Patents Issued in December 20, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010052391
    Abstract: Surface treating articles and methods for the manufacture of such articles are provided. The articles of the invention comprise a rotatable core; a plurality of surface treating segments, the segments having first ends adjacent the core and second ends opposite the first ends; and a cured, expanded adhesive composition bonding the surface treating segment to the core, the adhesive composition comprising (a) an organic epoxide compound having an epoxide functionality of at least 1, (b) an epoxide hardener, (c) a film-forming material, and (d) a foaming agent; wherein the expanded adhesive provides a substantially continuous bond area extending from the core into and around the first end of the segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Close
  • Publication number: 20010052392
    Abstract: A multichamber substrate processing apparatus in which substrates are always positioned accurately at set positions inside a process chamber is a practical apparatus that affords excellent productivity while occupying little space. A heating chamber 6 for heating a substrate Sb before a film is deposited in a sputtering chamber 8 and a CVD chamber 9 is provided with an alignment means for performing center alignment whereby the position of the center of the substrate Sb is calculated and the substrate is centered over a preset position, and for performing circumferential alignment whereby the circumferential position of the substrate Sb is calculated and this circumferential position is aligned with a preset position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: MASAHIKO NAKAMURA, YUKIHITO TASHIRO, MASAHITO ISHIHARA, NOBUYUKI TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20010052393
    Abstract: An object of the disclosure is to provide a vacuum processing apparatus capable of minimizing the size of the whole apparatus by reducing a floor area occupied by a vacuum pump. An etching apparatus 20 for applying an etching process on an object to be processed in a vacuum includes a processing vessel 21 for applying the etching process on a semiconductor wafer W introduced into the vessel 21 and a vacuum pump 30 arranged below the processing vessel 21 so as to be coaxial with the processing vessel 21, for sucking exhaust gas in the processing vessel 21 to form the vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: MAKOTO OKABE, HIDETOSHI KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20010052394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high density plasma processing apparatus having a resonance antenna coil. The apparatus includes a processing chamber providing a hermetically sealed plasma generating space and having a planar surface on a top wall; a plurality of gas pipes that inject process gases into the processing chamber; a plurality of loop-shaped antennas installed on the planar surface and connected in parallel; a resonance antenna coil receiving a high frequency power and including the plurality of loop-shaped antennas and a plurality of variable capacitor that are connected in parallel with the plurality of loop-shaped antennas in order to maintain a resonance state therebetween; a means for heating the resonance antenna coil by way of using a heat exchange medium; and a means for fixing a substrate inside the processing chamber parallel with the planar surface of the top wall of the processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Soon-Bin Jung, Bo-Shin Chung
  • Publication number: 20010052395
    Abstract: A device for applying a vapor retarder film onto purlins on a roofing system has a base with rollers and guides for directing the base across the purlins. The base has a fore end and an aft end with a pair of side members. The base moves across the purlins such that the side members remain in a fixed spaced apart relationship wider than the spacing between the pair of purlins. A vertical member attached to each of the side members provides a means for mounting a web of the vapor retarder film on a roll above the base and the adjacent pair of the spaced apart purlins. Adhesive is dispensed onto the edges of the web and the web is payed out and guided onto the purlin so that the edge of the web having the adhesive is put into adhesive engagement with the top surface of the purlins and the film sealingly spans the interval between the adjacent purlins. By use of. a plurality of these devices acting in parallel, a method of applying the web to the roof purlins is taught.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Perfect R Incorporated
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Zupon, Stephen R. Neff
  • Publication number: 20010052396
    Abstract: Tool for mounting and removing tires onto and from respective wheel rims comprises a profiled body to be mounted on a cylindrical shank (2) provided at the end of a tool holder bar (1) associated with a tire removal machine, the body having two active portions, known as the blade (5) and head (6) respectively, extending from two parts (20, 22) comprising coaxial hubs (200, 220) both mounted on said cylindrical shank (2) of said tool holder bar and removably coupled together such that their mutual orientation can be adjusted, at least one of said hubs (200, 220) being provided with means for torsionally locking it to said shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Giuliano Vignoli
