Patents Issued in September 19, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020129633
    Abstract: A monitoring and controlling system for monitoring and controlling various operating characteristics of machine components. The monitoring and controlling system includes a primary transceiver, with sensors and control devices, mounted integrally with the monitored component. The primary transceiver communicates with a secondary transceiver and receives its electrical power from the secondary transceiver without use of interconnecting communication or power cables. The integrated mounting of the primary transceiver and sensors within the monitored component without the use of interconnecting cables allows for replacement of the monitored component in harsh operating environments without the risk of damage to interconnecting electrical connectors and cables. The operating data detected by the sensor for the monitored component is communicated by the primary transceiver and the secondary transceiver to a monitoring network which analyzes the data to determine the need for maintenance of the monitored component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Joki, David G. Beechy, Kevin E. Rehfus, Raymond A. Severyn, Kenneth W. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20020129634
    Abstract: Mold insert apparatus and a method is provided for high pressure solid phase forming of relatively thin web or sheet material. The apparatus includes a die set assembly provided with a forming die set unit having a die forming cavity which receives a forming die and an opposed high pressure chamber die set unit wherein the die set units receive material to be formed therebetween when in spaced relationship and functional to clamp the material therebetween when the die set units are in closed forming positions for solid phase forming of the material against the forming die upon introduction of high pressure fluid into the high pressure chamber die set unit. A material preheating station is provided outside but generally proximal to the die forming cavity of the forming die set unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Preco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Pierson, James Gramling
  • Publication number: 20020129635
    Abstract: A work station having a number of tools used to prepare pipe stock for accepting mechanical pipe couplings is disclosed. The work station has a chuck for rotating the pipe. A movable carriage on which the tools are pivotally mounted is mounted adjacent to the chuck. The tools include a pipe cutter, a reamer and a grooving tool. The grooving tool is for forming circumferential grooves externally around the pipe. The grooving tool has a grooving roll which cooperates with an oppositely disposed back-up roll to deform the pipe and create the groove. The grooving tool is pivotally mounted on the carriage via a spring-biased pivot arm having longitudinal slots engaging set screws which permit the position of the grooving tool to be adjusted to engage pipes of various diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Publication number: 20020129636
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a thick-walled bent pipe with a simple structure at low production cost, which has durability and can manufacture an elbow material for piping with higher size accuracy, are provided. For this purpose, the manufacturing apparatus is a manufacturing apparatus comprising a presser die (12) and a lower die (20), in which the lower die (20) includes a pair of bottom dies (21, 22) having meshing means (30), and a pair of the bottom dies (21, 22) are allowed to rotate opposite to each other by the meshing means (30), in connection with a descent of the presser die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: TOKIWA SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi Kimura, Hiroyasu Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20020129637
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring rub-off from an image-bearing substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Lawson, Gerald Darby, Joseph A. Basile
  • Publication number: 20020129638
    Abstract: A gas analyzer having an analysis or sensor unit and having an electronic processing unit, and a method for operating such a gas analyzer. In order to achieve substantially improved safety both in handling corrosive and/or combustible and/or toxic gases in a not potentially explosive atmosphere (ex-free atmosphere), and in the operation of such an analyzer in an ex-atmosphere, the analysis or sensor unit as such is of non-explosive configuration and is arranged in a gas tight chamber around which a second chamber is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Walter Fabinski, Peter Schastok, Werner Thies
  • Publication number: 20020129639
    Abstract: A gas analyzer having an analysis or sensor unit and having an electronic processing unit, and a method for operating such a gas analyzer. In order to achieve substantially improved safety both in handling corrosive and/or combustible and/or toxic gases in a not potentially explosive atmosphere (ex-free atmosphere), and in the operation of such an analyzer in an ex-atmosphere, the analysis or sensor unit as such is of non-explosive configuration and is arranged in a gas tight chamber around which a second chamber is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Walter Fabinski, Peter Schastok, Werner Thies
  • Publication number: 20020129640
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and economically detecting leaks in a isolation valve disposed in an on-line fluid transport system having at least an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe is provided, the apparatus comprising a isolation valve connected between the upstream pipe and downstream pipe for isolating fluid flow through the transport system; wherein the isolation valve includes at least one upstream seal, one downstream seal, and an inner cavity effectively isolated from the fluid flow by the seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Angela E. Summers, Bryan A. Zachary
