Patents Issued in May 9, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020053201
    Abstract: In an exhaust path, a HC trapping material which traps HC contained in exhaust gas temporarily, a H2O trap which traps H2O contained in exhaust gas and a CO oxidation catalyst are arranged in this order from the upstream side, wherein the H2O trap is disposed just upstream of and close to the CO oxidation catalyst. H2O and HC which are components disturbing the activity of the CO oxidation catalyst can be removed efficiently and the adsorption heat and condensation heat of H2O can be efficiently utilized to raise the temperature of the CO oxidation catalyst so that early activation of the CO oxidation catalyst is accomplished just after an engine starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Isamu Hotta, Toshikazu Shiino, Akira Tayama, Hirofumi Tsuchida
  • Publication number: 20020053202
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying system for an automotive internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas purifying system comprises a flow-through monolithic catalyst disposed in an exhaust gas passageway through which exhaust gas flows. The monolithic catalyst functions to adsorb and oxidize a soluble organic fraction in exhaust gas, to adsorb nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas in a condition in which a temperature of exhaust gas is not higher than 200° C. and to allow carbon particle in exhaust gas to pass through the monolithic catalyst. Additionally, a filter catalyst is disposed in the exhaust gas passageway downstream of the flow-through monolithic catalyst. The filter catalyst functions to trap the carbon particle and to oxidize hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide in exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hiroshi Akama, Hiroaki Kaneko, Junji Itou, Motohisa Kamijo
  • Publication number: 20020053203
    Abstract: An adsorbent state determining apparatus is provided for accurately determining the state of an adsorbent including a deterioration as well as for allowing for recovery of the adsorbent if its adsorbent performance can be restored. The adsorbent state determining apparatus determines the state of an adsorbent for adsorbing hydrocarbons contained in exhaust gases. An upstream and a downstream temperature sensor are provided at upstream and downstream locations of the adsorbent in an exhaust system for detecting temperatures of exhaust gases upstream and downstream of the adsorbent. An engine water temperature sensor detects an operating state of the engine. An ECU estimates the temperature of the exhaust gas which should be detected downstream of the adsorbent during adsorption of the adsorbent based on the upstream temperature detected by the upstream temperature sensor and an engine water temperature of the engine detected by the engine water temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Sato, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Masaki Ueno, Shusuke Akazaki, Yuji Yasui
  • Publication number: 20020053204
    Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic drive apparatus in which flows of oil discharged from a plurality of hydraulic drive sources each using a hydraulic pump are merged in order to drive an actuator. At least in a pressure control mode, one of the hydraulic drive sources (main hydraulic drive source) is operated in a regular manner, and the other hydraulic drive source (auxiliary hydraulic drive source) is operated such that at a merge point where the oil flows merge, the pressure of oil from the auxiliary hydraulic drive source becomes lower than the pressure of oil from the main hydraulic drive by a predetermined amount. Thus, an ordinary pressure control signal is applied to the main hydraulic drive to perform an ordinary pressure control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: TOKIRO KOGANE, SATORU TOKIDA
  • Publication number: 20020053205
    Abstract: The present invention provides an actuator (20) for selectively displacing an output member (33) against an opposing load (L) in response to the output (24) of a motor (23). The actuator includes a first transmission mechanism (50) for displacing the output member relative to the motor at a first nominal ratio with respect to the motor output; a second transmission mechanism (60) for displacing the output member relative to the motor at a nominal second ratio with respect to the motor output; a selector (34, 39) for coupling the motor output to the output member only through the first transmission mechanism (50) when the load is less than a predetermined value, and for coupling the motor output to the output member through the first and second transmission mechanisms (50, 60) when the load is greater than the predetermined value. The force exerted by the output member on the load is the sum of the forces transmitted through the first and second transmission mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: David Geiger, Thomas H. Czeppel
  • Publication number: 20020053206
    Abstract: In a braking pressure intensifying master cylinder of the present invention, as an input shaft 53 travels forwards in a braking maneuver, a control valve 54 is actuated to develop fluid pressure according to the input in a reaction chamber 38 and a pressurized chamber 35. A stepped spool 45 as a part of the control valve 54 travels such that force produced by the fluid pressure and spring force of a spring 51 are balanced, whereby the stepped spool 45 can function as a travel simulator. By changing the pressure receiving areas of the stepped spool 45 and/or changing the spring force of the spring 51, the travel characteristic of the input shaft 53 as the input side can be freely changed independently from the output side, without influence on MCY pressure as the output side of the braking pressure intensifying MCY 1. In addition, the master cylinder pressure can be intensified when necessary with a simple structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: BOSCH BRAKING SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Oka, Michio Kobayashi, Masahiro Shimada, Mamoru Sawada, Kazuya Maki, Hiroaki Niino
  • Publication number: 20020053207
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbocharger and a compound power turbine connected to the crankshaft of the engine and an exhaust gas recirculation system extending between the engine exhaust duct upstream of the exhaust gas turbine and the intake duct downstream of the compressor of the exhaust gas turbocharger, the exhaust gas turbine and the compound power turbine have a size relationship determined by the power absorption capability &phgr; of each turbine such that: 1 φ = m .
