Patents Issued in January 31, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020011206
    Abstract: A cylindrical member is placed in a dead-end hole formed in a housing made of a material such as aluminum. A peripheral portion of the hole is pressed down to plastically deform the housing material and to supply the deformed material into a groove formed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is calked to the housing in this manner. To supply a proper amount of deformed material into the groove for obtaining a quality calking, an inflection point of a calking curve indicating a relation of a calking force and a calking stroke is detected during the calking process. After the inflection point is detected, the calking is performed by giving a predetermined calking stroke or by adding a predetermined calking force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yamazaki, Akinori Nakayama, Minoru Watanabe, Shinya Mitani, Toshiharu Mizuno, Hidenobu Kajita
  • Publication number: 20020011207
    Abstract: The interior of a port mechanism for exchanging a wafer between a coating/developing system and an exposure apparatus is evacuated, and a predetermined atmospheric gas is introduced. In loading/unloading a wafer into/from the exposure apparatus, the wafer is heated/cooled as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Uzawa, Izumi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20020011208
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate of the present invention comprises a holder holding a substrate, a supply pipe being supplied with a processing solution from a first end and supplying the processing solution to the substrate from a second end, a first temperature controller having a first temperature controlled water circulated inside which controls a first temperature around the second end of the supply pipe and a second temperature controller having a second temperature controlled water drained from the first temperature controller circulated inside, which controls a second temperature around the first end of the supply pipe. With such a configuration, the temperature controlled water used for controlling the temperature of the processing solution just before its application onto the substrate can be recycled for controlling the temperature of the processing solution just after being supplied to a supply pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Seiki Ishida, Junichi Iwano, Jun Ookura, Michishige Saito
  • Publication number: 20020011209
    Abstract: Actuators for handling furniture parts to be coated are provided. For this purpose, a feeder device is provided which has a plurality of lifting bolts arranged in a grid-like manner and which can travel vertically in a simplified manner thereby that all lifting bolts of a row can be locked by common locking means and that all lifting bolts of a line can be acted upon by common actuating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Dolker, Markus Heintel, Wolfgang Renz
  • Publication number: 20020011210
    Abstract: A plasma CVD device includes a reaction chamber, a remote plasma discharge chamber that is provided remotely from the reaction chamber, and piping that links the reaction chamber and the remote plasma discharge chamber. The remote plasma discharge chamber activates cleaning gas by plasma discharge energy, and the activated cleaning gas is introduced into the inside of the reaction chamber through the piping and changes solid substances that adhere to the inside of the reaction chamber in consequence of film formation, to gaseous substances, thereby cleaning the inside of the reaction chamber. The device is characterized by at least one of the following: (a) the remote plasma discharge chamber generates active species using radio frequency oscillating output energy of a preselected frequency; (b) the piping is made of materials that are not corroded by the active species; or (c) the piping is provided with a through-flow type valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Satoh, Kazuo Sato, Hideaki Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20020011211
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition apparatus comprises a reaction chamber and one or more vitreous components having an outer surface that is covered at least in part by a devitrification barrier layer. In some arrangements, the one or more vitrious components can include a thermocouple. In a preferred arrangement, the devitrification barrier coating is formed from silicon nitride, which can be deposited on the vitreous component using chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael W. Halpin
  • Publication number: 20020011212
    Abstract: A continuous plasma CVD apparatus, characterized in that frequency of high-frequency bias is in the range of 50-900 KHz, a blocking condenser is provided between a thin film and a high-frequency source so that the product C·f of electrostatic capacity C of the blocking condenser and frequency f of the high-frequency source is 0.02 [F·Hz] or more, and the total of impedances of all the rollers provided in the route of from a substrate unwind roller to a rotating drum is 10 k&OHgr; or more and the total of impedances of all the rollers provided in the route of from the rotating drum to a wind roller is 10 k&OHgr; or more. According to this apparatus, it becomes possible to continuously form a film without causing damage and deterioration of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: YOICHI OGAWA, TETSUO MIZUMURA, AKIRA YANO, HIDEO KUSADA, TAKASHI KUBOTA