  • Publication number: 20020129641
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for completing the commissioning of a subsea pipeline by purging with a compressed gas to dewater and dry the line wherein the operation is done on the seabed. More specifically, the method is carried out with a subsea vechicle (hereinafter “SV”) that powers pumps located on the seabed or are carried by the SV to inject/remove chemical, dewater, and dry, the pipeline. The present invention may be part of the commissioning of a new or old pipeline or a new portion of a pipeline in which a purging of the line with a compressed gas and drying of the line is required. After commissioning, product flows through the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: David M. Tucker, Charles R. Yemington
  • Publication number: 20020129642
    Abstract: A device for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Tubemaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Daniel D. Sympson
  • Publication number: 20020129643
    Abstract: A leak determining apparatus for an evaporated fuel treatment system is provided for executing a leak determination for an evaporated fuel treatment system without suspending it even in such a condition that variations in fuel could occur, thereby accurately providing a leak determination result. The leak determining apparatus calculates a reference differential pressure difference DDPZ as a difference between differential pressures of an inner tank pressure PTANK detected at two times in a leak check mode, i.e., a differential pressure DPZ2 and a differential pressure DPZ1 detected a predetermined slosh determination time before, and compares the reference differential pressure difference DDPZ with a slosh determining threshold value DDPZG to determine the presence or absence of sloshing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Yamaguchi, Takashi Isobe
  • Publication number: 20020129644
    Abstract: A correlation is derived between a variable, defined as “virtual age,” indicative of brake fluid's service age and/or mileage and the concentration of copper in the fluid. Virtual age is utilized to estimate the degree of degradation of the fluid. A reactive test strip is used to measure the concentration of copper ions in the brake fluid in terms of a readily visible color change. The strip is immersed in the fluid and any resulting color change is compared to a color chart and a standard representative of the maximum concentration determined empirically to correspond to the desirable “virtual-age” threshold for fluid replacement. An automated embodiment of the invention includes an optical instrument to compare the color obtained from the test to a predetermined standard and determine whether a fluid change is recommended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jon A. Petty
  • Publication number: 20020129645
    Abstract: The oil of a diesel engine is exchanged for each running at a predetermined distance. The oil exchange is carried out by estimating the amount of soot generation by combustion based on a running distance, and is not very accurate. The oil is exchanged earlier. Therefore, the oil is consumed wastefully and a cost of maintenance is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Atsushi Konno, Syunji Matsumoto, Yasutaka Ishibashi
  • Publication number: 20020129646
    Abstract: The activation of a swirl control valve which is seated downstream of a throttle valve in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine is diagnosed. The swirl control valve is activated by a specific adjustment travel within a supercritical operating range of the intake pipe pressure in the intake tract downstream of the throttle valve. If a specific jump in pressure that is dependent on the adjustment travel does not take place in the intake tract downstream of the throttle valve, a defect in the actuation of the swirl control valve is diagnosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Fromm, Johann Graf, Michael Henn, Hong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20020129647
    Abstract: A system for determining the suitable positioning of a first gear wheel in relation to a second gear wheel. The system comprises an evaluation unit and a roll-of device, which contains a first spindle for the rotatable seating of the first gear wheel, a second spindle for the rotatable seating of the second gear wheel and a drive mechanism for rotating the first gear wheel and a drive mechanism for acting with a positive or a negative torque on the second gear wheel. The roll-off device furthermore has a displacement device for changing the positioning of the first gear wheel in relation to the second gear wheel. A measurement pick-up device and two angle encoders are provided in the roll-off device and are connected with the evaluation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Volker Bartelt, Christian Pahud
  • Publication number: 20020129648
    Abstract: A flow rate and flow velocity measurement device. A part of a flow 10 in a main flow pipe 1, which is a detection object, is introduced into a passage of a divided flow pipe 2 and becomes a flow 11. The divided flow pipe 2 has a curved portion 2c or rather an inverted arc portion in which the flow is abruptly changed in direction or rather inverted by protuberances 2a, 2b formed preferably in symmetry in upstream and downstream sides of the curved portion 2c. Outside the main flow pipe 1, there is disposed on the bottom portion of the curved portion 2c of the divided flow pipe 2 a detection element 5 fixed to a support body 4 while protruding preferably 0.05-0.3 mm from flow passage faces 2e, 2f in the vicinity thereof. An opposed face 2d opposite to the detection element 5 protrudes toward the detection face so as to throttle the passage and to accelerate a flow speed at the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kohmura, Shunsuke Maeda, Takio Kojima, Yasuhisa Kuzuya, Masanori Suda, Takafumi Oshima
