Patents Issued in March 28, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020036044
    Abstract: A runflat system for a motor vehicle, comprising a non-standard one-piece rim having at least a first peripheral cavity or drop center to enable a tire to be mounted on the rim, and a runflat device for mounting on the rim inside the tire, said device being constituted by a rigid ring split into at least two circularly arcuate elements or sectors, wherein the rim has at least one second peripheral cavity which is separated from the first cavity by an intermediate peripheral ridge, wherein each sector of the ring has a radially inner portion for being received in the second cavity of the rim, and wherein the system also comprises means for fixing the sectors in the second cavity of the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Olivier Heuze, Eric Michelot, Eric Carpentier
  • Publication number: 20020036045
    Abstract: A belt for supporting strips of deformable material includes a flexible central band onto which one or more strips of the deformable material are placed, wherein variable-configuration spacing elements are arranged along edges of the central band. The spacing elements may be air chambers. An apparatus for using the belt, a method for feeding a strip of deformable material, and a method for storing a strip of deformable material on a storage coil are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Alessandro Volpi
  • Publication number: 20020036046
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing plates, such as chipboards, fibre boards and the like boards, where the raw material in form of biomass particles, such as wood chips, wood fibres and the like applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a preforming band into an endless mat, and where this mat (B) is pre-compressed in a continuously operating prepress (C ) and then completely pressed in a continuously operating hot press, whereby the mat (B) is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the invention, the mat (B) is pretreated by means of steam immediately before the introduction into the hot press (E) by means of a device (F) so as to obtain predetermined gradients of moisture content and temperature across the thickness of the mat. As a result the capacity of the apparatus can be increased at the same time as the energy consumption can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: STEN DUEHOLM
  • Publication number: 20020036047
    Abstract: A bonded sheet material manufacturing system capable of setting a moisture content of various types of sheet members to be bonded to each other to an optimum value for stably producing a bonded sheet material with less bonding failure and less warp at all times, where the sheet members are heated by individual sheet member heating means and then bonded to each other to produce the bonded sheet material. The system comprises a moisture content detecting means provided for at least one of the sheet members for detecting a moisture content of the sheet member or a parameter correlating with the moisture content and a control unit for controlling the sheet member heating means on the basis of detection information from the moisture content detecting means so that the moisture content approaches a predetermined optimum moisture content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Hideo Okuhara, Akihisa Fujita
  • Publication number: 20020036048
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming bristle sub-assemblies includes a vertically oriented slot, which is formed by two endless belts. A wheel disposed above the slot pushes a bristle string into the slot. The bristle string has a plurality of bristles connected to a base string in two rows. The bristle rows can be horizontally oriented, so that all of the bristles are co-planar in a horizontal plane, or they can be angularly oriented with the base string at the vertex of the angle. When the bristles are pushed into the slot, they bend to adopt a new, substantially parallel orientation. An ultrasonic heater heats the bent bristles to re-set the thermoplastic material from which the bristles are made so that after cooling, the parallel orientation is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Edwards, Robert Maurice Brown, Winship Stinson Reed,
  • Publication number: 20020036049
    Abstract: Composites comprising a polyurethane core and an outer facing layer are described in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Herzog, Gunther Baatz
  • Publication number: 20020036050
    Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kui-Chiu Kwok
  • Publication number: 20020036051
    Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Paul Martin Niemi, Daniel James Oshefsky
  • Publication number: 20020036052
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making elongated articles are disclosed. One method includes feeding at least one base string along an axis, wrapping at least one monofilament around the axis to produce a number of monofilament wraps per length of base string which are transported by the base string, bonding the wraps to the base string with ultrasonic energy, and cutting the wraps at a point downstream of where the wraps are bonded to the base string. The result is an article having two rows of monofilament segments connected to the base string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Edwards, Jeffrey Allen Chambers
