Patents Issued in March 25, 2003
  • Patent number: 6536538
    Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Digital Control Incorporated
    Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Peter H. Hambling, John E. Mercer, Lloyd A. Moore, Shiu S. Ng, Rudolf Zeller
  • Patent number: 6536539
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: S & S Trust
    Inventors: Jeff Merecka, David Camp
  • Patent number: 6536540
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at or near the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep-water applications combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. No additional hardware is required below the surface. The riser charging lines are used to inject the low-density base fluid at or near the BOP stack on the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner. The diluted mud is then passed through a centrifuge system to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Luc de Boer
  • Patent number: 6536541
    Abstract: Boring unit for pile foundations presenting a tracked vehicle facing the mouth of a hole, a mast (5) which is supported by the tracked vehicle, a rotary table (6) which is slidingly mounted along the mast (5), and at least one excavation element (7) which is connected to the table (6) and which presents a boring tool (8) at its own lower end. The boring unit may also include a handling device (11) which provides for moving the excavation element (7) and for moving further auxiliary excavation elements (19, 20) and which is also provided with a head (12) mounted on a top end of the mast (5) that is equipped with a hoist (13) and a central cable (14) which can be alternatively connected to the excavation element (7) via a drive unit (40) which is suitable for co-operating with the hoist (13) in order to rapidly move the auxiliary excavation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Soilmec S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Pedrelli
  • Patent number: 6536542
    Abstract: Seals of this invention comprise an annular elastomeric ring-shaped body having a dynamic surface disposed along a first body portion, the dynamic surface comprising at least two surface elements that project outwardly therefrom to provide multiple barriers to fluid and debris migration thereacross when placed into contact with a rock bit rotary dynamic surface. The seal dynamic surface includes a recessed portion disposed between the surface elements, and a static seal surface disposed along a second body portion. At least one of the surface elements includes a wear surface that is formed from a material that is more wear resistant than materials that are used to form a remaining portion of the seal. A preferred wear surface is one formed from a composite material comprising a fabric of nonelastomeric polymeric material that is bonded together with an elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhigang Fang, Chris Cawthorne, Nephi M. Mourik, Sujian Huang
  • Patent number: 6536543
    Abstract: A rotary-type earth-boring drag bit with cutters oriented at varied rake angles and methods for designing such drag bits. Specifically, cutters that are located sequentially adjacent radial distances from a longitudinal axis of the drill bit have cutting faces that are oriented at rake angles that differ from one another. These cutters may be located on the same blade of the drag bit or on different blades of the drag bit. The rake angles at which the cutting faces of these cutters are oriented may be based, at least in part, on the relative radial distances these cutters are spaced from the longitudinal axis of the drag bit, on the vertical positions of these cutters along the longitudinal axis of the drag bit, or in response to actual or simulated evaluations of the use of the drag bit to drill a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew J. Meiners, Jeffrey B. Lund, Thomas M. Harris
  • Patent number: 6536544
    Abstract: A walking aid apparatus including a movable body and a support unit provided to the movable body to support a user further includes means for reducing a change rate of speed of the movable body with respect to a change in a force applied from the user to the support unit. With this arrangement, even when the user stumbles and applies a strong force to the support unit, the movable body can be prevented from moving suddenly, minimizing the possibility of the user being left behind the movable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Saku Egawa, Atsushi Koseki, Yasuhiro Nemoto, Masakatsu G. Fujie
  • Patent number: 6536545
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected at a location forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The configuration of the support links provides sufficient slack in the drive mechanism to the middle axle during flotational movement thereof so as to allow a slight twisting of the drive mechanism during oscillation of the middle axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 6536546
    Abstract: A method for shortening the cold starting time of a CO oxidation catalytic converter in a vehicle with an integrated fuel cell system. According to the invention, gas components which delay the start are removed from the reformate gas of the gas-generating system using an adsorber during the cooling-down phase after the vehicle has been switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Thomas Roeser, Carlo Saling, Matthias Wolfsteiner
  • Patent number: 6536547
