapted to engage a fourth coupling member that is connected to the external service and control line; a bridge line which is connected between the first coupling member and the third coupling member; a first actuator for moving the first coupling member into engagement with the second coupling member; and a second actuator for mo
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Timothy R. Goggans, Jamie Patrick-Maxwell, Sylvester A. Joan, Stanley J. Rogala
  • Publication number: 20010042625
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, which apparatus comprises a body (2; 102) connectable to said top drive, said body (2; 102) comprising at least one gripping element (5; 105) radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage said tubular (30; 110) to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Appleton
  • Publication number: 20010042626
    Abstract: An apparatus usable in a subterranean well includes a valve, a first mechanism and a second mechanism. The valve controls communication between an annular region that surrounds the valve and an inner passageway of the valve. The first mechanism causes the valve to transition from a first state to a second state in response to pressure in the annular region. The second mechanism causes the valve to transition between the first state and the second state in response to a pressure differential between the annular region and the inner passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20010042627
    Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus comprising a container with two tanks therein, one holding a quantity of water and another holding a quantity of foaming agent, a pump operated by a gasoline engine, several hoses for directing a water/foam mixture at a fire and for refilling the water tank with water from a source, and a valve system for directing the water/foaming agent mixture through two different hoses at the fire while water from a source is used either directly on the fire or for replacing water taken from the tank. The apparatus is held within a container mounted on casters so that it can be conveniently wheeled about. The unit is adapted for use in areas remote from fire departments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Brian E. Carrier, Bonnie Carrier, Pamela Baughman
  • Publication number: 20010042628
    Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Shaikh Ghaleb Mohammad Yassin Alhamad
  • Publication number: 20010042629
    Abstract: A field marker for mounting on an agricultural implement includes an elongated arm adapted to project outwardly laterally of the implement when in its operating position and is adapted to carry a field marking device at its outer distal end for making a score mark on the ground. A mount for the arm at an inner proximal end thereof allows pivoting of the arm about first and second transverse axes whereby to allow the arm to swing upwardly and downwardly about the first one of said axes when operating on uneven ground while also allowing the arm to swing around the second one of said axes from its outwardly projecting operating position into another position. The arm includes inner and outer arm sections secured together by a folding joint to permit the inner and outer arm sections to be folded into juxtaposition with one another and brought into the transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: David R. Hundeby
  • Publication number: 20010042630
    Abstract: An electric hand tool apparatus (1) for driving a drill-like tool, which carries out an at least partial rotational movement, has within a housing (2), an electric motor (4) without or free of collector and slip ring, the rpm of which can be controlled by motor control electronics (3), wherein an rpm-dependent clutch (5) for transferring the torque is disposed in a force transfer path from the electric motor (4) to a transmission (6). Optionally, to prevent an excessively high twisting of the housing (2), a sensor (7) is evaluated and the rpm of the electric motor (4) is reduced in order to sever the transfer of force by the rpm-dependent clutch (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Ferdinand Kristen, Hans-Werner Bongers-Ambrosius
  • Publication number: 20010042631
    Abstract: A dual-mode system for inexpensively operating electrically powered double-insulated devices (12), such as hand-held power tools and appliances. The system includes a cordless battery pack (14) that supplies the power and current demands of the device (12) in a cordless mode or a non-isolated corded voltage converter (16) that supplies the necessary power and current demands in a physical envelope commensurate in size and interchangeable with that of the battery pack (14). The corded voltage converter (16) is provided with a non-isolated high efficiency power supply that allows the converter (16) to generate the power and current required by the driven device (12). The double insulation of the driven device (12) negates the need for a transformer-isolated voltage converter. Eliminating the power transformer from the converter significantly reduces the cost of the module (16). Additionally, the need for multiple battery packs and fast rechargers is minimized by the availability of a low-cost converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: David A. Carrier
