Patents Issued in January 2, 2003
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Publication number: 20030000251Abstract: A fabrication method for a thallium-doped GRIN lens composed of a simplified glass composition is described and claimed. The composition is composed of silicon, oxygen, boron, zinc, potassium, sodium, and thallium. The method is comprised of preparing a cylindrical preform, annealing said cylindrical preform, removing contaminants from preform thereafter extruded to form a glass rod, exposing the glass rod to an alkali salt bath, and chemically milling the glass rod within an acid bath. Method and composition produce colorless lenses with a refractive index from 1.5900 to 1.7810, an insertion loss no greater than 0.05 dB, and a chromatic transmittance greater than 90 percent.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Hong Tan, Youmin Liu, Yushan Tan
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Publication number: 20030000252Abstract: Methods and a device of manufacturing glass gobs with good productivity without defects in appearance from a glass melt. Glass gobs are manufactured from glass melt gobs by molding and cooling glass melt gobs in glass gob molding parts that are intermittently rotated. In one method, single intermittent rotation period of said glass gob molding part is in a range of 0.1 to 0.25 second, and the single intermittent rotation distance of said glass gob molding part is 0.8-7 cm. The device for molding glass gobs from a continuously flowing glass melt has a turntable intermittently rotated around a rotation axis and glass gob molding molds positioned on said turntable. The glass gob molding mold has multiple glass gob molding parts that receive glass melt on the upper surface thereof and mold the glass melt into glass gobs. The glass gob molding mold is positioned on a turntable so that said glass gob molding parts are disposed at equal intervals around a circumference centered on the rotation axis of the turntable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: HOYA CORPORATIONInventors: Keisuke Yoshikuni, Youji Touma, Yoshinori Iguchi
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Publication number: 20030000253Abstract: A method and apparatus for making cylindrical glass preforms with convex, optical quality convex end surfaces is taught. A glass ball preform is placed on a heated lower platen. The temperature of the glass ball preform is raised to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the glass ball preform. The glass ball preform is engaged with an upper platen. At least one of the upper platen and the lower platen is moved vertically to cause the gap between the upper platen and the lower platen to narrow to a predetermined dimension. Simultaneously, at least one of the upper platen and the lower platen is moved horizontally relative to the other platen to cause the glass ball preform to roll between the upper platen and the lower platen and form a cylindrical preform having a predetermined diameter, the cylindrical preform having convex, optical quality end surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Jayson J. Nelson, Eugene G. Hill, Michael K. Budinski, James M. Warner
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Publication number: 20030000254Abstract: Provided are glass compositions uniquely applicable for the preparation of ultrafine fibers for filtration and separation applications. The glasses meet all physical and chemical criteria, including that for biodissolution rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Jon Frederick Bauer
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Publication number: 20030000255Abstract: A method and apparatus for sintering a large-sized optical fiber preform without the occurrence of a large difference of diameters in a longitudinal direction, a non-solidified portion in a solidified portion of a porous soot body and a drop of the optical fiber preform. In response to a relative position of a sintering position of a porous soot body in an optical fiber preform to a sintering zone, in other words, in response to either of a lower end, an intermediate portion or an upper end of the optical fiber preform in the sintering zone, a controller controls at least one of a sintering temperature of an electric heater, a moving speed of the optical fiber preform and a supply gas flow supplying to the sintering zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Kohmura, Hiroyuki Wada
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Publication number: 20030000256Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a fusion process includes a first chamber and a second chamber which maintains an atmosphere that is substantially free of oxygen. A closeable passage connects the second chamber and the first chamber and selectively provides substantial isolation of the second chamber from the first chamber. A filament normally disposed in the second chamber is moveable between the second chamber and the first chamber when the closeable passage is in an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Ljerka Ukrainczyk, Debra L. Vastag
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Publication number: 20030000257Abstract: A method of optical fiber preparation includes concurrently processing a plurality of optical fibers which have a substantially vertical orientation, and the concurrent processing is substantially automated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Chester Hann Huei Chang, Scott Winfield Deming, Lewis Kirk Klingensmith, Woody Brian Swan, Patrick Aaron Parks, Thomas Shawn Moag, Michael Albert Joseph