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having alternate fuel sources is shown. The hybrid electric vehicle includes an alternating current to direct current converter for producing and storing a direct current voltage in a direct current voltage storage device. A fuel converter receives fuel in a first state and converts the fuel into a combustible material or a combustible fuel in a second state which is stored in a combustible material storage device. A driving system for transporting the hybrid electric vehicle includes a direct current motor operatively connected to the direct current voltage storage device. The direct current motor is responsive to a stored direct current voltage for driving the driving system in response to a first control signal. A combustible material engine is operatively coupled to the driving system and drives the driving system in response to a second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel J. Meaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6536548
    Abstract: The exhaust system has an exhaust comprising at least one silencer and/or catalytic converter which has a housing with a housing casing having a material thickness of not more than 1 mm and with housing ends. The exhaust furthermore has metallic pipes which are rigidly connected to said housing ends and at least one of which has a material thickness of, likewise, not more than 1 mm. The retaining element for holding the exhaust on the vehicle body has, for each housing end, a holder with a metallic retaining member connected to the pipe connected to the housing end or possibly to the housing itself. The at least one pipe having a material thickness of not more than 1 mm and to which the retaining member is connected or the housing casing to which the retaining member is connected is surrounded by a sleeve-like reinforcing element to which the retaining member is fastened, for example, by welding or brazing or adhesive bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments AG
    Inventors: Pieter Delfina Steenackers, John W. Jörg Alexnat
  • Patent number: 6536549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the steering angle of a steered wheel of a vehicle and a system to carry out this method. A control unit (9) controls an adjustment drive (5, 7) to alter the steering angle of the steered wheel, upon an alteration to a position of a steering member (13). The extent of the alteration to the steering angle is dependent on whether an obstacle for the vehicle is detected or not by means of a distance meter (17) coupled with the control unit (9). If an obstacle is detected at high speeds, then steering angle alterations are possible which would not be permitted by the control unit at normal driving operation. Thereby, in emergency situations the driver is to be given the possibility of being able to drive past the obstacle by a steering response characteristic which is more intense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 6536550
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjustably securing an axle and a brake carrier to a front monofork of a motorcycle. The axle is received within an eccentric axle carrier and extends through a lower end of the brake carrier. An opposite end of the brake carrier includes an opening through which a carrier mounting device extends. The carrier mounting device is secured to the monofork and guides or aligns the brake carrier relative to the monofork. When the axle carrier is rotated to adjust the attitude of the motorcycle front end, the mounting device moves relative to the brake carrier while the brake carrier is maintained in a relatively fixed relationship to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Matt Schmidt, Tony Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6536551
    Abstract: A hydrogen using system for installation in a vehicle has a methanol tank that stores methanol as a source material of hydrogen, which is a fuel of the hydrogen using system, a water tank that stores water, a methanol reformer that produces a hydrogen fuel from methanol and water, a first electromagnetic valve provided in a first channel connecting the methanol tank to the reformer, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack that generates power from the hydrogen fuel supplied from the reformer, a second electromagnetic valve provided in a second channel connecting the reformer to the fuel cell stack, an electronic control unit that controls various portions of the hydrogen using system, etc. When an impact occurs on the vehicle, the electronic control unit shuts the first channel and the second channel by forcibly closing the first and second electromagnetic valves based on a detection signal from the impact sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Tanaka, Ichiro Hosotani, Syuji Hirakata
  • Patent number: 6536552
    Abstract: An industrial truck includes a lifting apparatus, in particular a lifting mast, and a driver's workplace. To provide an industrial truck in which injuries caused by the operator touching the lifting apparatus can be effectively prevented, a safety device is provided which is effectively connected with a drive device of the lifting apparatus and/or of an actuator device of the lifting apparatus. In one advantageous embodiment, the safety device is effectively connected with a sensor device, whereby depending on the signal of the sensor device, the drive device of the lifting apparatus can receive a signal and/or the actuator device of the lifting apparatus can be enabled. The sensor device is located on a steering device, such as a steering wheel, and detects contact with the steering wheel by the driver's one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernhard Gotz
  • Patent number: 6536553
