Patents Issued in September 18, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030172679
    Abstract: The invention relates to the loading of quartz glass objects with hydrogen in an annealing process in a furnace for improving the homogeneity of the refractive index and the laser resistance while, at the same time, maintaining a specified stress birefringence of each of the glass objects. Initially, the distribution of the refractive index, the stress birefringence, the distribution of the hydrogen and the differences in refractive index, which are to the equalized, are determined in the respective glass object, after which the hydrogen change, which is necessary for equalizing the refractive index, is determined. Furthermore, the annealing temperature and its holding time, as well as the hydrogen concentration and the hydrogen pressure in the furnace are adjusted to achieve a sufficiently equalized distribution of refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Rolf Martin, Gordon von der Gonna
  • Publication number: 20030172680
    Abstract: In splicing two optical fibers to each other using an electric arc formed between electrodes images of the regions being heated and thereby fusioned to each other are taken. The images cover a rectangular field (43) having the fibers located centrally, along a center line of the field and parallel to the long sides of the field. The images are evaluated to determine a value of the position of the center of the electric arc in relation to the position of the end surfaces of the fibers. This value can then be used for placing the end surfaces just at the arc center. In the image the image of the optical fibers can be excluded so that only light intensity from the air discharge of the electric arc is recorded in the captured images. The field (41) excluded can be a narrow strip of uniform width located symmetrically around the image of the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Wei-Ping Huang, Tomas Adeback, David Wallin
  • Publication number: 20030172681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making optical fiber preforms using simultaneous plasma deposition on the inside and outside surface of a starting tube. A starting tubular member is rotated, CFOT chemicals are selectively injected into the plasma torch, and CFIT chemicals are selectively injected to flow through the hollow of the tube. The plasma torch is traversed along the tubular member to simultaneously deposit soot on the inside and outside surface. The soot on one or both surfaces may be consolidated into a silica layer as it is deposited. The plasma torch is traversed again to deposit additional soot, and/or consolidate previously deposited soot, on one or both surfaces. The process is repeated until a predetermined amount of silica is formed on the tubular member. The tubular member is then collapsed. Optionally, additional plasma deposition is performed during or after the collapsing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Mikhail I. Guskov, Eugenie B. Danilov, Wolfgang Hammerle, Mohd A. Aslami, Dau Wu
  • Publication number: 20030172682
    Abstract: In a glass preform (10) to be subjected to fiber-drawing, use is made of a cylindrical glass tube (21) whose one end in an axial direction is sealed. A plurality of glass capillaries (22) extend in the glass tube in the axial direction. The glass capillaries are fused to one another into an integral structure. The glass capillaries have air holes periodically arranged on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumio Sato, Akihiko Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20030172683
    Abstract: A fiber glass roving comprises a plurality of ends from a plurality of direct draw packages, each direct draw package having a single end. Ends from a plurality of direct draw packages may be combined to form a roving at a point of use, such as just prior to chopping the roving in a chopping gun. Assembled rovings may also be formed by winding a plurality of ends from a plurality of direct draw packages, each direct draw package having a single end, into an assembled roving package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Chi Tang, Paul A. Westbrook, Christopher G. Cross, Pu Gu, James C. Peters, John L. Sarratt
  • Publication number: 20030172684
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing socks with a circular knitting machine having at least two feeds or drops, consisting in producing the sock starting from its opposite end with respect to the toe. The toe is produced by using at least two feeds simultaneously and by actuating the needle cylinder with an alternating rotary motion so that two sets of needles, arranged on mutually opposite sides, are made to knit respectively at one of the at least two feeds and at the other one of the at least two feeds, forming stitches simultaneously, and gradually decreasing, for a preset number of rows of stitches, the needles of the two sets that are made to knit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Ando
  • Publication number: 20030172685
    Abstract: A high-elasticity wet suit fabric is made of fine count artificial fibers with fine denier counts and elastic yarns with high elongation and recovery capabilities, having a texture designed on the basis of elastic features, woven with a high-speed circular knitting machine and treated in a dyeing and finishing process. Such a high-elasticity wet suit fabric is laminated with an artificial rubber sponge in a laminating process to form a high-elastic wet suit fabric piece. The high-elasticity wet suit fabric of the present invention is better in elasticity than the conventional single-directional and low-elastic wet suit fabric, and capable to improve the comfort, flexibility and elongation of wet suits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Chi-Chou Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030172686