  • Publication number: 20020129649
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a liquid level in a vessel using an acoustic wave. Acoustic tubes have first ends disposed vertically along a sidewall of the vessel for each of the liquid levels to be measured, and the tubes communicate with the inside of the vessel. Second ends of the tubes are connected to a common tube. A storage level sensor board generates the acoustic wave in the vessel, receives the acoustic wave propagated through the acoustic tubes and the common tube, and determines the level of liquid in the vessel based on the received acoustic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-geun Kim, Jin-soo Lee, Kwang-taek Lim
  • Publication number: 20020129650
    Abstract: An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor of the present invention utilizes a plurality of thermocouples grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouples is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouples are connected in series and produce a signal directly indicative of the level of the liquid along the sensor. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with the liquid level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Bernd Zimmermann, David W. Reynolds, Richard E. Welch, Hank E. Millet
  • Publication number: 20020129651
    Abstract: A gyroscope having a rotor mounted onto a rotating shaft wherein the rotor has a circular flange extending from and perpendicular to one surface thereof. A suspension member having a flexible flange is affixed concentric with the rotating shaft and the rotor. A hysteresis synchronous electric drive motor is used for spinning the combined shaft with rotor. A light source is disposed on a stationary plate for emitting light perpendicular to a surface of the circular flange of the rotor. A light sensor is also disposed on the stationary plate and on a side of the circular flange opposite of the light source for producing an electrical signal as a function of the amount of light received. The light source and the light sensor are positioned such that only a portion of the light from the source strikes the sensor when the gyro is in a quiescent rotating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Roger F. Burlingame
  • Publication number: 20020129652
    Abstract: An angular rate sensor includes a ring that is kept floating by electrostatic forces between electrodes without the ring being mechanically or electrically contacted. The ring is divided into segments of differing radial dimensions which cooperate with a multi-phase drive from segmented electrodes to exert a torque on the floating ring which causes the ring to rotate. A control of the position of the ring and a detection of the Coriolis force that occurs are achieved by the voltages applied to the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Aigner, Martin Handtmann
  • Publication number: 20020129653
    Abstract: A method that simultaneously monitors and captures vibration acceleration signals at locations comprising at least one site sourcing environmental excitations and a target site, which target site is selected from a planned machinery foundation site or one or more sites interfacing between elements of machinery to be placed on such foundation; extracting amplitude and frequency data from the frequency representations of the domains of such signals; quantifying displacement excitations from such data at such locations; and providing transmissivity ratios along the vibration path by summing the displacement excitations at different frequencies at each of the locations and then ratioing the sum at either the planned machinery foundation site or at a selected joint site with the sum at the environmental excitation site, thereby indicating the relative vibration stiffness between such sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Brij B. Seth, Balachandra Muniyappa, Evangelos Liasi
  • Publication number: 20020129654
    Abstract: A contaminant sensor is provided which has an ultrasonic guided wave transducer that is bonded to a wall in which the ultrasonic energy is transmitted. A detector reflector is provided at a selected distance from the transducer, which will reflect signals that are affected or changed by contaminants collecting on an exposed surface of the wall. A self test reflector is positioned closely adjacent to the transducer and provides a reflected signal that is substantially unaffected by contaminants on the exposed surface of the wall, but which reflects signals only when the transducer assembly is functioning properly, and is properly bonded to the wall. The signal that is reflected by the self test reflector changes when the bond loosens. The receiver is activated right after transmission ceases to determine if the transmitter is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Derrick D. Hongerholt
  • Publication number: 20020129655
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for imaging based on the electroacoustic effect. The electroacoustic effect takes place when an ultrasonic wave passes through an electrolyte or colloidal suspension. The method and device of the present invention produces images whereby a sound wave is generated at the surface of an object, and, as the wave progresses through the body a voltage is generated in time corresponding to the electroacoustic response of the body at a point in space and time corresponding to the position of the ultrasonic wave in the body. As pulses are launched into the body at different points in space, the signal sensed by an amplifier is used to generate an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald J. Diebold