  • Publication number: 20020011213
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving film stability and moisture resistance of a borophosphosilicate film. The BPSG film according to the present invention is formed under plasma conditions in which high and low frequency RF power is employed to generate the plasma. The high frequency power supply provides most of the energy to break the molecules in the process gas thereby forming the plasma and promoting the necessary reactions. The low frequency power supply regulates and controls ion bombardment of the BPSG film as it is formed. In a preferred embodiment, nitrogen is included in the process gas and the low frequency RF power supply is used to precisely control ion bombardment during deposition processing thereby allowing incorporation of an unexpectedly elevated amount of nitrogen into the film further improving film stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: CHANDRASEKARAM RAMIAH, JEFFREY L. YOUNG, NEIL L. PAGEL
  • Publication number: 20020011214
    Abstract: A remote plasma generator, coupling microwave frequency energy to a gas and delivering radicals to a downstream process chamber, includes several features which, in conjunction, enable highly efficient radical generation. In the illustrated embodiments, more efficient delivery of oxygen and fluorine radicals translates to more rapid photoresist etch or ash rates. A single-crystal, one-piece sapphire applicator and transport tube minimizes recombination of radicals in route to the process chamber and includes a bend to avoid direct line of sight from the glow discharge to the downstream process chamber. Microwave transparent cooling fluid within a cooling jacket around the applicator enables high power, high temperature plasma production. Additionally, dynamic impedance matching via a sliding short at the terminus of the microwave cavity reduces power loss through reflected energy. At the same time, a low profile microwave trap produces a more dense plasma to increase radical production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Mohammad Kamarehi, Gerald M. Cox
  • Publication number: 20020011215
    Abstract: A plasma treatment apparatus for treating a surface of an object of treatment comprises a pressure reducible container, a gas supply means for supplying gas into the container for plasma excitation, an evacuation means for evacuating the inside of the container and a microwave supply means for supplying a microwave into the container. The surface of said microwave supply means located opposite to said object of treatment is a non-planar surface. A film coat showing an excellent intra-surface uniformity and practically free from pin holes and local defects can be formed by means of such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: GOUSHU TEI, NOBUYOSHI TANAKA, TADAHIRO OHMI, MASAKI HIRAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20020011216
    Abstract: An integral susceptor-wall reactor apparatus, for use in a semiconductor device manufacturing process, employs an integral susceptor for improving the serviceability of the reactor. The use of the integral susceptor wall in the reactor allows the replacement of failed parts in the susceptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: TUE NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20020011217
    Abstract: An electro-magnetically controlled pet door having a door (1) pivotally mounted in a door aperture (17) of a frame (2) and an electrically controlled catch mechanism normally preventing opening of the door in at least one direction that is released when a magnet (30) carried by an animal approaching the door is sensed by two or more reed switches (23,24) on or in the frame mounted and connected electrically in parallel. The switches (23,24) are disposed in an array extending circumferentially of said door aperture and have normally open contacts and magnetic biasing means (26,27) are associated with the reed switches and positioned laterally thereof to increase their sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Steve Martin Brooks
  • Publication number: 20020011218
    Abstract: A free stall divider which eliminates the need for structural elements in front of each free stall, thereby increasing the space in front of each animal and minimizes the structural elements at the side of each animal thoroughly allowing each animal to position its head comfortably to either side while lying in the stall. The free stall divider comprises a base, at least one mounting member, and at least one dividing element. All of the structural elements required to retain the dividing element upright are mounted to the base. When an animal is in a stall, therefore, all of the mounting members are located to the side of the animal. Therefore, no obstructions prevent the animal from moving in a forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph L. Rudolph
  • Publication number: 20020011219
    Abstract: A FASTEN DEVICE WITH EL which for alived animal to wear around anywhere of the body with proper power source to connect with circuit and switch to drive at least one EL elements which MAY selected from Organic EL or Conventional 3D-EL with Proper Ciurcuit to get pre-determined light effects, brightness, duration , functions to get illumination be visible under bad enviroment situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: TSENG-LU CHIEN
  • Publication number: 20020011220
