Abstract: The invention includes system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery, coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interface between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The object is conductive or is doped as a semiconductor so that the DC bias applies a voltage a voltage to the interface which modifies the ice adhesion strength selectively as compared to the ice adhesion strength with substantially zero bias voltage at the interface. The strength can be increased or decreased relative to its static state (i.e., the state without applied voltage). In this manner, ice such as ice on an aircraft wing can be removed with less work.

Abstract: A double-laterally-wound two-core parallel extrafine coaxial cable is composed of two cores having internal conductors (2a, 2b) whose outer peripheries are covered with insulators (3a, 3b) and disposed in parallel with each other, a first laterally-wound shield (5) applied to the outer periphery of the two cores (4a, 4b), a second laterally-wound shield (6) applied to the outer periphery of the first laterally-wound shield in a direction opposite to that of the first laterally-wound shield, a composite tape (9), which is composed of a plastic tape (7) having a vapor-deposited metal layer formed on one surface thereof, wound around the outer periphery of the second laterally-wound shield such that the vapor-deposited metal layer faces the second laterally-wound shield, and a jacket (10) covering the outer periphery of the composite tape.

Abstract: A flat cable, which has an insulating coating composed of a polyester resin composition, the composition containing:

Abstract: A multifilamentary superconducting composite article produces from a multifilament assembly which includes a plurality of oxide superconducting filaments in a ductile metal matrix arranged about a central core, the filaments generally having a trapezoidal cross-section. Methods of manufacture are provided.

Abstract: In a memory and/or data processing device having at least two stacked layers which are supported by a substrate or forming a sandwich self-supporting structure, wherein the layers comprise memory and/or processing circuitry with mutual connections between the layers and/or to circuitry in the substrate, the layers are mutually arranged such that contiguous layers form a staggered structure on at least one edge of the device and at least one electrical edge conductor is provided passing over the edge on one layer and down one step at a time, enabling the connection to an electrical conductor in any of the following layers in the stack. A method for manufacturing a device of this kind comprises steps for adding said layers successively, one layer at a time such that the layers form a staggered structure and for providing one or more layers with at least one electrical contacting pad for linking to one or more interlayer edge connectors.

Abstract: An insulation layer is formed on a ground layer. The insulation layer includes first and second regions for forming wiring layers. The impedance of a wiring layer formed on the second region is lower than that of a wiring layer formed on the first region. A signal line pattern is formed on the wiring layer on the first region of the insulation layer. A power supply plane is formed on the wiring layer on the second region of the insulation layer in order to feed power to the signal line pattern through a termination resistor connected to the signal line pattern.

Abstract: In a lead-free solder comprising an alloy composition composed mainly of tin, the alloy composition further contains 0.002 to 0.015% by mass of phosphorus. This lead-free solder can be used as a plating in a connection lead comprising: a copper strip or other strip conductor; and the plating provided on at least one side of the strip constructor, the plating having a shape such that the plating in the widthwise direction of the strip conductor has a bulge as viewed in section with the apex being located at a proper position in the widthwise direction of the strip conductor. By virtue of this constitution, the lead-free solder on its surface is less likely to be oxidized, and the connection lead has excellent bond strength owing to the property of the lead-free solder and, in addition, has the function of breaking the formed oxide layer and the function of removing included gas bubbles and can eliminate the need to form the plating in very large thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a surface mount electrical component assembly. One embodiment comprises a retainer, comprising a retaining base having on opening and an annular collar around said opening, for retaining an electrical component in the annular collar of said retainer; and a plurality of conductive ends, connected to the bottom of said retaining base, for creating an electrical connection to an electrical component. Further embodiments also comprise an electrical component, such as capacitors, surface mount crystals, resonators, chokes and inductors.

