Patents Issued in May 29, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030097851
    Abstract: An air conditioner for air conditioning the interior of a compartment having a compressor, an electric motor, a detection device, a rotation speed sensor, and a controller is provided. The compressor compresses refrigerant gas and changes the displacement. The electric motor drives the compressor, and is capable of rotating at a constant reference rotation speed. The detection device detects information related to the thermal load on the air conditioner. The rotation speed sensor detects the rotation speed of the motor. The controller computes a target torque of the compressor at the reference rotation speed of the motor based on the thermal load information detected by the detection device, and computes an input current value to be supplied to the motor. The input current value corresponds to the target torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Taku Adaniya, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Akinobu Kanai, Kazuhiko Minami, Shigeo Fukushima, Tomoharu Arai
  • Publication number: 20030097852
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner allows storing cold thermal energy in a cold thermal energy storage unit during operation of a vehicle engine to be used later during an eco-run mode of a hybrid vehicle. Vehicle cabin air is cooled by the cold thermal energy quantity of a cold thermal energy storage unit when the vehicle engine is stopped and cold air continues to be requested by passengers. During engine operation, the cold thermal energy storage time, which is the time it takes for the temperature of the cold thermal energy storage unit to reach the solidifying point of the cold thermal energy storage material or lower, is measured. The stored cold thermal energy quantity of the cold thermal energy storage material during the operation of the vehicle engine is calculated based on information including the cold thermal energy storage time and cold air volumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tomita, Yuichi Shirota
  • Publication number: 20030097853
    Abstract: An air conditioner for air conditioning the interior of a compartment includes a compressor and an electric motor. The compressor compresses refrigerant gas and changes the displacement. The electric motor drives the compressor. A motor controller rotates the motor at a constant reference speed. A detection device detects information related to the thermal load on the air conditioner. A current sensor detects the value of current supplied to the electric motor. A controller controls the compressor based on the detected thermal load information and the detected current value. The controller computes a target torque of the compressor based on the thermal load information. In accordance with the computed target torque, the controller computes a target current value to be supplied to the electric motor. The controller further controls the displacement of the compressor such that the detected current value matches the target current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Taku Adaniya, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Shoichi Ieoka, Yasuharu Odachi, Kazuhiko Minami, Tomoharu Arai
  • Publication number: 20030097854
    Abstract: The invention includes a saddle air conditioner. The saddle air conditioner includes a remote unit having a first channel extending from a back of the remote unit. The saddle air conditioner also includes a local unit having a second channel extending from a back of the local unit. The first channel and the second channel overlap to form a bridge disposed between the remote unit and the local unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Guolian Wu, Douglas David LeClear, Andrew David Litch, Jim J. Pastryk
  • Publication number: 20030097855
    Abstract: A drain tube for a refrigerator for use with a collection pan located under a freezing zone of the refrigerator, to permit that the water travels from the freezing zone until a tray located under a compressor. The drain tube comprises a hollow nozzles the hollow nozzle includes an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being connected below of a first collection pan, and a flexible corrugated tube including a plurality of corrugations forming a triangular form, the corrugations including a first wall projected downwardly and inwardly from a top end of the first wall, and a second wall being also projected downwardly and inwardly over the first wall, forming a stepped section with peaks and grooves. The flexible corrugated tube is coupled on the lower section of the hollow nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Sergio Rovira-Adame
  • Publication number: 20030097856
    Abstract: The regulator is a refrigerant regulator intended for heatpumps and refrigerators. It has a built-in receiver, which automatically absorbs redundant refrigerant. It is a hermetic closed device without removable parts. It is robust and there is no need for adjustment. The regulator is composed of a heat exchanger with large heat capacity, a receiver and two pressure reducing valves. The two valves behave different on boiling fluid flow. One of them, named a heat sensitive valve, restricts fluid flow when the fluid is boiling. In the other valve, named a pressure sensitive valve, the boiling has no influence on the fluid flow. The regulator controls the refrigerant flow from the receiver to the evaporator by means of the pressure in the receiver—and the pressure in the receiver is controlled, via the heat exchanger, by the need of refrigerant in the evaporator. This way of control ensures 100% use of the evaporator, the suction gas is superheated, and the liquid from the condenser is sub-cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Warwick James Stokes
  • Publication number: 20030097857
