Patents Issued in July 29, 2003
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Patent number: 6598663Abstract: The present invention includes molding additives and molded materials. This invention also includes machines or electronic apparatus using these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes for making and using these devices and systems. In a preferred embodiment, a dye that fluoresces via ultraviolet absorption is dispersed in an organic additive. The additive is mixed with a molding material that is then formed into a shaped article by compaction. The resultant shaped article is then observed under an ultraviolet lamp to determine fluorescence variation, such variation corresponding to density gradients in the article.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: The Ohio State University Research FoundationInventor: John J. Lannutti
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Patent number: 6598664Abstract: A bypass seal for a rotary regenerative air preheater includes primary and secondary seal leaves that are joined at a single position longitudinally intermediate their first and second sends. The first end portion of the primary seal leaf extends longitudinally beyond the first end of the secondary seal leaf and the second end portion of the secondary seal leaf extends longitudinally beyond the second end of the primary seal leaf. When installed in the air preheater, the first end portion of the primary seal leaf of each bypass seal in one of the seal rings overlaps the second end portion of the secondary seal leaf of an adjacent bypass seal in the seal ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) LtdInventors: Kurt M. Fierle, Robin B. Rhodes, Charles R. White
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Patent number: 6598665Abstract: A system for supplying air to first and second regions of a vehicle passenger compartment, has a first fan, a heater device, and first and second air conduits. The heater device has a first air inlet and outlet for air from the first fan and a second air inlet and outlet for recirculating air within the passenger compartment. The first and second outlets of the heater device supply air through the first and second air conduits to the first and second regions of the said vehicle. The second air conduit is connected to said second air outlet of said heater device via a second fan operable in use to selectively supply air through the second conduit to the second region of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Valeo Climate Control, Inc.Inventor: Stefan Schwarz
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Patent number: 6598666Abstract: A CPU cooling arrangement is constructed to include a heat sink fastened to a CPU holder and disposed in contact with the CPU in the CPU holder, the heat sink having a vertically extended solid base and longitudinal radiation fins at two sides of the solid base, two fans respectively vertically mounted on the radiation fins at two sides of the heat sink, and resilient metal fastening wire rods respectively hung on the heat sinks at two sides and hooked in respective mounting holes of the fan to secure the fans to the heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Global Win Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Jen Lin
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Patent number: 6598667Abstract: A heat dispensing device includes a base with a protruding central ridge and two inclined top surfaces are respectively connected to two sides of the central ridge and slope outward from the protruding central ridge. A plurality of heat dispensing plates extend from each of the inclined top surfaces and a fan is located above heat dispensing plates. The air streams will bounce outward when striking the inclined surfaces and efficiently remove the heat out from the base and plates.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Yung-Pin Kuo
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Patent number: 6598668Abstract: A top cover for an electronic equipment cabinets where the top cover is made of upper and lower synthetic resin panels which are welded at their edges to form an air chamber therebetween. The upper panel is domed while the lower panel has a corrugated like structure. Access ports are provided which may be sealed shut. Rain directing berms are also provided to direct rain to the corners of the cover and away from access doors to a sealed electronic equipment chamber in the cabinet. A lateral air and water exhaust duct extending the width of the cover is provided as a path for exhaust air from a heat exchanger which normally moves in one direction but under high wind conditions may move in the opposite direction and for allowing the passage of rain water from one side of the cabinet to the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Cosley, Julius C. Lockhart
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Patent number: 6598669Abstract: An improved fin array for use in a heat transfer assembly, such as a condenser for a vehicle air conditioning system, and a method of making the improved fin array, are disclosed. The fin array comprises an elongated one-piece fin member having top and bottom base portions with fin sets extending between adjacent top and bottom base portions. The top and bottom base portions are generally flat for bonding to the heat exchanger tubes, such as by brazing. Each fin set includes a plurality of individual fins extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal length of the fin member and having side edges that are longitudinally offset with respect to each other. The offset fin edges provide increased fresh air flow over the individual fins and thus increase the efficiency of the overall heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Peerless of AmericaInventor: Roger Paulman