  • Publication number: 20020036053
    Abstract: A decorative cover or wrapping formed from a sheet of material having design indicia thereon for wrapping a holiday item such as an easter egg or a holiday ornament, which may include forming indicia and an extension which is integral or non-integral to the sheet of material which is used as at least a portion of the decoration. Methods of decoratively covering easter eggs and holiday ornaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Sonny K. Burnside
  • Publication number: 20020036054
    Abstract: A circuit component built-in module of the present invention includes an insulating substrate formed of a mixture comprising 70 wt % to 95 wt % of an inorganic filler and a thermosetting resin, a plurality of wiring patterns formed on at least a principal plane of the insulating substrate, a circuit component arranged in an internal portion of the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the wiring patterns, and an inner via formed in the insulating substrate for electrically connecting the plurality of wiring patterns. Thus, a highly reliable circuit component built-in module having high-density circuit components can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Seiichi Nakatani, Kouichi Hirano
  • Publication number: 20020036055
    Abstract: A method for transferring devices to a device substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an array of devices on a carrier substrate having a generally horizontal surface, where the array comprises multiple device pluralities. The method includes tilting the device pluralities with respect to the generally horizontal surface of the carrier substrate. Each tilted device plurality is preferably in substantially the same pattern, and each tilted device plurality is placed on device regions on respective device substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Tetsuzo Yoshimura, James Roman, Wen-chou Vincent Wang, Masaaki Inao, Mark Thomas McCormack
  • Publication number: 20020036056
    Abstract: In case of manufacturing a disk having a two-layer structure, a glass substrate 13 is bonded to a cover layer 11 through an adhesive layer 12, and a mount hole 14a is formed in a center thereof to form a bonded substrate 14 having a three-layer structure (a). In a state where a stamper 15 formed a predetermined pit pattern is set to a center boss 16, the bonded substrate 14 is pressed downward in a vertical direction while the mount hole 14a of the bonded substrate 14 is aligned with the center boss 16(b). Whereby an information recording surface 11a is transferred onto the cover layer 11(c). Subsequently, after the bonded substrate 14 has been bonded to another layer substrate of the disk, the adhesive layer 12 is removed to separate the glass substrate 13. Finally, there is manufactured the disk having the two-layer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Shida, Keiji Suga
  • Publication number: 20020036057
    Abstract: We combine superplastic forming (SPF) with adhesive bonding (AB) to produce quality multisheet sandwich panel structures, especially those using a superplastic aluminum alloy, such as A1 2004, A1 8090, or A1 1570. We produce the parts with improved energy efficiency and at lower cost. We heat the multisheet pack having an adhesive, preferably a polyimide, between the core sheets and the face sheets to its superplastic forming range. Then, we superplastically form the pack to define adhesive bonds between the sheets in the core and between the core and the face sheets with the flowing adhesive. Finally, we cool the formed pack below the superplastic range to set the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew G. Kistner, Jeffrey D. Will
  • Publication number: 20020036058
    Abstract: The invention provides a nested tubing cannula which comprises outer and inner elongate tubular members, both having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The inner tubular member is sealed at its distal end and is nested substantially coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular member, so that the gap between the inner and the outer tubular member defines a second lumen whereas the first lumen is the lumen of the inner tubular member. A tubular sleeve is disposed coaxially between the inner and outer tubular members. A balloon is mounted on a distal region of the outer tubular member and is in communication with the first lumen. The cannula further comprises a port proximal or distal the balloon occluder and is in communication with the second lumen. Methods for making the devices herein are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Sunseri
  • Publication number: 20020036059
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light modulating capacitor display by successive operations on an assembly comprising forming a layer of a conductive material on a substrate in a pattern is disclosed. The pattern forms a plurality of fixed electrodes. The pattern forms electrical conductors for driving the fixed electrodes and electrical conductors for driving shutter electrodes. A layer of insulative material is laid over portions of the pattern forming the plurality of fixed electrodes. A shutter electrode forming layer is attached to the assembly. The shutter electrode forming layer has a conductive side and a nonconductive side. The conductive side is placed in facing, contacting relationship to the layer of insulative material and the pattern of conductive material. The conductive material is removed from the shutter electrode forming layer to form groups of shutter electrodes. A plurality of shutters are cut from the shutter electrode forming layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Charles G. Kalt, Mark S. Slater, Elliot Schlam
