Patents Issued in April 10, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030066366
    Abstract: A mounting device for contactlessly-operating proximity switches includes a continuous cylindrical or cuboidal recess for holding the proximity switch which is formed by at least two legs. The mounting device can also include at least one through pocket, connected to the recess, into which an actuating tool can fit. The recess of the mounting device, when in a relieved state, has a smaller diameter than the proximity switch which is to be mounted. Additionally, the recess can be spread into an enlarged state by the actuating tool being positioned into the pocket and turned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: i f m electronic gmbh
    Inventors: Bernd Buck, Franz Sauter, Berthold Schocker
  • Publication number: 20030066367
    Abstract: A guiding device for positional adjustment having a lead-screw is composed of a controlling device and a carriage rest receiving the controlling device inside. The controlling device contains a pressing post and a resilient element to push the pressing post to adjust the relative distance between the carriage rest and the lead-screw so that the lead-screw is kept straight and the positional adjustment move in an exactly horizontal. Thus, calibrations of calibrating tools mounting on the positional adjustment are precise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Pang Liao
  • Publication number: 20030066368
    Abstract: Manual transmission, in which two separate actuating devices are assigned to the individual gearshift bodies, that is the gearshift forks and/or the gearshift rockers. A gearshift body, that is a gearshift fork and/or a gearshift rocker, can be actuated selectively by means of one or the other actuating device. The actuating devices are preferably gearshift rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Martin Koerber, Heinz Bassner
  • Publication number: 20030066369
    Abstract: an electrical actuation for an automatic transmission, preferably for selection actuation in automobiles in which a four-bar linkage transmission and a worm gear unit are arranged between the electric drive and the transmission. Shifting can be carried out with a low-output drive, particularly in the parked shifting position “P”, also when very large forces are required such as those occurring when the vehicle is parked on a hill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Benda
  • Publication number: 20030066370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the rotatable coupling of two coaxial connection elements, comprising a rotating bearing between the connection elements for accommodating axial and radial loads and tilting moments, as well as a drive coupled to both connection elements to effect their relative rotation, the frame of the drive being secured to a first connection element, while its rotor meshes via a pinion or a worm with a casing-side toothing of the second connection element, comprising one or more housing parts enclosing the toothing of the second connection element in a dust-tight manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Erich Russ, Dipl.-Ing. Werner Schroppel
  • Publication number: 20030066371
    Abstract: Guide ring arranged coaxially with a drive shaft includes locating and locking features ensuring proper orientation of drive and driven shafts, also ensuring proper backlash between gears mounted thereon. Guide ring is inserted through a keyed aperture of a mounting bracket and brought into proximity with the driven shaft frame. Rotation of motor and guide ring in first direction draws shafts into alignment; mounting bracket is attached to driven shaft frame. Motor and guide ring then rotated in opposite direction to second extreme position in which the motor is locked and driven shaft can rotate freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ermanno C. Petocchi, Roger C. Male, Stephen A. Bonelli, Thomas C. Hatch
  • Publication number: 20030066372
    Abstract: A deflector type ball screw includes a screw shaft having an external thread groove in an outer peripheral surface, a ball nut having an internal thread groove in an inner peripheral surface and a plurality of balls that are rollably housed between the internal thread groove and the external thread groove, and four deflectors fixed to the ball nut. The deflectors function as by-passes linking adjacent internal thread grooves of the ball nut. As a result of the deflectors guiding the balls, the screw groove of the ball nut is divided into four circulation passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsune Kobayashi, Toshiya Ishigami, Kenichi Fukumura
  • Publication number: 20030066373
    Abstract: A robot is disclosed in which load torque imposed on motors is reduced and therefore small-sized motors can be used. In the robot, an arm member, a first link, a second link and a third link constitute a parallel linkage, and the first link and the third link are coaxially pivotally supported on a base. With a pivotal shaft for pivotally connecting the second link and the third link, one end of a fourth link having shorter link length than the link length of the third link is pivotally connected to the second and third links and one end of a fifth link having the same link length as that of the fourth link is pivotally connected to the other end of the fourth link. The other end of the fifth link is pivotally supported on the base with a pivotal shaft to which the rotary shaft of the motor is coupled, so that the fifth link can move according to the rotation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Maeguchi, Hiroyuki Takayama, Takahiro Inada
  • Publication number: 20030066374