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for foaming molten materials (1), wherein molten material is processed into a melt film (6), foaming agent (3) is mixed into this melt film, this melt film is atomised by an atomiser (13), is deposited as a mixture (4) onto a foaming surface (15) where the mixture is foamed into material foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Tjin Swan Oei
  • Publication number: 20030097858
    Abstract: A material for use in optical amplifiers is described. The material includes an oxide glass substrate material, a rare earth dopant and a silver dopant. The silver dopant enhances photoluminescence of the rare earth dopants in the oxide glass. The silver can be introduced into the glass using an ion exchange process or by ion implantation. Oxide glass doped with erbium ions and silver ions provides a broad excitation band for photoluminescence of Er3+ in the visible and near ultraviolet. An amplifier material according to the present invention can be formed by ion implanting a rare earth ion, for example erbium, and doping with silver by an ion exchange method. Alternatively, the silver can be implanted into the material as well. The resulting silver dopant may be dispersed throughout the oxide glass primarily as ions as a result of the fabrication method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Christof Strohhofer, Albert Polman
  • Publication number: 20030097859
    Abstract: Outerwear garment made of circularly knitted fabric in which two flattened circularly knitted tube portions (1, 2) are slitted open by a predetermined length, commencing from one end, along a longitudinal edge and in which the slitted edges, beginning at the end, are sewn together by a length less than the slitted open length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Josef Metzler
  • Publication number: 20030097860
    Abstract: The invention relates to tubular knitwear items (1) suitably shaped or modeled without the usual cutting and sewing operations and preferably without using elastic yarns. According to the jacquard design and/or to the work cycle of the textile machine, the invention enables the production of differentiated-growth fabric in specific areas or zones by the programmed exclusion of loops or knitted courses and the simultaneous production of exceeding stitches or inner frills (Bi), thus obtaining a programmed three-dimensional deformation of the knitted tube according to manufacturing needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Franco Sciacca
  • Publication number: 20030097861
    Abstract: A key safekeeping device for fitting into a hole in a door, wall or corresponding structure includes a first tubular element (10) that carries a first collar (12) on an outer end thereof. A lock cylinder (14) is detachably fitted to the first tubular element. A second tubular element (20) that carries a second collar (22) is intended for lockable engagement with the first tubular element. At least one of the collars is comprised of a separate ring-shaped part (22) that includes an internal aperture for receiving a blocking means (24) in the form of a bent/curved element that is intended to be fitted into a peripheral groove (20c) in the barrel surface of the second tubular element. The blocking element, which lies hidden in the aperture of the ring-shaped part, cannot therefore be removed when the key safekeeping device is fitted and the lock cylinder is mounted in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: ASSA AB
    Inventors: Robert Fredriksson, Daniel Andersson
  • Publication number: 20030097862
    Abstract: A process and system for producing fertilizers with reduced levels of contaminants, and particularly a flue gas scrubbing process and facility that produce a fertilizer byproduct which is treated to remove heavy metals originally present in the scrubbed flue gas. The process entails contacting a flue gas with a scrubbing solution to remove acidic gases and produce a byproduct containing a fertilizer compound precipitate and dissolved metals and/or metal compounds. A fertilizer solution containing dissolved fertilizer and dissolved metals and/or metal compounds is then produced by adding water to the byproduct, after which the pH of the fertilizer solution is adjusted one or more times with a gaseous and/or liquid alkali to form precipitates of one or more metal species. The precipitates are then removed from the fertilizer solution and the solution dewatered to yield a fertilizer product with lower contaminant levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond R. Gansley, Michael T. Hammer, Michael L. Mengel
  • Publication number: 20030097863
    Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates made from a particulate calcium source, a water-soluble binder and optionally containing a primary plant nutrient source and/or micronutrient source and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The agglomerates may be used as a soil liming agent and for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil. Also disclosed is a method for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil so as to inhibit leaching of the nutrient values from the soil and improve utilization of the nutrient values by plants grown in the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Magic Green Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Wommack, Roy M. Stephen
  • Publication number: 20030097864
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a compound used as a soil additive to enhance farming, forestry, ornamental and landscaping production in conditions of droughts and insufficient fertile soils. This composition contains potassium based absorbent acrylamide crossed linked copolymers, together with nutritional elements of fast and slow solubility, derived from mineral and organic substances, including in some cases, extracts from sea kelp as growth stimulants. This soil additive is used in varied dosages according to the type of crop, soil and climate. In field tests it has demonstrated great efficiency in enhancing crop production and/or higher quality crops and/or larger bloom and/or saving of irrigation water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Eduardo Montes, Irma Montes