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an underground abject includes a container in contact with the ground surface; a medium disposed in the container; at least one acoustic sensor disposed in the medium in the container; and an output device connected to the acoustic sensor. A portion of the container in contact with the ground is substantially acoustically transparent and conforms to contours of the ground. The acoustic impedance of the medium in the container is substantially the same as the acoustic impedance of the ground. A method of detecting an underground object includes receiveing reflected acoustic noise with at least one acoustic sensor immersed in a medium, the mediukm being desposed in a container in contact with a ground surface; converting the reflected acoustic noise to electrical signals; and, using an output device, converting teh eletrical signals to a form that can be sensed by a human to determine if the undergroung object has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael V. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 6536554
    Abstract: A loudspeaker comprises an electroacoustic driver in an enclosure having upper and lower ends. Plates are provided at one end and fixing devices are provided at the other end of the enclosure. The plates have holes which allow them to pass over fixing devices of a vertically adjacent loudspeaker. Each of the fixing devices comprises a pillar for passing through the hole of the plate of a vertically adjacent loudspeaker and a locking element connected to the pillar and moveable between an unlocked position for passing through the hole and a locked position for holding the plate on the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony John Andrews, John Newsham, Toby Charles Colingwood Hunt
  • Patent number: 6536555
    Abstract: A disc drive top cover incorporates an acoustic damper having alternating constraining layer material and damping layer material. Each constraining material layer is a sheet material having a high mechanical stiffness. Each damping material layer is a visco-damping adhesive having a pre-selected maximum damping efficiency for a particular disc drive operating condition. The acoustic damper may also include a carrier layer between damping layers so that multiple layers of damping material can be incorporated between any two constraining layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gary Frank Kelsic, Bruce Joseph Oxley, Frank Bernett, Richard W. Deichert
  • Patent number: 6536556
    Abstract: Noise reduction sandwich panel, notably for an aircraft turbojet engine. In order to produce a noise reduction sandwich panel having a structure with two degrees of freedom, inserted separative components (20) are placed into the hexagonal cells (16) of the unique waffle core of the panel. More specifically, the separative components (20) have an substantially circular external peripheral edge, which allows them to be easily assembled, in spite of the deformations of the walls (18) of the cells (16) due to manufacturing tolerances and to the optional forming of the waffle core. Advantageously, several separative components (20) are supported by a same positioning unit (22), which then allows relative displacement between the separative components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Hervé Batard
  • Patent number: 6536557
    Abstract: A step stool includes a frame having legs movable relative to each other between an opened use position and a collapsed storage position. The frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A tray assembly is provided having a fixed tray mounted to the upper portion and a movable tray coupled to the fixed tray for movement relative to the fixed tray, the movable tray having an opened use position and a closed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner
  • Patent number: 6536558
    Abstract: A folding ladder includes a first side rail and a second side rail, and at least one rung pivotally attached at its ends to the first and second side rails. The ladder further includes at least one diagonal locking member having a first portion pivotally attached at a first end to the first side rail and a second portion pivotally attached at a first end to a second end of the first portion and a second end pivotally attached to the second side rail. The locking member locks the folding ladder in a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Harold E. Price
  • Patent number: 6536559
    Abstract: A storage lift has two columns, and a hoisting shaft for a conveyor unit (2) movable up and down between the two columns. A light grille (5) is arranged in the storage lift on the end of the conveyor unit (2) facing a charging and discharging opening (1). The light grille provides measurement of the height of the goods on the storage lift, and also acts as a safety element. Safety aprons (6, 7) are mounted on the top edge of the charging and discharging opening (1) and on the lower front edge of the conveyor unit (2) for compensating for shifting delays during braking of the conveyor unit (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Bellheimer Metallwerk GmbH
    Inventor: Adrian Siegler
  • Patent number: 6536560
    Abstract: A brake assembly having a single brake capable of applying a braking torque to both axle half shafts in a drive axle is provided. The brake assembly includes a piston that selectively actuates both a differential locking clutch and a braking clutch each of which may comprise a friction plate assembly. The piston urges the differential locking clutch against a friction surface formed on a differential hub that is mounted on a differential carrier and is axially movable relative to the carrier. The braking clutch is then urged by movement of the differential hub against another braking surface formed on a stationary brake housing. The plates of the braking clutch are coupled to the differential carrier allowing a braking torque to be transmitted through the carrier to both axle half shafts using a single braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory T. DeWald