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut Finger, Peter Fledersbacher, Siegfried Sumser, Friedrich Wirbeleit
  • Publication number: 20020053208
    Abstract: A fuel control system for supplying metered quantities of fuel from a fuel supply (11), through a fuel pump (13), a metering valve (15) and a pressurizing valve (17) to a plurality of engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) includes an ecology valve (43) for withdrawing fuel from the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) during cessation of engine operation and for returning fuel to the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) to be burned during normal engine operation. The ecology valve (43) includes a valve housing (44) having a plurality of ecology ports (50, 52, 54) adapted to be coupled to corresponding ones of the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) and a control port (46) adapted to be connected to a corresponding control port (45) of the fuel pressurizing valve (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Paul W. Futa, Steven F. Fisher, Kevin R. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20020053209
    Abstract: A rotating magnetic refrigeration apparatus has magnetic regenerator beds arranged in a ring that is mounted for rotation about a central axis, such that each bed moves into and out of a magnetic field provided by a magnet as the ring rotates. Heat transfer fluid is directed to and from the regenerator beds by a distribution valve which is connected by conduits to the hot and cold ends of the beds and which rotates with the ring of beds. The distribution valve has a stationary valve member which is connected by conduits to a hot heat exchanger and to a cold heat exchanger. The beds include magnetocaloric material that is porous and that allows heat transfer fluid to flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Carl B. Zimm, Alexander Sternberg, Alexander G. Jastrab, Andre M. Boeder, Lewis M. Lawton, Jeremy Jonathan Chell
  • Publication number: 20020053210
    Abstract: Ice cube apparatus for the production of ice cubes, comprising a water reservoir with a filling opening, which can be filled with a desired amount of water, an ice cube tray, which is separate from the water reservoir and has at least one mould cavity, water-metering means for supplying a metered amount of water from the water reservoir to the mould cavity, at least one thermoelectric element for freezing the amount of water in the mould cavity, control means with a timer unit for providing current to the thermoelectric element for a defined freezing time, in such a manner that this element extracts heat on the side of the ice cube tray, release means for releasing a frozen ice cube from the ice cube tray after the freezing time, and discharge means for collecting and dicharging the ice cube which has been released from the ice cube tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Roelof Koster
  • Publication number: 20020053211
    Abstract: An improved HTSC filter system design. An improved HTSC filter system comprises a cryocooler and dewar assembly, a heat dissipation assembly and at least one heat pipe providing a thermal coupling between said heat dissipation assembly and said cryocooler and dewar assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cryocooler and dewar assembly is environmentally sealed within a double-walled aluminum canister, and the heat pipes are formed from stainless steel tubes having a predetermined amount of ammonia provided therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Chase, Mark W. Hanes, Wallace Y. Kunimoto, Amr H. O'Baid
  • Publication number: 20020053212
    Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle for a vehicle air conditioner, a compressor is operated by a power from a vehicle engine, a load detecting unit is disposed to detect load of the engine, an electromagnetic clutch is turned off so that a consumed power consumed in the compressor is reduced to zero when the load detected by the load detecting unit is equal to or larger than a first threshold value. In the refrigerant cycle, the first threshold value is set to be changed along a power-cutting curved line in such a manner that an increase rate of the first threshold value relative to the vehicle speed becomes larger as the vehicle speed becomes larger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Keiichi Uno, Takayoshi Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20020053213
    Abstract: A self-contained, portable, computer operated, light weight, temperature controlled compartment for installation in emergency vehicles has insulated walls and a door. The compartment carries a mechanical refrigeration system having a small compressor for cooling the interior and electrical heating units providing radiant heat to the interior. The heating and cooling units are controlled by a microcomputer and temperature sensor to keep the interior within a desired range of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Marc Lajeunesse
  • Publication number: 20020053214
    Abstract: A solar powered air conditioning system includes an absorption machine coupled to three primary loops. A heat loop provides energy to the absorption machine. A cooling tower loop exhausts heat from the absorption machine. A chilled water loop is used to draw heat from a room or building. The heat loop provides energy from a boiler and/or from a number of solar collectors. In one mode of operation, the solar collectors circulate through a storage tank. The flow through the solar collectors is regulated to maximize energy collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Luis V. Melendez-Gonzalez, Jorge E. Gonzalez-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Baez
  • Publication number: 20020053215