  • Publication number: 20030097865
    Abstract: A support and holding structure (2) houses a fluid-operated actuator (17) controlling movement of a tool (7) close to and away from an object being marked (“A”) and movement means causing shifting of same on the surface (“S”) to be marked. The marking tool (7) comprises a ball or other engraving rolling element (7a) rotatably housed in a rolling seating (10) by interposition of small sliding balls (13). The rolling seating (10) has a rolling portion (10a) concentric with the engraving ball (7a), at which the efforts transmitted through the ball itself are discharged, and a recirculation portion (10b) spreading away from the rolling portion (10a) to ensure recirculation of the small sliding balls (13) during marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Giovanni Natalis, Paolo Stefanelli
  • Publication number: 20030097866
    Abstract: A roll shifting cylinder 14 is driven to pivot a lever arm 12, thereby shifting a work roll 1 via a thrust bearing 15. A control unit 27 performs auto-positioning control, based on a shift amount performance value of the thrust bearing 15 detected by a shift amount detection sensor 16, so as to obtain a target roll shift position. A constant clearance amount is maintained between an end surface of the work roll 1 and the thrust bearing 15 during a rolling operation, and a chockless mill is effectively used as a work roll shift mill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Tadashi Hiura, Youichi Hangai, Shigefumi Katsura, Yoshitake Kohiro
  • Publication number: 20030097867
    Abstract: A forging machine includes a housing unit fixed on a machine bed and having opposite first and second side portions. A workpiece-holding mechanism and a cutting mechanism are disposed on the first side portion of the housing unit, and are driven by a first driving device which is activated by a second driving device that drives a holder-opening mechanism disposed on the second side portion of the housing unit. An outer shield is disposed to cover the housing unit. A platform is disposed outside the outer shield, and is adjacent to the holder-opening mechanism such that a technician can stand thereon to monitor the forging operation. The workpiece-holding mechanism has a plurality of holders that do not move between a forging module and the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: FWU KUANG ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun-Te Chang
  • Publication number: 20030097868
    Abstract: A sheet metal follower associated with a press for bending a metal sheet, the follower being of the type comprising a pivot mechanism capable of causing the follower table to tilt, wherein a toothed wheel that is prevented from rotating is connected to a second toothed wheel by a cog belt, wherein the second toothed wheel pivots inside the cog belt, thereby causing the follower table to pivot about the rotary shaft, and wherein the upward and downward movements of the follower table are synchronized with its pivoting movement so that the plane in which the top support face of said table lies always includes the front edge of the matrix of the bending press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: AMADA EUROPE
    Inventors: Morikatsu Matsuda, Gerard Quesnel
  • Publication number: 20030097869
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a repair device for repairing a dent in a surface of a sheet metal structure. The repair device comprises a stand to be placed on the surface of the sheet metal structure, a pulling mechanism, which is connected to the stand, a welding head comprising at least one electrically conductive grounding connection and at least one electrically conductive pulling electrode, suitable to be welded to the surface of the sheet metal structure by a welding current. The welding current is generated by a welding machine. The pulling electrode is mechanically connected to the pulling mechanism such that the pulling electrode is movable by the pulling mechanism away from said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph Meichtry
  • Publication number: 20030097870
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining combustion condition of engine detects ion current flowing in a spark plug. The apparatus samples the ion current by carrying out A/D conversion at every constant time period. The apparatus stores a maximum value of A/D converted values as a peak hold value. The apparatus further detects and stores that the ion current traverses a reference voltage during the A/D conversion time period. The apparatus clears the peak hold value, if the ion current traverses the reference voltage. The apparatus determines the combustion condition based on the peak hold value which has not been cleared continuously over a predetermined number of times of the A/D conversion. It is possible to reduce influence of noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Takayoshi Honda
  • Publication number: 20030097871
    Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as surface tension or interfacial tension. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a resistance) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding the material samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Mansky
  • Publication number: 20030097872