    Abstract: An intermediate steering column (10) for a vehicle with a firewall (14) includes a first shaft (30) pivotally attached to a first U-joint (54) and rotatable about a longitudinal axis (32) of the first shaft upon rotation of the first U-joint. A second shaft (28) drivingly connected to the first shaft (30) has a slip joint connection (42) with the first shaft permitting relative axial movement of the first and second shafts while maintaining a rotary drive connection between the first and second shafts. The first shaft (30) includes first and second shaft parts (60 and 62) and a quick disconnect joint (64) between the first and second shaft parts permitting disconnection of the first and second shaft parts and pivoting of the first shaft part relative to the first U-joint (54) to a first out of the way position and pivoting of the second shaft part relative to a second U-joint (36) to a second out of the way position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: David Koellisch
  • Publication number: 20030066375
    Abstract: A brake cover (18) and shaft (24) rotate with a pedal lever (20) relative to a central section (14) of the housing (12) rotate a pedal gear (76). The pedal gear (76) rotates a sensor gear (74) to rotate a sensor arm (46) about a sensor axis (48). The sensor arm (46) supports sensor members (58) that move along sensor bands (50) to generate an electrical signal. As the brake cover (18) rotates with the pedal lever (20) it uncoils coil springs (84) to cause brake shoes (80) to pivot radially outward about respective posts (82) frictionally engage the interior surface (78) of the central section (14) to thereby provide a resistance or hysteresis to movement of the pedal lever (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Brad C. Menzies
  • Publication number: 20030066376
    Abstract: A handlebar stem structure includes a tube having two connection members and two extensions are movably connected to the two connection members. Each of the two extensions has two connection ports. An outer layer is coated to the tube and the connection members, wherein the connection ports extend from the outer layer and a first recess is defined in the outer layer. A retaining member is connected to the two connection ports and a second recess is defined in an inside of the retaining member. The first recess and the second recess are matched to form a passage for receiving a handlebar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng-Xun Jiang
  • Publication number: 20030066377
    Abstract: A motorcycle control lever including a flexible portion that absorbs force and/or energy of an impact, preventing or reducing damage to a rigid part thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Nir Yosef Spaizar, Dekel Bar, Nave Natan Lev-Ran, Boaz Agayoff
  • Publication number: 20030066378
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a hub and several switches The switches are integrated in a common housing which is secured to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dominik Schutz
  • Publication number: 20030066379
    Abstract: A steering handle includes a hub mounted to a steering shaft and a pair of grips mounted to the left and right of the hub. The left and right grips are gripped by a driver for steering. The left and right grips are radially slidable with respect to the hub. This allows the wheel diameter to be changed for application to various types of vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahide Kobayashi, Tatsuki Miyashita, Katsutoshi Noguchi, Ichiro Tobisawa
  • Publication number: 20030066380
    Abstract: A steering assembly for an electric scooter has a base, a steering bar, a positioning device and a lever. The steering bar is pivotally attached to the base. The positioning device is pivotally connected between the steering bar and the base to keep the front steering bar from pivoting relative to the base. The lever is connected to the positioning device with a cable to release the positioning device from the locked position. Consequently, the positioning device can be released from the locked position by means of pivoting the lever. The handle can be adjusted to a desired position for different users. The use of the steering assembly is more versatile. In addition, the steering assembly can be positioned at any desired position when the user pulls the lever. To adjust the steering assembly is more convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Tai Cheng
  • Publication number: 20030066381
    Abstract: Featured are a device, system and method for dissipating at least some heat energy generated by one or more heat generating components of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS). The method includes providing a heat pipe member, having first and second ends, and a heat dissipating member thermally engaged with the heat pipe member second end and configured to transfer heat energy therefrom. The method also includes thermally engaging the heat pipe member first end to the FESS so that at least some heat energy generated by the FESS heat generating component is communicated to the first end and thence through the heat pipe member to the heat dissipating member. Further, the method includes locating the heat dissipating member in a heat sink remote from the FESS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Lewis, Todd A. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20030066382
    Abstract: A gravity apparatus having a wheel-like, connected, encircling surface, includes an axially horizontal track which has an interior surface which weighted objects contact and are carried around the interior surface. The interior surface is a connected, encircling, wheel-like surface, is not a round circle or a cylinder, but has an offset center of rotation closest to a side which approaches perpendicular, the weighted objects are carried by spokes attached to a support hub through the offset center of rotation. A plurality of spokes extend diametrally of the track in axially and circumferentially spaced array. Weighted objects are mounted on opposite ends of each spoke. The offset center causes the spokes to move axially diametrally of the track and extend the weights to rise and lower as the weights traverse the path of the interior surface. Optional bearings on the weights, wheel, and at the hub-spoke interface minimize friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph E. Love