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to cryogenic devices and, more particularly, to cryogenic devices of very small size based on superconducting elements, low thermal transmission interconnects and low dissipated power semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel B. Laubacher, Zhi-Yuan Shen, Philip Shek Wah Pang, Alan Lauder
  • Publication number: 20020053216
    Abstract: The device comprises a main loop (18) for cooling the fuel cell (12) and a secondary loop (20) for cooling at least the motor (10). These two loops (18, 20) form part of the same circuit which is traversed by a single refrigerant fluid and which comprises a section (22) common to the two loops on which a common pump (24) is mounted, and at least one regulation valve (38) is provided which is suitable for sharing the refrigerant fluid between the loops (18, 20) according to a chosen law. Application to electric and hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Ngy Srun Ap, Philippe Jouanny
  • Publication number: 20020053217
    Abstract: A regenerative adsorption process and a multi-reactor regenerative adsorption chiller assembly including a condenser adapted to receive a coolant from a source; an evaporator connected to the condenser to provide a refrigerant circuit; a plurality of reactors, each being able to operate in adsorption and desorption modes and having a coolant inlet to directly or indirectly receive coolant when operating in adsorption mode before, after or simultaneous with the condenser, and a waste heat inlet for directly or indirectly receiving waste heat from a waste heat source when operating in desorption mode; and control means for controlling said plurality of reactors such that each reactor alternately operates in adsorption and desorption modes for substantially identical time intervals, and such that each reactor has an equal chance of being the first reactor to receive the coolant when operating in adsorption mode, and the waste heat from the waste heat source when operating in desorption mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Hui Tong Chua, Kim Choon Ng, Abdul Malek, Takao Kashiwagi, Atsushi Akisawa, Bidyut Baran Saha
  • Publication number: 20020053218
    Abstract: A vapor compression system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser interconnected in a closed-loop system. In one embodiment, a multifunctional valve is configured to receive a liquefied heat transfer fluid from the condenser and a hot vapor from the compressor. A saturated vapor line connects the outlet of the multifunctional valve to the inlet of the evaporator and is sized so as to substantially convert the heat transfer fluid exiting the multifunctional valve into a saturated vapor prior to delivery to the evaporator. The multifunctional valve regulates the flow of heat transfer fluid through the valve by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning to the compressor through a suction line coupling the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Wightman
  • Publication number: 20020053219
    Abstract: In a plant for separating air which does not comprise an argon column, an intermediate-pressure column (102) has a bottom reboiler (24) which is heated by a gas (233) coming from the low-pressure column (103). The intermediate-pressure column is fed from the high-pressure column (101). This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption while improving the efficiency of the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: L' Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L' Etude et L' Exploitation des procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Benoit Davidian, Francois De Bussy
  • Publication number: 20020053220
    Abstract: The method for converting harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) oil into a resource according to the invention comprises chemical decomposition treatment, pelletizing treatment and thermal decomposition treatment. The chemical decomposition treatment uses a decomposing agent including calcium oxide powder whose surface is coated with a vegetable oil and quartz porphyry powder, causes a decomposing action of CaO and far-infrared rays, which are emitted from quartz porphyry, to act onto polychlorinated biphenyl oil, and decomposes the polychlorinated biphenyl oil into powder including a metal salt. The pelletizing treatment hardens the powder produced by the chemical decomposition treatment into pellets. The thermal decomposition treatment melts the pellets produced by the pelletizing treatment and glass cullet at a temperature above the thermal decomposition temperature of the PCBs for molten integration of the pellets and glass cullet as slag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kaizuka, Yoshiji Watanabe, Juntarou Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20020053221
    Abstract: A method of producing a polarizing glass article that exhibits a broad band of high contrast polarizing properties in the infrared region of the radiation spectrum. The polarizing glass is phase-separated or exhibits photochromic properties based on silver, copper, or copper-cadmium halide crystals or a combination thereof, which are precipitated in the glass and having a size in the range of 200-5000 Å. The glass has a surface layer containing elongated silver, copper, or copper cadmium metal particles, or a mixture thereof. The method comprises subjecting the glass article to a time-temperature cycle in which the temperature is at least about 76° C. or greater above the glass softening point, in a step to thermally form and precipitate large halide crystals, and elongated metallic particles under a stress of not over about 3000 psi, preferably not over about 2675 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: David G. Grossman, Lisa R. Vandegrift, Joseph M. Williams, George N. Whitbred