    Abstract: A selector actuator is provided with two controlled attraction parts (5, 6) and three non-controlled attraction parts (7, 8, 9). In the controlled attraction part (5), two magnetic coil poles having attraction sites (16a, 16b) at their top ends are arranged with a magnet in between them. In the non-controlled attraction part (7), three yokes (32a, 32b, 32c) having attraction sites (33a, 33b, 33c) at their top ends are arranged with two permanent magnets (31a, 31b) sandwiched in between them. The controlled attraction part (6) and the non-controlled attraction parts (8, 9) are similarly arranged, respectively. Each magnetic coil pole is arranged to oppose to the ends of two yokes of the same non-controlled attraction part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ueyama
  • Publication number: 20030172687
    Abstract: Tank for dyeing textile materials, comprising a storage body (1) with a mouth (10) for introducing the materials into said body (1) and, respectively for the removal thereof, and a lid (2) engaged with the body (1) by means of a corresponding hinge (21), characterized in that it comprises opening and respectively closing means with an actuator (4) acting on said lid (2) by means of an arm (3) being connected, on one side, with the body (1) via a hinge (31) having its axis parallel to that of the hinge (21) which links the lid (2) to the body (1) and, on the other, with the lid (2) via a lever (33) which is hinged, on one side, to the arm (3) and, on the other, to the lid (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Moreno Bartalucci, Mario Scatizzi, Mauro Anguillesi
  • Publication number: 20030172688
    Abstract: An engaging groove part 25 is provided at the outer circumferential edge of a rotor 20b of an outer-rotor type motor directly connected to the main shaft 14 of a drum 13, and on the other hand, a drum locking device 21 is provided directly below the shaft. The drum locking device 21 is constructed so that a lock pin moves up and down in response to rotation of a torque motor, and when the lock pin advances and fits into the groove of the engaging groove pan 25, the position of the drum 13 is fixed. Thereby, the stopping position of the drum can be fixed with a simple construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Fukui, Kunioki Honda, Harumi Takeuchi, Yorihisa Funada, Minoru Yoshida, Hiroyuki Hoshino, Yuji Ozeki
  • Publication number: 20030172689
    Abstract: A laundry appliance (10) comprises an outer casing (14) and a container (34) mounted inside the outer to permit movement of the container (34) in use. The container (34) has a door (42) for closing the opening in the container which moves with the container (34) during use of the applicance. A seal (80) is located between the outer casing (14) and the container (34). The seal (80) extends radially inwardly from the lip (85) of the opening in the outer casing (14) and lies against the front surface or the container (34). The seal has a rigid portion (81) with a channel (83) for receiving the lip (85) of the container and a flexible portion (82).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas Gerald Fitton, Iain Roberts
  • Publication number: 20030172690
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a detergent supply apparatus having a detachable partition member. The detergent supply apparatus includes a casing which defines an outer appearance of the detergent supply apparatus, and a detergent/fabric softener container slidably set in the casing. The detergent/fabric softener container includes a fixed partition member which partitions the detergent/fabric softener container into a detergent chamber and a fabric softener chamber, and the detachable partition member is removably mounted in the detergent chamber, so as to partition the detergent chamber into a secondary detergent storing section and a main detergent storing section. The detergent chamber is entirely used as the main detergent storing section in response to removal of the detachable partition member from the detergent chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Ki Kim, Jae-Myong Kim
  • Publication number: 20030172691
    Abstract: The machine comprises an inlet basin (1) for the fabric (T); an outlet basin (3) for the fabric; between the inlet basin and the outlet basin a fabric treatment path with pneumatic transportation with alternate motion of the fabric. The treatment path comprises at least two side by side conduits (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25), between which at least one intermediate basin (5, 7, 9, 11, 13) is positioned for collecting the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Massimo Biancalani
  • Publication number: 20030172692
    Abstract: Device for linking a door to a case in a drum type washing machine including a bracket having one end to be inserted in a pass through hole formed in the vicinity of the laundry opening in a washing machine case, and the other end fixed to an outside wall of the case, and a foldable link member having a first link rotatably fitted to the one end of the bracket, a second link exposed to an outside through the pass through hole and rotatably fitted to the door, and a hinge connecting the first link and the second link, thereby permitting an easy assembly, and improving convenience of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Seop Hong, Jun Woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20030172693
    Abstract: The present invention includes a washing machine having a water cavity position beneath an outer tub and a pump mounted above the water cavity with an impeller extending downwardly into the water cavity. Preferably, the water cavity is integral with the outer tub and the water cavity includes a service port located along the bottom of the water cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Ted L. Hansen, Daryl T. Johnson, William R. White, Evan R. Vande Haar, Timothy D. Dorenkamp
  • Publication number: 20030172694
    Abstract: A self-powered electric lock includes a lock bolt and a first engagement element having disengaged and engageable positions. An electric actuator includes an output operative to move the first engagement element to its engageable position. A manually operated rotatable member is operatively coupled to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. A lock bolt drive mechanism is coupled to the lock bolt and to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. The movable output moves the first engagement element to its engageable position upon input of correct electronic data. An electricity generator is coupled to the manually operated rotatable member. The electricity powers the electric actuator and an electronic data input device. The manually operated rotatable member is also used to actuate the lock bolt drive mechanism and retract the lock bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: C&M Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Michael Harvey, James L. Taylor, Thomas Clark, Gerry Dawson
  • Publication number: 20030172695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10.1) comprising a momentary contact switch (11) as well as a lock cylinder (20) having tumblers (21, 21′), which are transferred between a blocked position and an unblocked position by means of a key (22). In the blocked position, said tumblers (21, 21′) interact with a blocking edge (30), which is released only in the unblocked position. The traveling motion (12) of the momentary contact switch (11) is transferred to the entry element (40) of the lock only in the unblocked position. In order to obtain a simple and yet reliable device (10.1), the invention provides that the lock cylinder (20) is arranged in a manner that prevents it from twisting, and the blocking edge (30) is made such that it can transversally move (35) in relation to the tumblers (21, 21′). This transversal motion (35) is caused by the traveling motion (12) of the momentary contact switch (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gerd Buschmann
  • Publication number: 20030172696
    Abstract: The Key Identification System enables a key to be quickly and easily related to a object/structure/item. It accomplishes this by having the key manufactured in a way to have the head/bow take on the appearance/shape of the object/structure/item that the key will be opening. It will NOT have the appearance/shape of a door/lid or lock because the door/lid and lock are not a distinguishable part of the object/structure/item that the key is used for. So therefore a key that opens the front door of a house is in the appearance/shape of a house, the key that opens a car is in the appearance/shape of a car and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael David Regina
  • Publication number: 20030172697
    Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Larry P. Sower
  • Publication number: 20030172698
    Abstract: An organic nitrogen-containing composition comprising fermentation mother liquor obtained by culturing a microorganism having L-glutamic acid-producing ability in a liquid medium of which pH is adjusted to a condition under which L-glutamic acid is allowed to be precipitated, to allow L-glutamic acid to be produced and accumulated with precipitation of L-glutamic acid accompanied, and then separating L-glutamic acid from the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
    Inventors: Takayuki Koda, Kazuhiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20030172699
    Abstract: Method of granulating compost for the formulation of fertilizers. In one embodiment, the compost is ground to dust and pan granulated. A variety of ancillary materials may be incorporated into the compost mix for a wide range of possible applications. An embodiment is provided where agricultural seeds may be encapsulated in compost to enhance the quality of seed and reduce wastage during planting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Agronomic Growth Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin Phinney
  • Publication number: 20030172700
    Abstract: A coated fertilizer is provided along with a method for producing the coated fertilizer, where the coated fertilizer has a coating made of at least one amine compound which is a primary, secondary or tertiary, straight or branched hydrocarbon chain amine or an amine containing a cyclic hydrocarbon radical and; a microcrystalline wax, a paraffin wax or a soft synthetic wax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: MISSISSIPPI CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald Ray Thomas, Corinne Grady Ciaccio, Kerry Collins
  • Publication number: 20030172701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a forming machine at least provided with a clamping device for clamping a hollow workpiece having at least one open end and a first forming tool which can be placed into contact with the outer surface of the workpiece and with which the workpiece can be deformed. The clamping device can be rotated about a first axis and moved with respect to this first axis. Thus, the forming machine can be of relatively straightforward design and operate at high rotational speeds, even when a tool head equipped with a relatively large number of rollers is being used. The invention further pertains to a method wherein the clamping device can be moved with respect to the said first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Massee
  • Publication number: 20030172702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a forming apparatus (1) for deforming a hollow tubular workpiece (4), wherein the workpiece is clamped down in a clamping device, a first forming tool is placed into contact with the outer surface of the workpiece, the tool is rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the workpiece and one end of the workpiece is deformed by means of said first tool. A second forming tool is placed into contact with the outer surface of the workpiece and is rotated relative to the workpiece about an axis of rotation. The other end of the workpiece is deformed by means of said second tool and at least one of said tools is moved relative to the workpiece during said deformation and/or between deforming steps (on the same workpiece), wherein the axis of rotation of said tool is translated and/or pivoted about an axis with respect to said workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Massee
  • Publication number: 20030172703
    Abstract: In a straightening machine for straightening sections like rolled beams, wherein tools (11) are arranged on a plurality of mutually parallel driven straightening shafts (8, 9; 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b) disposed above and below the alignment line in the transport direction of the product to be straightened, and of which preferably the upper straightening shafts (2a, 21b) are adjustable for setting the straightening gap, the straightening shafts (2a, 21a, b) are individually adjustable and each have on both sides an adjusting means engaging straightening shaft ends (6, 7; 23a, 23b) whereby in straightening operations at least the adjusting means on the service side (6; 23a) remote from the drive side I is provided with a force (FA) acting opposite to the straightening force (FR) relevant hereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Georg Hartung, Werner Kohlstedde, Markus Willems, Hans-Jurgen Reismann, Manfred Riffelmann, Ulrich Svejkovsky, Stefan Ernst
  • Publication number: 20030172704
    Abstract: A rolling line for wire and light sections in which the horizonal and vertical rolls are provided in a common stand, one upstream of the other and the axis planes are spaced in the rolling direction, the spacing is adjustable and the spacing can be set for a particular rolling operation. The grooves of the upstream pair of rolls can deform the original section of the workpiece of an intermediate shape which is restored by the downstream pair of rolls with a reduced dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: SMS Meer GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Lemke, Hubert Muller
  • Publication number: 20030172705
    Abstract: A cutting and crimping device comprising a frame with a front end and a back end, the frame comprising a protrusion on the front end, the protrusion having a first crimping portion and a first cutting portion on opposed sides thereof, a cutting arm with a front end and a back end, the cutting arm pivotally coupled to the frame on one side thereof, the cutting arm comprising a second cutting portion on its front end, a crimping arm with a front end and a back end, the crimping arm pivotally coupled to the frame on an opposite side thereof, the crimping arm comprising a second crimping portion on its front end, an actuator coupled to the back ends of the cutting and crimping arms, the actuator operable to move the cutting and crimping device between an open position wherein the front ends of the arms are separated from the protrusion by a maximum distance, and a closed position wherein the front ends of the cutting and crimping arms are separated from the protrusion by a lesser distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: William Wei Guo Liang
  • Publication number: 20030172706
    Abstract: A passive-adaptive indentor is provided for cold working a material that includes a material surface and a depth extending in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of the material surface. The passive-adaptive indentor has a first member that includes a first working end that is configured to create a first residual stress field that extends to a predetermined depth in the material. The passive-adaptive indentor also has a second member that includes a second working end that is configured to create a second residual stress field that extends to a generally fixed second depth of the material regardless of the depth to which the first residual stress field extends. A method of using a passive-adaptive indentor for cold working a material is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Woods, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20030172707
    Abstract: A passive-adaptive indentor is provided for cold working a material that includes a material surface and a depth extending in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of the material surface. The passive-adaptive indentor has a first member that includes a first working end that is configured to create a first residual stress field that extends to a predetermined depth in the material. The passive-adaptive indentor also has a second member that includes a second working end that is configured to create a second residual stress field that extends to a generally fixed second depth of the material regardless of the depth to which the first residual stress field extends. A method of using a passive-adaptive indentor for cold working a material is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Woods, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20030172708
    Abstract: Several methods of forming angled orifices in a metal sheet are described in which an angled orifice can be formed from a preformed right-angled orifice. Each angled orifice has an oblique axis relative to at least one of a first surface and a second surface of a metal sheet. One of the methods can be achieved by punching the metal sheet in a first direction along a first axis perpendicular to one of the first and second surfaces of the metal sheet with a first tool piece so as to form a first orifice, the first orifice defining an opening having wall surfaces parallel to the first axis; and punching the metal sheet with the first tool piece proximate the first orifice in the first direction along a second axis parallel and offset to the first axis so as to form a first wall surface of the first orifice extending between the first and second surfaces of the metal sheet oblique to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens VOD Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Dale Stewart Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030172709
    Abstract: A press-forming apparatus comprises a pair of press-forming units detachably secured to movable and stationary units facing each other, respectively. A metallic material is subjected to a press-forming through the press-forming units and then discharged therefrom as a heat transfer member for a heat exchanger. Each of the press-forming units comprises (i) a main forming section for forming on the material a heat transfer face with a corrugated portion, (ii) a pair of first subsidiary forming sections disposed on upstream and downstream sides of the main forming section so as to be adjacent thereto in the feeding direction of the material and (iii) a forming section-support base member detachably supporting the main forming section and the first subsidiary forming sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Toyoaki Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20030172710
    Abstract: Frame vehicle clamp adapters which allow a frame of a frame-type vehicle to be connected to a pinch weld-type clamp. One embodiment comprises a first section having an elongated rigid protrusion extending from a base. The elongated rigid protrusion is adapted to be secured to a pinch weld clamp. A second portion of the adapter is provided with a clamp for securing a frame thereto. A preferred embodiment comprises a mechanism for adjusting the height of the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler
  • Publication number: 20030172711
    Abstract: Frame vehicle clamp adapters which allow a frame of a frame-type vehicle to be connected to a pinch weld-type clamp. One embodiment comprises a first section having an elongated rigid protrusion extending from a base. The elongated rigid protrusion is adapted to be secured to a pinch weld clamp. A second portion of the adapter is provided with a clamp for securing a frame thereto. A preferred embodiment comprises a mechanism for adjusting the height of the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler
  • Publication number: 20030172712
    Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium of instructions are provided which are useful for determining whether an evaluation testing method or device is clinically equivalent to a reference testing method or device. The report can include a modified mean difference plot, a variability chart, confidence intervals for bias and a plot of the intervals. A graphical user interface is provided to allow data associated with the reference and evaluation methods or devices to be identified. A level of variance in the reference method is determined. An observed bias between the evaluation methods or devices and the reference methods or devices is calculated. A confidence interval for the bias is calculated. The biases between the evaluation methods or devices and reference method or device is compared relative to the level of variance in the reference method, and a report is generated including a conclusion about whether the evaluation methods or devices are clinically equivalent to the reference method or device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Scott A. Pardo, Karen J. Byron, Valerie Bush, Julie Berube, Shankang Qu, Henry T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030172713
    Abstract: A continuous processing trap apparatus is capable of increasing the trapping efficiency while maintaining conductance required by a vacuum chamber. The trap apparatus includes an exhaust passage for evacuating a hermetically sealed chamber by a vacuum pump, a hermetically sealed trapping and regenerating casing extending across the exhaust passage and a regenerating passage adjacent to the exhaust passage, and a trap unit movably housed in the trapping and regenerating casing for selective movement between a trapping position connected to the exhaust passage and a regenerating position connected to the regenerating passage. The trap apparatus further includes valve bodies disposed one on each side of the trap unit and supporting seals on outer circumferential surfaces thereof for sealing the exhaust passage and the regenerating passage from each other, and a monitoring mechanism for monitoring whether the seals are functioning normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Norihiko Nomura, Nobuharu Noji, Kiyoshi Yanagisawa
  • Publication number: 20030172714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a damping performance evaluation apparatus for damping devices comprising: a support member detachably supporting a damping device in a state enabling the device to exhibit a damping effect thereof; a hammer member for applying oscillation force to the device caused by gravitational descent to strike the device; a double-strike preventing member for preventing the hammer member from dropping a second time due to rebound after initially striking the device, to prevent double-strike of the device by the hammer member; a vibration sensor installed at a vibration zone caused to vibrate through oscillation force applied by said hammer member, for outputting an electrical signal in response to vibration at the vibration zone; and a sensing member for sensing a vibration mode in the vibration zone on the basis of an output of said vibration sensor. A damping performance evaluation method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Maeno
  • Publication number: 20030172715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new concept in measuring the dissolved gas levels in supersaturated liquid streams. In particular, the new device is specifically applicable to the measurement of carbonation levels in soft drinks. The measurement is made by permitting the beverage to escape from the pressurized container to atmospheric pressure through a thin tubing. The gas escaping from the supersaturated beverage separates the liquid stream into alternating gas and liquid segments. The relative long term average length of the segments is directly related to the CO2 content of the beverage. The instrument is simple to operate, inexpensive, and needs no calibration; it is easily adaptable to presently used laboratory equipment, and is useful in production process control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Peter A. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20030172716
    Abstract: The invention relates to method for monitoring dissolved gases in liquid-filled high-voltage installations comprising a sealed separating vessel communicating with a liquid tank, wherein an equilibrium state of the liquid with the gas state prevails in the separating vessel during normal operation and liquid is pumped off from the separating vessel with a pump as to keep the liquid level at a predetermined height, including the following steps; Short-time interruption of the pumping action as to leave the equilibrium state and to increase the pressure in the separating vessel, and withdrawal of a gas sample from the gas phase above the liquid level in the separating vessel for the analysis thereof. The invention moreover relates to a method for monitoring dissolved and undissolved gases, wherein the method for monitoring dissolved gases is performed and undissolved gas is fed back into the separating vessel, and to a device for performing the methods according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Eckhard Braesel, Ute Sasum
  • Publication number: 20030172717
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an odor measuring apparatus capable of determining the similarity of the odor of an unknown sample with high objectivity and performing measurements with sensitivity similar to that of the human nose. According to a mode of the invention, an m-dimensional space is created from detection signals of m pieces of odor sensors, and a standard odor vector S1 representing the result of measurement of a standard odor and another vector Sx representing the result of measurement of an unknown sample are drawn in the space. Then, from the angle &thgr; between the two vectors, a degree of similarity is determined within the range from 0 to 100%, where the degree of similarity is corrected taking account of the difference in sensitivity between the odor sensor and the human nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Kita, Yoshiharu Iwasaki, Yoshihiro Aoyama, Hisamitsu Akamaru, Hirokazu Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20030172718
    Abstract: The present Invention relates to a gaseous sample injection apparatus for a chromatography which is capable of implementing a low temperature adsorption, a sample loop filled with a fixed volume of gaseous sample transferred from the sample gas storing and injection unit, a carrier gas storing tank for carrying the sample gases from the loop to the sample gas analyzing apparatus (GC) and control valves for connecting or disconnecting the sample gas storing and injection unit and the sample loop and connecting or disconnecting the carrier gas storing tank and the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Gang-Woong Lee, Mee-Hye Lee, Jin-Seok Han, Jo-Chun Kim, Hee-Nam Song
  • Publication number: 20030172719
    Abstract: A cigarette inspection apparatus is provided, which is capable of measuring ventilation resistances of a large number of filter cigarettes easily and accurately and which includes an inspection drum (12) provided with part of an air-introducing unit for introducing air into a filter cigarette (C) from a non-filter side end face thereof, a measurement section (13) provided with the rest of the air-introducing unit, pressure transducers (17, 18) for detecting inlet side and outlet side air pressures of the cigarette, and a data processor (31) for determining the ventilation resistance of the cigarette based on a difference between the air pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kenichi Zentani, Fumio Kubo
  • Publication number: 20030172720
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting leakage in the fuel supply to the injectors of an engine in which the individual injectors are connected to a fuel supply rail to which fuel from a reservoir is supplied under pressure by a fuel pump. The pressure within the fuel rail is monitored and it is determined when a parameter of a pressure surge in the fuel supply rail resulting from a rapid transition from high to low engine load fails to reach a reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Emma Sweetland, Thomas E. Fletcher, Eric B. Andrews, Stacey A. Bowling
  • Publication number: 20030172721
    Abstract: A system for performing chromotherapy in a bathtub, comprising a light source having light emitting diodes of three different colours for emitting a resultant coloured light output. An intensity of each colour of the light emitting diodes being controllable individually for varying a colour of the resultant coloured light output. The light source is adapted to be mounted to a wall of a bathtub so as to diffuse light in water filling the bathtub. A control module is connected to a power source and to the light source, for controlling the intensity of each of the light emitting diodes to vary a colour of the resultant coloured light output emitted by the light source and diffused in the water of the bathtub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Henry Brunelle, Stephane Baron
  • Publication number: 20030172722
    Abstract: A method of evaluating engine oil wear on the basis of viscosity measurement, taking into account the addition of fresh oil is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Bernhard Jakoby
  • Publication number: 20030172723
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentrations of the components of a fluid are described, which can be used to measure the concentrations of the components continuously in real time and to monitor a high pressure gas, and is suitably used for in-line monitoring. In the method and the apparatus, a fluid sample is conducted through a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube has a small aperture with a constant diameter in a fluid flow path. The pressure difference (P1−P2) between the upstream and the downstream of the small aperture and the flow rate at the downstream of the small aperture are measured to determine the concentrations of the components of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sato, Shang-Qian Wu, Tetsuya Kimijima
  • Publication number: 20030172724
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography column distributor spreads liquid over the internal cross sectional area of the column to facilitate separation of the liquid in the column into its constituent components for analysis, particularly where the volume of liquid is small and the rate of flow through the column is high. The distributor is useful for small volumes, less than 100 micro liters. The distribution is preferably done in two or more stages by two or more plates arranged in series. This arrangement keeps the flow paths short and volumes of channels in the plate carrying the liquid small. The distributor may be used in a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in which liquid flows at high rates through the column. The distributor is constructed to protect the liquid sample from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Son Hoai Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20030172725
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method to rate refinery feed stocks for the formation of deposits on solid refinery surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Simon R. Kelemen, Michael Siskin
  • Publication number: 20030172726
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method and device thereof that captures microscopic magnetic signals such as those developed by electrical current flowing inside a circuit that is miniaturized to less than sub-micron order, and to evaluate the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yasutake, Hiroyuki Akinaga, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20030172727
    Abstract: The rotary orientation of a motor is determined using a resolver signal derived from the rotary orientation. In particular, the resolver signal is fed exclusively to a single control system that is arranged both for triggering and for evaluating the resolver signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Herb
  • Publication number: 20030172728
    Abstract: A method, computer program product and apparatus for estimating the pneumatic pressure of a tire on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: receiving as an input a vehicle status sensor signal; estimating first parameter values of an adaptive filter based on a predetermined model on the vehicle status dependent on the vehicle status sensor signal; calculating, dependent on said first model parameter values, a first tire pressure indication value (&dgr;) being dependent on and indicative of the pneumatic pressure of the tire. Specifically, the vehicle status signal may be an input a wheel angular velocity signal (1) and a lateral movement indication signal; the adaptive filter is based on a predetermined model on lateral vehicle dynamics dependent on the angular velocity of said wheel and the lateral movement of said vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Fredrik Gustafsson, Marcus Drevo, Niclas Persson