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Patent number: 6598670Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a defroster opening and a foot opening are provided at both right and left sides of a face opening. An outlet portion of a warm air passage has an enlarged portion offset to right and left side of the outlet portion of the cool air passage. During a bi-level mode, cool air from the cool air passage flows toward the face opening, and warm air from the warm air passage flows toward the foot opening, On the other hand, during a foot/defroster mode, cool air from the cool air passage and warm air from the warm air passage are mixed at an Inlet portion of the foot opening and the defroster opening and the mixed air is introduced into the foot opening and the defroster opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shiho Hashimoto, Yoshihiko Okumura
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Patent number: 6598671Abstract: An apparatus for heating the interior compartment of a vehicle, the apparatus has a primary heating system, a secondary heating system and an operating system. The primary heating system receives and circulates an engine coolant through a heater core. The secondary heating system receives and circulates a gas, the secondary heating system heats the gas and circulates the heated gas through a heat exchanger. The operating system for operating the heating systems, the operating system receives a plurality of inputs and in response to the inputs the operating system determines which of the heating systems is to be activated in response to a heating request. The operating system also determines whether or not to deactivate one or both of the heating systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Xin Zeng, Gregory Alan Major
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Patent number: 6598672Abstract: An anti-extrusion ring for a packer assembly comprises first and second ring portions that are divided into a plurality of discrete arcuate segments. The segments are adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein each segment is in contact with adjacent segments, and an expanded position wherein gaps are formed between the segments. At least one of the ring portions is adapted to face a resilient sealing sleeve of the packer assembly. The first ring portion is circumferentially offset from the second ring portion such that at least one of the first and second ring portions extends across the gaps during movement of the segments toward the expanded position. In this manner, extrusion of the sealing sleeve through the gaps is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Greene, Tweed of Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Merle L. Bell, Daniel P. Bagley, Scott C. Schuette
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Patent number: 6598673Abstract: A wellhead load ring constructed in the shape of a C-ring is pre-installed in a wellhead in a storage position that maintains full bore of the wellhead. The load ring is secured in this position by shear pins. The shear pins are sheared by a tool that pushes the load ring into an operational position where it rests on a landing shoulder of a support ring. The load ring is further secured in this position by one of several latching methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Stanley Hosie, Marc Minassian, Norman Brammer
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Patent number: 6598675Abstract: A well control valve assembly having a downhole portion with a primary valve, and electromechanical actuator connected to the valve and a first wireless communicator connected to the actuator. The assembly further includes an uphole portion having a pump, a second wireless communicator complementary to the first wireless communicator and being supported in the uphole portion of the valve assembly. The downhole portion and uphole portion are physically non-connected and informationally connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Terry R. Bussear, Kevin R. Jones
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Patent number: 6598677Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another down hole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John L. Baugh, Rod Bennett, George Givens
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Patent number: 6598678Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, Kevin O. Trahan
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Patent number: 6598679Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is adapted to be located in a conduit to be severed. The apparatus includes an upper ignition device, combustible material and a lower nozzle with a diverter. In operation the ignition device is actuated to ignite the combustible material to form a flame of hot gases for passage through apertures of the nozzle to the diverter which directs the hot gases radially outward and against the conduit to be severed. A uniform mixing cavity is provided above the nozzle in the flow path of the flame to the nozzle for mixing the hot gases prior to passages through the nozzle. A lower cavity is provided for the hot gases flowing out of the nozzle for pressurizing the hot gases at the outlet of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: MCR Oil Tools CorporationInventor: Michael C. Robertson
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Patent number: 6598680Abstract: A wellhead apparatus which includes a spool for use in a horizontal tree and having a vertical bore therethrough, and a tubing hanger adapted to be lowered into and landed within the bore of the spool to suspend a tubing string on the lower end of the tubing hanger within the wellbore. The spool has a radial opening therethrough to receive a bellows which forms a fluid passageway removably mounted within the opening by means of a flange on the outer end of the bellows releasably connected to the outer side of the spool. The tubing hanger has an opening therethrough which includes a lateral portion connecting with its outer diameter and a vertical portion leading to a pressure responsive operator for a tubing safety valve. The passageways have seal surfaces on their opposing ends, and the end of the stem is engaged by the seal surface of the bellows to open the poppet as the hanger is lowered.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