  • Publication number: 20020053222
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a glass optical element comprising steps of: molding a glass material softened with a molding device which comprises an upper mold having a molding surface and a lower mold having a molding surface so that optically functional surfaces are formed on the glass material by applying a molding pressure, cooling the glass material so that the glass material obtains a predetermined viscosity, and removing the cooled glass material from the molding device, wherein a temperature of the glass material is maintained, in the cooling step, within a range of (Tg+30) to (Tg−50) degree centigrade at least for a predetermined time, and a secondary pressure is applied to the glass material at least during the predetermined time, so that the strain in the glass material is reduced, where Tg represents glass transition temperature of the glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sawada, Yoshitaka Goto
  • Publication number: 20020053223
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro molten glass droplet, has the steps of, colliding a molten glass droplet with a micro through hole formed in a plate-shaped member; and pushing out at least part of the glass droplet to a reverse surface of the micro through hole as a micro droplet, thereby forming a glass droplet with a diameter of not more than 5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Shinichi Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20020053224
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the shape and position of a deformable object are described. At least a portion of an object is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the heated portion deformable by a force. An image profile of the heated portion of the object is obtained. A controller compares the image profile to a reference profile and produces an error image signal. Based on the error image signal, an instruction signal is generated. A force applicator responsive to the instruction signal applies a radial force to at least one distinct predetermined location on the heated portion of the object in response to the instruction signal to cause the heated portion of the object to conform to the reference profile. The invention is particularly useful in controlling the shape of an optical fiber preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Roger Charlton, Daniel G. Fletcher, Charles A. Giebner
  • Publication number: 20020053225
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a washing machine having a laundry drum and a suds container includes a stiff supporting star having a bearing sleeve for mounting the laundry drum of the washing machine in the bearing sleeve, a substantially horizontal shaft for connecting the supporting star to the rear wall of the suds container, a flat motor for directly driving the laundry drum, and a bearing. The motor is to be mounted on the rear wall of the suds container. The motor is connected to the supporting star and has a stator support, field windings connected to the stator support, a rotor connected to the shaft through a bearing of the shaft, and magnetic poles connected to the rotor. The bearing connects the stator support to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Klaus Bierbach, Reinhard Heyder, Jorg Skrippek
  • Publication number: 20020053226
    Abstract: Changing the locking mechanism in a U-lock, cable lock or other tie lock as often as desired is achieved without compromising the lock's resistance to physical damage. This function is achieved by an auxiliary sleeve that removably fits over the U-lock's crossbar or the cable lock's end bar. Either bar provides an aperture, which is too small to permit the locking mechanism to be picked or pried, but which is operatively positioned and sufficiently large to provide access for a key to the keyway of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Publication number: 20020053227
    Abstract: This invention is related to a lock construction comprising: an active driving mechanism, a clutch mechanism, a first latch, a first latch-driving member, a second latch, a second latch-driving member, a latch spring, a transmission mechanism, and a handle mechanism. In one embodiment, the lock construction comprises a clutch mechanism that can be activated electrically to allow latching or unlatching of the door. In an alternative embodiment, the lock construction comprises a transmission mechanism that can drive two latches of the lock simultaneously to latch or unlatch the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Tung Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Lung Chiang, Tsung-Chung Hung, Po-Yang Chen, Chen-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20020053228
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a shackle having an engagement portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough. A lock housing has a first end having a first end opening, a second end having a second end opening and an open interior between the ends, at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the shackle and a blocking member can be attached to the lock housing. The lock body can include: an elongated lock member dimensioned to pass through at least one of the apertures in said engagement portion; a lock adapted for engagement to the lock member, the lock body being dimensioned to substantially fit within the lock housing, the lock having access structure accessible from either of the first and second ends of the lock housing, wherein the lock member may be passed through at least one alternative aperture of the plurality of apertures in the shackle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Robert M. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20020053229
    Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing homogenous organic base fertilizer for plant nutrition and soil fertility. Also provided by the subject invention are value added fertilizer products for plant nutrition and soil fertility and concentrated liquid formulations/nutrient supplements that provide the value added nutrients to fertilizer products. Methods according to the invention involve the application of concentrated liquid(s) and/or dry formulation(s) comprising a mixture of one or more plant nutrient(s), one or more additional organic compound(s), one or more penetrate(s), and one or more optional supplement(s) into one or more organic base material(s). These organic base materials include, and are not limited to, biosolids, activated sludge, municipal compost, animal manures (e.g., horse, cow, chicken, pig, and sheep), and composted organic byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Amir Varshovi
  • Publication number: 20020053230
    Abstract: In a rolling method applied to a multi-roll strip rolling mill composed of not less than four rolls, one of the zero point of the roll positioning devices and the deformation characteristic of the strip rolling mill or alternatively both the zero point of the roll positioning devices and the deformation characteristic of the strip rolling mill are found from a measured value of the thrust counterforces in the axial direction of the roll acting on at least all the rolls except for the backup rolls in the kiss-roll tightening state and also from a measured value of the roll forces of the backup roll acting on the backup roll chocks of the top and the bottom backup roll in the vertival direction. According to the thus obtained zero point of the roll positioning devices or the deformation characteristic of the strip rolling mill, the setting and control of the roll forces is executed when rolling is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Ogawa, Atsushi Ishii, Kenji Yamada, Satoru Ohta, Katsuhiko Koumoto
  • Publication number: 20020053231
    Abstract: The bending brake comprises an intermediate member (10) fixed to the upper toolplate of the brake, and at least one jaw (20) connected to the intermediate member (10) and rotatable about a horizontal axis (R) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate member (10); the lower portions (20′) of the jaw (20) and of the intermediate member (10) are arranged to clamp and alternately release the tool shank (8). There are provided pressing members (30), carried by the intermediate member (10) and connected thereto in such a manner as to be able to slide in a transverse direction, to thrustingly act on the upper portion (20″) of the jaw to cause it to rotate, and a thrust member (40) having its longitudinal axis (B) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate member (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Gianluca Tarasconi
  • Publication number: 20020053232
    Abstract: A high strain rate tester for elastomeric materials used in sports balls includes a base on which a sample of the material is mounted and a striker which delivers an impact to the sample, preferably in the vertical direction. A load cell adjacent to the sample measures the reaction force of the impact from the sample and an optical detector measures the displacement of the sample in the vertical direction. The force and displacement measurements are processed to determine the time dependent strain of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Axe, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas A. Veilleux
  • Publication number: 20020053233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas measurement probe for determining at least one physical variable of a gas to be measured, in particular for determining the concentration of a gas component in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, or for determining the temperature of the exhaust gas. The gas measurement probe as a housing with a thread, with which the gas measurement probe can be screwed into a counterpart thread of a measurement opening. On the housing, a region is provided, against which a tool can be positioned for screwing the gas measurement probe into the counterpart thread of the measurement opening. At least one annular groove is made in the region of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Grieser, Andreas Andorfer, Gerhard Mattes
  • Publication number: 20020053234
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: THE QUAKER OATS COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. Leonard , Steven Robert Ehardt , Newell Esmond , Kurt Aaron Kreutzmann , Timothy J. Hamilton , John Konieczka
  • Publication number: 20020053235
    Abstract: For tightness testers with a plurality of in-line test stations (1) on a conveyor it is proposed to supply the tightness-relevant measurement signals from the chambers by detecting pressure change measurements via pressure sensors or electrical impedance measurements via electrodes that occur at the test stations over a time interval. The signals are supplied through multiplexers (5) to a central evaluation (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Martin Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20020053236
    Abstract: The invention is directed to indicator inserts for industrial diagnostic gauges and to industrial diagnostic gauges having at least one indicator insert that are utilized in industrial applications such as pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The indicator insert preferably includes at least one indicator insert marking having luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window, an indicator insert, and a retaining ring. The indicator insert includes a top surface that includes at least one indicator insert marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Michael G. Hamilton, Sam M. Ditta
