Patents Issued in December 20, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010052241
    Abstract: A process for enhancing the recovery of less volatile components, from a multi component gas mixture, in a cryogenic distillation column, which involves withdrawing a stream from the cryogenic distillation column and processing it to yield a stream leaner in the component to be recovered, which will be cooled and fed to the cryogenic distillation column as a reflux. The processing step may include heating or cooling the side draw and then further contacting the side draw with another stream which is substantially condensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: IPSI LLC
    Inventors: Pallav Jain, Rong-Jywn Lee, Jame Yao, Jong Juh Chen, Douglas G. Elliot
  • Publication number: 20010052242
    Abstract: For obtaining gaseous nitrogen by low-temperature separation from air, a distillation column system has a single column (4). Compressed air (1) is cooled in a main heat exchanger (2) and fed (3) to single column (4). A nitrogen-rich fraction (5, 7, 8) is drawn off from the distillation column system and compressed at least in part in a circulation compressor (9, 1063). A first part (12, 13) of nitrogen-rich fraction (5, 7, 8) is fed downstream from circulation compressor (9) to the liquefaction chamber of a condenser-evaporator (14) and is condensed under a pressure higher than the operating pressure of single column (4), so to form nitrogen-rich liquid (15, 16). A liquid oxygen-enriched fraction (231) from the distillation column system is at least partially evaporated in the evaporation chamber of condenser-evaporator (14). A first oxygen-enriched gas (234, 533) formed in the evaporation chamber of condenser-evaporator (14), is introduced into single column (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dietrich Rottmann, Christian Kunz
  • Publication number: 20010052243
    Abstract: A plant for the separation of air comprises at least three columns, including an auxiliary column (25) and two other columns (9, 11, 40), of which at least one is fed with air and of which that operating at the lowest pressure operates between 2 and 10 bar. A flow comprising between 40 and 95 mol % of argon originating from the auxiliary column is optionally mixed with a gas enriched in nitrogen from the column operating at the lowest pressure. The auxiliary column operates at the same pressure as the column from which it is fed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Benoit Davidian
  • Publication number: 20010052244
    Abstract: For producing a pressurized product by low-temperature producing a pressurized product by low-temperature fractionation of air in a rectification system which has a high-pressure column (13) and a low-pressure column (14), a first feed airstream (12) is introduced into the high-pressure column (13), and an oxygen-rich fraction (38) from the low-pressure column (14) is brought (39) to pressure in the liquid state and introduced (41) into a mixing column (16). A second feed airstream (6, 15) is introduced into the lower region of the mixing column (16) and brought into countercurrent contact with the oxygen-rich fraction (41). The mixing column (16) is operated at a pressure (PM1S) which is lower than the operating pressure (pHDS) of the high-pressure column (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dietrich Rottmann, Christian Kunz
  • Publication number: 20010052245
    Abstract: Ring has a removable portion. The removable portion may be a flat object, such as a tablet. The tablet may have a design on it. The tablet may be placed underneath a bezel, which may be clear, and which may be clear and colorless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel C. Lovegrove
  • Publication number: 20010052246
    Abstract: When an object to be heated is heated without temperature nonuniformity in its heated surface, unwanted thermal deformation can be suppressed, and thermal processing precision can be improved. For this purpose, a heat transfer plate for heating a plate-like object to be heated, and a base plate are stacked. A rod heater as a heat source is inserted in the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate has a larger thermal conductivity and smaller creep than the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: SHIGETO KAMATA
  • Publication number: 20010052247
    Abstract: A method of making an optical device comprises the steps of providing a body of vitreous material that is generally tubular along an axis. A portion of the body is molded with external mold structure for forming a bulbous region when the interior of the tube is pressurized. An axial portion is cut from the bulbous region to form a first coupling device with first and second axially oriented openings. This method can produce optical coupling devices with excellent optical quality in an economical manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: JURIS SULCS, JOHN M DAVENPORT, ROGER F BUELOW, II
  • Publication number: 20010052248