    Abstract: In heat supply equipment provided with a plurality of maintenance object units, secure and prompt servicing and maintenance is implemented and a burden on a person in charge of managing the heat supply equipment is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kayahara, Kazuhiro Tachino, Yasuo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20020011221
    Abstract: According to an internal combustion engine of the invention, release operation of an antitheft device is selected as an event generating by necessity prior to the starting of an engine, and the pre-heat is started based on the generating timing of the selected event. The start timing of the release operation of the antitheft device is high in terms of both necessity as an event generating prior to the starting of the engine and reproducibility of the time length from its start timing to an arbitrary starting timing of the engine. The pre-heat completed state can be secured by starting the pre-heat synchronously with this timing or at a predetermined timing based on the timing, even when the engine is started at an arbitrary timing. Exhaust characteristics and fuel consumption performance can be improved by optimizing the temperature distribution of the engine at starting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Suzuki, Katuhiko Arisawa, Masakazu Tabata
  • Publication number: 20020011222
    Abstract: A modular family of internal combustion engines is described. The family includes at least three engine configurations selected from a single cylinder, V-type, inline, opposed, W-type, and radial configurations. Each of the engines in the family includes at least one cylinder with identical top end packages. A method for designing such a family of engines is also disclosed. A family of recreational vehicles and method for designing a family of recreational vehicles is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER-ROTAX GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Bilek, Gerd Ohrnberger
  • Publication number: 20020011223
    Abstract: An internal combustion, two stroke engine is disclosed. The engine includes a crankcase with a cylinder adapted to house a piston. At least one transfer duct communicates the crankcase to the cylinder. At least one fuel injector is disposed through a wall of the transfer duct. The fuel injector is positioned to inject fuel tangentially to the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Gunter Zauner, Michael Seyrl
  • Publication number: 20020011224
    Abstract: A valve control system for controlling an electromagnetic valve unit is arranged to detect a characteristic of a free vibration of a vibration system in the electromagnetic valve unit when a pair of electromagnets of the electromagnetic valve unit are de-energized and to estimate at least one of a friction quantity and a spring constant of the vibration system on the basis of the detected characteristic of the free vibration. The control system executes the control of the electromagnetic valve unit on the basis of a control parameter determined by one of the estimated friction quantity and the estimated spring constant. This arrangement improves a certainty of softly landing a movable member of the electromagnetic valve unit on the electromagnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kumaki, Ikuhiro Taniguchi, Taketoshi Kawabe, Shigeru Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20020011225
    Abstract: A valve deactivation assembly includes an elongate camshaft having at least one lift lobe. The lift lobe has a lift portion and a base circle portion, and is affixed to or integral with the camshaft. A first null lobe is disposed on a first side of the lift lobe, and is affixed to or integral with the camshaft. A second null lobe is disposed on a second side of the lift lobe, and is affixed to or integral with the camshaft. A first journal bearing is disposed on the first null lobe, and a second journal bearing is disposed on the second null lobe. The journal bearings are configured for engaging a body of a deactivation roller finger follower to thereby reduce friction and wear of the roller finger follower body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Randal L. Bogucki
  • Publication number: 20020011226
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for varying valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, particularly a hydraulic camshaft adjusting device of a rotary piston type, said device comprising a drive pinion (2) connected in driving relationship to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and a winged wheel (3) connected rotationally fast to a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The drive pinion (2) comprises a hollow space formed by a circumferential wall (4) and two side walls (5, 6), at least one hydraulic working chamber (10) being formed in the hollow space by at least two limiting walls (8, 9). The winged wheel (3) comprises at least one radial wing (12), and with each wing (12) it divides one hydraulic working chamber (10) into two hydraulic pressure chambers (13, 14) which, when pressurized by a hydraulic pressure medium effect a pivoting or a fixing of the winged wheel (3) relative to the drive pinion (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Scheidt, Andreas Strauss, Michael Haag
  • Publication number: 20020011227