  • Publication number: 20020053237
    Abstract: A mount for mounting a rain sensor includes a housing having an access opening on first side and a port on second side for positioning adjacent an inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The second side is adapted for mounting to a vehicle windshield, for example by a layer of adhesive which is interposed between the housing and the windshield. Optionally, the housing includes an access opening and a cover, which and covers the access opening. A mirror mounting button is provided on either the housing or the cover for mounting a rearview mirror assembly to the mount. A biasing member is supported in the housing and is interposed between the first side of the housing and a rain sensor positioned in the housing, which urges a detecting surface of the rain sensor to project through the port and to optically couple the rain sensor to the vehicle windshield for detecting moisture on an outer surface of the vehicle windshield. The biasing member may comprise, for example, a helical spring or a urethane disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20020053238
    Abstract: The invention concerns a microwave level measuring device for measuring of material levels in containers, suitable for operation at extreme container conditions, comprising high temperatures, high pressures, and/or chemically aggressive substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: VEGA Grieshaber KG.
    Inventors: Josef Fahrenbach, Jurgen Motzar, Jurgen Dietmeier, Gunter Rapp
  • Publication number: 20020053239
    Abstract: A process for determining the position of the border areas between different mediums with the aid of electromagnetic waves, in which process a departing wave which is emitted from a wave transmitter has at least one propagation speed component that is parallel to the normal lines of the border area of the different mediums; the emitted departing wave is at least partially reflected at the border areas; the portions of the reflected returning wave are received by a wave receiver; the travel times between emission of the departing wave and reception of the returning wave are determined; the positions of the border areas are determined from the travel times, with account taken of the different propagation speeds of the wave in the different mediums, while the various portions of the reflected waves in the different mediums (4, 5) are made use of. It is important to take into account here the quadratic relationship of &egr;r to the reflection factor r.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Karl Griessbaum
  • Publication number: 20020053240
    Abstract: A probe assembly for monitoring the water level in boilers with an electric immersion resistor heater, of the type that comprises at least one sensor element to be arranged inside a hollow body which is in turn associated and partially inserted in the boiler. The hollow body has, on the portion arranged outside the boiler, a plug which axially supports the sensor element; the end of the sensor element arranged at the plug is connected, when the plug is installed, by way of at least one electrical contact, to an electrical power supply cable, whose contact end is arranged at the portion of hollow body that is arranged outside the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: T.P.A. IMPEX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Amoretti
  • Publication number: 20020053241
    Abstract: In a load detecting device, a hermetically sealed sensor chamber is constituted by a sensor head, a bellows, a housing and a stem. A sensor chip for detecting pressure is housed in the sensor chamber that is filled up with liquid. When load is applied to the sensor head, the bellows contracts axially to vary pressure of the liquid. The sensor chip senses the pressure of the liquid so that the load applied to the sensor chamber is detected with higher detecting accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Kenji Morikawa, Tetsuo Imamura
  • Publication number: 20020053242
    Abstract: A surface-micromachined high-pressure sensor, formed by forming a cavity using a sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer can be reflowed to make the edges of the cavity more rounded. The material that is used for the diaphragm can be silicon nitride, or multiple layers including silicon nitride and other materials. The pressure sensor is intended to be used in high pressure applications, e.g. pressure is higher than 6000, 10,000 or 30,000 P.S.I.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Yong Xu, Fukang Jiang
  • Publication number: 20020053243
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measuring method comprises steps of selecting a section area in a right angle to an ultrasonic transit trajectory line for measuring a flow velocity as a section area necessary for a flow measurement; and multiplying a flow velocity component of a direction corresponding to an ultrasonic transit trajectory, which is directly measured by an ultrasonic wave, by the section area thereby to compute a flow or flowrate, so that a flow measuring error and a measuring error of a section area can be significantly reduced, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the flow measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Tyan Khak Su
  • Publication number: 20020053244