  • Publication number: 20020036060
    Abstract: While a protective film (4) is being pulled off from an adhesive layer (3) of a component (2), a stream of ionized gas is blown with an ion blower (7) into the gap (6), which opens up between the adhesive layer (3) and the protective layer (4) while the latter is being pulled off. Electrostatic charges, which are developed during the pulling off, are neutralized immediately by these means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jochen Schneegans
  • Publication number: 20020036061
    Abstract: In a method for simultaneously welding to one another the layers of several pairs of thermoplastic foils arranged in a stack, a primary heat energy source is positioned between two pairs of thermoplastic foils, and welding heat energy is supplied to the two pairs via the primary heat energy source. The press for performing this method has two pressing elements for applying pressure to the stack of n pairs of layers of thermoplastic foils. The two pressing elements are positioned at opposite ends of the stack and force the layers of the pairs of thermoplastic foils toward one another. A stacked arrangement of n−1 flat, bar-shaped heating elements is aligned with the two pressing elements. Between two adjacent heating elements a respective pair of thermoplastic foils is received such that the pairs of thermoplastic foils alternate with the heating elements. The stacked arrangement of the heating elements is arranged in a plane that is perpendicular to the planes of the thermoplastic foils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Heinz Hinterseer
  • Publication number: 20020036062
    Abstract: A nonwoven has low tensile and high elongation in the first direction (typically the CD) and high tensile and low elongation in the second direction (typically the MD). The nonwoven has a plurality of bonding points defining a total bonding area along the second direction greater than along the first direction. Accordingly, the nonwoven has unbonded fiber portions and bonded fiber portions, with a bonded portion/unbonded portion ratio greater along the second direction than along the first direction. The bonding points are preferably either circular or oval in plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Kauschke, Mordechai Turi
  • Publication number: 20020036063
    Abstract: A plastic product is fabricated from plastic sheets by heat sealing the plastic sheets to form an enclosure member. In order to strengthen the heat-sealed joints of the plastic sheets, the plastic sheets are thickened at portions where the heat-sealed joints are to be formed. Preferably, the heat-sealed joints are formed in such a manner that the cross-section of the heat-sealed joints is smaller than that of the thickened portions of the plastic sheet, thereby preventing effectively the non-thickened portions of the plastic sheets from being affected adversely by the heat sealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Team Worldwide Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20020036064
    Abstract: A reactor for processing semiconductor wafers with electrodes and other surfaces that can be one of heated, textured and/or pre-coated in order to facilitate adherence of materials deposited thereon, and eliminate the disadvantages resulting from the spaulding, flaking and/or delaminating of such materials which can interfere with semiconductor wafer processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Tegal Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen DeOrnellas, Leslie Jerde, Kurt Olson
  • Publication number: 20020036065
    Abstract: A compact single-wafer-processing semiconductor-manufacturing apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates is characterized in that at least two units, each of which comprises a reactor for growing a film on a semiconductor substrate and a load lock chamber for having the semiconductor substrate wait in a vacuum and which is directly connected with the reactor via a gate valve, are modularized and these modularized reactor units can be configured as a cluster through an atmospheric front end (AFE). Inside the load lock chamber, a substrate transfer mechanism comprising a thin link arm for transferring a semiconductor substrate into the reactor is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamagishi, Masaei Suwada, Takeshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20020036066
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber and a gas supply line, wherein a natural oxide film removing gas including a first gas activated by a second gas activated by a plasma discharge is supplied to the processing chamber through the gas supply line to remove a natural oxide film on a wafer, and wherein the first gas and the second gas are supplied to the gas supply line along a first direction and a second direction and an angle between the first and the second direction ranges from about 90° to 180°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.,