    Abstract: An engine starting device includes a roller selectively engageable between the crankshaft of an engine and an arbor. The roller causes the arbor to rotate in a loading direction in response to rotation of the crankshaft. Rotation of the arbor loads an elastic member. A locking mechanism, such as a ratchet wheel and pawl may be used to keep the elastic member loaded until it is desired to startup the engine. Engine startup is initiated by disengaging the pawl from the ratchet wheel and permitting the elastic member to unload. A pinion gear is mounted on a helically threaded portion of the arbor and moves axially along the helically threaded portion in response to unloading of the elastic member. The pinion gear engages teeth on the flywheel and causes the flywheel to rotate in a starting direction under the influence of the unloading elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Gary J. Gracyalny
  • Publication number: 20020011228
    Abstract: In a composite lightweight valve for internal combustion engines having a solid valve head provided with a center opening and a valve stem received in the center opening of the valve head in a positively locking manner, the valve components are permanently joined to one another by hot upsetting so as to be capable of withstanding the thermal and mechanical effective during engine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Pavel Hora, Martin Schlegl, Karl-Heinz Thiemann
  • Publication number: 20020011229
    Abstract: A vibration reducing system for an automotive internal combustion engine vehicle. The vibration reducing system comprises an elastic member, and a rotating member driven through the elastic member by a rotating shaft of the engine. Here, the elastic member and the rotating member are arranged such that one of frequencies obtained by multiplying a rotational frequency of the rotating shaft of the engine which is operated idling engine operating condition by a value (a natural number/2) is within a range between a frequency of antiresonance for a rotational fluctuation of the rotating shaft of the engine which antiresonance is generated under a resonance generated by the elastic member and the rotating member and a frequency of antiresonance for roll vibration of the engine which antiresonance is generated under a resonance generated by the elastic member and the rotating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Asahara
  • Publication number: 20020011230
    Abstract: A main bearing case has a bearing holder for holding a bearing for supporting a crankshaft, and a crankcase mounting section at which it is joined to a crankcase. Spherical rib walls are formed on one face of the main bearing case opposite to the crankcase for connecting the bearing holder and the crankcase mounting section, on the upper side with respect to the axis of the crankshaft. Force radially exerted to the crankshaft is received by these rib walls, increasing the rigidity of the main bearing case, whereby deformation and play thereof are prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Akira Furuya
  • Publication number: 20020011231
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a combustion chamber, a chamber portion, and a communication passage for communicating the combustion chamber to the chamber portion. A valve for opening/closing the passage allows a high compression gas to be charged into the chamber portion and an air-fuel mixture to be injected from the chamber portion into the combustion chamber. A lubricating system keeps the opening of the passage to the combustion chamber and a surface of a piston facing to the opening well lubricated. The lubricating system includes an oil supply hole opening in a same direction as the opening of the passage to the combustion chamber. The oil supply hole may be positioned under the opening of the passage, or may be provided between a lower edge of the opening of the passage and a piston ring of the piston, when the piston is located at a bottom dead center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Hisashi Uneta
  • Publication number: 20020011232
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing that defines a main combustion chamber separated from a precombustion chamber by a flame communication passage way. A source of gaseous fuel is fluidly connected to one end of a fuel supply passage. A check valve, which includes a valve body with a valve seat, and a valve member, is positioned between the other end of the fuel supply passage and the precombustion chamber. The valve member is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve body and the valve member define a fluid passage that fluidly connects the fuel supply passage to the precombustion chamber when the valve member is in its open position. The valve body and the valve member substantially fluidly isolate the valve seat from the precombustion chamber when the valve member is in its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Edward R. Gillis, Dan R. Ibrahim, Harold E. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20020011233
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compression-ignition internal combustion engine capable of improving its engine performance by appropriately setting ignition timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Shiraishi, Toshiharu Nogi, Minoru Ohsuga, Yoko Nakayama, Noboru Tokuyasu
  • Publication number: 20020011234
    Abstract: In a direct injection engine capable of reducing an amount of NOx discharged as much as possible, realizing EGR in a large amount, and enlarging a stable burning limit, fuel injection valves for directly injecting fuel into combustion chambers are arranged, ignition plugs are provided in the combustion chambers to face the same, intake ports for generating a tumble gas flow in the combustion chambers are provided. The intake ports are compartmented by partitions into high velocity port portions having a high flow velocity of intake air and low velocity port portions having a low flow velocity of intake air, passage valves for opening and closing the port portions are arranged near upstream ends of the low velocity port portions, and an EGR passage for introducing an EGR gas is connected to the low velocity port portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, LTD. and Hitachi Car Engineering co., LTD