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing tubular items, particularly hosiery items, closed at an axial end. The method consists in forming the tubular item on a circular knitting machine by way of the needles of the needle cylinder, starting from the opposite axial end of the item with respect to the axial end to be closed and retaining on the needles of the needle cylinder the last formed row of knitting. The loops of the last row of knitting are then transferred individually from the needles of the needle cylinder to an auxiliary element provided with elements for individually supporting the loops. The supporting elements of at least one half-row of the last row are suitable to receive two loops and to form knitting. The item is reversed before or after transferring it and the loops of one half-row are transferred from the corresponding supporting elements to the supporting elements engaged with the loops of the other half-row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jan Ando'
  • Publication number: 20010052249
    Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Whah, John W. Euler, Robert J. Pinkowski, John Carl Aldrin
  • Publication number: 20010052250
    Abstract: A safety device for a laundry washing machine or the like where the washing machine comprises a treatment chamber (12) for laundry that is pressurized in order to treat the laundry with a treating agent, for instance, carbon dioxide. The treatment chamber has an inlet opening (13) which during the treatment is covered by a door (16) that is secured to a housing (11) enclosing the chamber by means of a first holder device (35) which is part of a locking means. The locking means also comprises a second holder device (34) which is activated if the first holder device (35) is deactivated and thereby keeps the door (16) in its closed position as long as chamber is pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Goran Uhlin, Sten Hakan Almstrom
  • Publication number: 20010052251
    Abstract: A commodity antitheft implement for preventing opening of cases accumulating therein commodities for rent or various commodities for sales for the purpose of theft of the commodities in question, for preventing cases accumulating therein commodities from being taken out of the store without permission, wherein it is possible to eliminate shielding operations by arranging tags preventing cases from being taken out without permission to be left in the store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Masuhiro Mitsuyama
  • Publication number: 20010052252
    Abstract: A security device for boats, caravans, trailers and such like comprises an upright member with means for engaging an attachment means to secure a boat, caravan, trailer and such like. The device is provided with a pivotable member configurable in a first secured configuration and a second unsecured configuration In the first secured configuration the pivotable member prevents the attachment means from being disengaged from the upright member. In the second unsecured configuration the pivotable member allows the attachment means to be disengaged from the upright member. The upright member is also pivotable between a first upright position and a second substantially horizontal reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Donald William Farmer, Lyle Eric Radecker
  • Publication number: 20010052253
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a bellows having pleat walls with S-shaped profiles comprises a primary forming process for forming a formed bellows, a pressing process for compressing the formed bellows in the axial direction, and a stretching process for pulling the compressed bellows in the axial direction, thereby obtaining desired pitches and free length. After the stretching process is carried out, the bellows is subjected to an annealing and ageing heat-treatment process. An apparatus for manufacturing the bellows comprises a pair of molds that have their respective forming surfaces in shapes corresponding individually to the pleat walls. The die is slightly retreated away from the pleat walls just before the dies open in the diametrical direction after the pleat walls are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Okada, Tsutomu Furuyama
  • Publication number: 20010052254
    Abstract: A compound indenter for metal coldwork, and a method of employing such tooling. The compound indenter tool is used to produce deformation in a workpiece structure, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of a compound indenter causes deformation of the workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved, compound indenter tool profile shape is described, having a first, elongate indenter with a shaped indenter surface portion, and a second shaped indenter surrounding the first indenter and forming an annular shoulder recessed from the surface portion of the first indenter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Nils F. Juhlin
  • Publication number: 20010052255
    Abstract: A press forming process involves a stretching press to form a product with a curved portion from a workpiece by imparting a pad portion to the workpiece prior to starting the press forming process. The curved portion is prepared by spreading the pad portion mainly into the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, so that the curved portion is prepared so as to have a spring back of the product minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kenichi Arai
  • Publication number: 20010052256