    Inventors: Unryu Ogawa, Tetsuya Takagaki, Akinori Ishii, Tatsushi Ueda, Takayuki Sato
  • Publication number: 20020036067
    Abstract: A double facer for use in a corrugated fiberboard sheet manufacturing system wherein a moisture content of a double faced corrugated fiberboard sheet is set at an optimum value at all times for stably producing the double faced corrugated fiberboard sheet with less bonding failure and less warp. The double facer comprises moisture content detecting means for detecting a moisture content of the double faced corrugated fiberboard sheet after passed through the heatingmeans or for detecting a parameter correlating with the moisture content, and a control means for controlling a heat reception quantity of the double faced corrugated fiberboard sheet on the basis of a detection result from the moisture content detecting means so that the moisture content of the double faced corrugated fiberboard sheet approaches a predetermined optimum moisture content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Hideo Okuhara, Akihisa Fujita
  • Publication number: 20020036068
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an endless loop lock including a drive wheel adapted to be driven or not driven. An endless loop may be provided, engaging the drive wheel and adapted to be driven by the drive wheel to move a device, such as a security bar, connected to the endless loop. A guide may be provided, biased against the endless loop at a position spaced apart from the drive wheel. A lock may be provided, for engaging the endless loop to inhibit movement of the endless loop, the guide being positioned to bias the endless loop out of engagement with the lock when the endless loop is driven by the drive wheel. The lock may be actuated by a force applied to the device connected to the endless loop when the drive wheel is not driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Moshe Cohen-Ravid, John Alexander Lane
  • Publication number: 20020036069
    Abstract: By the utilization of a jet ejector (such as a thermocompresser) in a cellulose chemical pulp mill, it is possible to effectively increase the utilization of steam. The volume of steam from a flash tank which flashes black liquor from a pulp digester may be increased (e.g. at least about 10%), while the volume and temperature of the liquor discharged from the flash tank are decreased and its concentration increased, by operatively connecting the jet ejector to the steam discharge from a flash tank. The jet ejector is supplied with higher pressure steam from another source which can result in a low pressure or partial vacuum condition in the flash tank. The flash tank may be a single flash tank or one of a series of flash tanks, and an ejector can be associated with at least another flash tank in the series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Auvo K. Kettunen, Matti Lautala
  • Publication number: 20020036070
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulp useful for making lyocell fibers. The pulp has a degree of polymerization from about 300 to about 1000; an alpha cellulose content of less than about 90% and in one instance can be made in a roll form. The degree of polymerization can be modified by acid hydrolysis, steam explosion; or alkaline enzymate degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Mengkui Luo, Vincent A. Roscelli, Amar N. Neogi
  • Publication number: 20020036071
    Abstract: Process for transferring at least a portion of a running web from a first section of a web making machine includes rotating an endless conveyor belt by driving at least one driven pulley, creating a negative pressure at an inner surface of endless conveyor belt as endless conveyor belt is guided over suction box, and guiding the at least a portion of running web onto endless conveyor belt. Process also includes transferring the at least a portion of the running web from endless conveyor to rope section located outside of a web width, pivoting endless conveyor belt around the pivot axis to move downstream end into an area of rope section one of at and before transferring, and pivoting endless conveyor belt around pivot axis to move downstream end into an area of the at least a portion of running web and inside web width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: VOITH SULZER PAPIERTECHNIK PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Leif Mohrsen, Allan Broom, George Kutak-Petrik, Wolfgang Drefs
  • Publication number: 20020036072
    Abstract: A casting process for casting, in particular of sand molds provided with casting boxes, which makes it possible to keep the apparatus expense low, to save cycle material and to achieve an improved quality, consists of the intake channel extending in a plane lying essentially horizontally during casting and being provided with a bearing surface defining its port, onto which bearing surface can be sealingly positioned a fill pipeline through which the mold can be filled with metal under low pressure. A casting system to carry out the method consists of a casting machine with a pressure kettle and a fill pipeline which is connected to the intake channel lying essentially in a horizontal plane, whereby the sealed coupling of fill pipeline and intake channel is obtained through specified bearing pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Heinrich Wagner Sinto Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Grolla