  • Publication number: 20030066383
    Abstract: A crank arm for bicycles include a crank body having two bases on two ends thereof and each base has a threaded hole. A plurality of extensions extend from one of the bases and each extension is connected to a connection member. A resin layer is coated on the crank body and a carbon fiber layer is coated on the resin layer. The connection members extends from the resin layer and the carbon fiber layer so that a chainwheel is connected to the connection members by rivets or bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng-Xun Jiang
  • Publication number: 20030066384
    Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect mechanism for releasably engaging a cyclist's shoe with a bike pedal having a slotted retainer secured to the pedal and an insert secured to the sole of the cyclist's shoe. The insert or key is insertably introduced through an open end of the slot to engage the retainer. A wedge and dove-tail arrangement prevents separation of the insert or key from the retainer in a direction normal to the pedal. A resilient detent construction yieldably or releasably holds the insert or key in the slot of the retainer and permits only lateral separation. A guide or alignment arrangement is employed to conduct the insert or key into the slot via the open end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Baker, Joseph A. Bravo
  • Publication number: 20030066385
    Abstract: A clipless pedal system incorporates a static hook plate fixable to the pedal of a cycling machine and an SPD compatible cleat with resiliently biased retaining mechanisms engageable with the hook plate to form a cycle/rider power transfer interface. Each hook plate includes front and rear arcuate hooks that together define a center of rotation for the cleat. The front and rear hooks define arcuate retaining channels that receive the retaining mechanisms to engage the cleat to the hook plate. The received cleat is permitted to rotate relative to the hook plate between inward and outward release points defined by release ramps at either end of each retaining channel. The hook plates may be configured with asymmetrical inward and outward release points. Alternatively, arcuate fastener openings may permit the hook plates to be mounted at a variety of angular orientations relative to the pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Paul J. Blanchette, Craig Blanchette
  • Publication number: 20030066386
    Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of annular coaxially-arranged axially-spaced clutch members having adjacent faces that contain cam groove that receive a driving cross pin, cooperating locking lugs and grooves being provided on the adjacent faces of the clutch members for preventing relative rotation therebetween. The cross pin extends diametrically across a supporting sleeve that is non-rotatably mounted concentrically within the central chamber of the cylindrical housing of the differential, thereby permitting the differential to be retrofit into various differential casings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Tractech Inc.
    Inventors: Walter L. Dissett, Paul J. Valente
  • Publication number: 20030066387
    Abstract: A process for melting scrap metal for producing steel which includes the steps of combining a quantity of scrap metal containing steel and at least about 0.25 percent by weight of scrap rubber in an electric arc furnace. Energy is then applied to the quantity of steel and scrap rubber in the furnace to start the combustion of the scrap rubber to add additional heat for melting the scrap metal containing steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Franklin Leroy Stebbing
  • Publication number: 20030066388
    Abstract: A biaxially textured alloy article having a magnetism less than pure Ni includes a rolled and annealed compacted and sintered powder-metallurgy preform article, the preform article having been formed from a powder mixture selected from the group of mixtures consisting of: at least 60 at % Ni powder and at least one of Cr powder, W powder, V powder, Mo powder, Cu powder, Al powder, Ce powder, YSZ powder, Y powder, Mg powder, and RE powder; the article having a fine and homogeneous grain structure; and having a dominant cube oriented {100}<100> orientation texture; and further having a Curie temperature less than that of pure Ni.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Amit Goyal, Robert K. Williams, Donald M. Kroeger
  • Publication number: 20030066389
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nickel refining method which uses nickel sulfide produced from nickel oxide ore using a hydrometallurgical process, as the raw material, and in which chlorine leaching is performed using a chloride solution, wherein a cementation reaction is caused between the nickel sulfide and copper ions, using copper ions, preferably included in the leaching solution itself, and a portion of the nickel in the nickel sulfide is leached into the solution, and the remaining nickel and copper are left as a residue, and copper and nickel are chlorine leached from this residue, and wherein the cementation reaction is performed with an oxidation-reduction potential as measured by a silver-silver chloride electrode of below −20 mV, preferably below −100 mV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Keiji Kudo, Masaki Imamura, Kouji Ando
  • Publication number: 20030066390
    Abstract: A drill-chuck jaw is made by first forming an elongated metal body with a toothed back face and a planar front face and thereafter laser-welding an insert to the body on the face. After machining the body but before laser-welding the inserts to it, the body is heat-treated and surface hardened. After the heat-treating and surface-hardening step and before the laser-welding step, the body in tampered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: ROHM GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Mack