  • Publication number: 20010052397
    Abstract: A blind having plural rudder cords each of which is formed of a pair of vertical strings and plural lateral strings joining the vertical strings together, and each of which is brought down from a head box in the vertical direction, and plural pieces of slats extending horizontally on the lateral strings of the rudder cords, retained in parallel with one another and adapted to be turned by the operations of the rudder cords, whereby the blind is opened and closed, comprising openings provided in the portions of each of the slats which are in the vicinity of the rudder cords, and drawing strings which are capable of being pulled up, and which are brought down from the head box along the rudder cords, inserted through the openings of the slats and made connectable at lower end portions thereof to the portions of either one of the respective pairs of vertical strings of the rudder cords which are in positions of an arbitrary height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michio Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20010052398
    Abstract: A device for covering and protecting machinery has at least one covering and protecting surface and a plurality of modular elements positioned side by side. Each modular element has a central body, on opposite sides of which there extend a first and second lateral protrusion. The ends of the first and second protrusions of two adjacent modular elements overlap in such a way as to form a T shape, and are connected to each other by a cylindrical hinge positioned between them. Each central body, together with at least the first or the second lateral protrusion forms a corresponding portion of the covering and protecting surface, and the surface portions formed by the modular elements are placed side by side in contact with each other so as to make a substantially uninterrupted covering and protecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industrialia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Michele Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20010052399
    Abstract: A hanging for a roller blind, which is provided at its lateral edges with guide elements for positive cooperation with lateral guide devices, characterized in that the guide elements are formed by guide strips made from a flexible material, each guide strip being fixed at facing end portions on the hanging and the mutual spacing of the end portions of the guide strip in the fixed state is smaller than in a stretched state of the guide strip, so that a guide area of the guide strip located between the end portions and not joined to the hanging projects from said hanging and can be positively received in a guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Holm Enssle
  • Publication number: 20010052400
    Abstract: Methods for oxygen delignification of a pulp are disclosed, including initially delignifying the pulp at a delignification temperature of less than 90° C., adding oxygen to the pulp so that the oxygen is present during the initial delignification step, and further delignifying the pulp at a delignification temperature of greater than 90° C., the difference between the two delignification temperatures being less than about 20° C., and the pressure being greater in the initial delignification step. The method also includes adding alkali solely to the initial delignification step in order to obtain high alkalinity therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Monica Bokstrom, Pia Mellander, Solveig Norden
  • Publication number: 20010052401
    Abstract: A doctor blade for use in cleaning a roll in a paper machine comprises a thermosetting plastic polymer material selected from the group consisting of vinylesterurethanes and polyether amides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Jouni Kirjava, Ilkka Rata, Tommi Vainio
  • Publication number: 20010052402
    Abstract: A vacuum die-casting method for producing castings of nonferrous alloys, comprising the steps of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: IDRA PRESSE S.p.A.
    Inventor: Graziano Mortari
  • Publication number: 20010052403
    Abstract: An injector particularly for a vacuum die-casting apparatus, comprising an injector body provided with at least one first opening for injecting/aspirating a protective gas and at least one second opening for loading molten material, which are arranged in order of operation. The injector body is further provided with a chamber for containing material and for the sliding of a piston for pushing the material into a die. The injector also comprises elements for cleaning and lubricating the external surface of the piston which are arranged in order of operation on a corresponding supporting element which is separate from the injector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: IDRA PRESSE S.p.A.