  • Publication number: 20010042632
    Abstract: A filter for wires and cables comprising at least one pair of inner conductive wires made of an electrically conductive metal covered with an outer layer of magnetic absorbing material. This outer layer is formed from glass-coated microwires containing soft ferromagnetic amorphous material, preferably wound about the conductive wires to form a thin ferromagnetic layer. The filter may include two or more pairs of inner conductors with the ferromagnetic outer layers implemented separately or as a single common outer layer. The inner pairs of conductors may be either straight or twisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: ADVANCED FILTERING SYSTEM LTD
    Inventors: Vladimir Manov, Alexandru Antonenco, Alexander Exelrod, Alexander Rubshtein, Evgeni Sorkine
  • Publication number: 20010042633
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a reinforced conductive layer (7). The layer is applied at a part (3a,b) of an electrical unit, e.g. a mobile telephone, which is to come into contact with another part (3a,b). The layer (7) will protect the covered material against corrosion due to formation of a galvanic element. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the layer (7) is made of the same material as the part (3a,b) which it will come into contact with. Furthermore, spaces (16) may be formed in assembly of a mobile telephone, which spaces (16) are surrounded by conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Per Holmberg, Lars Eriksson, Goran Engblom
  • Publication number: 20010042634
    Abstract: A lead wire for use with an oxygen sensor is disclosed. The wire is formed of a center strand having high tensile strength surrounded by a first plurality of strands having high electrical conductance. Further pluralities of strands having high tensile strength or high electrical conductance surround the center strand and the first plurality of strands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Kim A. Reynolds, John K. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20010042635
    Abstract: A solid cable provided with an insulation layer on the outer circumference of a conductor, and impregnated with insulating oil in this insulation layer. Medium-viscosity insulating oil the viscosity of which is between not less than 10 cst and less than 500 cst at 60° C. is used as the insulating oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: MAMORU KONDO, RYOSUKE HATA, HIROSHI TAKIGAWA, JUN YORITA, TAKAHIRO HORIKAWA, YUICHI ASHIBE, MORIHIRO SEKI
  • Publication number: 20010042636
    Abstract: A method for forming electrical interconnects for printed circuit boards and the like includes the steps of laminating a first surface of a rigid dielectric substrate with a first conductive laminate such that the first conductive laminate extends beyond at least one edge of the dielectric substrate, patterning the first conductive laminate to define a plurality of electrical interconnects which extend beyond the edge(s) of the dielectric substrate, forming a plurality of conductive traces on a second surface of the dielectric substrate and forming a plurality of openings in the dielectric substrate, each opening extending from a first location on the first surface of the dielectric which is proximate at least one electrical interconnect to a second location on the second surface of the substrate which is proximate at least one conductive trace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: RICHARD M. BIRON
  • Publication number: 20010042637
    Abstract: An opening is formed in resin 20 by a laser beam so that a via hole is formed. At this time, copper foil 22, the thickness of which is reduced (to 3 &mgr;m) by performing etching to lower the thermal conductivity is used as a conformal mask. Therefore, an opening 20a can be formed in the resin 20 if the number of irradiation of pulse-shape laser beam is reduced. Therefore, occurrence of undercut of the resin 20 which forms an interlayer insulating resin layer can be prevented. Thus, the reliability of the connection of the via holes can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Naohiro Hirose, Kouta Noda, Hiroshi Segawa, Honjin En, Kiyotaka Tsukada, Naoto Ishida, Kouji Asano, Atsushi Shouda
  • Publication number: 20010042638
    Abstract: A semiconductor device mount structure includes a heat dissipating member, a circuit board, a semiconductor device and a leaf spring member. The heat dissipating member has a mounting surface. The circuit board is opposed to the mounting surface of the heat dissipating member. The semiconductor device is mounted to the mounting surface of the heat dissipating member. The semiconductor device is electrically connected to the circuit board. The leaf spring member is arranged between the semiconductor device and the circuit board in such a manner that the leaf spring member biases the semiconductor device against the mounting surface of the heat dissipating member. The leaf spring member has a heat insulating material integrated on one side thereof which faces the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Masao Yamada, Shinichi Konda, Taketoshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20010042639