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Patent number: 6598681Abstract: The present invention provides a electric submersible pump assembly for producing a fluid from a production zone to the surface and operated independently by one or more electric submersible motors using a dual or multiple gearbox, the electric submersible pump assembly including an inlet pump having a section head into which fluid enters from the production zone to the inlet pump, an outlet pump having an intake section communicating with the inlet pump so that fluid received therefrom is discharged through the outlet pump, an electric submersible motor, a first motor interface that connects the electric submersible motor to the inlet pump, and a second motor interface that connects the electric submersible motor to the outlet pump; each motor interface having a gearbox that connects to the electric submersible motor, a pump shaft connector that connects to the pump, and a seal section that joins the pump shaft connector to the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Wood Group ESP, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Berry
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Patent number: 6598682Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving reservoir communication includes, in one arrangement, use of one or more chambers to create an underbalance condition and/or a fluid surge in the wellbore. In another arrangement, a tool string comprises a packer, a circulating valve, and an atmospheric chamber, in which the circulating valve, when open, is adapted to vent a lower wellbore region below the packer when the packer is set, and the atmospheric chamber is capable of being operated to create an underbalance condition below the packer. In yet another arrangement, an apparatus comprises a subsea wellhead equipment including a blow-out preventer, choke line filled with a low density fluid, and a kill line filled with a heavy fluid. The choke line is adapted to be opened to create an underbalance condition in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Ashley B. Johnson, James E. Brooks, Lawrence A. Behrmann, Adinathan Venkitaraman, Ian Walton, Anthony P. Vovers, Vladimir Vaynshteyn, Dinesh R. Patel, Michael W. Fruge
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Patent number: 6598683Abstract: A driver tool provides an apparatus and method for installing shaft objects such as casing, pipes, poles, bars, rods, piles or tubes into the ground or other surrounding media. The driver tool has a steel tower on which is mounted a pneumatic or hydraulic hammer. The hammer is attached to a chain-driven mounting plate controlled by a hydraulic or air-driven motor so that the hammer slides in either direction along the tower. In a typical operating position, the tower is generally vertical to the ground and positioned over a shaft section so that the hammer can drive the shaft object into the ground at a manually controlled rate. The hammer and tower are mounted on a chassis having turf tires for rough terrain capability. In its transport position, the tool is positioned on its tires, with the tower generally horizontal to the ground. As a result, the driver tool can be easily moved and operated by one or two men and operated in limited access areas.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Ultimo Organization, Inc.Inventors: Frank D. Ultimo, Sr., Luis Enrique Hernandez, Naepu Joseph Pak
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Patent number: 6598684Abstract: Power tools (1) may include a drive source (22). A device for generating an elevated torque, such as a hammer (4) and anvil (2), may be operably coupled to the drive source. Preferably, a sensor (30) detects when the hammer has begun to strike the anvil and generate the elevated torque. A control device (38) communicates with the sensor and the drive source and communicates signals to the control device when the hammer has begun to strike the anvil and generate the elevated torque. Preferably, the control device determines whether the when the hammer has begun to strike the anvil and generate the elevated torque either (1) before a fastener has reached a seated position against a workpiece or (2) after the fastener has reached the seated position against the workpiece. Thereafter, the control device only controls the operation the drive source based upon signals generated by the sensor after the fastener has reached the seated position against the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Masahiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 6598685Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a drilling fluid. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical flange member having a first and second passage and a cylindrical sleeve having an internal fishing neck. An attachment pin attaches the flange member to the cylindrical sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a screen member attached to the cylindrical sleeve. In one embodiment, the first and second passage are disposed off-centered so that four bore holes are created. The attachment pin cooperates with a groove formed on the sleeve's outer diameter surface. The apparatus may further include a pulling tool. The pulling tool contains a plurality of dog members disposed about a mandrel, and a spring that urges the dog members into engagement with a protuberance on the mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a shear pin attaching the dog members to the mandrel and wherein the shear pin is disposed within a slot so that the dog members can move axially relative to the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Benny Donald Mashburn
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Patent number: 6598686Abstract: A system for enhanced access to subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore pattern having a first well bore extending from a surface well bore substantially defining a first end of the area in the subterranean zone to a distant end of the area. The pattern also includes a plurality of lateral well bores extending outwardly from the first well bore. The distance from an end of a lateral well bore to the surface well bore may be configured to be substantially equal for each of the lateral well bores to facilitate forming the lateral well bores. The system and method may also include nesting two or more well bore patterns within the subterranean zone to provide uniform coverage of the zone. Additionally, the system and method may include multiple well bore patterns in communication with a common surface well bore to reduce the surface area required for accessing the subterranean zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: CDX Gas, LLCInventor: Joseph A Zupanick