  • Publication number: 20030066391
    Abstract: A method of forming a drill bit structure, the method including fixing spacers to the drill bit structure. The spacers are arranged at preselected locations on an outer surface of the drill bit structure. A hardfacing material is then applied to the drill bit structure, and the spacers are removed. Holes are machined in the drill bit structure at the preselected locations, and drilling inserts are positioned in each hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony Griffo, Zhigang Fang, Robert H. Slaughter
  • Publication number: 20030066392
    Abstract: A retractable/folding collapsible wrench is constructed to include a hollow handle, which can be made folding collapsible, two driving devices respectively moved in and out of the ends of the hollow handle between the extended position and the received position, and positioning means respectively mounted in the ends of the handle and adapted for securing the driving devices in one of a series of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20030066393
    Abstract: The present invention provides a double-ended wrench comprising a main body or cross-piece section having a first end and second end. Fastener-gripping ends are coupled to opposite ends of the main body at the first and second ends. Furthermore, the fastener-gripping ends contain sockets or drivers that are indexed or offset at an angle to each other allowing an operator to orient the wrench in order to more easily grip the fastener in an obstructed area. Therefore, by sequential application of the sockets to the fastener, the fastener maybe repeatedly rotated in the same direction while the wrench undergoes a swing with a limited arc. The size of the arc is dependent upon the geometry of the socket and the offset angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Mageson
  • Publication number: 20030066394
    Abstract: A conduit locknut wrench is for use in the electrical trade and designed for tightening and loosening both six and eight tooth conduit locknuts. The conduit locknut wrench allows the electrician the ability to access hard to reach locknuts at any angle and around any obstruction, including other locknuts with or without protruding wires. The small light-weight wrench has very thin dimensions and include a C-shaped head with two arcuate arms, two diametrically opposed engagement teeth, an elongated thin neck, and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a screwdriver leverage hole and an oversized belt clip hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Edward F. Kitchen, Bradley D. Kitchen
  • Publication number: 20030066395
    Abstract: A connector includes a body provided with a polygonal drive end that may be driven by a tool, the drive end provided with an engaging portion, and an urging body secured on the drive end of the body, and provided with an engaging portion engaged with the engaging portion of the drive end of the body, so that the tool is urged and secured between the urging body and the drive end of the body. Thus, the body of the connector and the tool may be combined integrally, whereby the connector may be exactly secured on the tool, so that the tool may function as a ratchet wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Chorng-Jiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20030066396
    Abstract: A tool kit comprises a body comprising at least one compartment, at least one tool-mounting bolt mounted to the body, and at least one set of tools rotatably mounted to the tool-mounting tool. The set of tools is received in the compartment when not in use. A wrench is detachably mounted to the body for adjusting tightness of the tool-mounting bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030066397
    Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Joseph B. Willey
    Inventors: Harold Newell, John Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20030066398
    Abstract: A spindle nut retainer is provided for preventing a nut threaded upon a spindle from unthreading and detaching from the spindle. The spindle nut retainer includes an integral base section and peripheral section maintaining a cup-shaped configuration. The base section includes an aperture through which the spindle may pass and the peripheral section includes a plurality of fingers which form windows therebetween used to form a locking connection between the spindle nut retainer and the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: James C. Tuthill
  • Publication number: 20030066399
    Abstract: A feeder for feeding flat products to a conveyor device includes a magazine for storing the products, a separating device for separating the products from the magazine and a device for producing an index in the products. A gatherer-stitcher includes a plurality of the feeders. A method is provided for producing an index cut in a product being fed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Lutz Richter
  • Publication number: 20030066400
    Abstract: Sensors of the longitudinal edges and/or the width of hot roll metal strip are located immediately ahead of the trimming blades and are used to transversely adjust the trimming heads and/or the centerline position for the strip so that in subsequent trimming operations, the trim widths are identical at both sides. The cutting heads can be positioned in indentations at junctions between the successive segments of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: BWG Bergwerk- und Walzwerk-Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Noe, Rolf Noe, Dieter Baukloh
  • Publication number: 20030066401
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cutting carpet pile are disclosed as including a clipper having a driver, a reciprocating blade and a fixed blade. The fixed blade and the reciprocating blade define an area there between. The fixed blade has a bore passing through the blade and into the area. A fluid supply, connected to the bore, supplies fluid through the fixed blade and into the area. A manifold, attached to the fixed blade, can be used to pass fluid through the fixed blade into the chamber. In such an embodiment, the manifold includes a passage communicating with the bore and the fluid supply. In another embodiment, an orientation mechanism is used to orient the carpet clipping head. In this embodiment, the orientation mechanism includes a base bracket and a pivot bracket. The pivot bracket is pivotally attached to the base bracket at a pivot point. The carpet clipping head is attached to the pivot bracket so that movement of the pivot bracket causes the carpet clipping head to pivot about the lead prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew M. Becan, Jeffrey L. Fink
  • Publication number: 20030066402
    Abstract: A molded anvil blanket is formed with a projection depending at each end, the ends for abutting when wrapped about the anvil, the anvil having a transverse channel for receiving the projections. The projections mate to form a common recess enclosed by a metal angle member secured to each projection. The angle member and projections have a transverse slot for mounting the blanket end and projections on a pneumatic mechanism attached to the anvil. The mechanism includes an air cylinder secured to the anvil in a radial anvil bore. The cylinder has a shaft which extends in response to pressurized air. A spring attached to the air cylinder and to a T-bar which releasably engages the blanket common recess normally biases the projections locked into the channel in a fail safe mode. The activated air cylinder lifts the projections out of the channel so the blanket ends can be manually released from the anvil by sliding the T-bar out of engagement with the projections via the slots in the projections and angle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Robud
    Inventor: Kenneth Ray Neal
  • Publication number: 20030066403
    Abstract: A multi-module Venetian blind cutting machine is disclosed to include a machine base, and a cutting-off unit and a saw unit respectively mounted in the machine base, the cutting-off unit including a carriage having multiple workpiece positioning tools, the carriage being moved to shift the selected workpiece positioning tool to a working position to hold the Venetian blind to be cut for cutting, and a cutting-off tool driving mechanism adapted to move a cutting-off tool to cut the loaded Venetian blind, the saw unit having a circular saw, and a saw drive adapted to move and rotate the circular saw to cut the loaded Venetian blind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jung-Kuei Lin, Ya-Wei Hsu, Kuei-Lu Liu
  • Publication number: 20030066404
    Abstract: This invention provides a new and more efficient drive system for a circular saw blade. The invention is comprised of a circular saw blade with a ring gear built into the blade. It is driven by a matching pinion gear. The invention provides a means to employ the typical cutting capabilities of a circular saw blade but with certain unique advantages. The ring and pinion drive allows for better balance in that the motor that drives the saw blade can be located at the rear of the saw blade, as opposed to the side of the blade as it is with conventional circular saws. This configuration also allows for greater cutting depth. The ring and pinion drive also allows for a smaller motor and a resulting lower cutting speed that, in turn, cuts down on dust emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: John Frank Giwojna
  • Publication number: 20030066405
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for securing a cutting die board to a rotary support cylinder, including a double-acting pressure cylinder having a piston rod coupled to a clamping bolt which cooperates with a keyhole-shaped slot formed through the cutting die board, and an arrangement for supplying low pressure air to an extension chamber defined on one side of the pressure cylinder piston for controlling the magnitude of force applied to the bolt during extension thereof. In an alternate embodiment, a low-force releasable slip coupling connects between the piston rod and the bolt to control the extension force applied to the bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick W. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20030066406
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an electric guitar or electric bass, which includes a body, a neck, strings attached to the neck and to the body, an attaching mechanism and locking tuners of the strings and at least one pickup placed near the strings. According to the invention the body comprises of at least two separate parts attached within distance from one another. Furthermore the body comprises of attaching parts to attach the parts together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Juha Vartiainen
  • Publication number: 20030066407
    Abstract: Various kinds of members are located on the body of an electric guitar, and strings are supported by the members at predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction. The strings are adjusted by a fine-tuning element and a harmonic tuning element. A base plate is pivotally supported on the guitar body. Each of saddles is rotatably coupled to one of saddle holders, the position of which can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the strings, and corresponds to one of the strings. Each saddle contacts the corresponding string at a predetermined point. Each string holder, which is located in one of the saddles, holds the corresponding string at a part that is below the contact point of the string. The fine-tuning element fine-tunes each string by changing the rotational angle of the corresponding saddle without actually changing the contact point of the corresponding string. The harmonic tuning element adjusts the position of each saddle holder in the longitudinal direction of the strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuru Shimooka, Shinjiro Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20030066408