  • Publication number: 20020129656
    Abstract: The ultrasonic scatterer of the invention comprises gas-containing particles having an average particle size of 0.01 &mgr;m 10 &mgr;m, the ultrasonic imaging method of the invention comprises transmitting an ultrasonic wave continuing for ten cycles or more; transmitting an ultrasonic wave continuing for four cycles or more and less than ten cycles after a predetermined period passes, and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the invention comprises transmitting means for sending a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe so as to transmit, to a subject, an ultrasonic wave continuing for four cycles or more and less than ten cycles after a predetermined period passes subsequently to transmitting, to the subject, of an ultrasonic wave continuing for ten cycles or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Hirohiko Tsuzuki
  • Publication number: 20020129657
    Abstract: A pressure sensor has a baseplate and a support plate with a membrane. Layers on the membrane and the support plate are connected to a circuit for capacitively measuring pressure to generate a first pressure signal. A thermal conductivity measuring element that generates a second pressure signal has a heating element connected to the baseplate adjacent the support plate at a location opposite from the membrane for protecting the membrane from thermal effects. The method uses the sensor apparatus to generate an output signal representing a measured result when the measured result is above a transition value, on the basis of the first pressure signal and, when the pressure falls below a threshold value, any offset of the first pressure signal is compensated in such a way that determination of the output signal on the basis of the first pressure signal leads to the same result as determination of the output signal on the basis of the second pressure signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Unaxis Balzers Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Urs Walchli, Per Bjorkman, Rudolf Stocker, Marcel Gantner
  • Publication number: 20020129658
    Abstract: A method of analyzing force on a surface is described including providing a pressure-sensitive medium, applying the force to the medium, determining any change in the medium as a result of the applied force, correlating the change in the medium with a pressure value, and analyzing the force value. The pressure-sensitive film may be scanned, each shade or color on the film assigned a pixel value corresponding with pressure values, and the total pixel area values measured to determine pressure characteristics, such as average pressure or total pressure area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Cristin Rider
  • Publication number: 20020129659
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring a strength of a test specimen are provided. The method includes the steps of selecting a tensile load of interest for the test specimen, and bulk heating the test specimen at a localized region such that the test specimen is placed under the tensile load of interest. The method further provides for determining whether the tensile load of interest has caused a failure at the localized region. Bulk heating the test specimen provides a non-destructive evaluation technique that is unachievable through conventional approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Richard H. Bossi, John E. Shrader
  • Publication number: 20020129660
    Abstract: A method for estimating the real and imaginary Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of a specimen at an excitation frequency. The specimen is first joined to a reciprocating test apparatus at one end with a mass positioned at the other end. The test apparatus reciprocates at the excitation frequency and accelerations are recorded at each end of the specimen. The Young's modulus is calculated from the recorded accelerations. The specimen is then joined to a reciprocating rotational test apparatus at one end with a rotational inertial mass positioned at the other end. Accelerations are recorded upon subjecting the specimen to rotational reciprocations at the excitation frequency. The shear modulus is calculated from these accelerations. Poisson's ration can be calculated from the Young's modulus and the shear modulus at the excitation frequency. All of the calculations may be performed giving both real and imaginary values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew J. Hull
  • Publication number: 20020129661
    Abstract: A process variable transmitter, implemented in a dual PLL structure, includes a first PLL having a first bandwidth producing a first output signal, and a second PLL having a second bandwidth narrower than the first bandwidth of the first PLL. The first and second PLLs are operable to lock into a frequency of an input signal and produce first and second output signals, respectively. The second PLL is operable to lock into the frequency of the input signal with greater accuracy and greater immunity to noise than the first PLL. A switch is operable to switch an output signal of the process variable transmitter between the first output signal and the second output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: David W. Clarke, Tarek Ghaoud
  • Publication number: 20020129662