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Publication number: 20030000258Abstract: The invention concerns a system for making clipped thermoplastic yarns, such as chipped glass yarns comprising at least a die (1) co-operating with at least a cutting machine (7) located in the extension of each other, means (3) for sizing the yarns (5) and/or filaments (2) coming from the die (1), at least one return means (4), a floor. The invention is characterised in that the system further comprises means (74) for displacing and positioning the cutting machine (7) in at least two positions: the first beneath said floor (9), the second above said floor (9), and a first opening (10) in the floor (9) through which the cutting machine (7) is moved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Dominique Font, Henri Prevosto, Laurent Berthelon
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Publication number: 20030000259Abstract: A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped, or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere along the length of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Byron L. Bemis
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Publication number: 20030000260Abstract: A device for manufacturing a preform for optical fibers is described, comprising a chemical deposition chamber including at least one gripping member rotatably mounted about an axis Z-Z and adapted to hold at least one end of at least one elongated element constituting a substrate for chemical deposition for forming a preform for optical fibers. The chamber further includes at least one burner which is mobile along a direction substantially parallel to said axis Z-Z and suitable for depositing, on said at least one elongated element, a chemical substance for forming a preform, and at least one suction element arranged on the opposite side to said at least one burner with respect to said axis Z-Z and adapted to collect and discharge, from said chemical deposition chamber, exhaust chemical substances.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Giacomo Stefano Roba, Franco Veronelli
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Publication number: 20030000261Abstract: In order to seamlessly knit knitwear, such as a sweater, having a widened neckline 10a of a front body 2a and a front drop formed in the neckline 10a in a relatively simple method, stitches at a right side of the front neckline 10a and stitches at a left side of the front neckline 10a, retained on the first needle bed FB, are shifted from inside to outside, with gradually increasing distances, so that the stitches can be retained on the first needle bed FB, with empty needles inserted in the spaces between those stitches; at least one of the shifted stitches 31, 32 at and outer side end portion of the right side of the front neckline 10a and at least one of the shifted stitches at an outer side end portion of the left side of the front neckline 10a are fed to the second needle bed BB so as to be situated next to the stitch at each side end of the back neckline 10b retained on the second needle bed BB, whereby the neckline 10 is increased in diameter, followed by formation of widening stitches on the empty neeType: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Kazuyoshi Okamoto
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Publication number: 20030000262Abstract: A control system for measuring load imbalance in a laundry washing machine having a non-vertical axis of drum rotation, and then using the value obtained for the load imbalance to calculate a maximum permissible angular velocity for the drum during the water extraction cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Mats Gunnar Bruce, Christopher Andrew Oswald, Albert Ford Adcock
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Publication number: 20030000263Abstract: A clutch apparatus of a washing machine is provided. The clutch apparatus includes a coupling unit comprising a magnetic unit at least in one part, combined around the basket shaft, and combined with a rotor of the driving motor in a state where the coupling unit moves downward, the coupling unit for transmitting the rotary power of the driving motor to the basket shaft and a solenoid actuator comprising a solenoid coil and fixed to the lower portion of the tub, the solenoid actuator for supplying electromagnetic repulsive force between the solenoid actuator and the coupling unit so that the coupling unit is separated from the rotor of the driving motor, to thus push the coupling unit upward. The clutch apparatus is formed to have a repulsive type structure unlike a conventional attractive type clutch apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to collision noise generated when the coupling unit rises and to reduce the amount of consumption of power for maintaining a state where the coupling member rises.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Dong Hun Kim, Jun Ho Ahn
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Publication number: 20030000264Abstract: A padlock includes: a lock body; a shackle operatively locked in or unlocked from the lock body; a key-operated locking device formed in the lock body for operatively unlocking the shackle for unlocking the padlock by using a key, and a combination locking device juxtapositionally formed in the lock body for operatively unlocking the shackle for unlocking the padlock merely by dialing the combination to an unlocking number.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Kuo-Tsung Yang
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Publication number: 20030000265Abstract: A lock for irrotationally locking a motor-vehicle steering column (1) enclosed by a tubular housing (6), said lock comprising a locking element (2) displaceable to-and-fro between a locked and a released position and further a drive motor (3) driving the locking element (2). For greater compactness, to offer enhanced security against theft, and to leave unhampered the telescoping of the steering pillar composed of steering column (1) and tubular housing (6), further to reduce the danger of knee injury in case of accident, the locking element (2) is mounted in the vicinity of the steering-wheel side end (4) of the steering column (1) inside the tubular housing (6), and the drive motor (3) is mounted next to the foot-space side end (5) of the steering column (1), and the drive motor (3) cooperates with the locking element (2) through a connecting element (8) arranged inside the tubular housing (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Carsten Fuchs, Friedrich Pieper, Patrik Jaillant, Gunther Wagner