Abstract: A protective device for subassemblies having a substrate and at least one component to be protected which is disposed on the substrate includes at least one covering element for covering a subassembly. An expanded filler material fills at least one given space between the substrate and the covering element and provides protection against mechanical compression. A method of producing a protective device is also provided. An expandable material is applied to the substrate and is expanded after the covering element has been mounted.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a borehole through a production zone underlying an overburden of various earth formations. The method includes drilling the borehole through the overburden with at least one drill bit adapted to optimize at least one drilling performance parameter, and then drilling the borehole through at least part of the production zone with at least one drill bit adapted to optimize at least one production performance parameter.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operating pressures within a subterranean borehole. The borehole includes a tubular member, a sealing member for sealing an annulus between the tubular member and the borehole, a pump for pumping fluidic materials into the tubular member, and an automatic choke for controllably releasing pressurized fluidic materials out of the annulus. The system monitors the operating pressure within the tubular member and compares the actual operating pressure with a desired operating pressure. The difference between the actual and desired operating pressure is then processed to control the operation of the automatic choke to thereby controllably bleed pressurized fluidic materials out of the annulus thereby creating back pressure within the borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recomputing an optimum path between a present location of a drill bit and a direction or horizontal target uses linear approximations of circular arc paths. The technique does not attempt to return to a preplanned drilling profile when there actual drilling results deviate from the preplanned profile. By recomputing an optimum path, the borehole to the target has a reduced tortuosity.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for horizontal directional drilling. The drill head includes a device for detecting angular orientation, a holder for the device for detecting angular orientation, the device for detecting angular orientation being disposed therein, a hammer driven by a liquid and a drill bit. The holder, the hammer and the drill bit are connected head to tail along a longitudinal axis of a drill string with the holder at a proximate end of the drill head and the drill bit at a distal end of the drill head.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for reducing dust-related problems in rock drilling, air and liquid mist is supplied into a drilling hole to moisten the dust that comes off the drilling hole. The air and moistened dust exiting from the drilling hole are led to a dust separator, dust portions that collect into the dust separator being removed therefrom at suitable intervals. When dust is to be removed from the dust separator's filter, liquid is supplied to the portion below the filter in a mist-like form or as small droplets in connection with the dust removal to moisten the dust which then falls out of the lower end of the dust separator.

Abstract: A drill bit configured for use in horizontal directional boring includes a spoon-shaped body with a rearwardly angled or inclined arcuate front end face that widens from a leading edge to a trailing edge in a circumferential direction, the front face sloping rearwardly from a leading side surface to a trailing edge in a circumferential direction, the leading and trailing side surfaces extending rearwardly in from the front end face. The leading side surface is wider than the trailing side surface. In one configuration, the front end surface and leading side face are each provided with a plurality of carbide inserts or studs which may be arranged in a row.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes first and second drill string sections interconnected by a joint, which may be a flex coupling such as a loose splined connection. A resilient, fluid-tight tube extends through the joint and is fixed and sealed to interior surfaces of the drill string sections and provides a restoring force which tends to strengthen the joint.

Abstract: The invention is a roller cone drill bit including a seal adapted to seal between the bit body and a roller cone on the drill bit. The seal includes a seal body formed from a material that is adapted to energize the seal after compression of the seal. A first dynamic seal surface formed on the seal body and is adapted to seal against the bit body. A second dynamic seal surface is formed the seal body and is adapted to seal against the roller cone. The first and second dynamic seal surfaces are formed from a material adapted to withstand relative motion between the first dynamic seal surface and the bit body and between the second dynamic seal surface and the roller cone.

Abstract: A control for a weigh scale associated with a continuously moving conveyor which is capable of mathematically positioning the sample period on each product weight waveform. The control first triggers on a predetermined sensed weight. The control determines a first inflection point on the weight waveform defined as the “maximum positive slope.” Once the maximum positive slope is found, the control begins recording weight samples at a sampling rate. The control checks the weight waveform of sampled weights for a slope which is a first pre-selected percentage of the maximum slope but negative in slope value. This point is determined as the “weight-off-scale” point. When the weight-off-scale point is reached, then the control looks backward through the recorded data of weight samples to find another point which has a slope which is a second preselected negative percentage of the maximum positive slope. This point is defined as the “end sample position.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of an Internet scale, which is comprised of a weighing platform with an integrated Internet connection/browser means. This scale will allow the connectivity and communication with the Internet or Intranet without the use of a separate Internet connection means. It will have the ability to take a weight from a weighing apparatus, update an HTML form automatically with the new weight value and obtain the new charge/cost for the specified method of shipment from an Internet server. The Internet scale will act as an Internet appliance and perform communication with the Internet and peripherals required for a small footprint shipping system.