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Patent number: 6598687Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jay M. Eppink, Albert C. Odell, II, James W. Estep, James B. Terry, Thomas Platt Wilson, William F. Trainor
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Patent number: 6598688Abstract: A drill member, or “drill steel,” is used in a drilling system for installing roof bolts in a mine. The drill member comprises an elongated bar having a central through bore and opposite open ends. The bar has a cross section that defines a circular outside perimeter and a polygonal inside perimeter. The polygonal inside perimeter is configured for coupling of the drill steel to drill bits at one end and to a motorized drill driving device at an opposite end.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: John Wang
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Patent number: 6598689Abstract: A roller cone for a drill bit is disclosed which includes a cone body having a plurality of sockets. An interior portion of at least one of the sockets is treated on an interior surface of the socket to provide a residual compressive stress proximate the interior of the socket to reduce stress cracking. Forms of treating include shot peening, laser shock peening and hammer peening. In one embodiment, the socket is treated over approximately the lower 50 percent of the lateral wall. In another embodiment, the socket is treated on the bottom surface from the lateral wall inward approximately 33 percent of the diameter of the socket. Another aspect of the invention is a roller cone for a drill bit including a cone body having a plurality of sockets formed in the cone. In this aspect, an interior portion of at least one of the sockets is locally annealed on an interior surface of the socket. In one embodiment, the socket is locally annealed over approximately the lower 50 percent of the lateral wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Robert Harlan Slaughter, Jr., Fakhroldin Mohammad Jadbabaei
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Patent number: 6598690Abstract: The invention is a roller cone drill bit including a seal adapted to seal between the bit body and a roller cone on the drill bit. The seal includes a seal body formed from a material that is adapted to energize the seal after compression of the seal. A first dynamic seal surface formed on the seal body and is adapted to seal against the bit body. A second dynamic seal surface is formed the seal body and is adapted to seal against the roller cone. The first and second dynamic seal surfaces are formed from a material adapted to withstand relative motion between the first dynamic seal surface and the bit body and between the second dynamic seal surface and the roller cone.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Steven W. Peterson
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Patent number: 6598691Abstract: An electric vehicle in which driving force of a motor driven by batteries is transmitted through a reduction device and a differential to front wheels. The motor and the reduction device are disposed at portions of a vehicle body rearwardly of the differential and hence, a portion of the vehicle body in front of the differential is enlarged and can effectively function as a crushable zone upon a frontal collision of a vehicle. Moreover, the motor and the reduction device which are heavy components are disposed near a central portion of the vehicle body, leading to a mid-ship layout. This conrtibutes to an enhancement in motional property of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Mita, Kazunari Takahashi, Shiro Yamamuro
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Patent number: 6598692Abstract: The guidance assembly includes a diode device (30, 130, 230) for emitting a vertical line of laser light (32). The assembly is characterized by an alignment mechanism for maintaining the vertical line of laser light (32) in parallel alignment with gravity to compensate for misalignment of the upright axis of the carriage (12) from vertical to maintain the vertical line of laser light (32) aligned with gravity as the carriage (12) moves over an uneven plot. In the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 5, the alignment mechanism includes a rotary motor (38 and 138), for rotating the diode device (30, 130) for rotating the vertical line (32) relative to the upright axis of the carriage (12). The third embodiment of FIGS.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Self-Guided Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Paul G. Angott
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Patent number: 6598693Abstract: A controller for controlling the rotation of a motor is disposed inside a casing of a power unit for transmitting the rotation of the motor to a driving wheel. An induction-type switch for operating the controller is provided inside the casing of the power unit. A power source converter is provided for driving electrical equipment on the vehicle, and is disposed inside the casing of the power unit. Further, an accelerator opening sensor for detecting the magnitude of an output demand for the motor is provided, and is disposed inside the casing of the power unit. This arrangement concentrates the mass into the power unit, and encloses the high voltage system within the power unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Honda, Tomokazu Sakamoto
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Patent number: 6598694Abstract: A wheel hub drive includes a stationary hub carrier, a rotational hub, a hydrostatic axial piston motor using the swashplate construction fastened to the hub drive and in a direct drive connection with the hub, and a brake connected directly between the hub carrier and the hub. To achieve the smallest possible dimensions of the hub drive, the axial piston motor has an external bearing cylinder block and a motor shaft that is free of lateral forces and is rotationally synchronously coupled with the hub. The hub has a separate bearing system for mounting in the hub carrier. A bearing system is radially between a central bearing journal of the hub and a bearing segment connected with or formed on the hub. The bearing system is preferably formed of two helical roller bearings in an O-arrangement. The brake is located radially outside and axially inside the area of the bearing system. A flange provided on the hub for fastening at least one wheel rim has a companion drum that covers the brake.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventor: Franz Forster