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Publication number: 20030000266Abstract: A handle and lock which generally includes a base having an index pin, a stop positioned in a circular channel, and an aperture traversing the base. A shaft is rotatably engaged to the base. The shaft includes a nut-shaped platform and an arcuate positioning limiter disposed in the circular working channel. The nut shaped platform preferably includes a threaded bore to receive a fastener used to releasably attach a handle to the shaft. The handle generally includes a head portion having a nut shaped receiving area and an arcuate protruding positioning member for placement within the circular working channel. The nut shaped receiving area preferably covers the platform during rotation of the handle relative to the base. The head portion may also include a lock having a locking barrier connected to a locking cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Klaus Molzer
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Publication number: 20030000267Abstract: In a combined mechanical and electronic key, electronic components and mechanical flat keys (30) are normally housed in a common key holder (10). In order to place the flat key (30) between a lowered rest position in a holder (10) and a projecting in-use position, the flat key (30) is movably located in a container (10) and secured in at least one of said positions by a push button (40). The key contain is assembled from an upper and a lower shell. In order to avoid sealing problems between both shells, according to the invention, the upper shell (11) is provided with an outbreak in a region pertaining thereto which lies outwith the push button. The outbreak creates a void chamber which can be accessed from the outside and is located on the inside of the shell interior. Said electronic components are enclosed by a housing-like capsule and form therewith a prefabricated electrocapsule (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Dirk Jacob, Ulrich Muller
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Publication number: 20030000268Abstract: In a plate thickness detector for a bending machine causing a punch to make a relative stroke and bending a workpiece mounted on an upper surface of a die cooperatively by the punch and the die, a displacement gauge (17) is provided in the die, is always urged upward from a V-groove of the die, and measures a distance from the upper surface of the die to a lower surface of the workpiece, and ram position detection means (11) detects a relative stroke quantity of the punch to the die. The punch is caused to bend the workpiece from a position away from the die by a reference inter-blade distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Hitoshi Omata, Osamu Hayama, Hidekatsu Ikeda
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Publication number: 20030000269Abstract: In bending a workpiece (W), a position of the workpiece W relatively pressed down by a punch (P) is directly detected by a plurality of position detection means (RDC1, RDC2 and RDC3) provided in a V-groove (11) of a die, and a bending speed calculation section obtains a bending speed from a change in this position. If bending speeds at position of the respective position detection means differ, a uniform speed arithmetic operation section calculates a bending speed to make the bending speeds at the positions of all of the position detection means uniform, and a driving shaft instruction section controls driving shafts (7L, 7R) to bend the workpiece at the uniform bending speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Junichi Koyama, Kazunari Imai, Hitoshi Omata, Osamu Hayama, Hidekatsu Ikeda
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Publication number: 20030000270Abstract: Apparatus for superplastically forming large parts from titanium comprising: a furnace (10) having an interior, the inside surface of the furnace (10) being contoured and finished so as to form a mold for the part to be superplastically formed; means (70) for heating the interior of the furnace (10); and a supply (60) of an inert gas. The surface of the mold is adapted to receive a substantially unformed titanium blank (80). The heating means (70) is adapted to heat the titanium blank (80) to the required temperature for superplastic forming. The supply (60) of the inert gas is operable to exert a pressure onto the surface of the titanium blank (80) furthermost from the surface of the mold such that the inert gas causes the titanium blank (80) to deform and take up the shape of the mold, thereby forming the required part.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: John Thomas Carolan, Maurice O'Sullivan
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Publication number: 20030000271Abstract: Rollforming machines and methods for adjusting a forming roll for forming components from materials of different thicknesses. The rollforming machines and methods may also provide for overbending the component being rollformed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Alfred C. Patty, John M. Pacalo, Norman J. Hedman, Larry E. Stimpert, Joseph A. Jinkens