  • Patent number: 6536561
    Abstract: An electromechanical wheel brake device for a motor vehicle, having an electric motor for driving two planetary gears, connected in series with one another, which actuate the wheel brake device via a threaded roller gear. The planetary gear is provided with a first electromagnetic coupling, with which a sun wheel of the second planetary gear can be locked, or can be connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation to a sun wheel of the first planetary gear, and with a second electromagnetic coupling, with which a ring gear of the second planetary gear can be stopped or can be connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation to a ring gear of the first planetary gear. By means of the electric motor, by switching of the two couplings, the rolling thread drive can be driven fast to overcome an air gap, slowly and with major speed reduction for the ensuing exertion of a high braking force, and fast for releasing without a reversal of the direction of rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Frieder Keller
  • Patent number: 6536562
    Abstract: With electromechanically or electromotively operated brakes, adjusting a clearance presents a problem because with this type of brakes self-actuating reset means of the type provided for hydraulic brakes cannot be used. For adjustment, a neutral position of the actuator must first be determined in which at least one of the friction linings is in close proximity. To this end, the present invention provides for the change in the actuator current (IAkt), the change in the actuator position (&phgr;Akt), and the rigidity of the system as derived from the actuator force as a function of actuator position to be evaluated so as to determine the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Böhm, Ralf Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6536563
    Abstract: A brake apparatus has a base plate and a first brake disk movable in an axial direction. The apparatus also has a second brake disk positioned remote from the base plate relative to the first brake disk. A brake operating device is connected essentially torsion-proof with the first and second brake disks and is positioned between the base plate and the first and second brake disks. A friction lining is positioned between the first and second brake disks and is carried on an input shaft in a torsion-proof manner relative to the shaft. The input shaft is rotatable relative to the base plate. A sleeve type spacer has a fastener passing through the sleeve. The sleeve is adjustable in the axial direction to keep a distance between the first and second brake disks. The sleeve and the fastener axially retain the second brake disk at the selected distance from the first brake disk during operation of the brake apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Pintsch Bamag Antriebs-und Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Schlehbusch, Burkhard Gärtner
  • Patent number: 6536564
    Abstract: A vented disc brake rotor is provided. In one embodiment, the rotor includes a plurality of curved directing walls disposed between first and second braking surfaces to define a plurality of flow channels. A separating wall is disposed in each flow channel to create first and second subchannels. The total cross-sectional area of each flow channel remains substantially constant over the length of the flow channel. The flow channels can be closed to the two braking surfaces. Alternatively, the braking surfaces can be intermittent, defining a plurality of gaps that provide access to the flow channels. A tapered throat region between the braking surfaces and a hat region facilitates dissipation of heat from the braking surfaces. Rotors according to the present invention can be fabricated in a single step using various conventional casting techniques, such as die-, sand- and squeeze-casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George Albert Garfinkel, Douglas Charles Myers, Nicholas James Gianaris, Syed Amir A. Hashmi
  • Patent number: 6536565
    Abstract: A rotary damper for use in motor vehicle suspensions comprising a rotor disposed within damping fluid in a fluid chamber of a case to form fluid volumes, with valves for flow control and an accumulator for fluid fill variation and thermal expansion mounted internal to the rotor. A first check valve and first control valve mounted in a first flow passage within the rotor allow flow from second fluid volume to first fluid volume, but restrict flow from the first fluid volume to the second fluid volume. Similarly, a second check valve and a second control valve mounted in a second flow passage within the rotor allow flow from the first fluid volume to the second fluid volume, but restrict flow from the second fluid volume to the first fluid volume. Thus, the valves are configured to provide independent control of damping for each direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Oliver, William C. Kruckemeyer, Mark Bodie
  • Patent number: 6536566