    Abstract: This invention relates to a gas sensor arrangement in which one or more gas sensors (4) are placed into rooms for monitoring or measuring gas or vapor concentrations or mixtures, a (diffusion body (5) is placed in front of the gas sensors (4), the responsiveness of the gas sensors, is impaired by structural) (design or contamination and/or the gas atmosphere is static. The sensor (4) or sensors (4 l to 4.n) are placed in, on. or in front of a duct (1) located in the room and thus are within the flow area of said duct (1), and a flow is present in the duct (1) during measuring or monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Willi Schroder
  • Publication number: 20010052257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the spatial distribution of properties of a notably heterogeneous sample (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Magerle
  • Publication number: 20010052258
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a hollow axle, a wheel hub which surrounds the axle, bearings provided therebetween, at least one nut having a predetermined inner diameter mounted on an end of the axle, and a hub cap mounted to the wheel hub. An exciting element is mounted within the hub cap by a mounting wheel. A sensor member is mounted in the end of the axle and radially spaced from the exciting element. The sensor member has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the nut such that the wheel hub, the bearings, the nut, the hub cap, the exciting element and the mounting wheel can be removed without having to remove the sensor member from the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Gerard O. McCann, James B. Brown
  • Publication number: 20010052259
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing tires performs the following steps: rotating the tire relative to a camera; projecting light sections on a tire surface; capturing projected light sections by the camera at defined rotary positions of the tire relative to the camera; applying signals representing the captured projected light sections to an image processing system; determining the shape of the captured projected light sections by the image processing system; determining the shape of the tire surface from the shape of the captured projected light sections; repeating the above steps for different inflation pressures of the tire; and comparing the determined shapes of the tire surface for different inflation pressures of the tire for determining shape changes of the tire due to changes in the inflation pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Bernward Mahner
  • Publication number: 20010052260
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air flow measuring device comprising a housing with a sub-passage having a inlet and a outlet for air flow formed in the housing, the sub-passage further having a predefined curvature with a maximum downstream point and a flow measuring element located in the sub-passage at a position at least further downstream from the point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hiromu Kikawa, Izumi Watanabe, Shinya Igarashi, Keiichi Nakada, Kei Ueyama
  • Publication number: 20010052261
    Abstract: A sensor that includes a first resistor, a second resistor, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The first and second resistors each has a resistance that varies in response to a change in a physical property. The first circuit is electrically coupled to the first resistor and sets the resistance of the first resistor. The second circuit is electrically coupled to the second resistor and adjusts the resistance of the second resistor to equal the resistance of the first resistor. A processing circuit may be coupled to the first and second circuits to measure a difference in an amount of energy provided by the first and second circuits to the first and second resistors, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: John Michael Lull, Nelson Urdaneta
  • Publication number: 20010052262
    Abstract: A mass flowmeter includes a sensor element and a shielding body upstream of the sensor element. The shielding body is constructed and disposed with respect to the sensor element in such a way that liquid or solid particles contained in the mass flow are deflected by the shielding body into a flight path outside an area in which the sensor element is disposed. A guide body is constructed and disposed with respect to the sensor element and the shielding body in such a way that the sensor element is located outside a wind shadow of the shielding body with respect to a gaseous component of the mass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Setescak
  • Publication number: 20010052263
    Abstract: A mass flowmeter includes a flow straightener or rectifier having a honeycomb member. The honeycomb member has at least one honeycomb, which is aligned with a sensor element in a flow direction. Two walls of that honeycomb enclose an angle. The sensor element is positioned with reference to a bisector axis of the angle enclosed by the two honeycomb walls in such a way that a mass flow thereto corresponds approximately to a mean value of a wave-shaped air flow in direction of the bisector axis when the flow is about to change over from laminar to turbulent flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Setescak
  • Publication number: 20010052264