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Publication number: 20030000272Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for continuous pressing of a plastically deformable blank (15) into a three-dimensional section with a predetermined cross-sectional area, comprising a substantially cylindrical, fixed die (10), an opening formed in the die (11), through which the plastic blank (15) is intended to be pressed, and at least one rotary die (12) arranged adjacent to the opening (11), the rotary die having one or more recesses in its peripheral surface for forming the blank, during the rotation of the die, into at three dimensional section with transverse sectional parts. According to the invention, said rotary die (12) is arranged immediately downstream of said opening (11), whereby the blank is reducible, when passing through said opening, substantially down to said predetermined cross-sectional area, and formable, when passing said rotary die (12), thereby determining the final shape of the three-dimensional section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Mark Jansson
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Publication number: 20030000273Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional beam (5). It is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1, 31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support means and an actuation means. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support means locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation means defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Accra Teknik ABInventors: Anders Sundgren, Mats Lindberg, Goran Berglund
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Publication number: 20030000274Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for enlarging part of a metal workpiece by cold forging, characterised by an enlarging die (5, 6) and by the die having means (8, 8′) to alleviate stress to the workpiece during forging.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Rainer Buhler, Noppadol Amorntatkul
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Publication number: 20030000275Abstract: A method of superplastically forming a workpiece comprises placing the workpiece (16) in a die (14) and heating the workpiece (16) to a temperature at which the workpiece (16) is superplastically formable. Pressure is applied to the workpiece (16) to superplastically form the workpiece (16) to the shape of the die (14). The temperature of the workpiece (16) is measured and is analysed to determine the measured temperature distribution of the workpiece (16) at stages in the superplastic forming process. A database of desired temperature distributions of the workpiece (16) at different stages in the superplastic forming process is kept.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Peter J. Spence, Richard G. Milburn
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Publication number: 20030000276Abstract: A device for the extraction of forged details (1) comprising a base (2) coupled with a forging head (3) supporting an extraction bar (4) of the forged details (11), a driving device (5), a command device (6) and an adjusting device of the extraction length (7) wherein said adjusting device (7) connects the extraction length with the length of the product to be extracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Eufemia Garlaschi
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Publication number: 20030000277Abstract: A gas cushion apparatus is provided with a support member that can hold a blank, gas pressure cylinders that push the support member upwards, a hydraulic cylinder whose upper rod is connected to the support member, a pneumo-hydraulic converter for secondary lifting with a piston that partitions the interior thereof into an oil chamber communicating with the oil chamber on the side of the aforementioned rod of the hydraulic cylinder and a gas chamber, a check valve that allows oil to flow from the oil chamber on the side opposite to the above-mentioned rod to the oil chamber on the side of the aforementioned rod, and a drain port communicating with the oil chamber on the side of the above-mentioned rod of the hydraulic cylinder; when the die passes the bottom dead center point, the drain port is closed, and when the die is traveling from the bottom dead center point to the top dead center point, the pressure in the gas chamber of the pneumo-hydraulic converter for secondary lifting is decreased, thus the pistoType: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshio Mori, Shinkichi Nagami
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Publication number: 20030000278Abstract: This method is original in that it implements the following phases:Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Emile Di Serio
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Publication number: 20030000279Abstract: A vertical position of a ram (5U) is directly detected by a ram position detecting means (11), and a first speed arithmetic operating portion (65) determines a first ram moving speed on the basis of a change of the detected position. At the same time, a second speed arithmetic operating portion (67) determines a second ram moving speed on the basis of a rotational number of a servo motor (39) which is determined by a servo motor rotational number detecting means (40). A comparing portion (69) compares the first ram speed with the second ram speed, and in the case that a difference is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, a judging portion (71) judges that an abnormality exists so as to immediately stop the servo motor (39) and stop a working.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Masutaka Satou, Kazuhiro Kanno