    Abstract: Flow rate measurement system includes two measurement regions 14,16 located an average axial distance &Dgr;X apart along the pipe 12, the first measurement region 14 having two unsteady pressure sensors 18,20, located a distance X1 apart, and the second measurement region 16, having two other unsteady pressure sensors 22,24, located a distance X2 apart, each capable of measuring the unsteady pressure in the pipe 12. Signals from each pair of pressure sensors 18,20 and 22,24 are differenced by summers 44,54, respectively, to form spatial wavelength filters 33,35, respectively. Each spatial filter 33,35 filters out acoustic pressure disturbances Pacoustic and other long wavelength pressure disturbances in the pipe 12 and passes short-wavelength low-frequency vortical pressure disturbances Pvortical associated with the vortical flow field 15. The spatial filters 33,35 provide signals Pas1,Pas2 to band pass filters 46,56 that filter out high frequency signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Rebecca M. Bryant, Charles R. Winston
  • Publication number: 20020129663
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid intake includes a bladder having a known volume and capable of holding fluid, the bladder having a fill opening and an extraction opening; a first section of tubing connected to the extraction opening; a fluid monitoring unit having a downstream end and an upstream end, the first section of tubing being connected to the fluid monitoring unit at the downstream end; a check valve disposed at the upstream end of the fluid monitoring unit; a second section of tubing connected to the check valve; and a bite valve connected to an end of the second section of tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Reed W. Hoyt, John F. Lanza
  • Publication number: 20020129664
    Abstract: A flow meter enables a time-of-flight method for non-invasively measuring liquid flow in a fluid conduit. The flow meter comprises a perturbing element in the form of a phase changing device, a heat transfer device, an electrochemical perturbing device or a photochemical perturbing device, and a conductivity detection device spaced downstream from the perturbing element. The perturbing element is applied to a small section of the conduit to cause a perturbation in a portion of the liquid flowing therethrough. This perturbation causes a change in conductivity a liquid plug, and the affected liquid plug continuous to flow in the fluid conduit toward the conductivity detection device. The conductivity detection device then senses the change in conductivity resulting from the perturbation, and flow rate or velocity is determined from the time of detection and the distance between the point of perturbation and the point of conductivity change detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: James W. Jorgenson, Keith E. Fadgen, Luke T. Tolley
  • Publication number: 20020129665
    Abstract: To provide a method for evaluating dynamic mechanical characteristics of a storage medium driving unit in the form of a finished product without taking it apart to pieces and without remodeling it, and to provide a system adapted to the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tetsuji Higashijima
  • Publication number: 20020129666
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torque sensor for automobiles. The torque sensor includes a torsion bar for coaxially connecting an input shaft attached to a steering wheel and an output shaft attached to a steering mechanism. A plurality of detection rings are mounted on the circumferential surfaces of the input and output shafts. At least one detection coil assembly is arranged to surround the gaps between the detection rings. A sensor housing is provided to accommodate the detection coil assembly. A position securing element is secured to the sensor housing to be brought into tight contact with the side surface of the detection coil assembly through the side of the sensor housing with a friction plate interposed between the detection coil assembly and the position securing element for securing the position of the detection coil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ji-Woong Kim, Ki-Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20020129667
    Abstract: A torque sensor for automobiles capable of maintaining initial fabricated positions of components in a housing even though being subjected to thermal expansion or external shock is disclosed. Retaining elements made of resilient material having excellent damping capability are interposed between an inner surface of a housing and each of detection coil assemblies by molding process to enable the components received in the housing to be securely held. Though being subjected to external vibration or shock, the external effect can be absorbed by damping effect of the retaining elements. Though the components in the housing thermally expand due to temperature variation, the retaining elements are elastically deformed to accommodate volume increase by the thermal expansion. Since fabricated positions of the components can be securely maintained without axial and radial displacement, it is possible to precisely detect torque acting on a torsion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dai-Chung Jong, Hee-Dong No, Gung-Joo Nam, Ji-Woong Kim, Ki-Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20020129668
    Abstract: A fluid sampling device or system for providing a fluid to a fluid processing apparatus. The system includes a plurality of sampling lines, each having an inlet line and an outlet line connected by a valve. The valve has a closed position preventing a fluid flow between the two lines and an opened position allowing such a fluid flow. A first and a second purge line are provided, respectively connected to the inlet and outlet lines for purging fluid therefrom. Rotometers or other similar devices are provided for controlling each of the purge lines. A connecting line is provided for connecting each of the outlet lines to each other and to the outlet. In operation, one of the valves is opened and the others are closed. Fluid flows from the selected valve to the apparatus and backwards through the outlet lines of the unselected sampling channels, providing a backpurge of these outlet lines through the second purge lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: CONTROLE ANALYTIQUE INC.
