Patents Issued in November 29, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010045196
    Abstract: When a rotor and a case are formed from different materials, deformation and early wear due to insufficient strength of an engagement hole of a lock means which locks the relative rotation of the rotor and the case can be prevented. Furthermore it is possible to maintain a clearance between the sliding faces of the rotor and the case in response to temperature variations. A second rotating body 6 is formed form a material with a greater linear expansion coefficient than a first rotating body 2 and an engagement hole 21 which stores a lock means 20 in a second rotating body 6 and which engages and disengages a lock means 20 is provided in the first rotating means 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mutsuo Sekiya, Katsuyuki Numoto
  • Publication number: 20010045197
    Abstract: A mechanical assist actuation bracket for use with a roller finger follower. The roller finger follower includes a locking pin assembly having a trigger pin. The mechanical assist actuation bracket includes a face configured for being affixed to the roller finger follower. An arm extends from the face. The arm is configured for translating an actuating arm of an actuating device associated with the roller finger follower in a direction toward and away from the trigger pin during pivotal movement of the roller finger follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Hermes A. Fernandez, Ryan D. Fogarty, Jongmin Lee, Wayne S. Harris, Nick J. Hendriksma
  • Publication number: 20010045198
    Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Okubo, Shoichi Abe, Satoshi Kadokawa, Hiroshi Iwasa
  • Publication number: 20010045199
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine capable of optimizing the amount of oil in the crank chamber with a simplified structure of lubrication system, in which a U-shaped oil reservoir is formed surrounding and adjacent to a crank chamber. At least one small hole is formed on a partition wall which separates the oil reservoir and the crank chamber from each other so that the crank chamber may always communicate with the oil reservoir through the small hole. Due to a flow resistance in the small hole, a pressure Po in the oil reservoir changes following a change of pressure Pc in the crank chamber with some delay, and where the pressure difference between the oil reservoir and the crank chamber caused by a delay in the change of the pressure Po in the oil reservoir, results in the introduction of the oil in the oil reservoir into the crank chamber. It further allows excessive oil in the crank chamber to be circulated back into the oil reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Noboru Nagai, Yumin Liu
  • Publication number: 20010045200
    Abstract: A split injection of gasoline produces stratified charge in at least one cylinder. A sensor measures cylinder pressure or knock and generates a sensor signal indicative of combustion event timing of stratified charge. From the sensor signal, a controller determines an actual value of a characteristic parameter representing combustion event timing in the cylinder. The controller modifies at least one of operating variables governing a split injection for the subsequent cycle in such a direction as to decrease a deviation between the actual value of the characteristic parameter and a target value thereof toward zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonori Urushihara, Koudai Yoshizawa, Koji Hiraya
  • Publication number: 20010045201
    Abstract: A system and method for widening auto-ignition range of a lean burn internal combustion engine employs stratified charge of exhaust gas content and air content. A fuel injection system carries out a first injection of gasoline fuel for dispersion within the air content, and a second injection of gasoline fuel for dispersion within the exhaust gas content. This intelligent injection of gasoline fuel accomplishes auto-ignition of gasoline fuel within the exhaust gas content over extended range of engine speed and load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koudai Yoshizawa, Atushi Teraji, Ken Naitoh
  • Publication number: 20010045202
    Abstract: To achieve an integration of components and the rationalization of the default opening mechanism of the throttle valve, a reduction of the load of the motor drive and a stabilization of the throttle control operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: TAKAHIRO SHIMURA, YOSHIKATSU HASHIMOTO, SHIGERU TOKUMOTO, YASUO SAITO, TOSHIFUMI USUI, EISUKE WAYAMA, YOSHINORI FUKASAKU
  • Publication number: 20010045203
    Abstract: A valve control unit, especially for internal combustion engines, having a valve fixed on a valve spindle which is mounted for angular rotation in a valve body supporting a control motor for positioning the valve spindle. The motor is coupled to the valve spindle through a gear mechanism and is disposed in the valve body with a sensor unit for sensing an adjusted angular position of the valve spindle. A cover is provided to be fastened on the valve body and the cover supports an electric clutch element, a bearing for an end of the motor shaft of the control motor and functional parts of the control motor such that assembly of the control motor is completed upon mounting the cover on the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: PIERBURG AG
    Inventors: Mirko Arsic, Michael Jager, Isao Fukumoto, Detlev Oellrich, Gunter Preub, Edward Wieczorek
  • Publication number: 20010045204