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device comprising: at least one rigid housing member fixedly disposed in a vibrative member; and a plurality of independent mass members disposed non-adhesively and independently in the at least one housing member such that each of the plurality of independent mass members is opposed to the at least one housing member with a given spacing therebetween in a vibration input direction, and is displaceable relative to the at least one housing member. The each independent mass member is independently displaced relative to the at least one housing member so that the independent mass member and the housing member are brought into elastic impact against each other at their respective abutting surfaces which are opposed to each other in the vibration input direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Hasegawa, Rentaro Kato, Yoshinori Yasumoto, Masaaki Hamada, Yutaka Tazuke
  • Patent number: 6536567
    Abstract: An inertia damper is capable of exhibiting satisfactory endurance. In the inertia damper, when an inertia weight element directly carrying out a damping action and a gel element are combined together, the gel element is interposedly arranged between the outer periphery of the inertia weight element and the inner surface of a peripheral cover section of a holding member of a mount base. This permits the area of arrangement of the gel element to be increased to significantly reduce loading per unit area of the gel element, thereby improving the endurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sigel
    Inventor: Motoyasu Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 6536568
    Abstract: A suitcase with a built-in safety strap with the suitcase made of soft material having an opening provided to its inner side, an interior pocket in the opening, and the safety strap having a male mobile buckle provided at its front end being sewn in the interior pocket for the safety strap to be pulled out to fasten the suitcase and to prevent accidental bust of a zipper of the suitcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Joy Tong
  • Patent number: 6536569
    Abstract: A control system for a selective clutch that prevents interference with automatic engagement/disengagement of a friction clutch (2) when manual engagement/disengagement is selected at the time of starting a vehicle. The selective clutch includes an autoclutch device that automatically disengages and engages the clutch (2) using an actuator (10) under the control of a controller (6, 9). The selective clutch also includes a manual clutch device that allows engagement and disengagement of the clutch based on depressing of a clutch pedal (11). The clutch disengagement and engagement by the autoclutch device is prohibited, or the prohibition is canceled, based on a vehicle velocity (28), gear speed (23) of a gear box (3), and clutch pedal depression (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6536570
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a power transmission device suited for use in a hybrid car for selective transmission of its engine and motor powers. The power transmission device is used to transmit and cut off driving forces from an internal combustion engine or a motor of a hybrid car, and includes a two-way clutch having engaging elements, and a control mechanism for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch. The control mechanism includes an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnet and an armature. By mounting such power transmission devices on the outputs of the engine and the motor, it is possible to easily transmit and cut off driving force by simply turning on and off the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ito, Makoto Yasui, Shiro Goto
  • Patent number: 6536571
    Abstract: A split locking sprag is used as a locking element between an inner race portion and an outer race portion which are moved or driven relative to each other, and has a release linkage that allows the sprag halves to be moved relative to each other to change the combined dimensions of the sprag halves and allow their displacement out of engagement with the inner and outer races. The sprag is divided into two or more sections that pivot about a main pivot pin between locked and unlocked positions. A linkage and tripper mechanism allows the sprag sections to be unlocked in a controlled manner by applying a small external force to the tripper. Alternatively, the sprag can be configured in any manner that allows their combined dimensions to be changed when triggered to release a torque while under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Honeybee Robotics Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas N. Myrick
  • Patent number: 6536572
    Abstract: There are provided a synchronizing system which synchronizes two relatively rotating rotary bodies with each other by frictional forces generated between friction discs, such that a larger torque can be transmitted between the rotary bodies as an input torque becomes larger, and a transmission torque control device for the synchronizing system. In order to transmit torque between an input shaft and a gear member, the synchronizing system which connects the input shaft and the gear member with each other while synchronizing them urges a blocking ring toward the gear member by using a synchronizing spring, when a sleeve is caused to slide toward the blocking ring by an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Amanuma, Naoki Uchiyama, Hidenori Okamura, Kenji Honda
  • Patent number: 6536573