    Abstract: A method for the concurrent ultrasonic inspection of partially completed welds is disclosed and which includes providing a pair of transducers which are individually positioned on the opposite sides of a partially completed weld to be inspected; moving the transducers along the length of and laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the partially completed weld; pulsing the respective transducers to produce an ultrasonic signal which passes through or is reflected from the partially completed weld; receiving from the respective transducers ultrasonic signals which pass through or are reflected from the partially completed welds; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal which has passed through or is reflected from the partially completed weld to determine the presence of any weld defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Johnson, Eric D. Larsen, Karen S. Miller, Herschel B. Smartt, Timothy R. McJunkin
  • Publication number: 20010052265
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and device for detecting an imbalance condition in a rotating washing machine tub. An indication of a power level required to maintain a given washing machine rotation speed is compared to a predefined standard power level associated with the given rotation speed, and a tub imbalance condition is detected in response to the comparison. The predefined standard power level may be stored in a memory device accessible by a processor that is programmed to calculate the power level required to achieve the given washing machine rotation speed and compare the required power level to the predefined standard power level to detect the tub imbalance condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Alan P. French, John S. Thorn
  • Publication number: 20010052266
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor has a recess formed on a semiconductor substrate. The recess has a sidewall, a bottom wall that serves as a diaphragm for detecting a pressure, and a corner portion provided between the sidewall and the bottom wall and having a radius of curvature R.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yuichiro Murata, Inao Toyoda, Yasutoshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010052267
    Abstract: A high-resolution pressure-sensing device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating flexible matrix having a plurality of filler particles. Application of a force to the matrix causes compression of the matrix. This results in the filler particles occupying a greater amount of space within the matrix relative to when no force is applied. A detector attached to the matrix detects or measures the volume of the filler particles relative to the volume of the matrix, and therefore determines the force applied to the matrix. Preferably, the resistivity of the matrix is inversely proportional to the volume percent of the filler particles, in which case the detector is a resistance-measuring circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tongbi Jiang, Zhigiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20010052268
    Abstract: An evaluation device for evaluating mist generation in a light chamber of a vehicle lighting device capable of obtaining a highly accurate result by a bench test. The evaluation device includes a partition wall that partitions a space outside of the lighting device into a front space and a rear space. Further, there is provided a rear space environment setting mechanism for setting the rear space at an environment different from that of the front space. Thus, even if the lighting device is not incorporated into a true vehicle, it is possible to make evaluations of mist generation while the environment in the space outside of the lighting device is maintained so as to be similar to that in a true vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Shingo Fukai
  • Publication number: 20010052269
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory S. Duckett, C.J. Anthony Fernando, Michael F. Haw
  • Publication number: 20010052270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel attachment for detachably arresting a vehicle steering wheel on a vehicle steering shaft. The steering wheel attachment comprises a free end of a steering shaft which has a multiple-cornered profile, the free end further having a radial groove including a wedge surface. The attachment further comprises a hub portion on the side of the steering wheel, the hub portion including a recess corresponding to the multiple-cornered profile of the steering shaft and a radial guiding surface. A wedge is provided which can be moved along the radial guiding surface so as to be moved in and out of engagement with the groove. A drive screw is provided which is seated in a threaded bore in the hub portion and is rotatably coupled with the wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Anke Nigrin
  • Publication number: 20010052271
    Abstract: The unit comprises two variable-length pedal cranks (20) having a common rotation pin (21) of transverse axis (A), and means (34, 35, 36) for varying the length of the two pedal cranks (20) on the basis of their angular position; the position of the axes of the pedals (25) in the vertical plane of projection defines, as the angular position of the pedal cranks (20) varies, an endless closed curve (F) about a reference axis (R) which is displaced by an angle of about 15 degrees forwards from the axis (N) passing through the center of the seat (12) of the bicycle and intersecting the axis (A) of the pin (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: SASTI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giacomo Orioli, Zeno Zani
