Patents Issued in January 2, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030000551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for treating surfaces of metallic strip material (1), especially for pickling rolled material, in a treatment channel (2), with a pickling medium (3) containing acid. Jets (4)are set in the direction which the strip is transported (5) at the entrance to the channel (2a) and in the opposite direction that in which the strip is transported at the exit of the channel (2b). The aim of the invention is to produce a closed liquid film with some turbulence on the surface of the strip. Said film should be maintained as far as the exit (2b) of the channel. To this end, additional jets (4) between the channel entrance (2a) and the channel exit (2b) are oriented in the opposite direction to the direction in which the strip is transported (5) and the pickling medium (3) is further delayed in flowing out at the channel exit (2 b) by mechanical resistance devices (7) situated in the path of the transport channel (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Schuler, Rolf Bunten, Holger Behrens, Bodo Block, Michael Haentjes, Andreas Gramer
  • Publication number: 20030000552
    Abstract: A system and process for removing oil containing machine coolant from machining chips in which the chips are deposited in a sluice and flushing jets of citrus oil based cleanser containing water solution used as a washing liquid are used to move the chips down the sluice and into a chip separator tank, the coating of machining fluid scoured from the chips by the action of the flushing jets. The chips are conveyed up a sloping wall of the tank to be moved out of the washing liquid, drained and dried. The washing liquid is pumped out the tank and used to form the flushing jets in the sluice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Publication number: 20030000553
    Abstract: A cap (10) adapted for detachable attachment to a nozzle end (30) of an aerosol can, the cap (10) having a receptacle (22) for receiving a golf ball, the receptacle (22) being adapted such that when said receptacle (22) has a golf ball therein and said cap (10) is attached to said aerosol can nozzle end (30), the receptacle (22) is in communication with a nozzle (32) of the aerosol can and the golf ball is freely rotatable within the receptacle (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Michael John Murray
  • Publication number: 20030000554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and drying a semiconductor structure in a modified conventional gas etch/rinse or dryer vessel. In an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor structure is placed into a first treatment vessel and chemically treated. Following the chemical treatment, the semiconductor structure is transferred directly to a second treatment vessel where it is rinsed with DI water and then dried. The second treatment vessel is flooded with both DI water and a gas that is inert to the ambient, such as nitrogen, to form a DI water bath upon which an inert atmosphere is maintained during rinsing. Next, an inert gas carrier laden with IPA vapor is fed into the second treatment vessel. After sufficient time, a layer of IPA has formed upon the surface of the DI water bath to form an IPA-DI water interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Donald L. Yates
  • Publication number: 20030000555
    Abstract: A circuit board-washing device includes a pair of elongated upper and lower spraying casings located directly over and fixed relative to a tank, which contains a detergent that is forced into the casings. Each of the casings has a chamber and a horizontal wall, which is formed with two longitudinal rows of holes that are in fluid communication with the chamber. The walls of the casings define a washing space therebetween for movement of a horizontal circuit board therethrough in a transverse direction of the casings. The space is slightly wider than the board. The detergent is sprayed from the casings onto the board via the holes, and subsequently falls into the tank for recycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Ko
  • Publication number: 20030000556
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning filters prior to recycling or disposal. In this process and apparatus liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide contacts the plugged pores of a filter under conditions in which carbon dioxide remains in the liquid or supercritical state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Michael Cotte, Kenneth John McCullough, Wayne Martin Moreau, Keith R. Pope, John P. Simons, Charles J. Taft
  • Publication number: 20030000557
    Abstract: A structure of a lightening umbrella having a plurality of lamp strings fixedly provided beneath the ribs and stretchers thereof, the conductors of the lamp strings are extended into the shaft of the umbrella through a top fixed collar of the umbrella to connect with an electric control circuit provided in the umbrella, the control circuit is further provided at the middle position of the shaft with a lamp-controlling switch and an indicating light, conductors from the control circuit are connected to a power supply on the bottom of the shaft to obtain the required power. Thereby, the lamp strings can have various lightening modes by selection and controlling with the switch, and effects of illumination and decoration can be obtained. By virtue that the electric lines are provided in the shaft, they do not affect the activity of the runner. Besides, the lamp-controlling switch can do remote control with a remote controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20030000558