  • Publication number: 20020036073
    Abstract: Continuous strip casting device comprises a pair of parallel casting rolls onto which molten metal is supplied by metal supply means. Casting rolls are enclosed by a casting chamber into which hot strip is delivered downwardly from the casting rolls. Strip passes downwardly into a cooling chamber where it can either fall into a moveable scrap box at the bottom of chamber or be guided by operation of moveable apron through an exit door from chamber into a heat exchange chamber provided with heaters. A pair of seal rolls are moveable in a seal chamber to form a seal between chambers and are provided with respective gas inlets to admit oxidation inhibiting gas into those chambers. Scrap box is moveable into and out of the bottom of chamber via a scrap box exchange chamber fitted with an airtight door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Osamu Takeuchi, Heiji Kato, Toshiro Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20020036074
    Abstract: A method of initiating a continuous casting mold includes steps of positioning a plug inside a continuous casting mold, sealing the plug with respect to inner walls of the mold, positioning a prefabricated chill member on a top surface of the plug; and introducing molten metal into the mold. By prefabricating the chill member, valuable time is saved during the mold startup phase. The prefabricated chill member may have a compressible metallic sealing strip secured thereto to enhance sealing against the mold wall without abrading or scratching the mold wall. Another aspect of the invention involves sealing the gaps that exist between the mold surfaces and the mold plug by use of a an elongated body that defines in cross-section a broadened upper portion and a tapered lower portion that narrows into a leading edge. This construction permits the sealing element to be quickly inserted into a gap without being caught on the mold plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: James Donald Shay, James B. Sears, David Mullins
  • Publication number: 20020036075
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the cooling action of a flowing gas atmosphere on workpieces by a measuring body with at least on temperature sensor and heated to workpiece temperature and is exposed to the gas atmosphere. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in hardening steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Klaus Loeser
  • Publication number: 20020036076
    Abstract: The apparatus is a loop heat pipe with the heat input above the heat output, so that the loop heat pipe is used to cool a transformer or equipment enclosure above ground with the condenser located and the heat being dissipated in the ground below the location at which the heat is being generated. One embodiment uses a coiled pipe for a condenser and buries it in the ground encased in concrete. Another embodiment of the invention is used to cool a diesel electric locomotive by placing the condenser below the engine and attaching multiple cooling fins to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: G. Yale Eastman
  • Publication number: 20020036077
    Abstract: A workpiece chuck includes an upper assembly on which can be mounted a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. A lower assembly is mountable to a base that supports the chuck. A non-constraining attachment means such as vacuum, springs or resilient washers applied to the chuck holds the upper assembly to the lower assembly, the lower assembly to the base and can hold the wafer to the top surface of the upper assembly. A heater and a heat sink can be included in the bottom assembly to allow for temperature cycle testing of the wafer. By holding the chuck together by non-constraining means, the chuck layers can move continuously relative to each other under expansion forces caused by temperature effects. Mechanical stresses on the chuck and resulting deformation of the chuck and workpiece over temperature are substantially eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Paul A. Getchel, Kenneth M. Cole, Henry A. Lyden
  • Publication number: 20020036078
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger shell having an inlet and outlet. A header plate including an inner member and an outer member defining a leak detection chamber therebetween is provided at each end of the heat exchanger shell. A plurality of heat exchanger tubes is positioned in the heat exchanger shell. Each tube extends through an aperture formed in an inner member and an aperture formed in an outer member of each of the header plates. A seal is provided in a channel in each aperture to sealingly engage a corresponding heat exchanger tube and a corresponding plate. A passage leads from the leak detection chamber to the exterior of the header plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Janezich, James M. Comstock
  • Publication number: 20020036079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Tanguy Morel, Olivier Savin, Yannick Assouad, Helene Fourquet, Susan Rose
  • Publication number: 20020036080