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Patent number: 6598695Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system is provided. The steering system comprises a steering shaft and a stop mechanism. The steering shaft is configured for a first angular displacement about a first axis. The steering shaft comprises a first geared portion and a first end. The first end is connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The stop mechanism comprises a stop portion and a second geared portion. The stop portion defines a first position and a second position. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that angular displacement of the steering shaft imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the stop mechanism. The first angular displacement is limited when the second angular displacement is such that the steering shaft abuts the stop portion at either the first position or the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Zdravko Menjak
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Patent number: 6598696Abstract: The present invention involves a purge device for a steering gear assembly of a vehicle. The steering gear assembly includes a steering piston chamber having a piston moveably housed therein and having a hydraulic assist port formed on the steering piston chamber. The device comprises a purge channel in fluid communication with the hydraulic assist port and housed in the steering piston chamber. The purge channel extends to a channel opening positioned at a first portion in the chamber to purge trapped air from the chamber during operation of the steering gear assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Donald Emmett Lucking, James Richard Robertson
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Patent number: 6598697Abstract: This invention refers to an improved rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus for automotive vehicles comprising a cylindrical housing attached to a body structure of the vehicle, and a steering rack shaft mounted within the housing for sliding movement therethrough. Opposite ends of the steering rack shaft are coupled to left and right tie rods through ball joint assemblies to steer a set of road wheels in accordance with lateral displacement of the rack shaft. The rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus further includes a pair of protective boots of elastomeric material, each defining left and right ball joint chambers for sealing a steering gear and components of the ball joint assemblies against debris and foreign fluids. Furthermore, the steering apparatus of the present invention includes a pressure equalization system for equalizing pressure in the left and right ball joint chambers.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Dana Industrial S/AInventor: Wilson Yukio Oishi
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Patent number: 6598698Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus 1 comprises an electric motor 8, a vehicle speed detecting section (vehicle speed sensor) VS, a shifting state detecting section for detecting a shifting state of the vehicle, an engine rotational speed detecting section (engine rotational speed sensor) ES, and a motor control section (controller) 12 for controlling drive of the electric motor 8. The motor control section 12 includes a failure determination section (vehicle speed sensor failure determination section) 21 for determining failure of the vehicle speed detecting section on the basis of a vehicle speed, a shifting state and an engine rotational speed. The failure determination section 21 determines that the vehicle speed detecting section VS malfunctions if the engine rotational speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotational speed for a determinative continuous-time and/or a first determinative integrated time while the vehicle speed is zero and the shifting state is a vehicle driving state.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Murata, Osamu Tsurumiya, Tomoaki Sugano, Atsushi Kurauchi
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Patent number: 6598699Abstract: An electric power steering system determines an assist control quantity for assist control by multiplying a turning torque applied to a steering wheel by a control gain, a damping control quantity for damping control by multiplying a rotational speed of motor by a control gain and a feedback control quantity for steering angle feedback control from a deviation between a target rotational speed of motor determined on the basis of the turning torque and an actual rotational speed of motor, and controls an electric motor with a motor control quantity that is determined on the basis of the assist control quantity, the damping control quantity and the feedback control quantity.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Shin Takehara, Kiyoshi Sakamoto
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Patent number: 6598700Abstract: The present invention relates to loudspeaker cabinets composed of a moldable wood material and a method for making the same. In particular, the present invention relates to loudspeaker cabinets composed of a compression molded cellulose (CMC) material resulting in a cabinet for loudspeakers with improved acoustic and physical properties. In accordance with the present invention, a compression molded cellulose material, and a process for the mixing, extrusion, and compression molding of the compression molded cellulose material has been developed. Cabinet designs with rounded forms are made possible using the compression molded cellulose material and process. The characteristics of the compression molded cellulose material in combination with the unique shape of each cabinet is designed to enhance the fidelity of the sound produced by the loudspeaker mounted in the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Ernest C. Schroeder