    Abstract: A semiconductor mounting board include a base member and linear conductive members formed of metallic wires. The conductive members are constructed so that they extend linearly between a semiconductor element-mounting face and a circuit board-mounting face of a base member, and are integrally molded within the base member. For this purpose, a resin material for forming the base member is injected into a mold wherein the conductive members are linearly arranged beforehand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Takaaki Higashida, Koichi Kumagai, Takahiro Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20010042640
    Abstract: A printed wiring board (1) having a cavity (20) for mounting electronic parts therein and a method for manufacturing thereof, comprising: an upper wiring substrate (1A) having flat surfaces on both sides; a lower plate body (1B) being fixed on a reverse side surface of the upper wiring substrate, and being formed with the cavity (20) in a part thereof, for receiving an electronic part (30) within an inside thereof; conductor layers (3) provided on both side surfaces of the upper wiring substrate for mounting electronic parts thereon, by forming plated through-holes (7) or flat through-holes (7′), in particular within a region of the cavity on the reverse side surface thereof; and external electrodes (5) formed on side-end surface or on a lower-end surface of the printed wiring board, wherein at least an electronic part, for example, hybrid IC, chip-like parts, functional parts, such as SAW filter, sensor parts, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuaki Nakamura, Masayuki Sakurai, Kazumitsu Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Kudoh
  • Publication number: 20010042641
    Abstract: A large diameter sampler for gathering an undisturbed sample includes an outer tube provided with a bit on a bottom portion thereof for excavating a ground, wherein the outer tube is rotated by applying an outer power for penetrating into the ground; unit for protecting a sample from a disturbance generated by a rotating excavation of the bit, wherein the protecting unit is located the bottom portion of the outer tube, internally, and is penetrated into the ground by weight; a sampling tube for locating the sample pulled-out by self-gravity of the protecting unit; a cutting unit for sheltering a bottom portion of the sampling tube for protecting spilling of the gathered sample, wherein the cutting unit is equipped within the protecting unit and cutting the sample pulled-out by the sample protecting unit; unit for up-lifting the sampling tube and the protecting unit by applying an up-lift force from an operating device which is located on the ground; and an outer rod for connecting the outer tube and a boring
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Young-Chin Kim, Sung-Wan Hong, Hyun-Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20010042642
    Abstract: An iterative drilling simulation method and system for enhanced economic decision making includes obtaining characteristics of a rock column in a formation to be drilled, specifying characteristics of at least one drilling rig system; and iteratively simulating the drilling of a well bore in the formation. The method and system further produce an economic evaluation factor for each iteration of drilling simulation. Each iteration of drilling simulation is a function of the rock column and the characteristics of the at least one drilling rig system according to a prescribed drilling simulation model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: William W. King
  • Publication number: 20010042643
    Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a modular drilling assembly having a module for contactless power and data transfer over a nonconductive gap between rotating and non-rotating members of a steering module. The gap usually contains a non-conductive fluid, such as drilling fluid, or oil for operating hydraulic devices in the downhole tool. The downhole tool in one embodiment is a modular drilling assembly wherein a drive shaft is rotated by a downhill motor to rotate a drill bit attached to the bottom end of the drive shaft. A substantially non-rotating sleeve around the drive shaft includes at least one electrically-operated device. The drilling assembly is modular in that it includes at least one steering module at the bottom end of the drilling assembly that has at least one steering device module that provides power to the force application member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Volker Krueger, Hans Rehbock, Thomas Kruspe, Johannes Witte, Detlef Ragnitz
  • Publication number: 20010042644