    Inventors: Yves Gamache, Andre Fortier
  • Publication number: 20020129669
    Abstract: An improved nozzle system for a flow cytometer and accompanying methods have been invented for a high efficiency orientation and sorting process of a flat sample and dedicates items such as equine or bovine sperm cells. This improved nozzle system comprises a nozzle with a novel interior surface geometry that can both gently accelerate the cells and can include an elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element within the nozzle, i.e., a single torsional orientation nozzle. The elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element may have a laminar flow surface and may produce the simplest flow path for applying minimal forces which act in either an accelerative nature or orienting hydrodynamic forces, namely, the single torsional orientation forces, to orient a flat sample such as animal sperm cells into a proper direction for an analyzing and efficiently sorting process in clinical use, for research and for the animal insemination industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: XY, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris S. Buchanan, Lisa A. Herickhoff
  • Publication number: 20020129670
    Abstract: A transmission, a vehicle, a method of forming a transmission, a clutch pack, and a method of operating a transmission are provided. According to one aspect, a transmission includes a first shaft configured to rotate about an axis; a second shaft configured to rotate about an axis; and a coupling device coupled with the first shaft and the second shaft, the coupling device comprising a plurality of components configured to impart rotational forces received by one of the first and second shafts to the other of the first and second shafts and to provide a plurality of transmission ratios intermediate the first and second shafts, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of the components is coated with a first material different than a second material comprising the at least one coated component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Brian Williams
  • Publication number: 20020129671
    Abstract: In a transmission with a first clutch including a first upstream rotary member to be driven by an input shaft, and a first downstream rotary member to be driven by the first upstream rotary member to drive an output shaft so that the first upstream and downstream rotary members are adapted to be selectively engaged with each other and disengaged from each other, an output shaft driving device includes a second upstream rotary member to be driven by the input shaft, and a second downstream rotary member to be driven by the second upstream rotary member to drive the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Masaru Yamasaki, Tadahiko Nogami, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Naoyuki Ozaki, Toshimichi Minowa, Takashi Okada
  • Publication number: 20020129672
    Abstract: A shift device for a motor vehicle transmission includes a steering-column shift lever which is movable in two directions arranged orthogonally to one another, the steering-column shift lever being capable of being transferred along the first direction into at least one forward driving position (D) and at least one neutral position (N1 or N2) and along the second direction into positions for successive (sequential) gear selection. To provide a cost-effective shift device, the transmission shift state may be reproduced by an indicator, and the first direction is in the circumferential direction of a steering wheel and includes a reversing position (R), two neutral positions (N1 and N2) and a forward driving position (D) whereas the second direction is essentially in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jochen Vogel, Peter Wieltsch
  • Publication number: 20020129673
    Abstract: A robotic portion 1 has X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis modules 2, 3, 4 and can move in three axial directions. This robotic portion 1 is mounted in such a manner as to move on a second base 10 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the second base is mounted in such a manner as to move on a first base 12 in the Y-axis direction. Then, the robotic portion 1 can be moved on either the first or second base 12, 10 on pins 7, 8 provided on the Z-axis module 4 which act as fulcrums by moving the robotic portion 1 in the Y-axis direction or the X-axis direction with the pins 7, 8 being inserted into hole portions 14, 11 formed in the first or second base 12, 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20020129674
    Abstract: A speed controller has a body, a collar interference fit in the through hole of the body, a rotation element having an arcuate extension formed to correspond to an arcuate passage and provided with multiple notches, a sleeve formed to mate with an elongated extension and an elongated protrusion so that a user is able to rotate the sleeve to drive the rotation element to rotate and obtain the requirement of speed change. Furthermore, the friction between the body and the cable is reduced by removing the lining of the body, so that a force required to operate the speed controller is greatly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Chen Shu Jen
  • Publication number: 20020129675
    Abstract: A torsional damper mounted to a crank shaft of an internal combustion engine has a hub provided with a rim portion and a fixing portion, and a boss welded to the rim portion. A mass body is arranged in an outer side of the rim portion via a cylindrical elastic body. A seal element of an oil seal mounted to an engine assembly makes contact with an outer circumferential surface of the boss. The hub 11 has a carbon equivalent of 0.5% or less, and a boss has a carbon equivalent of 0.5% or less and a carbon content of 0.2% or more. Induction hardening is applied to a portion of the boss with which the oil element makes contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Hideaki Watanabe, Takashi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020129676