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ratio mechanism of an automatic multiple-folding umbrella, cooperating to cooperating to the opening mechanism, and main stick assembly and said handle control mechanism; wherein said terminal pulley of said ratio mechanism has a pulley for threading said inner stay wire over so that one end of said inner stay wire is fixed on said pulley assembly, and the another end is threaded through said pulley on said terminal pulley base, and the pulley of said pulley assembly, then passing through said terminal pulley base to be fixed on said locking head; said main stick is composed of four stick segments. Due to building up said switch, repeat press down said button can bring into being automatic opening and closing umbrella function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lung-Chiao Chou
  • Publication number: 20030000559
    Abstract: A parasol includes a shank, a rib assembly, a light collecting member, a converting circuit, and a rechargeable battery device. The rib assembly is mounted on an upper portion of the shank, and has a canopy mounted thereon. The light collecting member is mounted on the shank, and is used to receive sunlight and to collect solar energy. The converting circuit is mounted on the shank, is coupled electrically to the light collecting member, and is operable so as to convert the solar energy collected by the light collecting member into electrical energy. The rechargeable battery device is mounted on the shank, is coupled electrically to the converting circuit, and is charged by the electrical energy from the converting circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hung-Ming Wu
  • Publication number: 20030000560
    Abstract: The tilt mechanism has a pair of tubular members and a catch which is fixedly mounted in the upper member and pivotally mounted in the lower member to permit tilting of the two members relative to each other. A pin is mounted in the lower member and is biased into one of several recesses in the lower end of the catch in order to hold the sections in either an upright or a tilted position relative to each other. A coil spring is used to bias the pin into a recess of the catch. Pulling down on the pin allows the tubular members to be tilted relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Vanderminden
  • Publication number: 20030000561
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for enabling persons with paresis of lower limbs to walk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Barbara Perner
  • Publication number: 20030000562
    Abstract: A panel for use in a helicopter protection system which includes a cover made from a flexible sheet material, a safety shear strip which extends between two sections of the cover, and first and second attachment devices on respective first and second edges of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Herman Slabbert
  • Publication number: 20030000563
    Abstract: A structure comprising at least three essentially rigid legs, each having a top end, and a bottom end, with at least two connecting elements fitted on each leg and at least three elongate braces each having a first end and a second end and being fitted with at least four anchoring sites. Each brace is connected with two adjacent legs, and at least one of the anchoring sites is directly coupled with a respective connecting element of one adjacent leg, and at least one other of the anchoring sites is coupled via a tensioning member to another respective connecting element of the other adjacent leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Arieh Kuperman
  • Publication number: 20030000564
    Abstract: A high-concentration photovoltaic assembly (24) for use in a utility-scale solar power generation system (20) is configured to couple to a supporting tracking structure (22) of the system (20). The assembly (24) incorporates a frame (38) substantially centered in a plane (44), a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal members (80) substantially centered in the plane (44) and coupled to the frame (38), two substantially parallel transverse members (82) substantially centered in the plane (44) and coupled to the longitudinal members (80) substantially at ends thereof, a plurality of bulkheads (90) coupled between adjacent ones of the longitudinal members (80) and configured to divide the assembly (24) into a plurality of chambers (94), a plurality of photovoltaic modules coupled to the chambers (94) upon a first side (48) of the plane (44), and a plurality of lenses (98) coupled to the chambers (94) upon a second side (46) of said plane (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Jefferson G. Shingleton, Herbert T. Hayden
  • Publication number: 20030000565
    Abstract: An integrated thin-film photoelectric conversion module includes a multi-layered film including a first electrode layer, a semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer stacked on a main surface of a substrate. The multi-layered film includes a cell region including a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells connected in series, a bypass diode region and a connection region. The connection region does not connect the bypass diode to the cell during reverse bias treatment of the cell and the bypass diode, while the connection region connects the bypass diode in antiparallel to at least one of the plurality of cells connected in series after the reverse bias treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Hayashi, Tomomi Meguro
  • Publication number: 20030000566
    Abstract: A solar cell structural body having a solar cell arranged on a concrete retaining body comprising a concrete prepared from a mixture comprising at least a cement, water and an aggregate, such that part of a conductor portion of said solar cell is contacted with said concrete retaining body, characterized in that said concrete has a resistivity in a range of from 9×103 to 120×103 &OHgr;·cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaaki Matsushita, Akiharu Takabayashi, Hidehisa Makita, Takaaki Mukai, Shigenori Itoyama
  • Publication number: 20030000567
    Abstract: A solar construction board includes a board, a solar energy collector mounted on the board and including at least a heating tube which is filled with a first fluid medium therein so as to absorb solar energy and transfer the absorbed energy to the first fluid medium when exposed to solar radiation, and a solar cell unit that includes at least a solar cell which is securely attached to the board so as to generate electrical current when exposed to solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Yuan Lynn
  • Publication number: 20030000568
    Abstract: An improved laminated photovoltaic solar cell module and method of manufacture are provided which are characterized by use of a zinc-based ionomer encapsulant to avoid chemical reaction degradation by residues of acidic solder flux at soldered solar cell connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: ASE Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Gonsiorawski
  • Publication number: 20030000569
    Abstract: Solar panel comprising solar cells affixed to one or more sheet elements and a frame for supporting said sheet elements, wherein the frame is provided with attachment means for attaching said sheet elements to the frame, wherein that, the attachment means comprise one or more pretensioned strings, the sheet elements being attached to said strings. According to the invention it is preferred that the sheet elements are composed of flexible material and are attached to the string in a corrugated shape, wherein the sheet elements are provided with at least one row of apertures for weaving a string through successive apertures of said row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: DUTCH SPACE B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Zwanenburg
  • Publication number: 20030000570
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts energy provided by a chemical reaction into energy for charging a quantum well device. The disclosed apparatus comprises a catalyst layer that catalyzes a chemical reaction and captures hot electrons and hot phonons generated by the chemical reaction, and an interface layer placed between the catalyst layer and a quantum well. The interface layer facilitates the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons from the catalyst layer into the quantum well layer. The interface layer can also convert hot electrons into hot phonons, and vice versa, depending upon the needs of the particular quantum well device. Because the hot electrons and the hot phonons are unstable and readily degrade into heat energy, the dimensions of the catalyst layer and the interface layer are very small. To improve the efficiency of the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons to the quantum well, other interface layers, such as a catalyst interlayer and a catalyst interface, may be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: NeoKismet, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Zuppero, Jawahar M. Gidwani
  • Publication number: 20030000571
    Abstract: In a solar cell, at least one of reinforcing material and buffering material is provided at least partially on at least one of a back surface, a front surface and a side surface of the solar cell. With these reinforcing material and/or buffering material, occurrence of cell fracture due to load imposed by external force can be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Junzou Wakuda, Masaomi Hioki, Satoshi Tanaka, Tomohiro Machida, Kunio Kamimura, Tatsuo Saga, Takashi Tomita
  • Publication number: 20030000572
    Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines three grooves, each of which includes a terminal portion. Correspondingly, the second element includes three engagement members each of which is configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a predetermined line pressure in the fluid passageway forces each engagement member into the terminal portion of the corresponding groove, so as to substantially foreclose disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has reached a predetermined magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Publication number: 20030000573
    Abstract: An automatic water supply system capable of cultivating a plant in a state as proximate to be natural as possible and robustly and capable of eliminating waste of water, which is an automatic water supply system in which at least deficiency of water of an object of water supply is detected by a water content sensor, a first predetermined time period is measured by a first timer portion in accordance with the detection, when sufficiency of water is not detected by the water content sensor within the first predetermined time period, water is supplied by water supply means and when sufficiency of water is detected within the first predetermined time period, the first timer portion is initialized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Takaharu Yoshioka, Minoru Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030000574
    Abstract: A method of regulating the calorific power of a stream of gaseous fuel of the fossil-gas type, comprising a predominant fuel gas, denoted “A” and flowing in a pipe. This regulation is performed, at least partly, by controlled addition of at least one fuel gas called having a calorific power greater than that of “A” into the stream. The subject of the invention is also its apparatus for implementation and its applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Remy Cordier, Thierry Ferlin, Guy Tackels, Thierry Mine
  • Publication number: 20030000575
    Abstract: A hydraulic flow valve apparatus having a valve body providing a valve body cavity with an eccentric sidewall. The sidewall terminates at a frontal surface of the valve body with a conical bottom surface defining a flow aperture at its apex. A sealing shaft is fitted within the cavity and is enabled for lateral movement due to the eccentric sidewall. The sealing shaft provides at one end, a rubber seat sealing the flow aperture, and at the other end, a planar surface set at an off-normal angle. A fluid actuated vane extends away from the frontal surface of the valve body and is pivotally engaged with the planar surface of the sealing shaft so as to move the sealing shaft laterally, so as to uncover the aperture when the vane is forced out of a selected preliminary alignment with the sealing shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Harold Allen
  • Publication number: 20030000576
    Abstract: A valve (19) primarily designed as a float valve to control the flow of water under pressure into a cistern has an upstream chamber (22) and a downstream chamber (23). The upstream chamber (22) communicates an inlet (21) for mains water supply with outlets (17, 17A) and the downstream chamber (23) has an outlet (24) which is closed by a valve (25) when a float rises a float rod (14). A primary valve member assembly comprises a piston (3) to the downstream end of which a diaphragms (5) is attached. When the secondary valve (25) is closed pressure on diaphragm (5) causes piston (3) to close the inlet (21). When the secondary valve (25) is opened by the rising float the piston (3) is expelled from the inlet (21) allowing water to flow into the cistern through the upstream chamber (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Leonard Patrick Keeley, Leslie Burgin
  • Publication number: 20030000577
    Abstract: A backflow prevention apparatus has a housing with an opening having a predetermined length. A first valve body, and a second valve body may be slidably sealed with one another, and compressed such that their combined length is less then the length of the opening. In the compressed state the valve bodies may be inserted within the opening of the housing and then elongated such that the ends of valve bodies engage and sliding seal with segments of the housing. A spacer may be placed between the first valve body and the second valve body to secure them within the opening. An intermediate valve body may be introduced between the first valve body and the second valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Timothy W. Hurt
  • Publication number: 20030000578
    Abstract: A flow meter system that calculates mass flow rate based only on a single pressure signal. A flow controller is arranged in parallel with a restriction such that a constant pressure differential is maintained across the restriction. The pressure, and temperature if not controlled, of the fluid flowing through the restriction is measured on either side of the restriction. The pressure is compared to a plot of pressure versus mass flow rate calculated for the specific restriction and fluid being measured. The constant pressure differential maintained across the restriction yields a linear relationship between pressure and flow rate. If temperature is not controlled, the plot of pressure versus mass flow rate will remain linear, but the slope of the curve will be adjusted based on the temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick A. Lowery, Petur Thordarson, Robert Laragione
  • Publication number: 20030000579
    Abstract: An improved adjustable fluid flow regulator having a regulator chamber, a moveable diaphragm therein, a spring that acts upon the diaphragm to regulate the flow of fluid, and a first adjustment member and second adjustment member for adjustably biasing the spring against the diaphragm. The improvement includes means for restricting adjustment above a predetermined limit. The first adjustment member is fully adjusted to a limit. The second adjustment member is adjusted to bias the spring to a predetermined maximum setting, and restricted from further adjustment. The first adjustment member would then be adjustable to any setting below the predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Schmotzer, Wilfred G. Soutiea, Mike C. Santinanavat, John J. Love
  • Publication number: 20030000580
    Abstract: A number of improved excess flow valves are disclosed wherein the flow around a magnet holding portion of the valve body is generally unrestricted to reduce the pressure drop across the valve. The valve is preferably also formed separately from its valve seat to reduce the complexity of the valve, and allow it to have less resistance to flow. The valve seat may be provided as a separate part, or may be provided in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Brass Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald S. Glover, James E. Scanlon, Mark Koeroghlian
  • Publication number: 20030000581
    Abstract: A fuel system shut-off valve includes a valve body bounding a fuel space, the valve body having an inlet opening and an outlet opening communicating with the fuel space. A piston assembly in the fuel space includes a main piston member that is movable relative to the valve body and an auxiliary piston member that is movable relative to the main piston member. The piston assembly either allows or prevents fuel flow through the valve from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening depending on the position of the auxiliary piston member. A force member urges the piston assembly towards the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kai Lehtonen
  • Publication number: 20030000582
    Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for controlling the flow of exhaust comprising a hollow elongated member, desirably in the form of an exhaust pipe or component thereof, having an open end, a flap associated with the open end and a spring having two ends. The flap is pivotable between a first position to close the open end and a second position to open the open end, and is adapted to pivot toward the second position when the exhaust gas within the elongated member achieves a predetermined pressure. One end of the spring is associated with the flap and the other end of the spring is associated with the elongated member along the length of the elongated member. The spring biases the flap toward the first position. The spring desirably extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member when the flap is in the first position. The flap desirably includes a lateral edge having a hook and the one end of the spring is mounted to the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Benjamin Elliott Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030000583
    Abstract: The pressure relief valve has a spring pressure-loaded diaphragm closing body (13), which in the closed position sealingly engages on a centrally positioned valve seating surface (10) surrounding a first valve opening (8). Its spring pressure loading takes place by means of a counterpressure body (13) positioned centrally over it. The valve seating surface (10) is surrounded by a channel-like valve chamber (11) in the valve housing body (2) and on which is provided on the overpressure side at least one second valve opening (9). To be able to dissipate high overpressures, the counterpressure body (30) is surrounded by a diaphragm support ring (17) held on the valve housing (6) and which has a circumferential recess (19), whose depth measured perpendicular to the diaphragm closing body (13) determines the maximum deflection of said body (13), so that when the valve is completely opened the diaphragm closing body (13) is supported in an area between the valve seating surface (10) and its outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Kuhn, Frank Obrist, Stefan Kroess, Georg Weber
  • Publication number: 20030000584
    Abstract: A flow controller having a first and second stages of regulation. The first stage is a pressure regulation stage that maintains the pressure within an intermediate chamber (formed by a series of interconnected passageways and cavities) within a predetermined range above the pressure in an outlet port. The second stage maintains the flow rate within a predetermined range about a target flow rate. Both stages sample the pressure in the outlet port and automatically adjust the flow of fluid to ensure that fluctuations in pressure at the inlet and outlet ports do not affect the flow rate. The flow rate is set and controlled by a user determined setpoint. The pressure is regulated by one or more feedback systems. The feedback systems used may be mechanical or electromechanical based on a particular operating environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Petur Thordarson, Patrick A. Lowery
  • Publication number: 20030000585
    Abstract: A modular valve assembly of this invention includes individual valve units and components, which can be selectively combined to form an integrated multi-port, multi-way valve assembly that is operated by a single common linear actuator is disclosed. The modular design of this invention is facilitated by the construction of valve housings and valve components of the individual valve units and assemblies of common plumbing pipes and fittings, such as, tee joints, threaded couplings, bushings and reducers. A single linear actuator, such as a conventional solenoid or piston cylinder mounted to the end of the valve housing, reciprocates an elongated shaft running axially through the valve interior to move various valve discs into and out of engagement with various internal valve seats, thereby controlling the valve assembly operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Lefco CPS, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cooper, Robert G. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20030000586
    Abstract: A four-way switching valve free from leakage of a refrigerant. A pressure-regulating chamber is switchably connected to a low-pressure chamber or a high-pressure chamber by a three-way solenoid valve, and a pressure-regulating chamber is communicated with a chamber by a tube. When the three-way solenoid valve connects the pressure-regulating chamber to the low-pressure chamber, a plug is urged by the high pressure, thereby permitting port A and a port B to communicate with each other, while inhibiting the port B and a port D from communicating with each other. The pressure within the chamber is increased to thereby increase the pressure within the pressure-regulating chamber. Consequently, a plug is urged by a piston to thereby inhibit the port A and a port C from communicating with each other, and permitting the port C and the port D to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisatoshi Hirota, Toshiyuki Shiota, Katsumi Koyama
  • Publication number: 20030000587
    Abstract: A pneumatic switching valve (1) for systems for lifting and lowering the body of a vehicle including air suspension includes a mechanical actuation element (33) for adjusting a lifting position, a lowering position, a driving position and a stop position associated with respective positions of the vehicle. An inlet valve (11), an outlet valve (12) and a locking valve (13) each include a valve body (24), a tappet (26) and a closing spring (27). The inlet valve (11) and the outlet valve (12) are arranged in one common plane to face in opposite directions. The closing springs (27) of the inlet valve (11) and of the outlet valve (12) also serve to move the actuation element (33) from the lifting position or from the lowering position to the stop position when the operator releases the actuation element (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Georg Sulzye, Roland Blanz
  • Publication number: 20030000588
    Abstract: This invention discloses an inlet rigid pipe with a large number of holes drilled laterally through its side wall with each hole being significantly smaller than the pipe internal diameter such that fluid made to flow into an end of the pipe will tend to flow out through the lateral holes at substantially equal flow rates. By spacing the holes along the length of the tube at some fractional multiple of P apart, then fluid flowing out from adjacent holes will concurrently exhibit different pressure variations which will tend to mutually cancel. For example, if two adjacent holes are space P/2 apart, then while fluid flowing from the first hole is exhibiting a periodic maximum pressure, the adjacent hole will concurrently be exhibiting a minimum. Actually, a random spacing of the holes is very effective as long as they are not spaced an integral multiple of P apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Publication number: 20030000589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydropneumatic accumulator comprising a bellow (19), which, inside the accumulator housing (1), separates a gas chamber (17) from an oil chamber (13) and which is fastened with one end thereof to the accumulator housing (1) so that the oil chamber (13) is delimited by the inside of the bellow (19). Said bellow is sealed on the other free end by means of a closing body (21) that moves according to changes in volume of the gas chamber (17) and of the oil chamber (13). The hydropneumatic accumulator also comprises a valve (31), which enables a hydraulic fluid to flow out of and into the oil chamber (13) or which blocks the flow of said hydraulic fluid. The valve can be transferred into its blocking position by the closing body (21) when the closing body (21) undergoes a movement corresponding to an increase in the volume of the gas chamber (17) that exceeds a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Publication number: 20030000590
    Abstract: A plug structure of a liquid drainage installation includes a sealing ring clamped between two combined half bodies. The outer periphery of the sealing ring protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the two half bodies. Thus, the protruding dimension of the sealing ring may be adjusted by the clamping extent of the two bodies, thereby compensating the wearing amount due to usage. The two half bodies may be separated easily, thereby facilitating replacing the sealing ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Philip Chen
  • Publication number: 20030000591
    Abstract: For the purpose of repairing supply lines such as a wastewater pipe, a plastic hose has been developed which, in the clear state, has a diameter which is the same size as, or larger than, the diameter of the pipe in which it is to be inserted. This plastic hose is used to fix optical or electric cables against the inner wall of the pipe. For this purpose, the plastic hose is introduced into the waste-water pipe in a collapsed state, together with the cable, and is released when the desired positioning has been reached. The collapsed plastic hose will then regain its original shape and thereby fix the cable against the inner wall of the waste-water pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Klaus Nothofer, Hans-Detlef Leppert, Wolfgang Teschner
  • Publication number: 20030000592
    Abstract: An electrically self-grounding connector for joining end portions of fluid flow conduit sections, and two processes for fabricating the connector. A connector formed according to one process includes an inner layer formed by electrically conductive, contiguous carbon ribbons, an outer layer of chopped carbon fibers, and a layer of surfacing veil between the inner and outer layers. A connector formed according to the other process substitutes a layer of carbon cloth for the carbon ribbons. In both connectors, electrically conductive carbon forming the inner and outer surfaces acts to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond L. Wellman, Michael S. Cork
  • Publication number: 20030000593
    Abstract: A device for smoothening the unwinding from the cylinder of the loops of yarn of the weft reserve in weft suppliers for fluid jet looms, is described. The device comprises a pneumatic device capable of subjecting the yarn to a fluid flow, such as an air stream, having at least one motion component directed in the running direction of the yarn. The flow, independently from the dimensional and superficial characteristics of the yarn, maintains the latter constantly under mechanical tension, so that the slackening of the loops wound on the terminal portion of the cylinder of the supplier is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: L.G.L. ELECTRONICS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Pedrini, Ruggero Magoni
  • Publication number: 20030000594
    Abstract: The leading end of a weft thread exiting from a weft insertion channel in an air jet weaving loom is monitored by a weft stop motion positioned in a weft stretching channel directly downstream, as viewed in the weft motion direction, of an exit of the weft insertion channel. The weft stop motion is either an additional weft stop motion monitor or it is the first weft stop motion device repositioned from a location at the exit of the weft insertion channel to a location in the weft stretching channel. In such a position in the weft stretching channel faults or deformations such as a loop in the leading end section of the weft thread are readily or positively detected for generating a respective loom control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Werner Birner, Herbert Reinhardt, Christian Hannes, Alexander Chvorak, Peter D. Dornier
  • Publication number: 20030000595
    Abstract: An improved water input method for recreational vehicles utilizing the convenience of automatic fill valve technology. Water from a pressurized source is directed to a water tank that is equipped with an automatic fill valve which efficiently regulates a continuous supply of water to the recreational vehicle through a static water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: James Victor Culberson, Ricky E. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20030000596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for filling the bags of a chain of bags or a chain of stacks of bags. According to the invention, the chain of bags or the chain of stacks of bags is unwound from a reel, guided over a table, until a bag lies in a suction and filling position on said table. Then the bag is pulled up by means of a suction device, filled, and severed from the supporting web as well as transported away to a depositing table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Ludwig Voss, Ulrich Stienecker
  • Publication number: 20030000597
    Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A plurality of trays is inserted into an access device. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between the access device, a storage rack and a work cell gantry. The computer system is also programmed to control the work cell gantry to move the subject matter to and from an automated receiving machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated receiving machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Brian L. Ganz, John Andrew Moulds, Christopher T. Brovold, David W. Jewell, Mandel W. Mickley, John A. Adams
  • Publication number: 20030000598
    Abstract: A automatic effluence transfer system for the transfer of effluences from a source container into a receiving reservoir comprises a receiving reservoir having a cover plate and a reservoir top opening, and a mechanism located above the receiving reservoir, which includes a pivot point, and an actuated force mechanism that would, once activated, automatically rotate and complete the pouring of source effluence into the receiving reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Leon Han, Ted McGill, Phyllis Han
  • Publication number: 20030000599
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric hand tool (6) with an electric motor contained in a housing, which drives a chip-removing tool (8). The mounting section (14) of a mounting rail (1) is mounted in a detent locking fashion onto the mounting base (3) of the electric hand tool (6). A carriage-shaped component equipped with a compass point (12) is mounted onto this mounting rail (1) and/or a parallel fence (9, 10) can be adjustably positioned on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Joao Bergner, Uwe Engelfried, Martin Noack
  • Publication number: 20030000600
    Abstract: The method for manufacturing alloy powder for R—Fe—B type rare earth magnets of the present invention includes a first pulverization step of coarsely pulverizing a material alloy for rare earth magnets and a second pulverization step of finely pulverizing the material alloy. In the first pulverization step, the material alloy is pulverized by a hydrogen pulverization method. In the second pulverization step, easily oxidized super-fine powder (particle size: 1.0 &mgr;m or less) is removed to adjust the particle quantity of the super-fine powder to 10% or less of the particle quantity of the entire powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Sumitomo Special Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Okayama, Naoyuki Ishigaki, Shuhei Okumura