    Abstract: An electric guitar with a tremolo unit that makes it easy to tune strings and install the strings. The electric guitar includes a lock device that prevents the strings from being shifted to offset positions. The lock device has a nut, which has an inclined support surface, and a clamp pad. The clamp pad clamps the strings with respect to the support surface. A front edge of the nut is located upward from a line, which extends along a contact point between pegs and the strings and a rear edge of the nut. Since the strings are bent by the nut at the front and rear edges, the strings are stopped from being separated from the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: HOSHINO GAKKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinjiro Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20030066409
    Abstract: An electric guitar has strings. Each string has a first contact point defined on a neck and a second contact point defined on a base plate attached to a body. The guitar includes a hinge mechanism for supporting the base plate such that the base plate pivots relative to the body. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of bores, each of which is formed at a side of the base plate. A bearing device is located in each bore. A pair of support pins protrudes from the body. Each support pin corresponds to one of the bearing devices and is located closer to the neck than the corresponding bearing device. A bracket is coupled to each support pin. A bracket pin is coupled to each bracket and fits into the corresponding bearing device. The axial midpoint of each bearing device and the center of the corresponding support pin are located on a line that is substantially parallel to the strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinjiro Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20030066410
    Abstract: A pedal board assembly for receiving a plurality of musical sound effect generators generally comprises a box-like receptacle with a removable lid. The receptacle contains a top tier of flat, fixed pitch panels including a power supply and an audio circuit interface. A middle tier is of a fixed, tilted pitch and a lower tier is of selectively flat or tilted pitch mode, the tilted pitch mode matching the pitch of the middle tier so that large sound effect generators may be placed across to span both the middle tier and the lower tier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Michael K. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20030066411
    Abstract: A choral teaching method and system for teaching a singer to harmonize a particular harmonic part to a song comprising selecting the harmonic part to be learned, recording the particular harmonic part of the song, recording all four harmonic parts of the song, recording the song without the harmonic part to be learned, listening to the full harmonic recording to learn the sound of the selected harmonic part in harmony with the other three harmonic parts, listening to the particular harmonic part of the recording to learn the sound of the particular harmonic part and playing the recording without the harmonic part to be learned and singing the particular harmonic part with the other three harmonic parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas A. Holmberg
  • Publication number: 20030066412
    Abstract: There is provided a tone generating apparatus and method that enables recording and reproduction of performance made by a performer without requiring any complicated operations. Musical tones generated from a musical instrument are detected, and tone data is stored in a storage device, and the tone data stored in the storage device is reproduced and at least one tone corresponding to the tone data is egenrated when no next musical tone is detected within a predetermined period of time after a musical tone is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Kenichi Miyazawa, Eiko Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Masuda
  • Publication number: 20030066413
    Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Satoshi Usa, Masaki Sato, Eiko Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030066414
    Abstract: An electronic, voice-controlled musical instrument called the Vocolo, in which the player hums into the mouthpiece, and the device imitates the sound of a musical instrument whose pitch and volume change in response to the player's voice is disclosed. The player is given the impression of playing the actual instrument and controlling it intimately with the fine nuances of his voice. The invention comprises techniques for pitch quantization that provide esthetically pleasing note transitions, mechanisms for song recording that are suited for rhythmic repeated playback and performance evaluation of the player's pitch control, techniques related to expressive control and pitch detection, and techniques for mitigating the effect of pitch detection errors. Embodiments are disclosed for providing finger/hand interaction for expressive control, a microphone enclosure that mitigates audio feedback, and for providing rhythmic feedback to the player through mechanical vibrations induced in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Jameson
  • Publication number: 20030066415
    Abstract: A hybrid of the pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for combining pneumatically powered actuation with incompressible and controllable hydraulic damping in order to achieve smooth displacement, rapid stopping and steady and accurate positioning of the hybrid actuator in which hydraulic damping of a pneumatic actuator is obtained through utilizing positive-displacement hydraulic actuator means with zero volumetric differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Y. Shteynberg