    Inventor: Graziano Mortari
  • Publication number: 20010052404
    Abstract: To provide a process for producing lead grids, with which the waste rate can be reduced, materials can be saved, volume corrosion can be largely eliminated or at least reduced and the geometric designs made can be expanded, a process is proposed for producing lead grids for lead electrodes to make storage batteries in continuous manufacture, wherein grid blanks are produced by pouring a material containing lead that can be hardened and then ausformed by rolling, with the addition of heat, at a temperature under the melting point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Dr. Werner Nitsche, Dr. Hans Stumpf
  • Publication number: 20010052405
    Abstract: The invention has an object to permit to mold metal molds having a thixothropic structure by melting, agitating and weighing, injection molten metal in a melting vessel by combining separately functioning agitation means and injection means. The invention consists in supply granular metal material in a fusion vessel 11 having a weighing chamber 17 by a cylinder of required length communicating with a nozzle port at the extremity section, including rotatively an agitation means 21 inside, and wherein an injection means 22 whose extremity section is formed into an injection plunger 30 is inserted advanceably and retractably into the center section of this agitation means 21. The metal material is heat melted by an external heat. The molten metal material is accumulated in the fusion vessel by homogenizing by the agitation means 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Kiyoto Takizawa, Toshiyasu Koda, Yuji Hayashi, Mamoru Miyagawa
  • Publication number: 20010052406
    Abstract: A metallic mold-casting method excellent in the resistance to penetration is herein disclosed and the method comprises the steps of forming a coating layer by applying a mixture comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of high melting metals, ceramic materials and graphite, and an aqueous surfactant solution or low boiling liquid oils and fats to at least part of the surface of a metallic mold on its cavity side, then applying heat to the coated portion to thus adhere the mixture to the inner surface of the mold, and thereafter repeatedly casting a magnesium alloy in the metallic mold provided with the coating layer. The metallic mold-casting method permits the metallic mold casting of magnesium alloys with good resistance to penetration and this accordingly leads to the production of a cheap and high quality cast magnesium alloy product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Kohei Kubota, Yoichi Nosaka, Seiichi Koike, Kazuhiro Washizu, Kazuo Kikawa
  • Publication number: 20010052407
    Abstract: A substantially rectangular-section casting conduit of an ingot mold, for continuous casting of molten metal, is divided into two portions; a first portion has a variable inner section, by having rounded inner edges with a radius of curvature decreasing gradually in the flow direction of the molten metal along the conduit; the second portion is consecutive with the first portion, and has a constant inner section with rounded inner edges of a predetermined optimum radius of curvature for subsequent rolling operations. The design of the first portion of the casting conduit prevents the metal, as it cools and contracts through the conduit, from detaching from the walls, and in particular from the edges, of the mold, thus enabling an increase in casting speed with no fall in product quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: GIOVANNI MARTELLUCCI
  • Publication number: 20010052408
    Abstract: Twin roll caster for casting thin steel strip comprises chilled casting rolls 16 mounted on roll supports 104. One of the rolls is fixed and the other is moveable laterally and biased toward the other roll by biasing units 119 acting on the moveable roll supports 104. A casting pool of molten steel is supported on the rolls 16 and the rolls are rotated to produce a solidified steel strip delivered downwardly from the nip between the rolls. A substantially constant gap is maintained between rolls 16 such that unsolidifed molten metal passes through the nip between the solidified shells of the forming strip and solidifies below the nip. The biasing units 119 are effective to apply substantially constant and low biasing forces to the biased roll. The biasing forces may be between the same and slightly more than the force required to balance the hydrostatic pressure of the casting pool and to overcome the mechanical friction involved in moving the biased roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Nikolco Nikolovski
  • Publication number: 20010052409
    Abstract: In order to provide a cooling/heating apparatus for a semiconductor processing liquid being highly resistant to corrosive chemicals and free from elution of harmful impurities, a heat exchanging substrate 3 is formed by heat-depositing a fluorine-contained resin sheet 3B to a processing liquid contact surface of a graphite substrate 3A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: HIROYUKI MIKI
  • Publication number: 20010052410
    Abstract: A containment (5) for a heat producing device has cooling fins (15) to dissipate the produced heat. In this type of cooling fin arrangement the cooling fins comprise, traditionally, smooth outer surfaces (17) so that in a boundary layer (18) the flow pattern of the cooling fluid along the cooling fins is laminar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Busch, Thomas Tauschel, Christian M. Tilly
  • Publication number: 20010052411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger for motor vehicles, having a large number of flat tubes through which a liquid cooling medium can flow, and having corrugated fins which are associated with these flat tubes and to which environmental air or other media can be applied. The flat tubes having indentations pointing inward on at least one of their flat faces. Heat transfer between the core flow of the cooling medium and the flat tube walls is improved, and the power density of the heat exchanger is thus increased. The indentations are in the form of elongated vortex generators having a longitudinal axis, and the ratio between the height (H) of the vortex generators and the height (h) of the flat tubes is preferably approximately 0.05 to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: BEHR GmbH & CO.