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Publication number: 20030000280Abstract: A tool for forming an armature guide eyelet. The tool having a body with a working end, a support end and at least one sizing rib disposed along a longitudinal axis. The at least one sizing rib has a perimeter having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a substantially constant distance Dc from the longitudinal axis. The second portion has a varying distance Dv from the longitudinal axis. Also, a method for forming the armature guide eyelet with the tool. The method including aligning at least one non-uniform sizing rib and an armature guide eyelet having a constant inner diameter along a longitudinal axis and forming the constant inner diameter of the armature guide eyelet into a non-uniform inner diameter with the at least one non-uniform sizing rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Jack David Oliver
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Publication number: 20030000281Abstract: An automatic system for calibrating gas sensors comprising a source of span gas and a source of zero gas, a means to control the flow of these gases to sensors. The system makes all required sensor value corrections and adjustments without human intervention.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: REL-TEKInventors: Albert E. Ketler, Bradley H. Baker, Robert G. Poydence, Lauren E. Sargent, Ronald C. Smathers
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Publication number: 20030000282Abstract: A fine friction and wear test apparatus for a plate specimen comprises a fixing unit, a driving unit installed on the fixing unit for fixing and moving a certain plate specimen, a ball specimen support member for rubbing and wearing the plate specimen, a rotation plate position controller fixed on the fixing unit for controlling the position of the ball specimen support member, a ball specimen controller for controlling the ball specimen support member, a controller for detecting the degree of a friction and wear of the plate specimen and controlling each mechanical and circuit part; and a power supply unit for supplying a power to a part which requires a certain power.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hyo Sok Ahn, Choong Hyun Kim, Nikolai K. Myshkin, Oleg Y. Komkov, Andrei M. Dubravin
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Publication number: 20030000283Abstract: The invention is based on a process for determination of a coefficient of friction (p) of a hydraulically activated coupling (4, 5, 6) or brake (7, 8, 9) in a load-shifting transmission (1). It is proposed that a drive shaft (14) of the transmission (1) be driven with a specified torque (T), that an output shaft (15) of the transmission (1) is blocked with a closed coupling (4, 5, 6) or brake (7, 8, 9) during a calibration run, the activation pressure (p) of coupling (4, 5, 6) or brake (7, 8, 9) is reduced in accordance with a specified course over time, the differential rotational speed (&Dgr;n) between the input (17, 18, 19) and the output (20) of the coupling (4, 5, 6) or brake (7, 8, 9) is recorded, the activation pressure (p) is ascertained in which the differential rotation speed (&Dgr;n) is greater than zero and a separation coefficient of friction (&mgr;separation) is computed on the basis of torque (T), activation pressure (p) and a construction-conditioned coupling constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Karl Kuhner, Manfred Sieger, Jorg Geis, Andreas Schwarz
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Publication number: 20030000284Abstract: An asynchronous motor is used in the process for determining the proportion of a gas constituent, especially water vapor, contained in a gas mixture. The asynchronous motor drives a delivery device for circulating the gas mixture that is used for treating foodstuffs. The difference between the rotational speed, which occurs while the delivery device is driven, and the synchronous rotational speed, i.e. the slip, is used as a measure for the sought proportion of the gas constituent at respectively established pressure and temperature values of the gas mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Jeno Horvath, Werner Schwarzbacker
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Publication number: 20030000285Abstract: The present invention relates to a method at detection of presence of hydrogen gas and measurement of content of hydrogen gas. The detection is performed by means of a hydrogen gas sensitive semiconductor sensor, whose output signal is used for determination of the content of hydrogen gas in the gas sample. The semiconductor sensor is exposed to the gas sample during a detection interval, which is preceded by a time interval during which the semiconductor sensor is exposed to a surrounding gas atmosphere. The invention is characterized in that the gas atmosphere contains a negligible amount of oxygen and carbon monoxide compared to the gas sample and that the time interval is many times longer than the detection interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Fredrik Enquist, Peter Hebo
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Publication number: 20030000286Abstract: A measuring device (1) has a measuring housing (5) in which a measuring head (6) is movably supported, the measuring housing having at least one connection (13) for the supply of pressurized air for supporting by air the measuring head (6) in the measuring housing (5). The measuring head is designed to let out air and to generate an air cushion towards a measuring object (3). On the measuring head (6) there is provided at least one guide element (20) that is extending axially and protrudes into a chamber (12) in the measuring housing (5), the guide element gliding in and being supported by air in a channel (21) in a guide part (15), which forms an end wall to the chamber (12). Also a shaft (16) included in the measuring head extends through and is supported by air in the guide part (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Bengt Akerblom
