Patents Issued in October 9, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030188868
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil A.A. Simpson, Kevin O. Trahan
  • Publication number: 20030188869
    Abstract: A method of providing for a single trip removal of packer tools by providing a flapper valve in the upper packer tools which opens when pressure below the tool exceeds the pressure above the tool to allow the tools to be released and allowing flow up the center of the tubing. Additionally, the retrieval tool seals with the stinger tool during removal to allow flow downwardly around the released packer down to the next lower packer and up through the released packer to work only on the next lower packer. The method also contemplates that increased flow circulation will allow forced flow to clear the next lower stinger from sand and other debris to increase the chance of a successful mating of the retrieval tool to the stinger during removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Donald W. Tinker
  • Publication number: 20030188870
    Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxides in which R1 is an alkyl group are preferred, and those in which R1 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each methyl or ethyl groups are most preferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Jerald Hinkel, J. Ernest Brown, Curtis Boney, Gregory Sutton
  • Publication number: 20030188871
    Abstract: Screen assemblies (40, 42) and a single trip method for selectively fracturing multiple formations (14, 16) traversed by a wellbore (32) are disclosed. Each formation (14, 16) has a screen assembly (40, 42) having a plurality of valves (60, 66) positioned adjacent thereto. During the treatment process, the formations (14, 16) are selectively treated with a treatment fluid that is pumped into the interior of the adjacent screen assembly (40, 42). The valves (60, 66) of the respective screen assemblies (40, 42) progressively allow the treatment fluid to exit from the interior to the exterior of the screen assemblies (40, 42) such that each formation (14, 16) is progressively fractured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Syed Hamid, Robert Ken Michael, Roger Lynn Schultz
  • Publication number: 20030188872
    Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for coating proppant particles with a hardenable resin composition, suspending the coated proppant particles in a fracturing fluid, and consolidating the proppant particles after being placed in fractures into permeable masses are provided. These methods and compositions are especially suitable for low temperature well, specifically those around the 60° F. to 250° F. ranges. Preferably, a liquid hardenable resin component is mixed with a liquid hardening agent component on-the-fly to form a hardenable resin composition. The hardenable resin composition is coated onto proppant particles on-the-fly that are conveyed from a source thereof to form resin-coated proppant particles in real-time. The resin-coated proppant particles are suspended in the fracturing fluid to be utilized down hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Johnny A. Barton, O. Marlene Isenberg
  • Publication number: 20030188873
    Abstract: A method and system for separating and treating water produced from a subsea well includes separating the water subsea, and then separating the water from residual hydrocarbons on a surface vessel. The water treated at the surface, can be dumped to sea or injected into other subsea wells. The residual hydrocarbons separated on the vessel can be conveyed subsea for transportation to a processing facility along with hydrocarbons from the subsea separator. Also, the residual hydrocarbons from the surface separator can be used to fuel gas powered equipment in order to drive other equipment or to generate electricity for the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Clay F. Anderson, John Allen
  • Publication number: 20030188874
    Abstract: A tool and method for treating an open hole just before expanding a screen into position is described. The swage is hydraulically driven and permits flow through it and out lateral ports to impact the borehole wall. A cup seal assembly below and a packer up above insure that the fluid impacts the borehole wall with sufficient force to dislodge the mud cake. Another feature of the invention is that the surface treatment and screen expansion can be done in one trip. The pressurized fluid that drives the swage also provides the fluid energy to prepare the borehole wall just before the screen is expanded against it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Allen D. Gabrysch, William N. Triplett
  • Publication number: 20030188875
    Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tractor within a downhole passage and for assisting movement of the tractor within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore
  • Publication number: 20030188876
    Abstract: Disclosed is a slip for use in the anchoring device on a well tool and a method of making the same. The slip has a wedge shaped body and teeth on the exterior of the body. The teeth being formed from a ring segment of spring steel material mounted on and extending from the exterior of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Lee Vick, Marion Dewey Kilgore
  • Publication number: 20030188877
    Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool comprising a striking element via which a tool (10) in a tool holder (12) can be driven in striking fashion, which said tool holder can be detachably secured—via its body (14)—to a drive part (16) via at least one locking element (18), which said locking element, in its engaged position, is capable of being fixed in position radially by a retaining element (20), which said retaining element is capable of being guided by means of an operating element (22) out of its locked position into a release position that radially releases the locking element (18) in order to release the tool holder (12), whereby the retaining element (20) is capable of being moved by a corresponding component (14) into its release position against a spring force of a spring element (24) when the tool holder (12) is pushed onto the drive part (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Dietmar Saur, Axel Kuhnle, Helmut Wanek
  • Publication number: 20030188878
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing repetitive percussive blows in tools and the like comprises an elongated hammer movable along its longitudinal axis from an extended position to a retracted position. A bias element urges the hammer towards the extended position. A cam member is attached to a face of a rotating drive member at a point removed from the drive member's rotational axis. The cam member bears against the hammer during only a portion of each revolution of the drive member so as to move the hammer against the bias force from the extended position to the retracted position and then release the hammer, which then moves toward the extended position to deliver a percussive blow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Adrian J. Paulhus