    Abstract: An engine ignition timing control system for outboard motor having a propeller connected to the engine to be rotated and mounted on a boat such that the boat is propelled forward or backward. The engine is equipped with a decompression mechanism and is started by a recoil starter. In the system, at the time of engine starting, the ignition timing is set to a predetermined crank angle until the detected engine speed exceeds a first prescribed engine speed, while it is set to a value obtained by retrieving a table by at least the detected engine speed after the detected engine speed exceeds the first prescribed engine speed. And, the ignition timing is advanced until the detected engine speed is equal to or greater than a second prescribed value and is then returned to the retrieved value. With this, the engine speed can be reliably increased at starting, without need for a throttle opener or air-fuel ratio enrichment, thereby enhancing engine starting performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sadafumi Shidara, Kazuhiro Satoh
  • Publication number: 20010045205
    Abstract: A pumping system for supplying high pressure actuation fluid to individual fuel injectors of an engine equipped with a hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system wherein the three major elements of the system, namely, the pump, the rail pressure control valve and the bleed-off sump or reservoir are physically separated and spaced from one another. The pump is annular, having a central opening through which the engine crankshaft passes. The crankshaft and pump wobble plate are rotationally coupled by opposing flats on each. The pump, rail pressure control valve and reservoir are mounted directly to the engine, receiving and discharging fluid through internal engine passageways, thereby eliminating the usual tubing, and fittings. The pump itself is compact and relatively short in the axial direction, leaving space for mounting such things as a cylindrical housing having belt grooves in its outer surface and a viscous damper on the crankshaft between the pump and the terminal crankshaft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Mark F. Sommars
  • Publication number: 20010045206
    Abstract: An air/fuel intake manifold module having fuel injectors and having an electronic engine control module (ECM) cooled by the passage of air through the manifold. The ECM is protected from contamination and damage by a coating. The ECM may be mounted in the air flow path immediately ahead of the main engine throttle body, or in a well formed in a wall of the manifold. The ECM in the well may be further cooled by placement of a heat-sink between the ECM and the manifold or by fins extended through the manifold wall into the air stream within the manifold. Alternatively, the ECM circuit board itself may be extended through a slot in the manifold wall into the air stream, or the circuits may be applied to, or formed directly on, an interior or exterior surface of the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel F. Smith, William P. Whitlock, Daniel A. Lawlyes, Keith A. Confer, Curtis D. Lamb
  • Publication number: 20010045207
    Abstract: A fuel supply amount control apparatus for an internal combustion engine uses an idling control amount QISC obtained by reducing an idling control amount Qa by an idling control amount correction value KQISC, when determining the amount of fuel injected for the lean combustion when the vehicle is running. Therefore, during the lean combustion with the D range is selected, there is substantially no difference between the road load amount of fuel injected during the idling state and the road load amount of fuel injected during a low-speed running of the vehicle. Hence, an increase in the amount of fuel injection during the low-speed running of the vehicle based on the lean combustion achieved upon a fuel increase request does not result in an excessively great output torque of the engine, so that the low-speed running of the vehicle becomes stable and good drivability can be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Zenichiro Mashiki, Isao Takagi, Hirofumi Kubota, Hiroya Tanaka, Shinichi Mitani
  • Publication number: 20010045208
    Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus has a fuel pump for pumping fuel stored in a fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies fuel from the fuel tank to outside the fuel tank via a take-up portion having a fuel take-up opening that opens in the fuel in the fuel tank and a gas take-up opening that opens in a space formed above the fuel liquid surface in the fuel tank. Fuel vapor formed in the fuel tank can be supplied to outside the fuel tank without being released to the atmosphere, by using a minimal number of component elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Susumu Kojima, Keiso Takeda
  • Publication number: 20010045209
    Abstract: A control system and method for an EGR valve, particularly in a diesel engine. A processor processes data in feedback control of the position of the valve element to develop from the data a position control signal for setting the extent to which the valve is open. The processing includes processing data corresponding to actual position of the valve and data representing a desired position of the valve to develop a position error signal, processing data that defines actual EGR rate and data representing a desired EGR rate to develop a rate error signal, and processing the position error signal and the rate error signal to develop the position control signal. Emission control system event monitors flag potential error sources in their incipiency to afford opportunity for correction before mandatory logging occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Priyankar S. Balekai, Scott Anderson, Steven M. Bandy
  • Publication number: 20010045210
    Abstract: A control unit (41) sets a target opening of a variable nozzle (53) of a turbocharger (50) according to a running condition of a diesel engine (1), and controls the opening of the variable nozzle (53) to the target opening. The control unit (41) calculates a target opening area of an exhaust gas recirculation valve (6) using the target opening of the variable nozzle (53) and a target exhaust gas recirculation amount determined according to the running condition. Control of an exhaust gas recirculation amount is performed according to the variation of turbocharging pressure by using the target opening of the variable nozzle (53) as a parameter representing the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the exhaust gas recirculation valve (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Itoyama