Abstract: An improved gondola assembly for receiving harvested crops in the field from a crop harvester has a lightweight molded drop in tank held in place by a tank framework on the gondola assembly. The drop in tank lowers the gondola center of gravity as it replaces stainless steel or painted mild steel tanks and requires no periodic maintenance. A built in scale for continuous in the field monitoring of the weight of received harvested crop is constructed to be viewable by a tow tractor operator whether towed from one end of the gondola or the other. The towable gondola obtains power for operation of a pair of tank framework lift cylinders from the tow tractor so that the tank is movable between an elevated dump position and a lowered crop collection position. The gondola has a reversible towing tongue for towing in either direction so it may be configured to be towed on either side of a crop harvester.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weight sensor device for detecting a weight of an occupant seated on a seat having a seat frame and a cushion. The device has a sensing wire displaced downward in the seat frame as the cushion is deformed due to the weight of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat and a variable resistor for converting a displacement of the sensing wire into an electric signal indicative of the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dynamically rendering digital ink strokes of arbitrary stroke width while a user is drawing the ink strokes. An ink rendering system may receive sampled pen tip positions associated with a stylus or pen on a digitizer. The ink rendering system may further determine pen tip instances having particular shapes, sizes, and/or rotations, and may determine connecting shapes, preferably quadrangles, that connect between the pen tip instances. Smoothing techniques may also be used for existing digital ink.

Abstract: A motor generator has a rotor directly coupled to a crankshaft and a stator disposed around the rotor. A shield plate is disposed between coils of the stator and an internal combustion engine. A first partition and a second partition are disposed between the coils and a flywheel positioned adjacent to a clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically assisted bicycle includes a motor current sensor for controlling a transistor switch in the motor circuit and means establishing a duty cycle and switching rate. The duty cycle is monitored to shut off the motor when the duty cycle approaches an inappropriate level, such as 50%. When the motor control circuit is open and the bicycle is pedal driven, the voltage generated by the motor is monitored to complete the motor control circuit when the bicycle is driven at 4 miles per hour.

Abstract: A reversible wear bar for a snowmobile steering ski, comprising a central mounting plate having front and rear ends selectively bendable upwardly and downwardly, top and bottom faces both adapted to extend underneath the snowmobile ski, and opposite lateral sides extending substantially in parallel with each other between the front and rear ends. The mounting plate is provided with elements for fastening the plate under the snowmobile steering ski in alignment therewith with a desired one of the top and bottom faces directed toward the snowmobile steering ski. Two blade members extend respectively on the lateral sides of the central mounting plate. The blade members have similar portions projecting above and below the central mounting plate and provide parallel bearing edges on both faces of the central mounting plate.

Abstract: A wheelie scooter which utilizes an auxiliary wheel assembly mounted aft of the rear wheel of the scooter with the rear wheel in a first position. The auxiliary wheel assembly is adjustable to vary the distance of the auxiliary wheel of the auxiliary wheel assembly from the surface on which the scooter is being operated to thereby provide different levels of skill to riders of the scooter when performing of a stunt maneuver known as a wheelie. The rear wheel of the scooter can be adjusted to a second position where the scooter operates as a normal scooter and not as a wheelie scooter.

Abstract: The four-wheel drive system for vehicles has a center differential mechanism that divides the rotational driving force from the engine E between the front and rear wheels, and a front wheel side axle differential mechanism that divides this divided rotational driving force between the left and right front wheels. The center differential mechanism is constructed from a single pinion type first planetary gear device which has a first carrier 13 that receives the rotational driving force from the engine E, a first sun gear 11, and a first ring gear 14 that is connected to the rear wheel side, and the axle differential mechanism is constructed from a double pinion type second planetary gear device which has a second ring gear 24 that is connected to the first sun gear 11, a second sun gear 21 that is connected to the right front wheel, and a second carrier 23 that is connected to the left front wheel. The first and second planetary gear devices are disposed adjacent to each other in a coaxial configuration.