    Abstract: A system for reducing oil usage from a sump in a gas turbine engine. Two sources of oil usage, which usage includes leakage and consumption, have been identified: (1) during idle, leakage of oil from an oil sump through seals and (2) during high-power operation, consumption of oil entrained in vent air exiting from the sump. At idle, the invention reduces pressure in the sump, to thereby increase airflow across the seals into the sump, to inhibit the oil leakage across the seals. At high power operation, the pressure reduction is terminated, but flow exiting the vent is artificially restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Charles Robert Granitz, Mark Eden Zentgraf
  • Publication number: 20030097873
    Abstract: A system and method for determining degradation of a post-catalyst exhaust gas sensor in an engine is provided. The engine is coupled to one or more exhaust gas catalysts. The method includes generating a first signal from a first exhaust gas sensor disposed downstream of a first catalyst. The method further includes determining an amount of oxygen supplied to one of the catalysts. Finally, the method includes determining degradation of the first exhaust gas sensor based on the amount of supplied oxygen and the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Publication number: 20030097874
    Abstract: A system for calibrating the fill times of clutches using a pressure transducer service tool includes attaching the tool to an electronic controller on the vehicle and the a clutch hydraulic fluid line, signaling the controller to calibrate the clutch, then removing the service tool. The tool is sequentially moved from one clutch hydraulic line to another to calibrate several clutches. A single service tool with several transducers and a means of switching between them may also be used. The process is automated and the controller signals the user when to make the various connections. The operator then signals the controller when the connections have been made and calibration commences automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: CASE CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Milender, Bradley Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030097875
    Abstract: An airflow sensor including a housing, a flexible substrate, and electrical components. The housing defines an internal compartment and a top face opening. The substrate includes circuitry traces, and defines a front and a back. The substrate is disposed within the compartment such that the back is exposed relative to the opening. The electrical components are electrically connected to the circuitry traces, extending from the front of the substrate opposite the opening, and include a heated temperature sensor spaced from a baseline temperature sensor. During use, airflow interfaces with the substrate back to cool the heated temperature sensor. The extent of this cooling as compared to the baseline temperature sensor is indicative of airflow. The system and method include detecting the presence or absence of airflow based upon a temperature differential between the temperature sensors as well as a rate of change in the temperature differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy L. Lentz, Jeffrey M. Hammer, Mark E. Stout, Leisha J. Rotering
  • Publication number: 20030097876
    Abstract: A heat loss gauge for measuring gas pressure in an environment includes a resistive sensing element and a resistive compensating element. The resistive compensating element is in circuit with the sensing element and is exposed to a substantially matching environment. An electrical source is connected to the sensing element and the compensating element for applying current through the elements. The current through the sensing element is substantially greater than the current through the compensating element. Measuring circuitry is connected to the sensing element and the compensating element for determining gas pressure in the environment to which the sensing element and compensating element are exposed based on electrical response of the sensing element and the compensating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Bills, Michael D. Borenstein
  • Publication number: 20030097877
    Abstract: An apparatus for accurately locating a micro-electronic chip in a chip-holding cavity for visual testing, the chip having at least a front wall and a pair of opposed, spaced-apart side walls, wherein the front wall meets with each of the side walls to form opposed, spaced-apart first and second front edges, comprising a cavity side wall formed to juxtapositionally abut at least one of the side walls of the chip, the cavity side wall having formed therein a depression creating a shadow projecting forward from the depression, wherein the first front edge of the chip forms a border of the shadow to form an objectively measurable contrast in grayness between the shadow and the chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Malcolm V. Hawkes, Jon Stuart Wright, Robert S. Burgoyne, Jeffrey L. Fish
  • Publication number: 20030097878
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of a force exerted by a persons foot on the ground is provided in a shoe, the sensor being interposed between the foot and the ground in the region of the sole of the shoe. The sensor includes a resilient compressible elastomeric middle layer of insulating material disposed between a lower conductive fabric layer and a plurality of upper conductive fabric layer portions. The resilient elastomeric layer includes a plurality of embedded electrically conductive metal filaments extending from a first surface towards a second surface of the elastomeric layer. In regions of the sensor compressed by force ‘F’ due to a persons weight the thickness of the elastomeric layer is reduced and so the metal filaments are of sufficient length to provide electrical continuity through the elastomeric layer between the lower and upper conductive fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Jonathan Farringdon, Paul A. Gough, Andrew J. Moore