  • Publication number: 20010052272
    Abstract: A process is provided for the production of titania rich slag from ilmenite. The ilmenite is fed together with carbonaceous reductant, and in the absence of fluxes, to the molten bath of a DC arc furnace. The molten bath of the furnace forms the anode and one or more electrodes in the roof of the furnace forms the cathode. A frozen lining is established and maintained between the refractory lining of the furnace and the molten bath and the process includes means to control the thickness of the frozen lining as well as the whole smelting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Albert F.S. Schoukens, David J. Morris, Frederick S. Mccomb
  • Publication number: 20010052273
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for the direct reduction of iron oxide utilizing a rotary hearth furnace to form a high purity carbon-containing iron metal button. The hearth layer may be a refractory or a vitreous hearth layer of iron oxide, carbon, and silica compounds. Additionally, coating materials may be introduced onto the refractory or vitreous hearth layer before iron oxide ore and carbon materials are added, with the coating materials preventing attack of the molten iron on the hearth layer. The coating materials may include compounds of carbon, iron oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, and/or aluminum oxide. The coating materials may be placed as a solid or a slurry on the hearth layer and heated, which provides a protective layer onto which the iron oxide ores and carbon materials are placed. The iron oxide is reduced and forms molten globules of high purity iron and residual carbon, which remain separate from the hearth layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID C. MEISSNER, GLENN E. HOFFMAN, KYLE J. SHOOP, TAKUYA NEGAMI, AKIRA URAGAMI, YASHUHIRO TANIGAKI, SHUZO ITO, ISAO KOBAYASHI, OSAMU TSUGE, KOJI TOKUDA, SHOICHI KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20010052274
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a handle and a head extended from the handle. The head includes a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, and an adjusting screw. The movable jaw is rectilinearly movable relative to the fixed jaw upon rotation of the adjusting screw. A locking device is provided for locking the adjusting screw in place to thereby preventing rotation of the adjusting screw. A guide member is provided for guiding rectilinear movement of the movable jaw to thereby assure rectilinear movement of the movable jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mei-Jung Wang
  • Publication number: 20010052275
    Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a handle which is provided with a head end portion and a grip portion pivoted with the head end portion. The head end portion has a pivoting block which is provided with an axial slide slot for receiving a slide block. A spring is disposed between the slide block and the axial slide slot. A press block is joined with the slide block such that the press block is put through an insertion hole extending through the axial slide slot. The grip portion is provided with a receiving space for accommodating a retaining plate having a plurality of toothed sots. The slide block is controlled by the press block to engage or disengage the toothed slots of the retaining plate, thereby adjusting and locating the application force angle of the grip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Sang-Yuan Liao
  • Publication number: 20010052276
    Abstract: A screw driving tool including an axially displaceable, drive spindle (5) located in the housing, a bit holder (6) having a shank (7) which releasably connects the bit holder (6) with the drive spindle (5), an axially adjustable depth stop (9) surrounding the bit holder (6) and a portion of the drive spindle (5) and connectable with the tool housing (1), and a sleeve-shaped dust-repelling member (13) arranged between the depth stop (9) and the bit holder (6) and releasably connected with the bit holder (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Reinhard Riedl, Manfred Ludwig, Michael Merz
  • Publication number: 20010052277
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing holes, slits, cuts or the like in flexible materials such as films of polyethylene, polypropylene, laminates and coextrusions with reduced noise using a controlled pulse of compressed air to activate a vented pneumatic cylinder which incorporates the cutting element into the cylinder by integrating it into the plunger. The unit is activated by pulsing an electric solenoid valve controlling a supply of compressed air of a known pressure to move the plunger/cutting tool. The body of the pneumatic cylinder is vented at a known position relative to the overall stroke of the plunger to relieve the pressure without an exhaust at the driving air admission end. This allows control of the plunger stroke to pass the cutting tool through the material to be cut without having to physically restrict the length of plunger stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: John Henry Giovanni, Christopher M. Cabana
  • Publication number: 20010052278