    Inventors: Eberhard Pantow, Arnoldt Rehm, Reiner Richter, Lubens Simon
  • Publication number: 20010052412
    Abstract: The output of known cooling equipment cabinets fitted with air-to-air heat exchangers is not sufficient for hot climates. The proposed cooling system is bipartite, comprising a first set of cooling equipment that provides for closed cooling air circulation inside the cabinet, and a second set of cooling equipment that provides for open cooling air circulation inside the cabinet. For most of the year, cooling of the cabinet can be handled with the first set of cooling equipment, which consists of an air-to-air heat exchanger (100). For the short period of time that the heat exchanger alone cannot ensure sufficient cooling of the air inside the cabinet, the second set of cooling equipment will be employed to provide through-flow air circulation. This is achieved by drawing air into the cabinet through a filter (104) and blowing warmed-up air out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harri Tikka
  • Publication number: 20010052413
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL), including the use of a prior art hydrophobic adsorption system including a continuous loop of adsorptive material, with a weighted pulley on the free end of the loop to allow for the loop to be placed within a well being deeper than it is wide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: RAJ MAHADEVAIAH
  • Publication number: 20010052414
    Abstract: A method for predicting scale deposition in a general environment has been discovered which involves providing a localized environment where scale would preferentially form, where the localized environment is adjacent the general environment. Monitoring the deposition of scale in the localized environment is performed for the purpose of taking preemptive action to prevent scale deposition in the general environment once scale begins to form, or a certain threshold is reached. Scale is removed from the localized environment so that monitoring can be performed by the probe again. Preemptive action will often be the introduction of a scale inhibiting agent into the general environment. An apparatus for practicing the method of predicting and preventing scale deposition in a general environment is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Hammonds
  • Publication number: 20010052415
    Abstract: A reel assembly having three reels disposed side-by-side on a shaft pays out coiled tubing to an injector. A conveyor is used to support and guide the coiled tubing during travel from the reels to the injector. The conveyor is selectively rotatable such that the conveyor may be directed to the reel which actively pays out the coiled tubing. In another embodiment, two reels are slidably disposed side-by-side on a shaft. A conveyor is used to support and guide the coiled tubing during travel from the reels to the injector. In this embodiment, the conveyor is directed to a specific location on the shaft and the reels are slid into the specific location for coiled tubing payout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: E. Alan Coats, Martin D. Paulk
  • Publication number: 20010052416
    Abstract: An electrical device for driving a tool (1), is secured in a tool chuck (2) and contains data (6) characterizing the tool (1). The tool is driven by an electrical driving mechanism (10), and is equipped in the chucking region (4) with a transponder (5), which contains READ and/or WRITE data (6). The electrical device (3) contains a transmitting and receiving unit (7), connected with a microcontroller (8), which in turn is connected with the electrical driving mechanism (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Walter Wissmach, Ferdinand Kristen, Hans-Werner Bongers-Ambrosius
  • Publication number: 20010052417
    Abstract: A hand-held tool with more than two modes of operation and including a clutch pusher (4) at least partially located in the tool housing and fixedly connected with a bevel gear engaging a bevel gear (9) supported on the drive spindle (3), and at least one engagement cam (6) which connects the clutch pusher (4) with driving gears (11) with a possibility of axial displacement of the clutch pusher relative thereto in the first and second modes of operation, with the spindle, in the third mode of operation, being stopped without a possibility of rotation relative to the tool housing, and with the engagement cam (6) engaging in a recess (7) provided in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Anton Neumaier
  • Publication number: 20010052418
    Abstract: A depth assembly for use wit a hand-held power tool (2) comprising a rod-shaped, deflection-resistant, depth-setting member (3) supported for a limited movement parallel to an axis of the power tool; a motorized control unit (5) associated with the depth-setting member (3) and connectable with an energy source (4); a length-determining sensor (10) associated with the depth-setting member (3); a transceiver unit (7) for contactless reading of an identification of a fastening element (9) insertable in the blind bore formed with the hand held power tool, and a micro-controller (6) for controlling the operation of the control module (5) and connected with the transceiver unit and the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Walter Wissmach, Ferdinand Kristen, Hans-Werner Bongers Ambrosius