  • Publication number: 20030097879
    Abstract: A flowmeter includes a measuring tube, an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound waveguide and a seal. The ultrasound transducer connects outside the measuring tube to the ultrasound waveguide, the ultrasound waveguide protruding at least partly into the measuring tube, in such fashion that ultrasound waves generated by the ultrasound transducer can be transferred to the ultrasound waveguide and, conversely, ultrasound waves received by the ultrasound waveguide can be transferred to the ultrasound transducer, The seal is positioned between the ultrasound waveguide and the measuring tube. This reduces cross coupling while at the same time enhancing the flow pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Jeroen Martin van Klooster
  • Publication number: 20030097880
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-stage variable orifice flow obstruction sensor for measuring a fluid flow. The sensor comprises a body member having an aperture therethrough. Moreover, a cover member is engaged to the body member and is disposed within the aperture. The cover member is adapted to transition between open and closed positions with respect to the aperture. Additionally, a flow-limiting obstruction member is engaged to the body member and is disposed within the aperture adjacent the cover member. The flow-limiting member is configured to apply a generally opposing force to the cover member when the cover member extends to the open position and contacts the flow-limiting member. By doing so, a pressure differential of the fluid may be sensed such that the fluid flow can be measured therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Calin I. Ciobanu, Adrian D. De Silva
  • Publication number: 20030097881
    Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter for the measurement of a process material requiring an ultra high level of purity. This is achieved by forming the entire Coriolis flowmeter of a PFA plastic material that does not transfer ions from the Coriolis flowmeter to the process material flowing through the flowmeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Andrew Schlosser, Mark James Bell, Matthew Glen Wheeler, Daniel Patrick McNulty, Gary Edward Pawlas
  • Publication number: 20030097882
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a Coriolis flowmeter for the measurement of a process material requiring an ultra high level of purity. This is achieved by forming the entire flow path of the Coriolis flow meter from a PFA plastic material that does not transfer ions from the Coriolis flowmeter to the process material flowing through the flowmeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Andrew Schlosser, Mark James Bell, Matthew Glen Wheeler, Daniel Patrick McNulty, Leland Charles Leber
  • Publication number: 20030097883
    Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed that is comprised of a base, a driver, pick-offs, and a flow tube made from a fluoropolymer substance. The base of the flow meter is comprised of a first leg and a second leg. The first leg includes a tube opening and an adhesive opening and the second leg includes a tube opening and an adhesive opening. The flow tube passes through the tube openings of the first leg and the second leg. The tube opening of the first leg has a diameter slightly larger than the flow tube to create a gap between the tube opening and the flow tube. The adhesive opening of the first leg provides access to the gap so that adhesive may be applied to the flow tube and an inner surface of the tube opening to affix the flow tube to the base. The adhesive opening in the second leg performs the same function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Edward Pawlas, Mark James Bell, Matthew Glen Wheeler, Daniel Patrick McNulty, Jonathan Steven Ash, Leland Charles Leber
  • Publication number: 20030097884
    Abstract: A mass flow measurement and control device includes an enclosure with a Coriolis mass flowmeter situated therein. The Coriolis mass flowmeter has a flow-tube made of a high-purity plastic material, a driver coupled to the flow tube for vibrating the flow tube, and a pickoff coupled to the flow tube for sensing Coriolis deflections of the vibrating flow tube. A pinch valve includes an elastomeric tube made of a high-purity plastic material in fluid communication with the flow tube. An actuator with a ram operatively connected thereto is situated adjacent the elastomeric tube, and a reference surface is positioned generally opposite the ram such that the elastomeric tube is squeezable between the ram and the reference surface. A controller may also be provided, which receives an output signal from the Coriolis flowmeter and provides a control output signal to the pinch valve actuator in response to the flowmeter output signal and a setpoint signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Wesley E. Sund, Daniel P. McNulty, Timothy W. Scott, Matthew G. Wheeler, Jeffrey L. Whiteley, Joseph C. Dille, Michael J. Barger, Gary E. Pawlas
  • Publication number: 20030097885
    Abstract: A tensiometer and method for measuring tension measure strain produced by a lateral displacement of a flexible line under tension. A block having a cylindrical cavity following a curved path is used to displace the flexible line. Tension in the line produces compressive stress within the block in the direction of the radius of curvature and tensile stress in the direction opposite the radius of curvature. A resistive strain gauge is used to measure strain due to either the compressive stress or tensile stress and a measurement circuit generates either a graphical display in accordance with standard tension measurement units, an audible or visual alarm when tension exceeds a predetermined threshold, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Terrance A. Kell