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Hidefumi Iwaki, Toshio Hori, Kentarou Shiga, Yoshikuni Kurashima
  • Publication number: 20020011235
    Abstract: An idle speed control system of an internal combustion engine controls a speed of the internal combustion engine during idling. In its attempt to shift the idle speed control after the internal combustion engine has been started from an open-loop control to a feedback control, the system brings an actual engine speed in the open-loop control to a target speed of the feedback control in a step-by-step manner. It can thus damp shock that occurs when the open-loop control is shifted to the feedback control after the internal combustion engine has been started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akira Kamoto
  • Publication number: 20020011236
    Abstract: The internal combustion engine includes an engine preheating apparatus for preheating the internal combustion engine upon or before starting thereof. This internal combustion engine further includes an air-fuel ratio controller for setting an air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine that is preheated, to a value higher than that of the internal combustion engine that is not preheated, and/or an ignition-timing controller for retarding an ignition timing of the internal combustion engine that is preheated as compared with the ignition timing of the internal combustion engine that is not preheated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Suzuki, Katuhiko Arisawa, Masakazu Tabata
  • Publication number: 20020011237
    Abstract: An engine fuel injection control device whereby appropriate engine output is obtained without generation of smoke, by determining a smoke limit fuel injection amount, using an inferred air intake amount when the engine operating condition is in a transient state etc. An inferred air intake amount calculation device (42) calculates an inferred air intake amount by using the target fuel injection amount on the previous occasion and the engine rotational speed. If the air amount deviation between the inferred air intake amount and the detected air intake amount detected by a mass airflow sensor (34) is more than a prescribed value, the detected air intake amount is deemed to be subject to detection lag. Then, the inferred air intake amount is selected as the final air intake amount, and the final fuel injection amount is calculated in accordance with this final air intake amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Koichiro Yomogida
  • Publication number: 20020011238
    Abstract: An engine fuel injection control device for improving stability of engine rotation after startup by determining a limited fuel injection amount for cold condition when the engine is insufficiently warmed-up, in addition to a limited fuel injection amount for normal operating condition. The limited fuel injection amount for normal operating condition Qlimo is calculated by a normal condition limited fuel injection amount calculating unit (42). The limited fuel injection amount for cold condition Qlimc is calculated by a cold condition limited fuel injection amount calculating unit (43) on the basis of engine rotational speed Ne. When a water temperature Tw is lower than a prescribed value Twd and a lapse time Trun after shifting from startup condition to normal operating condition is less than a prescribed time Trund, a limited fuel injection amount selecting unit (45) selects the larger of these values as a limited fuel injection amount Qlim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Koichiro Yomogida
  • Publication number: 20020011239
    Abstract: A fuel injection device operating on the solid-state energy storage principle and configured as a reciprocating plunger pump having a delivery plunger element, the delivery plunger element being moved from its starting position in the direction of a pressure chamber, the delivery plunger element storing kinetic energy during a near zero-resistance acceleration phase, this kinetic energy being abruptly transmitted by a impulse movement to the fuel present in the pressure chamber so that a pressure impulse is generated for ejaculating fuel through an injector means, a second pressure chamber being arranged on the side of the delivery plunger element opposite the first pressure chamber such that kinetic energy absorbed on return movement of the delivery plunger element to its starting position is transmitted to fuel present in the second pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: WOLFGANG HEIMBERG
  • Publication number: 20020011240
    Abstract: A combustion control system for a diesel engine provided with a fuel injection system and a sensor for detecting an ignition timing. The combustion control system comprises a control unit which is configured to control the ignition timing to be restored to a target value when the ignition timing shifts from the target value owing to circumferential factors such as cetane number of fuel. Preferably, the ignition timing is controlled to generally coincide with or be retarded relative to a fuel injection termination timing. This regulates an ignition delay period to be longer than a fuel injection period in a predetermined engine operating region, thereby effectively accomplishing so-called low temperature premix combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Shuji Kimura
  • Publication number: 20020011241
    Abstract: A pressure regulator is associated with a solenoid-operated valve that is operated by a pulse waveform at a fundamental frequency substantially greater than the frequency response of the valve mechanism. This substantially attenuates solenoid pulsations and applies a predetermined pressure differential across the valve mechanism to accomplish improved flow control accuracy. The invention is especially advantageous for purging fuel vapor to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: John Edward Cook, Murray F. Busato
  • Publication number: 20020011242
    Abstract: A charge air cooler for internal-combustion engines, having at least two cooling circulations which are guided through heat exchanger blocks which are connected behind one another in the flow direction of the air and have different coolant temperatures. At least the heat transfer block provided as the first heat transfer block in the flow direction of the air is produced of a more erosion-resistant and temperature-stable material than the heat transfer block which fallow and is situated in la high-temperature coolant circuit in which the coolant temperature is selected to be as high as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruppel, Guenther Schmalzried
  • Publication number: 20020011243
    Abstract: A surface layer for forming a cylinder barrel wall of a combustion engine block is proposed. The surface layer has separate phases of components that are separated from the phase of the remaining materials. The surface layer is produced by plasma spraying an iron containing spraying powder, incorporating all components of the layer to be produced. Such a surface layer may be applied easily and shows a significantly improved behavior regarding the machining thereof, without negatively influencing other important characteristics of the layer material, like wear resistance and coefficient of friction vis-á-vis the material of the piston rings. Preferred components of the spraying powder are, besides Fe, Cr, MN, S and C. Moreover, the spraying powder can contain As, Te, Se, Sb and/or Bi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Gerard Barbezat
  • Publication number: 20020011244
    Abstract: A grill having a bi-level tent configuration, a burner assembly and a grill shell. The lower, first tent has an “I”-shaped configuration. The upper, second tent has a plurality of openings. The burner assembly is formed from stamped metal. The upper piece of stamped metal has a raised or embossed area with multi-level ports. The burner and tent arrangement provides even distribution of heat to the cooking surface and flare-up control. The use of stamped metal for the burner assembly provides for a cost efficient and easy to assemble grill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Giebel, Daniel M. Stewart, Don Freber, Robert Minor, Henry Schubert
  • Publication number: 20020011245
    Abstract: In a heat collector comprising a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding the heat collector member and a heat insulating member provided in association with the reflector. The insulating member is typically directly attached to the reflector. The heat insulating member improves the thermal efficiency of the heat collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Heiji Fukutake, Hitoshi Yano
  • Publication number: 20020011246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing sugar from cane that includes the steps of: (a) grinding sugar cane or pieces thereof into pulp; (b) mechanically separating juice from the pulp; and (c) membrane filtering the separated juice, for example through a ultrafiltration membrane, producing a retentate and a permeate. Preferably in step (a), the cane is cut into pieces having an average fiber length of less than 10 millimeters, more preferably into pieces having an average fiber length of less than 5 mm with a fiber diameter of about 200 microns or less. The mechanical separation of juice from cane pieces can be done suitably by filtration or centrifugation. It is preferred to adjust the pH of the separated juice to at least about 7 prior to membrane filtration, more preferably to at least about 7.5, for example by adding lime or sodium hydroxide. The permeate can be evaporated and crystallized by conventional means to produce white sugar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: RICHARD C. REISIG, MICHAEL DONOVAN
  • Publication number: 20020011247
    Abstract: The invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. According to one exemplary method, a liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Yehuda Ivri, Linda R. De Young, Cheng H. Wu, Miro S. Cater, Vijay Kumar, Markus Flierl
  • Publication number: 20020011248
    Abstract: A device for positioning a breathing apparatus over a breathing orifice in the head of a person, the person having an occipital lobe and an axis of symmetry, includes an occipital anchor for anchoring against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe of the person. The device further includes a forward anchor for anchoring against a forward portion of the person's head. A spring connector connects the forward anchor and the occipital anchor, and biases the occipital anchor against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe and the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head so as to attach the device to the person's head. The occipital anchor, the forward anchor and the spring connector are substantially aligned along the axis of symmetry of the person's head. The mount is connected to the spring connector for mounting the apparatus so as to locate the apparatus over the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: GARY L. HANSEN, STEVEN S. BORDEWICK, NICOLE DENISE BLOOM