Abstract: A remote control lock operation system for a vehicle capable of unlocking a mechanical locking mechanism for mechanically disabling traveling of the vehicle by a infrared signal, without using the key. Components of the system include a handheld remote control transmitter, a receiver, a mechanical locking mechanism, a lock actuator and control unit, and wiring sections for connecting the lock actuator and the receiver to the control unit mounted in a common module housing contained on the vehicle body. The main components of the system, including the wiring section leading to the lock actuator, are unitized and integrate into the common module housing in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the lock. Also provided is a mobile communication terminal having an infrared transmitting port, and a method for using of the terminal.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a drive unit, an internal combustion engine, and at least one unit (hydraulic pump) located on the end of the engine and driven by it. The drive unit can be oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and fastened to a neighboring segment of a vehicle frame, such as a counterweight. A plurality of bearings are located inside the axial extension of the drive unit. Diagonally below the center of gravity of the drive unit, there are a first bearing and at a distance from it in the axial direction a second bearing, which can be in a common plane located below the drive unit. Diagonally above the center of gravity there is a third bearing which is near an intermediate flange of the drive unit, which intermediate flange is located between the internal combustion engine and the unit.

Abstract: Steering gearbox mechanism for automotive vehicles that allows feeding said hydraulic fluid control mechanism of said steering mechanism with pressurized hydraulic fluid, depending on vehicle's working conditions. Thus, when the vehicle is stopped or running at a very low speed, the hydraulic fluid is sent to the steering mechanism for assistance. At this condition, the user may carry out the driving maneuvers effortlessly. Moreover, when the vehicle is running at high speed the assistance is disconnected, by means of deviating the pressurized fluid back to the fluid reservoir, allowing the engine to continue impelling the pump but without assisting the steering mechanism since at those speeds the user can carry out any maneuver without any effort.

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus, a basic-target-rotational-speed setting portion 42 sets a basic target rotational speed Rb of an electric motor 27 on the basis of the vehicle speed and the angular velocity of steering. A temperature-coefficient setting portion 43 sets a temperature coefficient &agr; which becomes smaller with an increase in the temperature. A target-rotational-speed setting portion 44 sets a target rotational speed R of the electric motor 27 on the basis of the formula R=&agr;·Rb. A motor-drive control portion 45 controls a drive circuit 28 so that this target rotational speed R will be attained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electric steering assist system, which system provides assist in response to a steering control signal, the apparatus comprising: torque sensing means (20) operatively connected to a vehicle hand wheel (12) for providing a torque signal (TS) indicative of applied steering torque, blending filter means connected to the torque sensing means (20) for providing a blended filtered torque signal having a first functional characteristic at torque frequencies less than a blending frequency and a second functional characteristic at torque frequencies greater than the blending frequency, the blending filter means including a low pass filter (70) which passes all frequencies below the blending frequency and a high pass filter (71) which passes all frequencies above the blending frequency, steering assist means for providing steering assist in response to a control signal, control means operatively connected to the blending filter means for providing said control signal to the s

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle, the steering system includes a rack-independent actuator. The rack-independent actuator has component parts isolates from undesirable loads by two universal joints that isolate mechanical components of the actuator from transient loads that may be encountered by the rack or rack housing.

Abstract: A sleeve for an acoustic logging tool has a structure with a window section having fewer bars than a conventional sleeve separated by a slotted region with thin circumferential slots which are stress-relieved at the ends (“dumb-bell” shaped). Steel receiver mounts are provided for hydrophone pressure sensors and this, together with the axially oriented hydrophones makes the tool less susceptible to interfering vibration.

Abstract: A computer chassis includes a chassis wall and a speaker mounted on the chassis wall. An acoustic box is connected to the speaker. The box includes a sound reflecting distal wall including a plurality of stepped portions. Each stepped portion is of a different distance from the speaker than each other stepped portion.

Abstract: A frame of an electroacoustic transducer is made from a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and long fibers dispersed in the resin. The long fibers serve as reinforcing fibers. The long fibers have an average length sufficient to achieve a spring back effect. The spring back effect creases a foam structure. The electroacoustic transducer frame includes single-layer portions and three-layer portions. The single-layer portion is made of a non-foam layer. The three-layer portion is made of a pair of non-foam layers and a foam layer sandwiched by the non-foam layers. The electroacoustic transducer frame is lightweight, and has high internal loss, high rigidity and improved environmental resistance.

Abstract: A speaker box is comprising a hollow enclosure having opposing open ends, a molded plastic end cap acoustically sealing each of the open ends of the enclosure, and each end cap having at least one lengthwise reinforcement rib formed across a surface thereof to thereby substantially prevent the end cap from flexing under acoustic pressure. Each end cap preferably has a pair of reinforcement ribs formed on an inner surface of the end cap. The reinforcement ribs preferably intersect one another and taper upward toward the center of the end cap. The reinforcement ribs preferably extend substantially perpendicularly from the end cap. The end caps preferably have a recessed portion that recesses toward an inner surface of the end cap. An outer lip of the recessed portion provides additional rigidity to the end cap.

Abstract: A portable information terminal device has a plurality of casings providing a front surface and a rear surface, respectively. The casings have walls defining spaces in which speakers are housed and thicker than walls thereof that define a space in which a component including an internal circuit is housed. The walls defining the spaces in which speakers are housed are prevented from causing resonance due to vibrations of the speakers. The walls that define the space in which the component including the internal circuit is housed may be of a minimum thickness required irrespective of resonance caused by vibrations of the speakers. With the above arrangement, the portable information terminal device is small in size and weight.

Abstract: This invention simply quiets down the sound of the operation of the Oxygen Concentrator so the user can sleep.

Abstract: Bubble levels are mounted to the seat and base sections of a climbing treestand so that the x and y axes level status of both may be viewed simultaneously in use.

Abstract: There is disclosed an oil pan assembly (10) including an oil pan (12) having a first mating surface (14) and an engine component (16) having a second mating surface (18). The engine component (16) is adhesively bonded to the oil pan (12) with an adhesive (22).

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. The motor utilizes a reel with elastic divided into unit lengths that are stretched to their maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, constant, and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: A roping or belt assembly in an elevator system includes at least one load bearing member that is covered using a urethane coating. The urethane coating does not contain any waxes. The absence of the waxes, which are otherwise typically included in urethane coatings, ensures better friction characteristics in elevator system operation.

Abstract: In a speed governor linkage mechanism that is displaced by centrifugal force acting on rotary weights, a balancing weight is provided in addition to speed adjustment spring for generating balancing force in opposition to the centrifugal force. When the speed of the cage is less than a prescribed speed, restraint of movement of the speed governor linkage mechanism is performed solely by the balancing force produced by balancing weight but when the speed of the cage exceeds said prescribed speed, restraint of movement of the speed governor linkage mechanism is performed by both the balancing force produced by the balancing weight and the balancing force produced by the speed adjustment spring.

Abstract: A double deck elevator includes a floor height adjusting mechanism that adjusts the distance between the upper and lower decks located within a cage frame.

Abstract: Structure disposed within a brake housing for measuring the displacement of a reference within said brake housing so as to indicate the brake stroke condition on a vehicle braking system.

Abstract: The present invention is a parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder and a piston in the brake cylinder responsive to forces to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake further includes at least one off-center connecting rod extending though an opening in the brake cylinder and connected to the piston through that opening. The parking brake also includes a force multiplier supported by the brake cylinder and connected to the at least one off-center connecting rod. Further included is an actuator connected to the force multiplier for driving the force multiplier to provide the force to move the at least one rod and the piston to move the brakes to an apply position.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly utilizes a damping mechanism to eliminate brake linings. The brake assembly includes a fixed base plate and an actuation plate rotatable relative to the base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of orientation slots and the actuation plate includes a plurality of actuation slots with each one of the actuation slots partially overlapping one of the orientation slots. A cam having a plurality of cam-lobes formed about the circumference is mounted for rotation with an axle shaft. A plurality of dampers interact with the cam to brake the vehicle. Each damper includes a mounting portion that extends through one of the orientation slots and the corresponding actuation slot, and which has a movable distal end that engages the cam. A motor and gear assembly control rotation of the actuation plate and cause the distal ends of the dampers to engage the cam to perform a brake actuation.

Abstract: A disc brake for a heavy road vehicle has a caliper (1) arranged at a brake disc (2) mounted on a wheel axle of the vehicle. An electric motor (3) and two thrust rods (11) operationally connected thereto are provided in the caliper. The thrust rods transform a rotational ingoing movement from the motor into a linear outgoing movement for transmission to a disc brake pad (12), intended for braking engagement with the brake disc.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a piston seal made of rubber that is shaped to fit into a seal groove on the inner surface of a cylinder of a caliper for a brake piston. To prevent braking effectiveness from being impaired, even if the temperature of a caliper rises in a disc brake for a vehicle, the piston seal and/or the seal groove is shaped to control and contain the effects of thermal expansion due to the heat of the disc brake. The clearance between the piston seal and the seal groove is removed and clearance is provided between parts of the periphery of the piston seal and the seal groove.