  • Publication number: 20030097886
    Abstract: A stress composite sensor has a plurality of sensor elements each including a base plate and a stress sensor disposed thereon for delivering stress signals indicating stress in one direction alone. The sensor elements have the base plates fixed together in a common plane to form a sensor segment wherein the stress sensors are provided at intervals to provide signals indicating stress in the one direction. The stress sensors optionally each include strain gauges and in an embodiment include four strain gauges. The sensor elements are arranged in rows in an embodiment and are optionally integrally fixed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Japan Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Nagao Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20030097887
    Abstract: A load cell having overload protection wherein a central cantilever beam is provided between the sensing beams in the load cell structure and is bounded by slots of narrow gap width. When an excess load is applied, the load cell structure is deformed and contacts the cantilever beam to transfer the load thereto. The gap width determines the amount of applied load which initiates the protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Clegg LaVar
  • Publication number: 20030097888
    Abstract: The semiconductor substrate is removed from a wafer or a chip wherein a defect has occurred and, thereby, the surface, which faces the substrate, that contacts the semiconductor substrate in an element formation portion is exposed. A cross section of the element formation portion is exposed through the irradiation of a focused ion beam. Furthermore, a microprober is adhered to the sample and, then, the sample including a foreign substance that is considered to be a cause of defects is detached from the element formation portion. The extracted sample is moved onto a supporting base for analysis and the sample is secured to the supporting base for analysis by forming a tungsten film. Thereby, detailed information can be gained concerning a defective portion that is located, in particular, in the vicinity of the surface of the semiconductor substrate from among defective portions that have occurred in the semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukinori Hirose
  • Publication number: 20030097889
    Abstract: A vapor trap for detecting VOCs includes a housing, having a first end portion, a second end portion and at least one opening for receiving gas vapor. The housing is at least partially buried in ground with a vapor containment mechanism detachably connected to the first end portion of the housing. The vapor containment mechanism can be removed after a predetermined time period and replaced with a vapor sampling mechanism. An organic vapor analyzer can be connected in fluid relationship to the vapor sampling mechanism to measure VOCs. Optionally, a vacuum pump can be utilized to draw vapor into the vapor trap and then subsequently into the organic vapor analyzer. There can be a first selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the vacuum pump and a second selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the organic vapor analyzer. A preferred organic vapor analyzer is a photo-ionization detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Lynn Clark Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kevin Boyd, Yale Lynn Clark
  • Publication number: 20030097890
    Abstract: Personal watercraft to be test is set in a water tank. Water flow guide plate is positioned, rearward of the stern of the watercraft, for guiding a water jet from the watercraft to make a U-turn toward a front portion of the watercraft. Vertical partition plate is positioned, centrally of the width of an underwater portion of the tank, for directing the water jet to horizontally circulate around the partition plate. In another example, water flow guide plates are provided, at four corners of the underwater portion, for sequentially guiding the water jet from the watercraft to form a vertical circular water flow, and a horizontal partition plate is provided, centrally of the height of the underwater portion, for directing the water jet to vertically circulate around the partition plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Murakami, Yasuo Torii
  • Publication number: 20030097891
    Abstract: A starter device for starting internal combustion engines having a starter motor (20) that comprises a stator (22) and a rotor (23) as well as a drive shaft (58) as starter components (21), further having a driven element (70) that can actively be connected to the drive shaft (58) and the internal combustion engine, and having a brake device (100) that acts on the driven element (70) is proposed. The starter device is characterized in that the brake device (100) can be actuated by means of at least one starter component (21) by switching on the starter motor (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Siems, Ngoc-Thach Nguyen, Sven Hartmann, Hans Braun
  • Publication number: 20030097892
    Abstract: Method and arrangement including a gearshift (22) for operating an automated transmission (11, 12) of a motor vehicle that includes a disengagement arrangement (12) positioned in the drive line between the engine (10) and the gearbox (11) of the vehicle. The gearbox can be operated between a neutral position and at least one drive position by operating the gearshift between a corresponding neutral position (N) and at least one corresponding drive position (D). In order to make possible rapid operation of the gearbox, a detector is arranged so as to detect an actuation of the gearshift (22), and the detector is connected to operating means (17, 18) for activating the disengagement arrangement (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Anders HEDMAN