    Abstract: An actuation system for a friction clutch installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission includes a pressure medium-powered cylinder assembly and a pilot/automatic control valve assembly. An auxiliary actuating assembly includes an auxiliary actuating valve assembly, which can be switched into a pressure medium feed position, wherein the pressure medium-powered cylinder assembly can be connected with the pressure medium source or with a separate auxiliary pressure medium source for emergency actuation of the clutch, and into a pressure medium discharge position, wherein the cylinder assembly can be connected with a pressure compensation port or with a pressure compensation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Franz Nagler, Hans Fliege
  • Patent number: 6536574
    Abstract: A kinematically simple centrifugal clutch to minimize frictional induced hysteresis. The centrifugal clutch includes a rotatable output driven member, two drive plates, and at least one clutch disc disposed adjacent to the drive plates. A drive hub is adapted to receive a rotational input such as that from an output shaft of a motor. Two weighted members are pivotally mounted to the drive hub. Two spring members are operative between the drive hub and the weighted member to apply a restoring force to the weighted members. Under the influence of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drive hub, the weighted members pivots against the resistance of the spring member so as to engage the drive plates and thereby urge the drive plates into engagement with the clutch disc such that the driven member rotates with the drive plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Fehring
  • Patent number: 6536575
    Abstract: A clutch disk is provided having a connecting arrangement, by means of which the friction linings can execute a radial movement with respect to the hub rotation axis and/or tilting movement with respect to a plane orthogonal to the hub rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Mario Lory, Klaus Dollhopf, Achim Link, Reinhard Feldhaus, Bernhard Schierling, Norbert Ament, Jürgen Kleifges, Erwin Wack, Jürgen Weth, Bernd Peinemann, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 6536576
    Abstract: A cam plate is axially supported on an actuator shaft (cam shaft) arranged in a housing, perpendicularly to a pinion shaft so that it can rotate about the cam shaft. As the cam plate rotates, an engagement piece sways in conformity with the cam shape of the cam, so that a claw of the engagement piece can become engaged with or disengaged from a parking gear, whereby parking lock is locked or released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Ono
  • Patent number: 6536577
    Abstract: A coin handling method and a device which can prevent functions from being degraded by adoption of an escrow mechanism in order to temporarily hold a plurality of inserted coins to provide convenience and to prevent counterfeit coins from being used and also to provide a normal operation even if any coins are temporarily held at the time when the power is turned on. The inserted coins are temporarily held in an escrow passage, the number of temporarily held coins can be determined arbitrarily, and the coins inserted not less than the determined number are returned by an operation of a authentic/counterfeit sorting lever in order to return the inserted coin. And, to collect coins, a return passage lever and a coin box passage lever are operated depending on the states of respective portions so to guide the coins temporarily held in the escrow passage to a coin tube, a return passage or a coin box passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Takeshi Ishida, Tsunehiro Aso, Kenji Koyama
  • Patent number: 6536578
    Abstract: A sensor for a coin acceptor includes an inductor connected in a series resonant circuit. The sensor coils are arranged in a series resonant configuration with the resonant capacitance made up of two identical capacitors, one on either side of the sensor. The series resonant configuration reduces the effects on sensor readings of common mode noise on the coin acceptor power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Coin Controls Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Ashley
  • Patent number: 6536580
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a distribution device for parcels with a deflection element for distributing the parcels that arrive on a conveyor pathway in approximately the horizontal direction to branched-off conveyor pathways with approximately the same transport plane. According to the invention, three conveyor pathways (T1, T2, T3) branch off from a distribution point. The ends of the deflection element (A) are connected to horizontally displaceable plungers of stationary stroking mechanisms (H1, H2) by means of pivot points (D1, D2) in order to displace the ends from one lateral limit of the central conveyor pathway (T3) to the other lateral limit. One of the two stroking mechanisms (H1, H2) is fixed perpendicularly to the transport direction of the central conveyor pathway (T3), with the other stroking mechanism (H1, H2) being mounted in a pivoted fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 6536581
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating elongated members of rectangular cross section, such as board lumber, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of conveyors arranged so that the boards will cascade from the end of one conveyor onto the other conveyor by force of gravity, rotating in the process. A dampening mechanism to reduce the impact caused by the fall is also disclosed. The dampening mechanism allows the members to be delicately balanced on any side. After an inspection, the boards are turned again to position them for final processing. This second rotation is performed by halting the leading edge ofthe boards, at either the top or bottom, and propelling the opposite edge forward with a rubber wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hunt, Guilliot & Associates, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Herbert G. Tull, III, Colin Godfrey