  • Publication number: 20020011249
    Abstract: A laryngeal airway device for sealing against the laryngeal opening includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends and a sealing member attached to the distal end. The sealing member includes a coupler for coupling the device to an introducer. Complementing the laryngeal airway device is an introducer that includes a track for receiving the coupler of the laryngeal airway device and guiding the sealing member to a sealing position with respect to the laryngeal inlet. The introducer may include an epiglottic engager on a distal end to engage the epiglottis and retain it while the sealing member is being tracked to engagement with the laryngeal inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: SCOTT DOUGLAS AUGUSTINE, RANDALL CHARLES ARNOLD, THOMAS WAYNE MCGRAIL
  • Publication number: 20020011250
    Abstract: The invention provides standardized guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system abnormalities such as concussions, head trauma, memory loss, confusion, or other cognitive dysfunction. An initial assessment is made of the person for loss of consciousness, spinal cord injury, or a secondary injury. The person is asked to perform a plurality of mental and physical exercises. A dynamic visual acuity test is also taken. These tests can be performed on the sideline of an athletic playing field to determine whether or not it is advisable for an athlete to return to play. Next, machine-based hearing, dynamic-vision, and balance tests are administered to the patient. The results of these machine-based tests are transmitted electronically to an online database and evaluated by a physician at an off-site location, who prescribes a treatment regimen designed to improve the patient's vestibular functioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Kendal L. Stewart, Bridgett D. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20020011251
    Abstract: An applicator for applying a product to hair may include a support not including a twisted wire and at least one through hole extending through the support. The at least one through hole may have a non-constant cross-section. The applicator may also include a tuft of bristles held in the at least one through hole. The tuft of bristles may be configured to apply the product to hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Publication number: 20020011252
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a holder for cosmetic devices. The holder comprises a main body with a wall that defines a hole for receipt of a cosmetic article. The annular or semi-annular wall also defines a roll or a groove for retaining the cosmetic article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Coty Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvie A. Finocchiaro, Jacques A. Gerbron
  • Publication number: 20020011253
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface of an article using cleaning liquids in combination with acoustic energy. Preferably, an ultradilute concentration of a cleaning enhancement substance, such as ammonia gas, is dissolved in a liquid solvent, such as filtered deionized water, to form a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is caused to contact the surface to be cleaned. Acoustic energy is applied to the liquid during such contact. Optionally, the surface to be cleaned can be oxidized, e.g., by ozonated water, prior to cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Suraj Puri, Joseph Medeiros, David Scott Becker, Natraj Narayanswami
  • Publication number: 20020011254
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface of an article using cleaning liquids in combination with acoustic energy. Preferably, an ultradilute concentration of a cleaning enhancement substance, such as ammonia gas, is dissolved in a liquid solvent, such as filtered deionized water, to form a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is caused to contact the surface to be cleaned. Acoustic energy is applied to the liquid during such contact. Optionally, the surface to be cleaned can be oxidized, e.g., by ozonated water, prior to cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: SURAJ PURI, JOSEPH MEDEIROS, RAJ MOHINDRA
  • Publication number: 20020011255
    Abstract: The inventive method cleans residual titanium accumulations and other undesirable materials from a planarized surface of a wafer to produce a planarized surface with less than about fifty defects per wafer. After a metallic layer of material has been planarized using a CMP process, loose residual particles of undesirable material are removed from the planarized surface. The residual titanium accumulations remaining on the planarized surface are then detached from the planarized surface, which produces additional, new particles on the surface of the wafer. The additional particles produced by the detaching step are then scrubbed from the planarized surface until the planarized surface has less than approximately 50 defects per wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: David Gonzales, Guy F. Hudson