  • Publication number: 20010045211
    Abstract: Dampener device for archery bows of wedge shape form, with one or more of such devices (10) placed on a bow and dampening a wide range of frequency oscillations, each device made of elastomeric material (or combination of various materials) and having a base portion (12) adhered to the bow and or extension triangular portion (14) suspended from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Leonid G. Kronfeld
  • Publication number: 20010045212
    Abstract: A double reflecting solar concentrator utilizing a primary reflective surface which reflects incident light toward a secondary surface. The incident light reflects off the secondary surface away from the primary surface's natural focus point toward a secondary focal point positioned on or substantially near the surface of the primary reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Frazier
  • Publication number: 20010045213
    Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile are improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Igor Gonda, Reid M. Rubsamen, Stephen J. Farr
  • Publication number: 20010045214
    Abstract: A method of detecting the positions occupied on a pallet by stacks of blanks arranged on the pallet in a number of superimposed layers and, in each layer, in a number of side by side rows, to enable automatic pickup of each stack and supply of the stack to a cigarette packing machine; the method including the step of moving a sensor along each row to determine a lateral contour of the row close to a bases of the relative stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20010045215
    Abstract: A filter material for reducing the content of harmful substances in tobacco smoke. The filter material comprises a ground and not additionally activated expanded clay produced without adding foreign substances, and zeolite as the filter material. The filter is suitable for tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, and for smoking articles such as tobacco pipes and cigarette and cigar holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Dieter Meyer, Hans-Peter Braun
  • Publication number: 20010045216
    Abstract: An adornment made of metal sheet, jewelry, to applied to fingernails and the method for applying the jewelry to the fingernail. It is the object of this invention to provide an adornment for artificial fingernails which is easily applied and yet remains securely in place on top of the fingernail. The adornment curves with the shape of the nail and is secured on the underside with the use of polymers, is varied in its edge and surface designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Todd Joseph Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20010045217
    Abstract: An aerosol apparatus for applying health or beauty products to selected portions of a person's body. The apparatus is suitable for general use but provides major benefits to physically disadvantaged persons, such as elderly, arthritic, amputee, paralytic and bedridden persons who are unable to care for their hygienic, health and grooming needs. The apparatus is suitable for use in residences, hospitals, nursing homes, at the beach and while traveling. The apparatus is comprised of a replaceable aerosol cartridge, a slender elongated tubular member having an inlet portion operatively connected to the cartridge, and an applicator attached to an outlet portion of the tubular member. The applicator can be rotatable about three mutually perpendicular axes for applying health and beauty products to difficult to reach body areas. The elongated tube may be extensible to provide further utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Publication number: 20010045218
    Abstract: An improved method and system for cleaning a cylinder of a printing press. One method involves soaking a strip of cleaning fabric on a press with a low volatility organic compound solvent. Excess solvent, if any, is removed to place the strip of cleaning fabric in functional equilibrium with the solvent. The cleaning fabric is then used to clean a cylinder. Alternatively, the strip of cleaning fabric is soaked on site by contacting the strip of cleaning fabric with the solvent and wrapping the strip of cleaning fabric into a cleaning fabric supply roll. The cleaning fabric is then brought in engagement with a printing press having a cylinder to be cleaned without disposing a sleeve around the fabric roll and without substantially disturbing the distribution of the solvent in the fabric roll and detrimentally affecting the cleaning ability of the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: C. Robert Gasparrini, Peter E. Anselmo, Walter H. Cano
  • Publication number: 20010045219
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, compositions and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces within vessels that have restricted points of entry, and in particular, the surfaces within oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders. These oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders are components of the onboard oxygen supply systems of aircraft. A surfactant and a solvent are mixed to form a cleaning composition that is boiled at reduced pressure and increased temperature within the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder. The oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder is rinsed with pure solvent, and the rinse fluid is measured to determine the level of contaminants. Dry air is forced through the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder to remove remaining solvent. The cleaning composition may comprise a fluorocarbon solvent and a fluorosurfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory M. Fillipi, Bobby E. Walls, Kenneth Magerus, Jerry L. Gore, Jerome B. Strauss, Gerard K. Newman, Jan Goldberg, Christy Crowe