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bit apparatus in which a cutter member having cutting teeth is axially supported on a shaft for rotation about the shaft, and a bearing mechanism is interposed between the cutter member and the shaft. The bearing mechanism includes at least a radial bearing for bearing a radially directed load and a thrust bearing for bearing an axially directed load. The radial bearing has a shaft-side split bearing member and a cutter-side split bearing member that are opposed to or in sliding contact with each other and capable of rotating relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Akio Nishiyama, Osamu Nakamura, Kazutaka Kanda, Masahiro Arai, Kunio Komaki
  • Publication number: 20010042645
    Abstract: With a vehicle comprising a motor (5; 12; 20, 21; 32, 33) and at least one rotatable element (1, 2; 15; 18, 19; 30, 31) which follows the ground, for the purpose of propelling the vehicle, the motor (5; 12; 20, 21; 32, 33) is adapted for influencing the momentary position of the center of gravity of the vehicle relative to the ground in such a manner that the rotatable element (1, 2; 15; 18, 19; 30, 31) performs a rotation under the influence of gravitational force. The vehicle is compact and has a simple driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: LELY RESEARCH HOLDING A.G., a Swiss Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Karel van den Berg
  • Publication number: 20010042646
    Abstract: With a vehicle comprising a motor (5; 12; 20, 21; 32, 33) and exactly two rotatable elements (1, 2; 15; 18, 19; 30, 31) which are in contact with the ground during travelling of the vehicle, the axes of rotation of the two rotatable elements (1, 2; 15; 18, 19; 30, 31) are situated substantially in one line or in one vertical plane, and the vehicle is provided with a frame (3; 11; 17; 29) which is suitable for fastening devices (26-28; 34-36) thereto. The vehicle is simple and compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: LELY RESEARCH HOLDING A.G., a Swiss Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Karel van den Berg
  • Publication number: 20010042647
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power transmission apparatus of motor vehicles which has an engine and an electric rotary machine. The power transmission apparatus has an engine, a gear change apparatus, an electric rotary machine to which a power is transmitted via the gear change apparatus, and a clutch provided between an input shaft and an output shaft of the gear change apparatus and adjusting a transmission torque between the input shaft and the output shaft, whereby a speed change shock can be mechanically reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Toshimichi Minowa, Mitsuo Kayano
  • Publication number: 20010042648
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided, which executes charging of a capacitor when a depth-of-discharge of a capacitor exceeds a predetermined depth-of-discharge which is set based on a vehicle speed. The control device of the hybrid vehicle, provided with an engine, a motor for assisting the output of the engine, and a capacitor for supplying electric power to the motor and for storing regenerative energy, comprises a depth-of-discharge detecting device (S063) for detecting a depth-of-discharge DOD of the capacitor, wherein when the depth-of-discharge DOD of the capacitor falls below the depth-of-discharge limit value DODLMT (053), the capacitor is charged so as to recover the depth-of-discharge of the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruo Wakashiro, Atsushi Matsubara, Atsushi Izumiura, Shinichi Kitajima, Yasuo Nakamoto, Hideyuki Oki
  • Publication number: 20010042649
    Abstract: An electric generating system for automobiles comprising a primary generator which is driven by an internal combustion engine of an automobile and supplies power to an electric load of the automobile and an electric motor for driving wheels of said automobile which are not driven by said internal combustion engine, further comprising a secondary generator which is driven by said internal combustion engine and drives said motor and a control unit which controls said secondary generator and said electric motor; wherein said control circuit controls the output of said generator according to a driving force requested by said automobile and the driving force of said electric motor is controlled by the output of said secondary generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Yuuji Maeda, Keiichi Mashino, Hisaya Shimizu, Tatsuyuki Yamamoto, Yoshinori Fukasaku, Susumu Tajima, Toshiyuki Innami, Keisuke Mishidate
  • Publication number: 20010042650
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle comprises exactly two wheels (1, 2) which are in contact with the ground during travelling of the vehicle, a motor and a passenger space (3). The axes of rotation of the two wheels (1, 2) are situated substantially in one horizontal line or in one vertical plane. Consequently, the vehicle is very compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: LELY RESEARCH HOLDING A.G., A Swiss Limited Liability Co.