  • Publication number: 20030097893
    Abstract: A face gear transmission system divides the input torque into multiple kinematic paths. The first kinematic scheme consists of a drive shaft and driven shaft having a plurality of pinions which contact a primary face gear. The second kinematic scheme consists of two independent symmetrical gear paths. One is a first pinion, a first idler and a first idler face gear and the primary face gear. The other independent gear path is a pinion on the second shaft, the idler, and second idler face gear and the primary face gear. The face gear transmission is especially applicable to rotorcraft having one or more input drive shafts to provide a proprotor transmission system which is relatively small in size and light in weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Yuriy Z. Gmirya, Jules G. Kish
  • Publication number: 20030097894
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a steering rack bar in low costs, which is hollowed in overall length, and for use in steering equipment for automobiles. A rack is formed on a first steel tube by plastic working, wherein the first steel tube has good plastic workability by low carbon content, and has high strength after hardening. The above first steel tube and a second steel tube are joined to complete a hollow steering rack bar, wherein the second steel tube has a higher carbon content and is lower cost than the first steel tube. Moreover, the second steel tube which has a margin of the strength can be thinner than the first steel tube for reduction of weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Keita Ozeki
  • Publication number: 20030097895
    Abstract: A bearing configuration in which a shaft is supported by a first and second bearings, the second bearing being spaced from the first bearing. The first bearing and said second bearing are supported by a corresponding first bore and second bore in a shaft housing, a first axis being coincident with an axis of the first bore and a second axis being coincident with an axis of the second bore. The first axis and the second axis are purposefully offset from one another a sufficient distance to substantially eliminate internal clearance within the first bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Paul D. Cashatt, Alexander J. Murray
  • Publication number: 20030097896
    Abstract: A manual transmission shifting device in which a shifting force is transmitted only by a first rod from a shift lever to a transmission and the shifting force transmitted to the first rod is supplied to the transmission via a simple mechanical link system, such that the number of components is reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of transmitting the shifting force to a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Seung-Doon Ryu
  • Publication number: 20030097897
    Abstract: Because a shift lever device 10 uses attracting force of a fixed iron core 150A, 216A of a magnet 150 or an electromagnet 216 in switching between a lock state and an unlock state at a shift lock mechanism 118 and a key interlock mechanism 200, the mechanisms can be made compact. When a shift lever 12 is changed from a “D” shift position to a “4” shift position and when the shift lever 12 is changed from a “2” shift position to an “L” shift position, a link 30 is rotated in a same direction. Thus, a sliding direction of a slider 38 which detects a rotational position of the link 30 is only one, and a placement size of a detecting member 48 can be made small and the device can be made compact. Because the shift lock unit 88 is equipped integrally with shift lock mechanism 118, and the link 30, the slider 38 and the detecting member 48 of a sensing mechanism, the shift lock unit 88 can be made compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Eiji Yamada, Yoshinobu Yokoyama, Kenichi Kako, Haruyuki Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20030097898
    Abstract: A foot operated throttle for all-terrain vehicles having an engine for propelling the vehicle, two handlebars for steering the vehicle, and a throttle lever connected to one of said two handlebars for controlling the speed of the engine, the foot operated throttle including a foot pedal assembly connected to an all-terrain vehicle for selective actuation by a foot of an operator of an all-terrain vehicle, and a cable assembly connected to the foot pedal assembly and to a throttle lever mounted on a handle bar of the all-terrain vehicle for movement of the throttle lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Fred H. Dawson, Lee C. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030097899
    Abstract: A resetting device for pedals of a motor vehicle is shown, which is shown [“provided”-Tr.Ed.] with a spring element 6, which is fixed on a mount 9 at the pedal 1, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, at a corresponding mount 10, in which at least one spring-loaded friction element 12 with at least one friction surface pair 13, 14 is arranged according to the present invention between the pedal 1 and the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Andree Burgstaler, Jan Dutz, Simone Patzold
  • Publication number: 20030097900
    Abstract: A seal assembly includes a support, an outer seal extending circumferentially around a radially outer surface of the support, and an inner seal extending circumferentially around a radially inner surface of the support. In a more specific embodiment, the support comprises an annular base member, an inner ledge extending from a radially inner side of the base member, and an outer ledge extending from a radially outer side of the base member. The inner seal is disposed at a radially inner edge of the base member opposite the inner tubular member, and the outer seal is disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamanaka