Patents Issued in August 21, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030154783
    Abstract: In order to configure device for measuring fill-level (1) as customer and operation friendly, interface (2), which can be mechanically connected and disconnected to/from device for measuring fill-level (1), for attaching an electronic device, for example, a personal computer or an indication or operation module, is provisioned. It is advantageous for the interface to be integrated into indication and operation module (2). The transfer of data, as well as of a power current, between device for measuring fill-level (1) and interface (2) occurs, for example, by means of an inductive, capacitive, or optical coupling. Interface (2) can be mechanically connected and disconnected to/from device for measuring fill-level (1), for example, by means of a plug-in or lock-in connection, or by means of at least one magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Ralf Koernle
  • Publication number: 20030154784
    Abstract: A level indicator and method is provided which is intimately affixed to the outside surface of the outside wall of a container, for use in the determination of the level of the interface between a mass of flowable material and the void volume above it within a container. The level indicator includes a thermochromataic layer which has at least two thermochromatic materials. Each of the thermochromatic materials responds chromatically within a different operating temperature range. In one embodiment, the level indicator vertically extends substantially the height of the container. In an alternative embodiment, the level indicator vertically extends along the height of the container, in the region of the top portion of the container, and at least above the legal safe-fill level of the flowable material within the container such that overfilling of the flowable material in the container is detectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Rait
  • Publication number: 20030154785
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for balancing vehicle driveshafts. One embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprises analyzing a driveshaft and determining a balancing vector to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft. A determination is then made of the appropriate location on the driveshaft for mounting a weight to counter said imbalance and the weight is mounted to the driveshaft. An apparatus for balancing a driveshaft according to the present invention comprises one or more primary balancing weights capable of being mounted to pinion flange holes in a vehicle driveshaft. One or more secondary balancing weights are also included, each of which is capable of being mounted to, or held by, one of the primary weights. The primary weights and secondary weights are mounted to the pinion flange to provide a weight to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: VETRONIX CORPORATION, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Ray Calkins, Ohlan Silpachai, Robert J. Dial, Kevin Gehris, Michael G. Shinn
  • Publication number: 20030154786
    Abstract: A significant number of rescue workers are killed or injured each year as they conduct searches within damaged or burning structures, unaware that the structure is in imminent danger of collapse. The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and monitoring structural damages which are irreversible and which lead to inevitable collapse of a building or structure. The system includes at least one accelerometer that is housed in a device that is mounted on an exterior surface outside the burn area, and within the reach of the rescue worker. The device communicates with a remote display that provides visual and/or audible signals to indicate imminent collapse of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Duron, William P. Wiesmann, Loland Alexander Pranger
  • Publication number: 20030154787
    Abstract: An inertia detecting transducer having a reliable detection element. The element is kept to be free from deposition of gas and organic substance generated from resin adhesive. A first case of the transducer has an opening and a circuit component mounted thereon, and is provided with an external electrode and a first connection electrode. A second case includes a detection element mounted inside thereof, and an opening of the case is sealed with a sealing plate. The second case is further provided with a second connection electrode. The second case is attached to the first case so that the former covers the opening of the latter. The second connection electrode and the first connection electrode are electrically coupled. In the above-described configuration of the present invention, if an inertia detecting transducer gets a partial damage, either one of the detection element and the circuit component remaining intact can be re-utilzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Shigehiro Yoshiuchi, Shusaku Kawasaki, Toshiyuki Nozoe, Takeshi Uemura
  • Publication number: 20030154788
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor is proposed having a first and a second Coriolis element (100, 200) which are arranged side-by-side above a surface (1) of a substrate. The Coriolis elements (100, 200) are induced to oscillate parallel to a first axis Y. Due to a Coriolis force, the Coriolis elements (100, 200) are deflected in a second axis X which is perpendicular to the first axis Y. The oscillations of the first and second Coriolis elements (100, 200) take place in phase opposition to each other on paths which, without the effect of a Coriolis force, are two straight lines parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Rainer Willig, Andreas Thomae, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Joerg Hauer, Udo-Martin Gomez, Siegbert Goetz, Christian Doering, Michael Fehrenbach, Wolfam Bauer, Udo Bischof, Reinhard Neul, Karsten Funk, Markus Lutz, Gerhard Wucher, Jochen Franz
  • Publication number: 20030154789
    Abstract: In a capacitive type dynamic quantity sensor, a width of a beam in a beam portion extending in a direction that is perpendicular to a predetermined deformation direction and a gap disposed between a movable electrode and the fixed electrode in the predetermined deformation direction are approximately identical. Accordingly, manufacturing error is prevented from affecting the sensitivity of the capacitive type dynamic quantity sensor. For example, a manufacturing tolerance error of ±2.5% is allowed as a result of designing the width of the beam and the gap to be identical in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Minekazu Sakai
  • Publication number: 20030154790
    Abstract: Acoustic energy is used to control the shape of a particle or particle cluster for the purpose of inducing a phase and hence density change as a result of exposure to radiation. This process, known as optical acoustic molding, employs an acoustic transducer and reflector positioned around a particle or particle cluster to generate standing waves. These standing waves apply forces to points on the particle's surface. The locus of such points represents a three-dimensional pressure function, which will ultimately cause the particle or particle cluster to acquire a predefined shape. Once the particle or particle cluster has attained the desired shape or density, a radiation source induces rapid melting or solidification (i.e. rapid change in density) of the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Philip A. Venturelli, Fred E.C. Culick
  • Publication number: 20030154791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for non-destructive testing of a weld joint of a bolt (8) welded onto a contact area (4) on a planar sheet metal (6), more specifically a stud bolt welded on using the lift ignition method, wherein during the welding operation a weld pool (10) having a modified material structure is formed beneath said contact area (4), said method using directed ultrasonic signals and comprising the following operational steps: transmitting of ultrasonic signals into said sheet metal (6) using a directing and obliquely transmitting ultrasonic transmitter (1) at a coupling-in point (A), coupling out of the ultrasonic signals transmitted through said sheet metal (6) at a coupling-out point (B) by means of an ultrasonic receiver (2), wherein said coupling-out point (B) is located on the acoustic path of undisturbed signal spreading of the ultrasonic signals transmitted into said sheet metal (6), wherein the acoustic path of undisturbed signal spreading of the ultrasonic signals transmitt
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Joachim Wagner, Walter Schappacher
  • Publication number: 20030154792
    Abstract: An inclination angle measurement apparatus includes a first ultrasonic sensor (3) for sending an ultrasonic wave toward a reflective object (2), second and third ultrasonic sensors (4 and 5) each for receiving an ultrasonic wave reflected from the reflective object (2), and a calculation control circuit (14) for calculating an angle of inclination of a moving object with respect to the reflective object (2) based on a phase difference between ultrasonic waves received by the second and third ultrasonic sensors (4 and 5). Thus the inclination angle measurement apparatus can accurately measure the angle of inclination of the moving object with respect to the reflective object (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshio Katayama
  • Publication number: 20030154793
    Abstract: A noncontact physical property measurement instrument which easily and accurately measures physical properties of an object using a nondestructive, noncontact sensor. A noncontact physical property measurement instrument 1 is provided with a transmitting section 21 and a receiving section 22. The transmitting section 21 sends a wave to an object 41 in a medium 100, and the receiving section 22 receives a wave reflected from the object 41 and the surface of a coating 42. Both the transmitting section 21 and the receiving section 22 are connected to a gain change correction circuit 13 to form a self-excited oscillating circuit 11 serving as a feedback loop. The gain change correction circuit 13 corrects the gain to the increase side according to a phase difference between the sent wave and the reflected wave, to thereby measure any changes due to a difference in physical properties of the object 41.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Sadao Omata
  • Publication number: 20030154794
    Abstract: A pressure mediator includes a base body 20; a divider diaphragm system having a first divider diaphragm 31 and a second divider diaphragm 21, between which an intermediate chamber is enclosed in pressuretight fashion, in which the first surface of the first divider diaphragm 321, remote from the intermediate chamber, can be acted upon by the pressure prevailing in the first medium, and the first surface of the second divider diaphragm 21, remote from the intermediate chamber, is oriented toward the base body and is secured by its peripheral region to the base body, forming a pressure chamber between the base body and the second divider diaphragm 31, and the pressure chamber can be filled with the second medium and has a pressure chamber opening, through which the pressure can be transmitted by means of the second medium, and an exertion of pressure of the first divider diaphragm can also be transmitted to the second divider diaphragm via the intermediate volume; and having a sensor 4, for monitoring a proper
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Olaf Textor
  • Publication number: 20030154795
    Abstract: A three-piece pressure sensor assembly includes a one-piece pressure port formed of cold rolled steel, a stainless steel sensor element having an elongated annular side-wall, and an O-ring. The pressure port has a threaded slug at one end for attaching the sensor assembly to the wall of a pressure vessel and an annular cup at the other end. The annular cup has side-walls defining a cavity, and an annular axial recess formed in the center of the cavity receives the O-ring and a lower portion of the sensor element side-wall. A central post of the pressure port supports the inner periphery of the sensor element side-wall, and a portion of the pressure port material surrounding the recess is displaced radially inward against the sensor element side-wall, staking the sensor element in the cavity and compressing the O-ring between the sensor element and the bottom of the axial recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Pitzer
  • Publication number: 20030154796
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor element, and a resin package member that holds the sensor element. The sensor element is constructed by a semiconductor, and is capable of externally outputting an electric signal in accordance with strain generated when force is applied thereto. The sensor element is directly adhered to the package member via an adhesive layer that has Young's modulus in a range between 2.45×103 Pa and 2.06×104 Pa. Further the adhesive layer has a thickness equal to or more than 110 &mgr;m. Accordingly, the pressure sensor effectively restricts a variation in a sensor characteristic due to a thermal change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Seiichiro Ishio, Yasutoshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030154797
    Abstract: A resistance welding apparatus comprises a piston having opposing faces for applying welding electrodes to a workpiece, means for measuring a pressure ratio across opposing faces of the piston and means for controlling the supply of welding current to the electrodes in dependence on the pressure ratio. A method of resistance welding and a pressure sensor for use in the resistance welding apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Helliker, Olivier Tiberghein
  • Publication number: 20030154798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a weight monitoring system for a motor vehicle (1) which can, if appropriate, be connected to a trailer (2). The system uses weight sensors to determine the weights (F1, F2) acting on the axles of the motor vehicle, in order to calculate from them the overall weight of the vehicle, and the axle loads. In addition, a tractive force sensor may be provided in the trailer hitch so that the mass of the trailer (2) can be determined by means of the tractive force (F3) and the acceleration of the vehicle. The weight monitoring system calculates various weight variables from the measured values and monitors to determine whether they remain within defined limits. In this context, it is possible, in particular, to take into account a planned route in such a way that the limiting values of the charge are adapted with respect to the maximum altitude (Hmax) above sea level and/or the maximum gradient (smax) of the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Weyand, Wolfgang Wickler
  • Publication number: 20030154799
    Abstract: A method for the finishing treatment of work pieces, uses a processing device including a tool spindle for a processing tool and a numerically controlled (NC) feeding device. The force of the contact pressure applied to the work piece on the side of the work piece is measured and the measured force values are supplied to the numerical control (NC), which determines and fixes the feed rate at which the processing tool is advanced against the work piece. The finishing treatment is carried out in a force-controlled operating mode, in which the feed rate is controlled depending on the force of the contact pressure acting on the processing tool. A processing device is employed whose tool spindle is movably supported in the direction of the feeding movement on leaf springs on the feeding device. The processing device includes a force-measuring device effective between the tool spindle and the feeding device and operating substantially free of deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Harald Goldau, Peter Brust
  • Publication number: 20030154800
    Abstract: A torque sensing device includes a housing, an input shaft, and a pinion shaft. A torsion bar interconnects and allows rotation of the shafts relative to one another. The shafts are supported to allow axial movement within the housing. A plurality of magnets are spaced radially about the input shaft, and a stator assembly mounted to the pinion shaft extend axially over the magnets. A pair of flux rings is supported by the housing and extend annularly around the stator assembly at a radial distance from the stator assembly. Each one of a pair of flux brushes is magnetically proximal to one of the flux rings. The flux brushes are spaced apart from one another by a gap. A pair of sensors within the gap measures the direction and magnitude of a magnetic flux passing between the flux brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Laidlaw, Stephen T. Hung, Bruce A. Bowling
  • Publication number: 20030154801
    Abstract: A system for inspecting the joint of a composite structure includes a transmitting transceiver and a receiving transceiver, as well as a processing element. Typically, the composite structure includes first and second panels that are connected to define the joint, with the second panel extending outwardly from the first panel of the joint. Moreover, the composite structure includes a filler disposed at the joint. The transmitting transducer is disposed proximate an input side of the second panel and can transmit an ultrasonic signal into the second panel such that at least a portion of the signal reflects off of the first panel at the joint and exits an output side of the second panel. A receiving transducer disposed proximate the output side of the second panel can receive a reflected portion of the ultrasonic signal. And a processing element is capable of identifying a defect in the composite structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Georgeson
  • Publication number: 20030154802
    Abstract: A strain transducer strand (10) is provided comprising an elongatable central core (12) around which are helically wound one or more plastic tubes (14) each of which contains an optical fibre (16). Each tube (14) is overfilled with the optical fibre (16), such that the fibre (16) is longer than the tube (14). As the transducer strand (10) experiences strain, the core (12), plastic tubes (14), and optical fibres (16) elongate, with the helical winding acting as gearing to produce a reduced elongation in the fibres (16) proportional to the elongation of the transducer strand (10). The degree of elongation may be detected by monitoring the optical properties of light transmitted along the fibres (16). The transducer strand is particulary intended for incorporation into elongate load bearing members, such as ropes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Brian Culshaw, Nicolas O'Hear, Michael Richard Parsey, Deepak Gulabrai Uttamchandani
  • Publication number: 20030154803
    Abstract: A fan powered by a controlled external energy source and a flow measurement device measure the airflow exiting or entering grilles/registers of an HVAC system without impeding the airflow being measured. A flow straightening element is preferably employed to overcome any effects of a non-uniform or swirled airflow profile on the fan. Preferably, the RPM of the fan is measured to determine the airflow. The RPM/flow calibration of the fan is insensitive to pressure differentials or the fan is a pressure-sensitive fan submitted to appropriate pressure differentials. Alternatively, the voltage or current supplied to the external energy source is used to determine the airflow. Finally, the pressure differential across the flow straightening element can be measured to determine airflow, eliminating the impact of pressure differential across the flow measurement device and fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Peter Modera, Robert Hageman, Brian Farmer
  • Publication number: 20030154804
    Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Maria Jesus De La Fuente
  • Publication number: 20030154805
    Abstract: In a passenger judging apparatus with a load sensor excellent in practical use and capable of achieving not only the reduction of judgment delay in the case of the necessity for a quick judgment but also the improvement of the judgment accuracy in the other cases, a judgment indicating the occurrence of a state transition forming a transition between classes is made only when a load detected stays continuously in a predetermined class for a predetermined threshold time period, with the threshold time period being variably set to be different in length among inter-class state transitions. This contributes greatly to the improvement of the judgment accuracy by eliminating erroneous judgment stemming from a false signal without uselessly delaying the judgment on the state transition requiring a quick decision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takafuji, Tomoji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030154806
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a method is proposed for determining the rail pressure of an injector having a voltage-controlled piezoelectrical actuator, the piezoelectrical actuator (2) actuating a nozzle needle (11) using hydraulic coupler (4). As a result of the pressure in the high-pressure channel (13), a coupler pressure (Pk) is built up via the hydraulic coupler (4), the coupler pressure inducing a piezovoltage (Ui) in the actuator (2). Because this voltage value is redundant with regard to the pressure value in the high-pressure channel (13), which is measured by a pressure sensor (D), the voltage value can be used for monitoring the functioning of the pressure sensor (D). In the event of the failure of the pressure sensor (D), emergency operation can be built up for the injector (1) with the assistance of the induced voltage (Ui). The injector (1) advantageously functions for injecting fuel in an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes-Joerg Rueger
  • Publication number: 20030154807
    Abstract: In the case of a sensor chip according to the related art, impurities in a flowing medium may be deposited in the area of a sensor area and may permanently soil it, resulting in a negative effect on the measurement response of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Hecht, Uwe Konzelmann, Torsten Schulz
  • Publication number: 20030154808
    Abstract: A starter includes an electric motor, a pinion gear driven by the electric motor, and an intermediate gear driven by the pinion gear. The intermediate gear is coupled to the pinion gear by a coupler member in order to shift the intermediate gear toward a ring gear of an engine together with the pinion gear in a cranking operation. When the starter is not in operation, the intermediate gear is positioned at its rest position where a biasing force is applied to the intermediate gear to push it against the coupler member. Vibrant movement of the intermediate gear relative to the coupler member due to engine vibrations is prevented by the biasing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kuniaki Nito
  • Publication number: 20030154809
    Abstract: A transmission has only a single, minimal orbiter in which an input gear and an output gear, each being connected to separate input and output shafts, are interconnected through an orbiting cluster gear that meshes with only the input and output gears. The cluster gear is carried by a web that is itself rotated by a hydraulic control motor through a first clutch. When rotation of the web is prevented, rotation of the input gear produces rotation of the output gear at a predetermined reduction of the input drive, this gear reduction being continuously diminished proportional to the speed of rotation of the web in a first direction. When the vehicle reaches highway speeds, the control motor is disconnected and a second clutch is activated to connect a predetermined overdrive that is located between the engine drive and the transmission rather than being conventionally positioned between the transmission and the final output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman, Vernon E. Gleasman
  • Publication number: 20030154810
    Abstract: A motor vehicle gearbox having two concentrically supported input shafts, each of which drives an intermediate shaft, which shafts have gears meshing with gears on an output shaft. One intermediate shaft has a central synchromesh arrangement, via which the intermediate shaft, which is drive-connected to the currently undriven input shaft, can be speeded up to a rotational speed determined by the gear selected. The central synchromesh arrangement has a friction clutch and two synchromesh gears of different diameters, of which the gear with the smaller diameter is widened compared to the other and can be locked on the shaft by a clutch sleev, so that the drive torque in bottom gear can be transmitted from the one intermediate shaft to the output shaft by way of the synchromesh gear and the primary gears and on the outer input shaft and the second intermediate shaft respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Anders Hedman
  • Publication number: 20030154811
    Abstract: In a vehicle power unit, a main shaft and a counter shaft of a transmission are placed in and taken out through an opening formed on the crankcase. The main shaft and the counter shaft are rotatably held by a single transmission cover fastened to the crankcase and a cylinder block for covering the opening. In addition, the output shaft is provided with an input gear engaged with an output gear provided on a counter shaft 1 and is rotatably supported on the transmission cover by a bearing holding portion formed on the transmission cover via a ball bearing. The counter shaft and the output shaft are connected via a pair of gears, wherein the necessity of increasing the fastening rigidity with respect to the transmission cover is reduced and the accuracy of the position and the size of the mounting positions of the counter shaft and the output shaft is easily secured with the aforementioned power unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Katsutaka Hattori, Katsuhito Nakamichi
  • Publication number: 20030154812
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission detent assembly is provided that includes a housing having a bore. A movable shift rail is supported by the housing and includes a recess at least partially aligned with the bore. A detent is at least partially arranged within the bore and engages the recess. A biasing member generates a force on the detent and urges the detent into engagement with the recess. An adjustment member threadingly received within a portion of the housing coacts with the biasing member. Upon manipulation of the adjustment member, the biasing member may be moved between a plurality of compressive states in which each of the states generates a different force on the detent. In this manner, the biasing spring may be compressed or uncompressed to provide a desired shift feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew Girlando, Landon Ball, Patrick L. Scheib
  • Publication number: 20030154813
    Abstract: A detent assembly for a transmission is provided including a transmission component, such as a shift rail, movable between a plurality of shift positions including first, second, and neutral shift positions. A contoured surface on the shift rail includes first and second recesses, respectively, corresponding to the first and second shift positions. A neutral recess is arranged between the first and second shift recesses corresponding to the neutral shift position. The first and second recesses, respectively, include first and second transition surfaces sloping towards the neutral recess with the second transition surface being steeper than the first transition surface. A detent assembly includes a biasing member and a detent member with the biasing member urging the detent member into engagement with the contoured surface. The biasing member generates a first work along the first transition surface and a second force along the second transition surface greater than the first work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Dean Molde, Patrick Scheib
  • Publication number: 20030154814
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatable-and-swingable type of rotary joint device according to the present invention comprises at least an input shaft rotatably fixed to the casing of the device, a precession spherical body responsive to the rotation of the input shaft for rotating and swinging, and an output shaft operatively connected to the precession spherical body for rotating. This arrangement permits the crossing of the input and output shafts to change freely within certain angular limits, thereby substantially increasing the versatility of designing, and contributing to the down-sizing of the drive transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Rinzo Irie, Ryoji Kase, Hajime Nakayama, Minoru Suzuki, Hidetsugu Terada
  • Publication number: 20030154815
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing box (124) for mounting a steering shaft (15), having a steering column tube (125), as proposed by the invention, at least partially enclosing the steering shaft (15), co-operating with at least two bearing elements (166, 167) arranged between the steering shaft (15) and the steering column tube (125) spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft (15) at the end regions of the steering column tube (125) to mount the steering shaft (15) so that can be displaced in rotation, and the bearing element (166, 167) is provided in the form of at least two bearing parts (183; 184) displaceable relative to one another via an intermediate part (182).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Roland Heiml
  • Publication number: 20030154816
    Abstract: An actuating pedal (1) for the brake system of a road vehicle has a fastening device (6) for fixing the actuating pedal (1) in a pivot bearing (12) on a pedal block (7) of the vehicle. The pedal block is a rigid part of the body, with a pedal body (2) and with an actuating surface (3). The pedal body (2) has at least one inner metal core (8) and a plastic jacketing (9) surrounding the metal core (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Waldemar Rogowski, Keit Wagener
  • Publication number: 20030154817
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control pedal pivotally couples a lever arm to a pedal beam and biases the beam for resisting an applying force to the pedal beam and for biasing sliding surfaces together in frictional contact. A compression spring carried between a mounting bracket and the lever arm biases the pedal beam toward an idle position while at the same time causing a frictional force between the frictional surfaces, such that displacing the pedal beam with an applying force compresses the spring which increases a frictional force between the friction surfaces with an increasing displacement of the pedal beam distal end, and reducing the displacement through a retracting force on the pedal beam distal end expands the compression spring and returns the pedal beam to the idle position through a hysteresis force response for the pedal beam displacement. The hysteresis may be tuned by modifying element dimensions of the pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: William C. Staker