    Abstract: A bottom bracket bearing axle mounting arrangement includes a bottom bracket bearing axle inserted through a bottom bracket, two ball races mounted on the bottom bracket bearing axle to support a respective set of steel balls around the bottom bracket bearing axle, and two conical, externally threaded, split stop members respectively threaded into a respective inner thread at each of two opposite ends of a bottom bracket to hold two sets of steel balls on the respective ball race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Publication number: 20020129677
    Abstract: A stamping punch of a punching apparatus including a grip member provided with crosspieces formed between long grooves on side walls of a rectangular parallelepiped, and a plurality of punch members which are formed integrally with the grip member. The respective punch members are arranged in parallel to one another. A plurality of holes are defined on a punch holder. A large amount of adhesive is contained in the gap between joining surfaces when the grip members of the stamping punches are inserted and secured into the respective holes. Accordingly, the positional accuracy of the punch member is improved, the accuracy of the hole defined through a workpiece is improved, and it is possible to eliminate any fear of occurrence of defect in shape. Further, the rigidity of the punch member can be improved, the stripper is prevented from application of unbalanced load, and the punch is easily exchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Kazumasa Kitamura, Motoo Noritake, Satoshi Matsubayashi, Shusaku Kabe
  • Publication number: 20020129678
    Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector cuff venting tool having a handle formed of an electrical insulator material. An electrically insulating head is fixed on the handle's forward end. Two or more wedges, sized and shaped for slidable insertion within the cuff, are formed on the head. A rearwardly directed force applied along the handle's longitudinal axis gradually slides the wedges within the cuff, thereby venting partial vacua from within the cuff to the surrounding atmosphere and reducing the likelihood of flashover. Optionally, a clamp may be provided on a rearward portion of the handle for use in clamping the tool's handle to a hotstick handle. As another option, a pivot fulcrum may be provided on the rearward portion of the tool's handle for use in pivotally levering the tool's handle away from the hotstick handle. The tool's head, clamp and pivot fulcrum extend transversely away from the cuff venting tool, in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Sasakatchewan Power Corporation.
    Inventors: Jay Earle Beattie, Walter David Skoropad
  • Publication number: 20020129679
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for automatically installing a fastener to a fastener receptacle portion of a work piece. A fastener apparatus comprises a central frame supporting a datum member. The datum member defines a fastener position, and the datum member is operably engageable with a characteristic feature of the work piece. The fastener apparatus further comprises a fastening tool supported by the frame and moveable to the fastener position. The fastener apparatus further comprises a biasing member biasing the work piece characteristic feature in operable engagement with the datum member aligning the fastener receptacle with the fastener position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Shih H. Hoe, Siak S. Leow, Muhammad F. Abdullah, Hua K. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020129680
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a screwdriver bit with a drive section (14) and a front section (1) that contains a profiled penetrating section (2) and is manufactured by compression molding and subsequently sintering a hard metal powder, where the front section is connected to the drive section. Thus, according to the invention, the length of the front section (1) is not greater than 2.5-times the length of the penetrating section (2) and/or the ratio of the length of the front section (1) to the diameter or the width across corners of the penetrating section (2) is not greater than 2.2 (FIG. 7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Felo-Werkzeugfarik Holland-Letz GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Holland-Letz
  • Publication number: 20020129681
    Abstract: A tool presetter and a tool offset amount calculation method are provided which ensure easy and accurate determination of reference tool offset amounts in a machine tool having a pivotal tool spindle stock. The tool presetter is mounted in a composite lathe having a pivotal tool spindle stock 17. The tool presetter calculates tool offset amounts Oz (=A−Zm), Ox (=B−Xm) on the basis of machine coordinate values Zm, Xm of the tool spindle stock detected when a nose of a tool T is in contact with Z-axis and X-axis detection points of a presetter sensor 18 with the tool spindle stock 17 pivoted by a pivot angle &agr;, and machine coordinate values A, B of the Z-axis and X-axis detection points of the presetter sensor 18, and calculates reference tool offset amounts Lz, Lx from predetermined expressions on the basis of the tool offset amounts Ox, Oz and the pivot angle &agr; of the tool spindle stock 17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuaki Ono
  • Publication number: 20020129682
    Abstract: In a method for machining an electrically conductive workpiece with a cutting tool, an electric circuit is applied between the cutting tool and the workpiece which is positioned electrically insulated from the cutting tool, when the workpiece is subjected to a machining operation. At least one electric variable is determined and evaluated in the electric circuit during the machining operation. The advance of the workpiece is adjusted after each machining step of an entire surface of the workpiece, and the machining operation is terminated, when the at least one variable remains substantially constant during a machining step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Roland Muller