    Inventor: Karel van den Berg
  • Publication number: 20010042651
    Abstract: An inboard hub lock assembly integrated into a steering knuckle. Teeth are provided on an end of the CV housing and an adjacent flange extending from the wheel hub. A clutch member with corresponding teeth is movable between 1) an outboard position engaging the CV housing teeth and the wheel hub flange teeth, thereby transmitting drive power from a stub shaft to the wheel hub, and 2) an inboard position engaging only the CV housing teeth, thereby permitting the wheel hub to rotate freely relative to the stub shaft. A spring biases the clutch member to a 4×2 mode fail safe position by biasing the clutch member to the inboard non-engaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Steven G. Goddard, James A. Krisher
  • Publication number: 20010042652
    Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Will Watson, Alan L. Miller, Drew A. Sundguist, Roger T. Simpson, Diane K. Ducklow, Joseph W. Beckerman, Dan J. Showalter
  • Publication number: 20010042653
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20010042654
    Abstract: A load carrying machine has a front and a rear part, the front part having a front frame, an engine mounted in or on the front frame, a front axle carrying ground engaging wheels, a transmission for transmitting drive from the engine to the ground engaging wheels, an operator's work station from where the machine is in use, controlled, and the rear part having a rear frame and a ground engaging wheels, and a container for containing matter to be transported, the front and rear parts of the being connected by a which permits of relative movement between the front and rear parts about a first generally upright axis, and about a horizontal which, when the front and rear parts are generally aligned about the upright axis, extends generally longitudinally of the machine and wherein the front axle is suspended from the front frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Simon John Ratcliffe, Kenneth Edward Walton, Graham Deavall
  • Publication number: 20010042655
    Abstract: A steering tiller and a steered wheel(s) of a steer-by-wire steering system of a materials handling vehicle are synchronized with one another and a virtual coupling force is exerted on the steering tiller to maintain synchronization. A motor or brake is associated with the steering tiller and the positions of the tiller and the steered wheel(s) are monitored and used to control the motor or brake to apply the virtual coupling force to the tiller. Thus, an operator of the vehicle receives feedback corresponding approximately to that experienced in a mechanically coupled steering system so that synchronism is maintained between the tiller and the steered wheel(s). In this way, if the operator attempts to oversteer or outrun the steered wheel(s) by rapid rotation of the tiller, a force proportional to the operator's action is applied to oppose that action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Ned E. Dammeyer
  • Publication number: 20010042656
    Abstract: A stethoscope is described. The stethoscope includes a head assembly, an ear piece assembly, and a tubing assembly. The tubing assembly has a first end connected to the head assembly and a second end connected to the ear piece assembly. The tubing assembly includes a first acoustic chamber and three insulation chambers. The insulation chambers include a first material having a first density and are disposed around the first acoustic chamber. The tubing assembly also includes an outer layer, which includes a second material having a second density. Moreover, the outer layer is disposed around the insulation chambers. In another embodiment, the outer layer is substantially frictionless and the tubing assembly is flexible. In yet another embodiment, the stethoscope further includes a second acoustic chamber and the insulation chambers are disposed around a portion of the first acoustic chamber and a portion of the second acoustic chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Richard J. Deslauriers, Robert T. Potash
  • Publication number: 20010042657
    Abstract: In a speaker apparatus equipped with a speaker unit including a magnet, a frame and a diaphragm, a speaker housing has a substantially cylindrical shape, and also has such a structure that the speaker unit is secured onto one end surface of the cylindrical shape of the speaker housing so as to substantially cover the speaker unit except for front and back surfaces of the diaphragm. Further, the speaker housing has an opening in another end surface of the cylindrical shape thereof. A support bar extends and has one end secured to a back surface of the magnet of the speaker unit. Furthermore, a weight is secured to another end of the support bar, and then, the weight holds the support bar in a substantially vertical direction and grounds the magnet acoustically and virtually, thereby attenuating and suppressing oscillation transmitted from the magnet to the support bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yoshii, Haruhiko Imamura
  • Publication number: 20010042658
    Abstract: A method for increasing golf course revenues through increased sales of consumable items, comprising the steps of stocking a golf cart with a supply of consumable items prior to a golfer's use of said golf cart in a golf outing, taking inventory of said supply of consumable items contained in said golf cart at the end of said golf outing to determine what items were consumed by said golfer, charging said golfer for the cost of the consumable items consumed by said golfer during said golf outing, and restocking said golf cart with a supply of consumable items, using an apparatus comprising: a base section having insulation means, an inner and outer surface, a substantially closed bottom end, an open top end, one or more slotted flanges disposed on said outer surface of said base section for fastening said apparatus to a golf cart, and an inwardly tapered ledge disposed horizontally on said inner surface of said base section near said base section's upper edge; a removable pull-out container configured to fit w
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Michael P. Allen