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a method of forming integrated circuit packages. A base having a plurality of pins extending upwardly therefrom is provided. A support is provided over the base. The support has an upper surface and a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The pins extend through the holes and upwardly beyond the upper surface of the support. An actuator is provided beneath the support. A board having a plurality of integrated circuits bonded thereto is provided. The integrated circuits form a repeating pattern of integrated circuit packages across the board, and the board has a plurality of holes extending through it. The board is placed over the support upper surface with the pins extending into the holes in the board. While the board is over the support upper surface, it is cut to separate the integrated circuit packages from one another. After the cutting, the support is vertically displaced by the actuator to lift the support off the pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jason E. Tripard
  • Publication number: 20010052279
    Abstract: A disk-shaped rotary blade of a slitter blade assembly has a cutting edge and a first beveled surface facing a drum-shaped rotary blade of the slitter blade assembly and progressively spaced from the drum-shaped rotary blade toward the cutting edge. The disk-shaped rotary blade also has a second beveled surface facing a workpiece to be cut off and progressively spaced from the cutting edge away from the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Akihiro Sanda, Sampei Iida, Kenji Watanabe, Fujio Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20010052280
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior structure for an electronic keyboard instrument which has excellence in an outward appearance and which can be produced easily without detracting acoustic characteristics. In the present invention, a recess groove 9 extending in a direction in which keyboards 3 are arranged is formed at an upper portion of a back panel 4 of the electronic keyboard instrument 1, a locking edge 8a formed at an upper edge of a speaker cover 8 is fitted into the recess groove 9, and a lower edge of the speaker cover 8 is fixed to a lower portion of the back panel 4 by a screw 11. A lower portion of the back panel 4 is provided with a positioning stopper 4d which abuts against a back surface of a keybed 12 of the electronic keyboard instrument 1, and a fixing piece 4e which abuts against a lower surface of the keybed 12. A thick plate 14 having rigidness is provided around the periphery of the speaker-mounting hole 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KAWAI GAKKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Keiji Konishi, Takahiro Tajima, Katsuhiko Torii, Tadayuki Ishida
  • Publication number: 20010052281
    Abstract: A stringed instrument such as an electric guitar has a specially designed body structure, which is configured by a body frame, a center block, at least one bridge, a front board, a back board and a back cover. The bridge is arranged between a side portion of the body frame and a side wall of the center block, thus partitioning an interior space of the body frame to provide a vacant space for arranging electrical parts. Because of the provision of the bridge, it is possible to improve rigidity of the body structure. Herein, the vacant space is reduced in size and area, and it is encompassed by the side portion of the body frame, the side wall of the center block and the bridge. The front board is used to completely cover the front side of the body frame. The back board is partially cut out and is used to cover the back side of the body except for the opening area of the vacant space inside of the body frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Jamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Minakuchi
  • Publication number: 20010052282
    Abstract: An operating rod of a high-hat stand comprising an upper rod member and a lower rod member that are threadably connected to each other by a connecting assembly so that the operating rod is movable upward and downward by a foot pedal and causes a movable cymbal to move up and down with respect to a stationary cymbal. The connecting assembly includes an elastic section that is compressed upon connection of the upper and lower rod members and elastically recovers to its original shape when the upper and lower rod members are separated. The elastic section is formed inside the connecting assembly and can be provided on an exterior thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fumihiro Shigenaga
  • Publication number: 20010052283
    Abstract: A device for input of musical notes and chords, each triad including a plurality of musical notes and being classified into types according to a number of notes in the chord and the tonal relationship among the notes, includes a plurality of input devices each associated with a note. The input devices are arranged in spatial relationship to each other such that the spatial relationship of input devices required to play a type of chord is the same for all triads of that type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen W. Boyer
  • Publication number: 20010052284