  • Publication number: 20010045220
    Abstract: A pollution containment apparatus for removal of polluted material from a ceiling and/or a wall. The apparatus has a platform which can support a workperson and can be raised and lowered. A support on the platform holds a enclosure. The enclosure has gloves and a waste bag attached. A portion of the top of the enclosure can be opened and closed for access to the polluted portion of the ceiling and/or the wall. The entire completely assembled apparatus can be moved from one location to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Leonard Bloom
    Inventor: Mark C. Fara
  • Publication number: 20010045221
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit cleaning apparatus has a hydraulic circuit that includes an oil pump, an oil passage to which the oil pressure ejected from the oil pump is supplied, and a pressure regulator device connected to the oil passage for regulating the oil pressure in the oil passage. The apparatus cleans the hydraulic circuit by using a cleaning liquid. A discharge oil passage is connected to a discharge port of the pressure regulator device, so that the cleaning liquid is discharged out of the hydraulic circuit via the discharge oil passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Soga, Ryoji Habuchi, Hiroshi Morioka, Shinji Kasuga, Hideki Yasue
  • Publication number: 20010045222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for cleaning filters in different types of liquid containers. The arrangement includes a pump (4) provided with a suction conduit (5) and which pump is connected to a filter (7) and an outlet conduit (3), whereby the components are placed in a sealed liquid container (1), and that the pump (4) can be reversed when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, whereby pollutants from said filter (7) is pumped to a collection unit (17) connected to said suction conduit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Jan Hultqvist
  • Publication number: 20010045223
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer cleaning apparatus and method uses only one inner bath for chemical solution and de-ionized water cleaning, and includes a marangoni dryer for cleaning and drying semiconductor wafers. The apparatus includes a loading unit loaded with a cassette holding wafers; a moving mechanism for extracting the wafers from the cassette and moving the wafers into a loader; an inner bath for cleaning the wafers with a chemical solution or de-ionized water; a marangoni dryer including a hood, for moving the wafers from the loader into the bath, to be sealed to the bath; and a knife for supporting the wafers loaded into the bath at a lower portion thereof and moving the wafers up and down. Since the marangoni dryer is adhered to the bath during drying, the wafers are not affected by laminar flow or exhaustion and water marks do not occur thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Yong-Joon Cho, Seung-Kun Lee, Young-Hwan Yun, Gyu-Hwan Kwag
  • Publication number: 20010045224
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus (1) for processing wafers (W) has a first processing chamber (2) capable of containing the wafers (W) and a second processing chamber (4) capable of containing the wafers (W). The second processing chamber (4) is formed below and near the first processing chamber (2) and is capable of communicating with the first processing chamber (2). A wafer guide (6) carries the wafers (W) vertically between the first and second processing chambers (2, 4). A shutter (7) is opened to allow the first and second processing chambers (2, 4) to communicate with each other and is closed to isolate the same from each other. A steam supply system (8) including steam supply port, an ozone gas supply system (9) including ozone gas supply port and an IPA supply system (10) including IPA supply port are combined with the first processing chamber (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Shigenori Kitahara, Kinya Ueno
  • Publication number: 20010045225
    Abstract: A submerged conveyance structure for a photosensitive material, including a main body, a blade, and a blade press. The blade covers the slit hole in the state with the portions other than the portion contacting the photosensitive material, that is, the vicinity of the end edges of both sides in the longitudinal direction and the vicinity of the end edge on the opposite side with respect to the side elastically contacting the conveyance path upper wall surface, nipped by the blade press and the first tilted surface having the slit hole. Thus, the sealing property can further be made certain at the portions other than the portion that contacts the photosensitive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20010045226
    Abstract: A washing appliance such as a dishwasher where a top-loading wash chamber is slidable out of cabinet for loading and unloading has a cabinet-mounted chamber lid which is power driven down onto the open top of the wash chamber during the washing cycle. Linear actuators or motors mounted in opposite sides of the appliance cabinet are coupled to opposite sides of the lid to pull the lid down when the chamber has been slid back into the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment rotating dc motors are used to rotate a threaded nut which in turn produces linear motion in a threaded shaft engaged within the nut and connected to the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Robert William Todd
  • Publication number: 20010045227