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner with a heat pump cycle having an interior heat exchanger and an exterior heat exchanger, when a frosting on a surface of the exterior heat exchanger is determined and when a temperature of hot water supplied to a heater core is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the exterior heat exchanger is defrosted in a defrosting operation. Accordingly, the defrosting operation can be performed while a sufficient heating can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Satoshi Itoh, Motohiro Yamaguchi, Yoshitaka Tomatsu, Toshio Hirata, Yasushi Yamanaka, Keita Honda, Kunio Iritani
  • Publication number: 20020036081
    Abstract: A single position-detecting means for detecting rotation positions of electric motors is provided. Positions of a plurality of driven members are detected (estimated) based on the detection results. When a request of simultaneously operating the plurality of driven members is made, by sequentially operating the plurality of driven members one by one, the rotation positions of the plurality of electric motors can be detected by the single position-detecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Koji Ito, Katsumi Nishikawa, Tokuhisa Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20020036082
    Abstract: The remediation treatment creates environmentally neutral species from hydrocarbon contaminants. For soils having a low porosity, fissures are created in the site by, for example, fluid, i.e., hydraulic or pneumatic, fracturing. A catalyst is injected into the site and is permitted to diffuse through the site. An oxidizing agent is then introduced into the site to release a free radical in a Fenton-type reaction. The compounds react to release a free radical, which acts upon the contaminants to form environmentally neutral species. Diffusion of both compounds is aided by turbulence induced in the groundwater. A pH-adjusting compound is added to optimize reaction conditions. Reaction vapors are collected above ground, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere, reducing the chance for gas pressure buildup and possibly dangerous, potentially explosive conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kent Cooper, James Carey, Robert J. Crim
  • Publication number: 20020036083
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat sources within a relatively thin layer of hydrocarbon material may be positioned in a staggered pattern near to edges of the layer so that superposition of heat from the heat sources allows a large percentage of the layer to reach a desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Publication number: 20020036084
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott L. Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko
  • Publication number: 20020036085
    Abstract: An induction choke in a petroleum well where a voltage potential is developed across the choke to power and communicate with devices and sensors in the well. Preferably, the induction choke is a ferromagnetic material and acts as an impedance to a time-varying current, e.g. AC. The petroleum well includes a cased wellbore having a tubing string positioned within and longitudinally extending within the casing. A controllable gas lift valve, sensor, or other device is coupled to the tubing. The valve sensor, or other device is powered and controlled from the surface. Communication signals and power are sent from the surface using the tubing, casing, or liner as the conductor with a casing or earth ground. For example, AC current is directed down a casing or tubing or a lateral where the current encounters a choke. The voltage potential developed across the choke is used to power electronic devices and sensors near the choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Marshall Bass, Harold J. Vinegar, Robert Rex Burnett, William Mountjoy Savage, Frederick Gordon Carl
  • Publication number: 20020036086
    Abstract: A process for purification of an effluent that contains carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons that are produced by carbon dioxide-assisted recovery is described in which the effluent is circulated in a gas-liquid separator (3) to recover a gas that contains carbon dioxide and, for example, less than 10% of methane and ethane, and pressurized combustion (13) is produced to recover an effluent (21) that is enriched with carbon dioxide and water vapor. Effluent (21) is cooled (11) (22) to recover the heat, and the effluent that is cooled in an injection well (29) by a compressor (27) is recycled under pressure. It is possible to separate (24) the condensed water from carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Ari Minkkinen, Alexandre Rojey
  • Publication number: 20020036087
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a gravel pack operation includes a bypass mechanism (e.g., a bypass valve) that is actuatable between plural positions. The bypass mechanism is part of a tool assembly, with the bypass mechanism providing different flow paths through the tool assembly corresponding to the plural positions of the bypass mechanism. For example, if the bypass mechanism is in a first position, an elevated pressure is communicated from an annular region outside a tool string to a target wellbore section. On the other hand, if the bypass mechanism is in the second position, the elevated pressure is communicated from inside the tool string to the target wellbore section. In either position, an overbalance condition is maintained in the target wellbore section so that swabbing effects are reduced or eliminated due to movement of the tool assembly during a gravel pack operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, Steven L. Anyan, Micah L. Schutz, James A. Pramann