    Abstract: An electronic musical instrument such as an electronic piano has a musical tone generation structure that closely simulates and reproduces musical tones with nuances of musical expressions with fidelity to acoustic musical instruments such as acoustic pianos. In the casing of the electronic piano, speakers are attached to a speaker attachment plate, which is placed substantially horizontal, such that front sides of the speakers are directed upwards. The sounds radiated from the front sides of the speakers are reflected by a reflector board which is hinged to close or open at a prescribed angle of inclination with respect to a top board, so that reflected sounds are transmitted towards the audience. Enclosures are provided inside of the casing below the speaker attachment plate and contain mufflers having a relatively small thickness therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Hiromi Hikida, Kei Kunisada
  • Publication number: 20010052285
    Abstract: An air valve assembly is provided for a power piston in a vacuum brake booster including an input element with a hollow axial extension. The hollow axial extension includes a retaining portion. An output element is provided that includes an input extension slidably positioned within the hollow axial extension. The input extension includes an outer groove formed thereon and a ring member is disposed in the outer groove, the ring positioned adjacent the retaining portion to prevent separation of the input element and outer element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Vermoesen, Timothy A. Haerr, Gary C. Fulks
  • Publication number: 20010052286
    Abstract: A control valve retaining element (22) for a brake booster (10) has a hollow cylindrical base member (28) and a first retaining collar (30), which is connected to the base member (28) and has at least one side wall for supporting a bellows end (20). To enable such a retaining element to be manufactured less expensively and positioned easily and securely on an actuating rod (16) of a brake booster (10), a second retaining collar (36) extends radially inwards from a first end of the base member (28) and in peripheral direction, wherein the second retaining collar (36) comprises a first lateral face (38) for cooperation with a stop (44) of the actuating rod (16) and a second lateral face (40) lying opposite the first lateral face (38) for cooperation with a compression spring (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Ortel, Ludwig Friedsam
  • Publication number: 20010052287
    Abstract: A fluid actuating drive for relative translational movement of first and second structural parts has a housing filled with a pressurizing medium, which in its longitudinal direction, runs along a gap that separates the structural parts, and is connected therewith. The width of the gap is dependent upon the relative position of opposing side walls of the housing, which side walls can be moved against one another with a pressurizing agent for the relative movement of the structure, where the side walls are alternately connected to the first and second structural part across the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Juan Perez, Martin Voglsinger
  • Publication number: 20010052288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of gas constituents from a multicomponent gaseous mixture employing a hydrate promoter. The method for separation of gas constituents from a multicomponent gaseous mixture comprises the steps of reacting an aqueous solution containing a hydrate promoter with a multicomponent gaseous mixture to form a gas hydrate condensed with gas constituents of high gas hydrate forming power and dissociating a specific gas component from the gas hydrate. In accordance with the present invention, a specific gas component can be separated from a multicomponent gaseous mixture under a pressure much lower than that of the prior art method, which makes possible its practical application in various industrial areas emitting exhaust gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Huen Lee, Seong-Pil Kang
  • Publication number: 20010052289
    Abstract: A powered low restriction air precleaner device and method for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air for providing for a combustion engine air intake, an engine air cooling system, or a cab air intake system, for example. The device employs a fan located in the device for drawing debris laden air into the air precleaner device. The debris laden air is spun in the air precleaner device to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris laden air with the most massive particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern of debris laden air. Debris from the rotating flow pattern is ejected from the device for cleaning the air, which is flowed to an air outlet of the device for supplying the cleaned air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: JAMES G. MOREDOCK
  • Publication number: 20010052290
    Abstract: This invention's object is to eliminate a possibility that both aromatic substances and olefin substances are resolved into deaerated liquid contacted with a transmission film. As a transmission film for allowing only gas to pass and preventing liquid from being passed therethrough, there is applied a product of high volatile characteristic in which dispersion liquid composed of single solution is added to particle plastic substrate to form paste material is extruded and baked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: ERC., INC.
    Inventor: Akihiko Nagai