  • Publication number: 20030154818
    Abstract: An attachable pedal cover is designed to mount over an automobile pedal, such as an accelerator pedal, brake pedal or clutch pedal for preventing an operator's foot from slipping during operation of pedals. The attachable pedal cover is comprised of a rubber pad with anti-slip protrusions for preventing slipping of the operator's foot and a holding cap being made of a stainless or colored aluminum for snapping in the pedal cover over automobile pedals. The holding cap also serves a decorative function for improving the appearance of pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Song Geol Lee
  • Publication number: 20030154819
    Abstract: A system for determining process parameters for the ladle refinement of steel includes a computer executing a number of software algorithms for determining one or more process parameters for various steel refinement process steps. In one embodiment, for example, the computer is configured to determine the total amount of flux additions to achieve a desired sulfur percentage as part of a steel desulfurization process. In another embodiment, the computer is configured to determine the total quantity of oxygen to be injected into the steel as part of a steel reoxidation process. In still another embodiment, the computer is configured to determine a melting temperature of inclusions within the refined steel, and to determine whether this melting temperature is within an acceptable range to successfully process the steel in a continuous steel strip casting apparatus/process, or whether the steel must be reworked to achieve an acceptable inclusion melting temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Rama Mahapatra, Walter N. Blejde, Joel Sommer, Scott Story, Dave Sosinsky
  • Publication number: 20030154820
    Abstract: A foamed/porous metal having fine bubbles in a matrix of aluminum or magnesium has shells of aluminum oxide or magnesium oxide formed between the matrix and the bubbles of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Nakamura, Ryoichi Ishikawa, Katsuhiro Shibata
  • Publication number: 20030154821
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for refining silver bullion, i.e. raw silver containing generally more than 90% silver besides Se, Pb, Au, Cu and platinum group metals (PGM) as main impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Dirk Vanhoutte, Sybolt Brouwer
  • Publication number: 20030154822
    Abstract: A process for leaching precious metals from material containing precious metals, such as oxidic and sulfidic gold-bearing ores, is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: (i) leaching the precious metal with a leach solution containing a thiosulfate-based lixiviant; (ii) treating the material by oxidising precious metal in the material into a form that is leachable in a subsequent leaching step; and thereafter as a separate step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: John Hall, Michael Scott McRae-Williams, Paul Andrew White, Terence William Turney, Phillip Stephen Casey, Tracey Markley
  • Publication number: 20030154823
    Abstract: A device for widening strap clips (16) includes two clamping jaws (1/3, 1/4), which are arranged opposite each other in a common path of movement and the distance between which can be changed for widening a strap clip (16). The clamping jaws (1/3, 1/4) can be brought into engagement with each radially projecting clamping tongue (21, 22, 23) of the strap clip (16). To prevent damage to the strap clip (16), provisions are made for the clamping jaws (1/3, 1/4) to each have in the area of their faces (2/3, 2/4) facing each other a receiving groove (3/3, 3/4). The receiving groove receives the free end of the respective clamping tongue (21, 22, 23) and has a limiting web (5/3, 5/4) located toward the strap clip (16) extending behind the particular clamping tongue (21, 22, 23) during widening and points, located approximately in parallel to the path of movement, toward the clamping tongue (21, 22, 23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Publication number: 20030154824
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated screw driver driven by a compressed air to drive screws into a workpiece. A drive bit connecting portion is rotated in a right-hand direction by rotation of a pneumatic motor and is formed with a right-handed threaded hole. A drive bit is formed at one end with a righted-handed male threaded screw and at the other end with an engagement tip that engages with screws that are to be screwed into the workpiece. The drive bit is engaged with the drive bit connecting portion through threading engagement of the right-handed threaded hole and the righted-handed male threaded screw. For detaching the drive bit from the drive bit connecting portion, a rotation prevention mechanism prevents free rotation of the drive bit connecting portion. In this state, the engagement tip of the drive bit is engaged with an external tool. By rotating the external tool in a counterclockwise direction, the drive bit is disengaged from the drive bit connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michio Wakabayashi, Akira Uno
  • Publication number: 20030154825
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement of handle for the socket wrench, a continuation of the application of “An Improvement of Torque Transfer Mechanism for Socket Wrench” that the inventor previously submitted for a grant of patent, in which the handle and the turning shank are an integrally formed element with same metallic material; the turning shank is implanted in the annual slot disposed at the central part of the handle head in an effort to enhance rigid bending and durability of the handle and the turning shank. The handle head contains a hollow chamber to receive the tubular socket wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Chen Huang
  • Publication number: 20030154826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector structure for a ratchet wrench. The ratchet wrench includes a wrench body having a distal end provided with a ratchet wheel. The connector structure includes a connector secured in the ratchet wheel, a retaining member secured on an upper portion of the connector and rested on a top of the ratchet wheel, and a washer secured in the inner wall of the connector. Thus, the ratchet wrench may be used to operate and rotate a screwdriver or a socket by co-operation of the connector of the connector structure, thereby greatly enhancing the versatility of the ratchet wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Lee
  • Publication number: 20030154827
    Abstract: A socket structure includes a main body having an outer wall formed with a driving portion and an indication portion. The driving portion has a plurality of successively and longitudinally arranged teeth. The indication portion provides an indication and identification function, thereby facilitating a user identifying features of the socket structure. A method for manufacturing the socket structure includes the steps of: choosing material, forging, coarse grinding, broaching, turning, rolling, hardening, polishing, surface treatment, and forming the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Chuck Chang
  • Publication number: 20030154828
    Abstract: A open end wrench tool with a rotating wrench head having multiple openings of different sizes and a method of locking and releasing with a setting motion the rotating wrench head. A wrench tool that can be quickly changed to different sized wrench openings sized to fit hydraulic, oil, and water and fuel line fittings, generally known as AN (Air Force-Navy) fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20030154829
    Abstract: A hand tool with a composite handle includes a first body made of a steel alloy having a skeletal extension protruding from one end, and a second body coated on the outer periphery of the skeletal extension. The second body is made of composite material such as carbon fiber, fiberglass or the like. The composite material lighter than the steel alloy so that the hand tool is convenient to use. The composite material is a good insulator that can effectively prevent the user from getting an electric shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Li-Tu Lin Wu
  • Publication number: 20030154830
    Abstract: A reversible adjustable wrench comprises a handle having a fixed jaw and a guiding slot at an end of the handle. The fixed jaw has two slots at lateral sides thereof, each of which defines two stopping potion at lateral sidewalls thereof. A movable jaw has an end thereof slidable received in the guiding slot of the handle. An adjusting worm is to drive the movable jaw moving toward and away from the fixed jaw. A rotatable device has two body potions received in the slots. A pin passes through the body potions and the fixed jaw for pivoting the rotatable device at the fixed jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Publication number: 20030154831
    Abstract: Sensors are incorporated into a multiple spindle automatic screw machine in such manner as to effectively monitor burring spindle retraction and stock supply and feeding. The lubricant/coolant level sensor is housed in a protective auxiliary chamber, and adaptations to the threading axis drive, the work spindle axis drive, and the cam axis drive improve performance of the machine while at the same time reducing its complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Florian I. Nowak, Jay P. Giblin
  • Publication number: 20030154832
    Abstract: A shaving aid delivery system for a shaving system includes a razor head having a reservoir for holding a shaving aid and a heating apparatus disposed adjacent the reservoir. The delivery system also includes a shaving strip disposed within the razor head, an actuator and an ejection port. The shaving strip is oriented to engage the skin of a user during a shaving stroke and the actuator electrically couples to the heating apparatus to cause volumetric expansion of the shaving aid when activated. The ejection port directs the shaving aid from the reservoir onto the shaving strip upon activation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Raymond Guimont, Matthew Swanson, Hao-Chih Liu, Ye Tao