  • Patent number: 6536582
    Abstract: A reversible shelf type vertical conveyor wherein a plurality of shelves are pivotally mounted between two endless chains that are driven by pairs of upper and lower sprockets, the shelves pivoted to a space saving vertical orientation during the return run and to a horizontal orientation during the working run. Positive control of the orientation of shelves is provided by pairs of rollers attached to the shelves which straddle a guide bars during the return run and ride within guide channels during the working run. During the transition between return and working runs at the top and bottom, shelves are held tight against bosses adjacent the sprockets. Each successive cycle pivots the shelves 180 degrees, and the shelves are symmetrical about their pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: John Andrew Combs
  • Patent number: 6536583
    Abstract: A conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of slidable links which can slide on guiding elements. The conveyor belt is driven by a timing belt through link teeth formed on each of the links, and designed for engaging corresponding teeth of the timing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Reguzzi Luigi
  • Patent number: 6536584
    Abstract: A clamp for locking at least one pin (12) or the like, for use in conveyor belts or conveying devices in general, comprising a body (1) provided with coaxial apertures (5) and housing, slidable but unable to rotate, a spring-loaded (7) movable member (9) which is provided with a through hole (10) to be aligned with the apertures (5) for the passage of the pin (12) and connected axially to a control knob (11), in which the body (1) presents a portion (2) of rectilinear axis (X) and a connection portion (3) terminating with an at least approximately flat face (4) which forms with the rectilinear axis (X) an angle (a) less than 90°, the common axis (6) of the coaxial apertures (5) being substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the face (4) lies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: System Plast, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Marsetti, Rodolfo Reatti
  • Patent number: 6536585
    Abstract: A conveyor for transporting parcel goods and the like over a track comprises a frame and an endless conveyor belt comprising a transport portion and a return portion, which is supported by the frame and which is driven by a driving device. The conveyor belt is provided with a number of elongated (in transverse direction), substantially rigid supporting elements, which are directly or indirectly interconnected and which can pivot relative to each other at least about an axis parallel to the plane of transport and perpendicularly to the direction of transport. Movable cover flaps projecting from the supporting elements in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor are formed on at least a number of supporting elements, wherein the length dimension of the flaps is such that each is capable of covering at least one gap to an adjacent supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Cornelis Maria Ammeraal, Wouter Balk
  • Patent number: 6536586
    Abstract: A combination vessel is capable of carrying out temporary fastening while always bringing down a ring portion subsequently to breakage of a bridge part during an opening operation. A cap portion and a ring portion of a cap type sealing tool are coupled to each other through a bridge part. Through breakage of the bridge part during opening of the cap portion, the ring portion is pulled down while a sliding protrusion on an internal wall in a lower stage area of the ring portion always contacts by pressure an upward spread zone on an external wall of a neck zone of a bottle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignees: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd., Menicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Nakao, Yukihiro Ogawa, Atsuhiro Doke, Yasuhiro Yokoyama, Seiichi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6536587
    Abstract: A one-piece paper or cardboard blank is converted into a hinged-lid cigarette pack wherein a box-shaped housing has a rear wall connected to the rear wall of a cover pivotable to and from a closed position in which it closes an opening at the top of the housing. The cover and the housing include sections which are respectively connected to the main portions of the housing and cover by weakened portions and are adjacent each other in the closed position of the cover. An adhesive revenue label or coupon is bonded to the outer sides of the sections and is manually or mechanically removed from the cigarette pack, with or relative to the sections, if a visual or automatic inspection of the freshly made cigarette pack reveals that its condition does not meet a predetermined standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kleine Wächter
  • Patent number: 6536588
    Abstract: A golf club supporting device (10), where each club (18) comprises a shaft (21) and a head (19). The support (10) includes a base member (13) and a plurality of dividers (16) that extend outwardly from the base member (13). At least one divider (16) has a concave face (22) and an adjacent divider (16) has a generally oppositely facing convex face (23). The dividers (16) are positioned so as to define therebetween a space (17) for receiving a club head (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: William Stephen Kyrwood