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Patent number: 6598701Abstract: Shaped, microperforated sound absorbers and methods of making the same are herein provided. In one embodiment, the sound absorber is produced from a polymeric, typically plastic, film having a series of microperforations formed over all or a portion of the film surface. The film is then formed to produce the desired three-dimensional shape. The depth of the three-dimensional shape is controlled to provide the desired cavity depth which, in turn, influences the sound absorption spectrum. After forming, the three-dimensional shape is maintained without the need for additional supports or frames. Deformation of the microperforations due to the forming process does not substantially interfere with the sound absorption properties of the film. Further, film resonance over largely unsupported portions also has little effect on the sound absorption spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth B. Wood, Paul A. Martinson
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Patent number: 6598702Abstract: An under bridge access vehicle includes a tower having a ladder section and a platform section, and a vehicular chassis including a turntable mounted on the vehicular chassis for rotation thereabout and a tiltable frame mounted on the turntable in pivotal disposition relative thereto. A cross-linking member, including a pair of elongate arms pivotally joined intermediate respective lengths thereof, extends between and connects together the tiltable frame and tower. Specifically, a first of the arms includes an end mounted at a fixed location on the tiltable frame and another end slidably mounted on the ladder section, and a second of the arms including an end slidably mounted on the tiltable frame and another end slidably mounted on the ladder section, with each said arm extending between and being pivotally connected to the respective ends thereof. A first cylinder interconnects the tiltable frame and cross-linking member whereby the tower is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventors: Garth E. McGillewie, Jr., Garth E. McGillewie, Sr.
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Patent number: 6598703Abstract: An externally concealable modular high-rise emergency evacuation apparatus that enables people, including the injured, the elder or drabled persons to escape entrapment from or to bypass the levels of a high-rise building that is impassable due to flame, smoke or heavy damage, with very little effort or assistance, comprising a slanted cylindrical booth with a trap door bottom, elongated poles with trusses, expandable reinforced descent tubes with fire-proof skin, stabilizer webbings, an inflatable slide, and active components comprised of sensors, switches, latches and relays that coordinates, prequalifies and controls access then egress through the apparatus, with emphasis on checking the integrity of a complete escape path and approximating free space for each evacuee within said descent tubes, thereby enhancing supported evacuee volume and safety.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Roberto Sanchez Catalan
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Patent number: 6598704Abstract: A truck catwalk system for allowing an individual to easily access the interior of a truck box. The inventive device includes a pair of support brackets, at least one pivot bracket, a pair of chains attached to the support brackets, a catch mechanism pivotally attached to one of the support brackets, a platform pivotally attached to the support brackets and catchably engaged by the catch mechanism, a foldable rail structure attached to the platform, a handle attached to the platform, and a ladder attached to the platform and the truck box.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: David A. Hansen
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Patent number: 6598705Abstract: An oil passage extending from an oil pump to a discharge port in an internal combustion engine is, at its halfway point, branched into at least two oil passages, for example, a first oil passage and a second oil passage. One of the at least two branched oil passages, for example, the second oil passage is provided with a restricting portion configured as a first orifice for restricting a flow amount of oil by reducing a diameter of the first orifice. A bypass valve is provided which acts, when a hydraulic pressure in the second oil passage exceeds a specific value, to bypass the first orifice so as to increase the flow rate of oil. It is possible to increase the hydraulic pressure at the time of low speed rotation up to a necessary pressure only by providing the restricting portion, without enhancing the performance of the oil pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuhiko Ito, Yoshihiro Yoshida, Kazuhiro Yasuda, Hideyuki Tawara
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Patent number: 6598706Abstract: An emergency escape veranda apparatus includes a movable veranda member (1) provided so as to form a veranda in a normal state together with a stationary veranda portion (2) projected outside a building. A lowering device (3) makes the movable veranda member (1) descend vertically in an emergency state.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Takeuchi Precision Works Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuo Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6598707Abstract: An elevator installed in an elevator shaft has a cage, a counterweight, hoist cables suspending the cage and the counterweight, and a driving unit disposed outside a space in which the cage moves vertically in the elevator shaft, and provided with drive sheaves around which the hoist cables are wound to move the cage and the counterweight in the elevator shaft by the driving unit. The hoist cables are wound around the drive sheaves and sheaves supported on the cage and the counterweight in two-to-one roping arrangement such that the driving unit is at a level below the ceiling of the cage as located at its uppermost position. The cage-side sheaves are disposed at four positions on the lower portion of the cage respectively and symmetrically with respect to a center of gravity of the cage in a top plan view.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shigeo Nakagaki, Kazuo Shimane, Kazuaki Miyakoshi, Masaru Tateyama