    Abstract: The safety support device of this invention includes a frame having a mounting section. A pair of forward legs are attached to a forward end of the mounting section and a pair of rear legs are attached to a rear end of the mounting section. Each leg has a distal end to which is attached a roller assembly that includes a roller member mounted so that with the weight of the user bearing down on the assembly the roller member is prevented from moving. In a second embodiment used to assist injured or elderly person stand erect, the legs are long and arm support members engage the arm pits of the user when the user is being supported by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Ruben Balan
  • Publication number: 20010045228
    Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a photovoltaic device having a flexible substrate. The photovoltaic device has a strain at least partly in the planar direction of the flexible substrate, and the strain is set not more than a critical value at which the photovoltaic device cracks. The solar cell module may further comprise a strain holding means for holding the strain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: TAKESHI TAKADA, AKIHARU TAKABAYASHI, MASAHIRO MORI, AYAKO KOMORI, MASAAKI MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20010045229
    Abstract: A sealing composition including ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), a cross-linking agent, and either a polymerization inhibitor or chain transfer agent. A method of sealing a device between two substrates through the following steps of; forming a layered structure by interposing the device sandwiched with two sheets or films made of the sealing composition in between two substrates to make a layered structure; deaerating the layered structure by heating under reduced pressure; unit the layered structure by curing (cross-linking) ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. By controlling an initial curing rate of the EVA sealing composition, sealing can be carried out with good productivity and high yield without problems of left bubbles and poor adhesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yushi Komori, Yasuhiro Iino
  • Publication number: 20010045230
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: DONALD O. OLSON, GERALD PETERSON, AARON DELABY
  • Publication number: 20010045231
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a bonnet and a removable insert in which a valve ball and opposed seat rings are contained within a cartridge of separable shells. Cylindrical spring seals of resilient and impervious high density graphite or silicon ruber are mounted on a reduced diameter length of each seat ring. Other embodiments include annular coil springs which compensate for component wear, and contraction and expansion due to changes in temperature. The spring seals are compressed between shoulders on the seat rings and a facing annular recessed surfaces in the cartridge and urge the seat rings into dynamic sealing contact with the valve ball. The spring seals also provide static sealing at the interface of the seat rings and the cartridge. Connecting fittings on mating surfaces of the bonnet and the insert enable the insert to be completely removed from the valve body for easy access for repair or replacement of components within the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Gilles Monod
  • Publication number: 20010045232
    Abstract: An anti-geyser shut-off valve assembly for a water sprinkler irrigation system. It has a valve housing, a valve member, a coil spring, and a push nut that would be installed on the elongated shaft member of the valve housing for restricting the distance that the valve member may be biased away from a valve housing. When a sprinkler housing is mounted above the shut-off valve assembly and is operating properly, there is minimal obstruction to the water flow passing therethrough. If the sprinkler head or riser is broken off, the uncontrolled geyser of water will be automatically shut off and a thin stream of water would be sprayed upwardly to function as a flag identifying that the sprinkler head requires repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Oswald Svehaug
  • Publication number: 20010045233
    Abstract: Flowable reaction components of a reaction mixture which form solid or foamed material comprising filling material are transported from a storage container to a high-pressure mixing head in pressure stages by the use of gear pumps connected in series without major wear of the gear pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Sulzbach, Reiner Raffel
  • Publication number: 20010045234
    Abstract: A water tank includes a bottom surface having a suction opening for draining water, and an air-suction preventing member covering the suction opening, spaced with a gap allowing water to flow into the suction opening, above the bottom surface. The air-suction preventing member is so arranged as to interrupt suction of air by the suction opening due to generation of a vortex at the suction opening. The arrangement provides a water tank free of any possible failure and having a simple structure not increasing weight and cost, preventing the air from being sucked in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010045235
    Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Hans Gunther Schick
  • Publication number: 20010045236
    Abstract: Regenerated cellulose food packaging film, including fibrous food casings have modified cling properties for packaging dry and semi-dry type sausage products, and particularly specialty dry sausage recipes. The cellulosic food casings have a fibrous reinforcement impregnated with a coating composition containing an admixture of a viscose solution and a food grade cationic thermosetting polymeric adhering agent. The coating composition is applied in a single step by injecting into the viscose solution before being extruded into the fibrous web. This assures both even distribution of the polymeric adhering agent in the web, as well as maintenance of a constant level of polymer being applied during the coating process. The degree of cling/adherence of the casing to the meat mass is more uniform over the entire circumference of the tubular casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Eric M. J. Verschueren, Reinhard Fichtner