  • Publication number: 20010052419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric hand tool, in particular a drill or a screwdriver, comprising a housing, an electric motor accommodated therein and having a motor shaft, a tool shaft which is mounted in the housing and which is driven by the motor shaft via a transmission, and a hand-operated locking mechanism for blocking the rotating movement of the tool shaft, wherein this locking mechanism acts on the motor shaft, so that it is possible to suffice with a lesser locking force in order to block the tool shaft with the same locking effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Antonius Jacobus Johannus Quirijnen, Jan Peter Houben, Antony Moolenaar
  • Publication number: 20010052420
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a crimping terminal which can interrupt immersion of water in an electric cable and maintain a waterproof function of a mating member, thereby enhancing reliability of connection between electric cables. A crimping terminal 10 is provided on each of cylindrical opposite ends with a crimping portion 11 having an insertion hole 12 with a bottom, which receives core wires e in an electric cable C. A solid body is formed between the crimping portions in a liquid-tight manner. Preferably, the crimping terminal 10 is used together 11 in a thermal-shrinkable tube 15 having an adhesive on its inner surface so that the with a thermal-shrinkable tube 15 comes into close contact with outer surfaces of the crimping portions and electric cables C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Akira Ito
  • Publication number: 20010052421
    Abstract: A wire winding box of a replaceable connecting receptacle includes a wire winding box and a replaceable connecting receptacle. In the wire winding box, a rotary disk with a built-in spiral spring causes the wire on the rotary disk to be sustained in an elastic rewinding state. The wire controlled by the spiral spring within the wire winding device is connected to a universal plug having a unified type of audio/video signal terminal. One end of the connecting plug is an universal receptacle portion capable of being inserted an universal plug, while another end is a signal input/output portion of various type and signal input mode, such as a communication plug, an earphone, a mobile phone hand-free receiver, a USB, an ADSL connectors. Therefore, only one wire winding device matching with various replaceable connecting receptacle of various type, different communication, video/audio or computer and other electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: SHENG-HSIN LIAO
  • Publication number: 20010052422
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a connecting member having a base material for electrically and temporarily connecting a first substrate having a terminal and a second substrate having a connection pad with each other. A supporting point of a point for contacting between the second substrate and the connecting member and a supporting point of the first substrate are separated thermally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Shigetaka Kobayashi, Norio Ohki, Shigeo Naoi, Takashi Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20010052423
    Abstract: A method for making a multi-layer electronic circuit board 136 having electroplated apertures 96, 98 which may be selectively and electrically isolated from an electrically grounded member 46 and further having selectively formed air bridges and/or crossover members 128 which are structurally supported by material 134.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Achyuta Achari, Andrew Zachary Glovatsky, Robert Edward Belke, Brenda Joyce Nation, Delin Li, Lakhi N. Goenka, Robert Joseph Gordon, Thomas Bernd Krautheim
  • Publication number: 20010052424
    Abstract: Lead wires 10 are soldered at their one ends respectively to lands 120 on a wiring board 100 while the other ends of the lead wires are connected to an electrical part mounted on a movable member 200. A portion of each of the lead wires 10 is passed through a U-shaped notch 130 in the wiring board 100 , and a loop portion 16, formed at another portion of each lead wire 10, is loosely fitted on a projected piece portion 140 of the wiring board 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hideki Kume, Teruaki Sogawa, Takayuki Murakami
  • Publication number: 20010052425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a printed circuit board, which includes a dielectric substrate having via holes formed in the thickness direction, and a conductor including a conductive filler is filled in the via holes. The dielectric substrate has patterned wiring layers on both surfaces, and the wiring layers are connected electrically with each other by the conductor. The dielectric substrate is made of a glass cloth or a glass nonwoven fabric impregnated with a thermosetting epoxy resin mixed with fine particles, and the conductive filler in the conductor has an average particle diameter larger than that of the fine particles. Accordingly, the printed circuit board has an improved moisture resistance as a whole and also excellent connection reliability and repair resistance. In addition, the dielectric substrate of the printed circuit board has an improved mechanical strength such as flexural rigidity. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing such a printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.,
    Inventors: Daizo Andoh, Fumio Echigo, Tadashi Nakamura, Yasuhiro Nakatani, Yoji Ueda, Tousaku Nishiyama, Shozo Ochi
  • Publication number: 20010052426
    Abstract: There is disclosed a locator/control arrangement for locating and controlling underground movement of a boring tool which is operated from a drill rig. An associated method is also disclosed. The boring tool includes means for emitting a locating signal. The locator/control arrangement includes a portable device for generating certain information about the position of the boring tool in response to and using the locating signal. In addition, the portable device includes means for generating command signals in view of the generated certain information and for transmitting the command signals to the drill rig. Means located at the drill rig then receives the command signals whereby the command signals can be used to control the boring tool. In one feature, the means located at the drill rig for receiving the command signals may include means for indicating the command signals to a drill rig operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: John E. Mercer
  • Publication number: 20010052427
    Abstract: The steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Jay M. Eppink, Albert C. Odell, James W. Estep, James B. Terry, Thomas Platt Wilson, William F. Trainor
  • Publication number: 20010052428
    Abstract: A downhole steering tool will steer the angle of the drill bit for drilling directional wells. The steering tool includes a steering housing which is mounted on the drill string above the drill bit. The steering housing can be held against rotation while the drill string rotates to cause the bit to drill in a desired direction. Guide members are mounted on the steering housing. The guide members may engage the borehole. The guide members can be turned about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering housing. Turning the guide members causes the steering housing to rotate relative to the borehole in one direction or the other as the housing slides downward in the borehole. Reorienting the steering housing allows steering of the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. Larronde, Dale A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010052429
    Abstract: A hand-held tool including a housing, a rod-shaped stop secured on the housing and a dust collector (3) having a dust screen (4) for at least partially circumferentially surrounding a working tool (2) insertable into tool, a deflection-resistant, axially resiliently displaceable at a radial distance from a tool axis (A), suction conduit (6), and guide and connection elements (7) for securing the dust collector (3) on the depth stop (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Jens Frenzel, Helmut Nussrainer
  • Publication number: 20010052430
    Abstract: An attachment for a feeder conveyor with the attachment comprising an angularly postionable gate that is angularly postionable within the trough of a feeder with the postionable gate having a secondary metering outlet so that when the postionable gate is in the down position it partially close off the material flow path within the feeder while allowing only a portion of the solid materials in the material flow path to pass therethrough to thereby extend the range at which material can be controllable and uniformly delivered from the feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: JAMES R. STEELE
  • Publication number: 20010052431
    Abstract: An electronic weighing sensor (10) having a digital signal processing unit (19), which includes at least one filter (12) with low-pass characteristic. By means of the filter (12), the direct-current component (m) is determined from the output signal of the weighing sensor and the weighing result is derived therefrom. A signal, which is dependent on the amplitude of the vibrations, is determined by the digital signal processing unit (19) and electronic components (18) change the direct-current component (m) as a function of the magnitude of the vibration-dependent signal. This significantly improves the performance of the weighing sensor (10) with respect to shocks and vibrations in the installation site of the weighing sensor (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: SARTORIUS AG
    Inventors: Alfred Klauer, Joerg Peter Martens
  • Publication number: 20010052432
    Abstract: The engine compartment structure has an engine compartment and an engine unit. The engine compartment has side members, a rear cross member, and a steering rack mounted on rear cross member. Engine unit has an engine, a transfer case, and a transaxle. Transfer case has an output shaft. The center of output shaft is positioned lower than the center of an axle of transaxle. Steering rack is positioned lower than output shaft. With this the engine compartment structure, the height of a floor tunnel which houses output shaft can be lowered. Also, the cross sectional height of side members can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Shinichi Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20010052433
    Abstract: An hybrid power supply module is disclosed. The hybrid power supply module is configured for placement in a battery compartment of an electrically powered machine and includes a housing that contains a battery, an electrical generator or fuel cell, and control electronics. The housing is sized to fit in the host electrically-powered machine's battery compartment. The battery and electrical power generator or fuel cell are coupled electrically to the electronic controls. A method of replacing a battery in an electric powered machine with a renewable power source is also disclosed. The method includes uncoupling the battery from the machine, removing the battery from a battery compartment of the machine, placing the hybrid power supply module in the battery compartment, and coupling the hybrid power supply module to the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Donald B. Harris, Peter Amico
  • Publication number: 20010052434
    Abstract: A proximity sensing system for a trailer which includes at least one non-contact proximity sensor which is in communication with a brake system. The brake system is configured to operate depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensing system may be in communication with electronics and a feedback device in the trailer, such as a display device and/or a speaker. The electronics is configured to control the feedback device depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor. Preferably, a tractor includes an engine and an electronic engine controller in operable association with the engine. The proximity sensor is in communication with the electronic engine controller, and the electronic engine controller is configured to operate the engine depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be optical, microwave or ultrasonic technology based, or may be some other suitable sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, James B. Brown
  • Publication number: 20010052435
    Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Martin B. Montague
  • Publication number: 20010052436
    Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus, an O-ring is interposed between a middle portion in an axial direction of a first faucet portion provided in a gear housing and a middle portion in an axial direction of a second faucet portion provided in a motor case when fitting the second faucet portion to the first faucet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujita, Yoshitaka Kubo
  • Publication number: 20010052437
    Abstract: A transport assembly for transporting an object axially along a rail of a ladder. The assembly comprises a platform for supporting the object at a selected axial position. A coupling mechanism is employed to slidably connect the platform to the rail. The coupling mechanism includes a locking mechanism and a connector for connecting the coupling mechanism to the platform. Axial displacement of the object along the rail is such that the locking mechanism permits relative axial displacement of the assembly with respect to the rail in a first direction, and inhibits the relative axial displacement in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Terry MacSweeney, Edward J. Burke
  • Publication number: 20010052438
    Abstract: A plug for protecting the interior of a recessed area of a component during storage is disclosed herein. The plug includes a lubrication fitting positioned thereon to flow a protective material, such as grease, into the cavity between the lower end of the plug and the recessed area and any remaining voids between the walls of the plug and the walls of the recessed area. The plug may also include an engagement surface to assist in the insertion and removal of the plug into and out of recessed areas of a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: R. WILSON SPENCER
  • Publication number: 20010052439
    Abstract: A braking device for limiting the travel of an overhead crane traveling over rails temporarily increases its traveling resistance until it stops. The braking device includes at least one brake shoe which is mounted on the overhead crane and can be pressed against the rails with a force up to a level equivalent to the weight of the overhead crane. The brake shoe can be forcibly caused to move from a resting position a certain distance away from the rail into a braking position, in which the side of the brake shoe or shoes facing the rail can be pressed against the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Breitfeld, Hermann Franzen, Janis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20010052440
    Abstract: An elevator drive includes a casing with a shaft supported by spaced shaft bearings. Arranged on the shaft between the bearings are a traction sheave and a brake disk. On a free end of the shaft is a motor ventilated by fans. Arranged on the casing is a symmetrically constructed braking device with two single-arm brake levers having brake linings which, when braking occurs, press against the traction sheave and bring it to a standstill. Provided on a free end of each brake lever is a compression spring that is supported at one end on the brake lever and on the other end on a spring pin. The spring force of the compression spring acts on the brake lever thereby causing the brake lining to press against the traction sheave. To release the brake lever, a brake magnet provided with an armature plate is arranged on a brake lever, the brake magnet and the armature plate acting against the force of the compression springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Andre Rimann, Renate Murer