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Patent number: 6598708Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a roller screw that includes a main shaft, a plurality of roller shafts projecting radially outwardly and upwardly at an angle from the radial direction of the main shaft and arranged along a helical line there around, and a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the roller shafts. The rollers are tapered to the same angle inwardly toward the main shaft. A rail member, adjacent to and axially oriented with the main shaft, includes a plurality of spaced projections adapted for radial engagement with the tapered rollers. The angle of the tapering is pre-determined to provide a sliding free engagement between the rollers and the projections with the interface there between being oriented to intersect the rotation axis of their respective roller shaft on the rotation axis of the main shaft. The rotation of the main shaft axially moves the roller screw relative to the rail member.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Les Produits Fraco LteeInventors: André St-Germain, Luc Tessier
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Patent number: 6598709Abstract: An auxiliary device for displacing a payload receptacle, which stands outside a station, into one of the stations. The auxiliary device includes a temporarily activatable brake release device for releasing the braking device and an auxiliary drive device for displacing the payload receptacle when the brake release device is activated. The brake release device and the auxiliary drive device are arranged in the uppermost region of the elevator shaft and are actuable by way of a crank rod linkage. The crank rod linkage includes a lower actuating end, which can be brought from a rest setting into a working setting. The crank rod linkage is coupled with a rod linkage extension, the vertical effective length of which corresponds with at least the vertical spacing of the walk areas of two adjacent stations.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Kurt Bammert
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Patent number: 6598710Abstract: An elevator system in which a car travels upward and downward among a plurality of floors includes an elevator control unit and terminals each having a wireless transmitting/receiving unit. The terminals are provided for the elevator control unit and for each of the floors. Transmitting/receiving of signals between two of the terminals distant from each other is effected so as to at least enable wireless bi-directional communication between the two of the terminals distant from each other by relaying signals through another wireless transmitting/receiving unit of another of the terminals.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhisa Motoyama, Hiromi Inaba, Atsushi Kawabata, Yoshinori Ohkura, Kenichi Yamashita
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Patent number: 6598711Abstract: An indicating device for an elevator installation includes an electroluminescent indicator and a sound-reproducing apparatus, wherein the sound-reproducing apparatus is glued to a rear side of the electroluminescent indicator. The electroluminescent indicator and the sound-reproducing apparatus are mounted on a frame that snaps into a housing to form a module that can be attached to a wall mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Lukas Barmet
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Patent number: 6598712Abstract: The present invention relates to two braking devices employed in a baby carriage. The braking device includes a braking base, a braking wheel, a pad, a pad surface, a stop node and a linkage set. The linkage set connects to two braking devices. When the user step down the pad, the braking devices will be activated to a releasing mode. The baby carriage is therefore able to move. If the user steps down the linkage set, the baby carriage will enter into a braking mode. Thus the baby carriage will be secured and stopped.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Kingstar Baby Carriage Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Wei Sun
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Patent number: 6598713Abstract: A hydraulic intensifier generates a hydraulic pressure which is higher than the input hydraulic pressure generated in the discharge port and the outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber. The hydraulic intensifier, provided inside a case member, has a discharge part connected with an outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber. An input port supplies input hydraulic pressure from the exterior to an input oil chamber of hydraulic intensifier. Oil is filled in a sealed manner in outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber.and discharge part. The hydraulic intensifier is driven by the input hydraulic pressure. The rod is locked by the elastic deformation of a thinned tube part of a sleeve body. A relatively small hydraulic locking device having a relatively high power is achieved. Furthermore, a relatively small hydraulic pressure source having reduced pressure is realized.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Pascal Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takayuki Kawakami
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Patent number: 6598714Abstract: Apparatus for providing a linear movement to an actuating member while preventing axial loadings from being transmitted from the actuating member to an engaging member, such as a screw. A pressure pad or springs are interposed between an actuating member and an engaging member such that axial loadings are prevented from being transmitted from the actuating member to the engaging member due to the resilient effect of the springs or pressure pad.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: SFK Engineering and Research Centre B.V.Inventors: Andries Christian Rinsma, Jacobus Zwarts