  • Publication number: 20010045237
    Abstract: A refrigerant transporting rubber hose which is capable of reducing the refrigerant permeation amount to a higher extent than earlier while maintaining the practicability of its extruded skin surface and without increasing the volume of the hose nor sacrificing mandrel removability. The hose is of a layered structure at least comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein an inner layer material forming the inner layer contains 60-200 parts by weight of a scale-shape filler and 10-100 parts by weight of carbon black per 100 parts by weight of a rubber material having as small a permeation coefficient against a refrigerant to be transported as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Hisanobu Monobe, Kenji Kuwamoto
  • Publication number: 20010045238
    Abstract: A pipe for fluid transportation is made up of a first layer of material with a first desired critical pressure PC1 and a second layer of material with a critical pressure PC2<0.4PC1. Thickness of the first layer is between 0.1% and 25% of total pipe thickness but not less than 0.3 mm and preferably 0.5-1 mm). Surprising it is observed that a pipe made in this manner has a critical pressure CP near the first desired critical pressure PC1 despite the low thickness of the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Massimo Genoni, Andrea Ticci, Cesare Vannini
  • Publication number: 20010045239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device reinforcing circumferential welds 8 which join two contiguous pipes 6 and 7 in order to increase the fatigue life of said welds by reducing mechanical stresses in them when being subjected to periodic bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Ludovic Villatte, Philippe Marchal
  • Publication number: 20010045240
    Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory J. Watkins, Gregory M. Soehnlen
  • Publication number: 20010045241
    Abstract: A gas charging device reversely supplies fresh gas from a gas outlet (7b) of a pressure reducing valve (7) to a gas inlet (7a) thereof. A pressure reducing member (17) of the pressure reducing valve (7) has a communication passage (30) which communicates the gas outlet (7b) with an actuation chamber (29). The communication passage (30) has a peripheral wall (30a) provided in its end surface with a portion (43) to be sealed, which faces the gas outlet (7b). A charging nozzle (34) has an interior area provided with a charging passage (35) which communicates with the gas outlet (7b). A push member (37) is attached to the charging nozzle (34) and is provided with a projection (40) which sticks out toward the pressure reducing member (17). The projection (40) has a sealing means (41). The sealing means (41) is directed from the gas outlet (7b) to the actuation chamber (28) so that it comes into sealing contact with the portion (43) to be sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Masaru Takeda, Teruo Hatori
  • Publication number: 20010045242
    Abstract: In a beverage container filling machine or plant, an arrangement and a method for filling of bottles, cans, or the like containers, with a liquid filling material, for example, a beverage, using a plurality of filling elements, during the filling process there is monitored, on an individual basis at each filling element, the pressure in the interior space of the container that is connected with this filling element and this actual pressure behavior or value is utilized for monitoring and control purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Manfred Hartel
  • Publication number: 20010045243
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator including an output shaft structure coupled to an output gear to allow relative motion therebetween upon application of a predetermined level of force to the output shaft structure. The relative motion opens a normally closed conductive path between a motor for driving the output gear and a power supply input terminal. Integrated position control is provided whereby the conductive path is opened at limits to the range of motion for the output shaft established by location of the ends of stationary contacts. A fuel filler valve system and a method of providing pinch protection are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: John C. Holloway, Thomas P. Schregardus
  • Publication number: 20010045244
    Abstract: There is provided a soldering flux for circuit board, which is designed to be employed on an occasion of soldering electronic parts on a circuit board, the soldering flux being free from any organic solvent which may become a cause for contaminating air atmosphere and being capable of providing an excellent insulating property. This soldering flux comprises; a rosin-based modified resin having an acid value of not less than 100, a nondissociative activator formed of a nondissociative halogenide, and an aqueous solvent containing a volatile basic agent. There is also provided a circuit board having a flux film formed from such a soldering flux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Shinichi Akaike, Shoichi Saito, Takao Ohno
  • Publication number: 20010045245
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head with a spin valve effect MR read sensor includes a temperature-annealing step of firmly fixing the direction of the pinned magnetization in the spin valve effect MR sensor. The temperature-annealing step is executed by a plurality of times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Shimazawa, Manabu Ohta, Tetsuro Sasaki