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Publication number: 20030000287Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing permeability of a clean room garment material are described. The apparatus is constructed by a flow regulator, a flow meter, a sample holder and a quantitative tube that is equipped with a fluid reservoir for generating a bubble through the tube. The components of the apparatus can be readily obtained and the apparatus can be constructed at low cost. The method for testing air permeability can be conducted easily by utilizing the present invention novel apparatus in a factory environment without elaborate and expensive equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Richard Wu, Shih-Jen Chang
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Publication number: 20030000288Abstract: A sensor arrangement and a method of verificating leaks in a fuel system including an integrated pressure management apparatus. The sensor arrangement comprises a chamber having an interior volume varying in response to fluid pressure in the chamber, a first switch, and a second switch. The chamber includes a diaphragm that is displaceable between a first configuration in response to fluid pressure above a first pressure level, a second configuration in response to fluid pressure below the first pressure level but above a second pressure level, and a third configuration in response to fluid pressure below the second pressure level. The third pressure level being lower than the second pressure level, and the second pressure level being lower than the first pressure level. The first switch is actuated by the diaphragm in the second configuration. And the second switch is actuated by the diaphragm in the third configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Craig Weldon
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Publication number: 20030000289Abstract: A diagnostic appartus and method for a fuel system that supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel system includes a fuel tank that has a headspace and a filler occluded by a removable cap, a charcoal canister in fluid communication with the headspace, and an integrated pressure management apparatus. The integrated pressure management apparatus has a pressure operable device and a switch that signals displacement of the pressure operable device in response to negative pressure at a first pressure level in the charcoal canister. The diagnostic apparatus comprises a pressure source, a first fitting adapted to be occluded by the removable cap, a second fitting adapted to sealingly engage the filler, an orifice in fluid communication with the pressure source, with the first fitting, and with the second fitting, and a first valve controlling the fluid communication with the orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Craig Weldon
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Publication number: 20030000290Abstract: A leak detection system for a fuel system of an automotive vehicle has a diaphragm pump that is repeatedly stroked to pressurize vapor containment space of the fuel system during a leak detection test. A restriction is disposed between the pump and the space being pressurized to cause a real time pressure trace of pressure between the pump and the restriction to comprise a succession of pulses having peaks and valleys. Data from the first pump burst of the trace is used to adjust the number of times the pump is stroked during subsequent bursts to maintain substantially constant mass airflow into the space during each burst, thereby compensating for change in pump efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Raymond Rasokas
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Publication number: 20030000291Abstract: An improved system, device and method for characterizing a fluid sample that includes injecting a fluid sample into a mobile phase of a flow characterization system, and detecting a property of the fluid sample or of a component thereof with a flow detector comprising a mechanical resonator, preferably one that is operated at a frequency less than about 1 MHz, such as a tuning fork resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Oleg Kolosov, Leonid Matsiev, Miroslav Petro
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Publication number: 20030000292Abstract: An intake pressure detecting device for detecting the intake pressure in an intake pipe 11 as information for controlling the operational state of an engine comprises an intake pressure detecting sensor 12 for detecting the absolute pressure of the intake air, a reference voltage power supply 13 for supplying a prescribed reference voltage Vref, a differential amplifier 14 for amplifying the differential between the output voltage Vin from the intake pressure detecting sensor 12 and the reference voltage Vref of the reference voltage power supply 13, an A/D converter 15 for converting the analogue signal k·&Dgr;V output by the differential amplifier 14 to a digital signal, and the like. Thereby, the intake pressure can be detected to a high degree of accuracy in a two-cycle engine, for example, which has a relatively low intake negative pressure, whilst achieving cost reductions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Maki Hanasato
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Publication number: 20030000293Abstract: A method of synchronizing a crankshaft signal with the stroke cycle of a four-stroke internal combustion engine induces misfiring in a specified engine cylinder, and uses an assumed synchronization to identify the misfiring cylinder. The crankshaft signal is used to identify reference angular positions of the crankshaft intermediate top dead center positions of consecutive cylinders of the engine firing order, and a time difference between successive reference positions is determined. When the assumed synchronization is such that the current rotation of the crankshaft includes the cylinder in which misfiring is induced, the determined time difference is accumulated in a first accumulator; otherwise, the determined time difference is accumulated in a second accumulator. The presence of misfiring causes the two accumulators to diverge in value, and the direction of such divergence is used to determine if the assumed synchronization is correct or incorrect.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: William R. Robertson, Sergio Eduardo Garcia, Kevin Michael Foley
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Publication number: 20030000294Abstract: The waterproofing member 25 accommodated in the interior of a vehicle body frame 29 having a closed cross section is constructed such that an upper end portion of a tube portion 31 is covered with an inverted cup-like lid 41 which opens on a bottom side thereof and that the height Hc of an opening below the bottom side of the lid 41 is set lower than the height Hp of an end portion of the tube portion 31. Accordingly, even if the end portion of the tube portion 31 and the lid 41 are submerged, air captured within the lid can prevent the rise of the level of water to prevent the penetration of water into the tube portion 31.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taiki Yanase, Masaaki Horiuchi, Kouichirou Toyota
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Publication number: 20030000295Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for allowing visual access to the interior of a tire wheel assembly under dynamic conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wheel rim having a window or access area such that the interior of a tire mounted on the wheel rim may be viewed under dynamic conditions such as those provided by a dynamometer test machine. A method is also presented in which a camera and strobe light are used with the wheel rim having at least one window to record the reaction of flowable materials inserted into the pressure chamber of a tire wheel assembly at the tire footprint under loaded dynamic conditions. An alternate embodiment includes the camera and the light attached to the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: International Marketing, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Fogal, Gary H. Koopmann
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Publication number: 20030000296Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for identifying tyres of a vehicle, tyre pressures of the tyres of the vehicle being measured and analysed for the driving-dynamic states of the vehicle with the use of parameters which indicate the driving-dynamic states. Individual tyres of the vehicle are unambiguously identified on the basis of the analysis of the measured tyre pressures or their variations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Hubert Schmitt
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Publication number: 20030000297Abstract: A transmitter of a tire condition monitoring apparatus that has a superior moisture resistant characteristic, enables reduction in size, and facilitates manufacturing. The transmitter includes a casing formed from resin. An electric circuit unit is arranged in the casing to detect the condition of the tire and generate a signal corresponding to the condition of the tire. A battery is arranged in the casing to supply the electric circuit unit with power. The casing is insert molded to embed the electric circuit unit and the battery in the resin forming the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Yoshitaka Ito, Setsuhiro Saheki, Youichi Okubo
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Publication number: 20030000298Abstract: A wind tunnel model design employs a reinforcing strongback 10, made of a rigid material, for receiving a balance 12. At least one jacket section 14, made of a rapid prototype (RP) material, fits over the strongback 10 and defines at least part of an aerodynamic surface. Other aerodynamic surfaces, made of either RP materials or conventional metal materials, may be attached directly to the strongback 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Richard R. Heisler, Cliford L. Ratliff
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Publication number: 20030000299Abstract: Volume measuring apparatus is used in a closed space as in the case of volume measurement of liquid in a container placed on an orbit of an artificial satellite and permits the volume measurement in a state without mixture with gas, liquid, or solid. A volume measuring apparatus is an apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid or solid under microgravity, which has two or more containers coupled to each other by a pipe, a device for separating or fixing a gas phase, a liquid phase, or a solid phase, a pressure fluctuation source, a pressure signal receiver, a pressure gage, and a thermometer, wherein the separating or fixing device, the pressure fluctuation source, the pressure signal receiver, the pressure gage, and the thermometer are placed in the containers and wherein the pressure fluctuation source, the pressure signal receiver, the pressure gage, and the thermometer are connected to a signal analyzing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Akihiro Nakano, Nobukazu Ohnishi
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Publication number: 20030000300Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurately logging a drill-stem test tool into place as the DST tool is conveyed by drill pipe or tubing to the desired location are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for logging into place a drill stem test tool, comprising: a drill string comprising drill pipes or tubings; a drill stem test tool disposed on the drill string; an electromagnetic telemetry tool disposed on the drill string; and a gamma ray tool connected to the electromagnetic telemetry tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Arnold J. Wong