  • Publication number: 20020036088
    Abstract: Well drilling and servicing fluids for use in producing formations and methods of removing filter cake therefrom are provided. The methods basically comprise using a drilling or servicing fluid basically comprised of water, a water soluble salt and a particulate solid bridging agent selected from magnesium oxychloride cement, magnesium oxysulfate cement, magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate and magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate. Thereafter, the filter cake deposited by the drilling or servicing fluid is contacted with an aqueous clean-up solution for a period of time such that the bridging agent is dissolved thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Bradley L. Todd
  • Publication number: 20020036089
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation from heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. Some of the heat sources may include conduits disposed in openings in the formation. The conduits may provide an oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation. The oxidizing fluid may oxidize hydrocarbons within the reaction zone to generate heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, James Louis Menotti, John Matthew Coles, Charles Robert Keedy, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker
  • Publication number: 20020036090
    Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a sprinkler head and a sprinkler head controller. The sprinkler head has a heater and a thermal fuse, the heater is configured to generate first and second heat based on first and second currents. The thermal fuse melts by the second heat, and the sprinkler head is configured to discharge an extinguishing liquid therethrough in response to the melting of the thermal fuse. The sprinkler head controller is connected to the sprinkler head, and is configured to provide the first current to the heater and detect the amount of current flowing through the heater, and diagnose the status of the sprinkler head based on the detected current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jong Jin Gil
  • Publication number: 20020036091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for vibration control in a machine for internal turning, said machine comprising a cutting tool supported by a tool holder, the device comprising a control unit, a vibration sensor connectible to the control unit, and an actuator connectible to the control unit, and the actuator comprising an active element, which converts an A.C. voltage supplied by the control unit to the actuator into dimensional changes. Said active element is adapted to be embedded in the body of the tool holder, and is adapted to be embedded in such manner that said dimensional changes impart bending to the body of the tool holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Ingvar Claesson, Thomas Lago, Lars Hakansson
  • Publication number: 20020036092
    Abstract: An overhead cable wherein a sectional shape of an outer circumferential surface formed by outermost members is a polygon inscribing a circle of a diameter d (mm), sides of the polygon are formed as substantially flat surfaces connecting adjoining vertexes, vertexes of the polygon inscribing the circle are cut away to form arc-shaped grooves having a radius R (mm) and having a depth H (mm) from the vertexes, and the arc-shaped grooves are formed in spirals in the outer circumference of the overhead cable in a longitudinal direction of the overhead cable at predetermined pitches, the diameter d of the overhead cable being in a range of 18 to 52 (mm), and the outer circumferential surface formed by the outermost members being formed so that a number N of vertexes of the polygon and the diameter d satisfy a condition defined by the following formula:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Naoshi Kikuchi, Kinya Kawabata, Teruhiro Yukino, Hirotaka Ishida
  • Publication number: 20020036093
    Abstract: A cable clamp serving for mounting in an opening in e.g. a wall and enveloping a cable inserted through the opening. The cable clamp comprises a threaded nipple and a threaded socket that when screwed together are defining an axis and defining an axially extending leading-in channel for the cable, an annular gasket placed intermediately in this channel and arranged to be compressed around the cable when the nipple and the socket are screwed together, and a relieving clamp for subsequently clamping the cable in the cable clamp. By means of a lock in form of a radial rib on the nipple and a corresponding radial groove in the socket the cable clamp is locked in the correct screwed-together state in which the connection is given the required tightness. The cable clamp is generally applicable for cables within a predetermined diameter interval, and is secured against damage at assemblage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Olaf Johannsen