    Abstract: An autosampler for manipulating a specimen container into and out of a furnace of a parent instrument is disclosed. The autosampler has upper, lower and middle gripping fingers which grip and stabilize a crimped wire, which has a large bend therein. The middle gripping finger is positioned between and opposed to the upper and lower gripping finger and has a portion at one end thereof sized and shaped to receive the bend of the crimped wire. The gripping fingers grip and hold the crimped wire while a tray table moves to place the specimen container on a hook at the bottom of the crimped wire. If the specimen container is sealed, a hole may be punctured therein by a puncturing apparatus, which has a housing which is movable between an upper and lower position and biased toward the lower position. A pin is positioned inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Winfried Goenner, Donald L. Groeschner
  • Publication number: 20020053245
    Abstract: A self contained dispensing head apparatus wherein a modified pipette tip box tray carrier is utilized to furnish pipette tips, carried in a standard pipette tip box, by a pipette tip box tray carrier to the head apparatus and wherein means are provided to engage the pipette tip box tray carrier in a manner whereby the pipette tips are loaded into corresponding internal cylinders formed in the dispense block head. The dispense block head comprises a solid block of material having a plurality of internal cylinders to engage the pipette tips in a sealing arrangement. The pipettes are modified from the conventional design in that a disk-shaped ring portion is interposed adjacent one end of the pipette tip, a tapered end of the tip allowing a seal to be formed with the dispense block head internal cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: CCS Packard, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Carl
  • Publication number: 20020053246
    Abstract: A combination instrument (1) has an instrument carrier which is designed as a tubular, transparent hollow body (2) which is closed off at its ends by means of two side parts (3, 4). A plurality of display instruments (6, 7, 8, 9) arranged on a common circuit board (5) can in this way be inserted without difficulty into the hollow body (2). The combination instrument (1) is in this way optimally protected against environmental influences while at the same time allowing simple adaptation to different applications by cutting the hollow body (2) to length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Thomas Erben
  • Publication number: 20020053247
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has a first axis (input axis) 102 for inputting the power, a second axis (output axis or couner axis) 103 for outputting the driving force source, at least one or more first gear group which consists of drive gears 111, 112 fixed on the first axis, and a driven gear 122 provided so as to engage or run idle with respect to the second axis with being engaged with the drive gear, and at least one or more second gear group which consists of driven gears 123, 124, 125 fixed on the second axis, and a drive gear 114, 115 provided so as to engage or run idle with respect to the first axis with being engaged with the driven gear. The automatic transmission further comprises a torque transferring mechanism 140 for transfering the torque between said driven gear which can run idle with respect to the second axis and the driven gear fixed to the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Toshimichi Minowa, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Naoyuki Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20020053248
    Abstract: A shift control device for a transmission, comprising a transmission with a synchronizing device, a select actuator for actuating the speed change operation mechanism of the transmission in the selecting direction, a shift actuator for actuating the speed change operation mechanism in the shifting direction, and a controller. The driving force of the shift actuator is determined correspondingly to the shift stroke position. Further, a difference in the synchronizing rotational speed is operated based on an input shaft rotational speed, a gear ratio of a speed change gear that is to be engaged and an output shaft rotational speed, and the driving force of the shift actuator in a synchronizing range during the gear-engaging operation is determined based on the above operated difference in the synchronizing rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Yasushi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20020053249
    Abstract: A gear reduction mechanism includes a gearbox housing, a first gear having a first axis of rotation about a first shaft and the second gear having a second axis of rotation about a second shaft. The first and second gears are rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing so that the first and second gears mesh with each other such that the first axis of the first gear is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of the second gear. The gear isolator assembly is preferably disposed within the gearbox housing about the second gear for reducing noise generated between the first and second gears during operation of the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: TODD F. JAMMER, SUAT A. OZSOYLU, TROY P. STRIETER
  • Publication number: 20020053250
    Abstract: A gear isolator assembly includes a gearbox housing, a first gear having a first axis of rotation about a first shaft and the second gear having a second axis of rotation about a second shaft. The first and second gears are rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing so that the first and second gears mesh with each other such that the first axis of the first gear is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of the second gear. The gear isolator assembly is preferably disposed within the gearbox housing about the second gear for reducing noise generated between the first and second gears during operation of the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: CANTOR COLBURN LLP
    Inventors: SUAT ALI OZSOYLU, TROY P. STRIETER