  • Publication number: 20030188879
    Abstract: A self-healing cable comprising a conductor and a water-swellable composition surrounding said conductor is disclosed. When the cable is damaged and water ingress reaches the water-swellable composition, the water-swellable composition expands and fills in any void, puncture or crack present, thus sealing the damage in the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Mark R. Easter
  • Publication number: 20030188880
    Abstract: A cable management system having as an integral part of the device needing cable management a slot arrangement that receives and holds cables. A lock bar closes the slot arrangement such that the cables are trapped in the slot arrangement. Methods of managing cable include the lock bar and slot arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Terry McClellan, Zakhary Bluband
  • Publication number: 20030188881
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cover assembly including a transparent window portion and a metallic frame that can be joined to a micro-device package base to form a hermetically sealed micro-device package. A sheet of a transparent material is provided having a window portion defined thereupon, the window portion having finished top and bottom surfaces. A frame-attachment area is prepared on the sheet, the frame-attachment area circumscribing the window portion. A first quantity of powdered metal particles is sprayed onto the prepared frame-attachment area of the sheet using a jet of gas, the gas being at a temperature below the fusing temperature of the metal particles. The jet of gas has a velocity sufficient to cause the metal particles to merge with one another upon impact with the sheet and with one another so as to form an initial continuous metallic coating adhering to the frame-attachment area of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: David H. Stark
  • Publication number: 20030188882
    Abstract: A tab protection member in a male connector housing on an outer surface of an electric junction box is moveable from a temporary engagement position to a final engagement position. The tab protection member is provided with tab through-holes and a closing plate section for closing an opening in the male connector housing. When the female connector housing is coupled to the male connector housing, the tab protection member is forcibly moved from the temporary engagement position to the final engagement position by the female connector housing and the tabs penetrate the tab through-holes, thereby coupling the tabs to terminals in the female connector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Asao, Shunji Taga
  • Publication number: 20030188883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device in which wire rods connected to an electronic circuit are led to the outside through an opening of a housing and the lead-out direction of the covering member can be changed by pivoting the pivoting unit provided in the covering member containing the wire rods; and an information reproduction system provided with the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Yano, Keiko Yabuki, Takaaki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20030188884
    Abstract: An electrical bus system is disclosed in which first and second bus bar assemblies are provided for conducting electrical currents of respective first and second polarities. A bus duct enclosure is provided for enclosing the bus bar assemblies. The bus duct enclosure is adapted to provide a heat dissipative configuration. In one aspect of the invention, the bus duct enclosure can be formed of a substantially polycarbonate material, for providing conductive heat dissipation from the bus bar assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert T. Alexander, Larry A. Carson, Lloyd D. Sparks, John T. Leding
  • Publication number: 20030188885
    Abstract: A cylindrical pre-molded rubber insulation tube made by a plurality of layers using a rubber material as a base material has in a central part and at both ends of an inner periphery thereof a sheet-shaped electrode layer formed at an insde thereof with a semi-conductive rubber layer and at an outside thereof with a high-permittivity rubber layer, as an inner electrode layer configured with the semi-condutctive rubber layer to be thin and sheet-shaped and the high-permittivity rubber layer covering a vicinity of a respective distal end of the semi-conductive rubber layer, and the distal end of the semi-conductive rubber layer is rounded by a radius of curvature substantially equal to half the thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niinobe, Kazuo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030188886
    Abstract: A PWB or multilayer board with circuit traces is treated by a process that serves to reduce the incident of failure of the board. The process includes the steps of applying a thin commoning layer of copper onto a catalyzed surface of the board substrate and the circuit lines. A photoresist is then applied over the commoning layer after which the photoresist is removed only from the commoning material over the circuit lines. A thin layer of a more noble metal, such as nickel, is electrodeposited over the exposed conductive layer. This is followed by a gold layer electrodeposited over the nickel in close registry therewith. The process provides the traces with a conforming nickel/gold layer that extends down the side of the traces. This reduces the tendency of a subsequent copper etch step from undercutting the nickel/gold, thereby causing slivers that could cause short circuiting between adjacent circuit patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edmond Otto Fey, Raymond Thomas Galasco, Thomas Richard Miller, Anita Sargent
  • Publication number: 20030188887
    Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Tatsumi Tsuchiya, Yuhsuke Matsumoto, Takaaki Murokawa, Naoki Fujii, Takuya Satoh, Yasuhiro Mita, Hiroyasu Tsuchida, Yoshio Uematsu
  • Publication number: 20030188888
    Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board is formed with a plurality of conductor layers laminated as a whole with insulating layers interposed, a non-penetrating via hole provided in the insulating layer as bottomed by the conductor layer exposed, a plated layer provided inside the via hole for electric connection between the conductor layers, the via hole being formed to be of a concave curved surface of a radius in a range of 20 to 100 &mgr;m in axially sectioned view at continuing zone of inner periphery to bottom surface of the via hole, whereby the equipotential surfaces occurring upon plating the plated layer are curved along the continuing zone to unify the density of current for rendering the plated layer uniform in the thickness without being thinned at the continuing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Hirokazu Yoshioka, Norio Yoshida, Kenichiro Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030188889
    Abstract: In a printed circuit board (10), in which at least one signal conductor (13) runs through a dielectric comprising at least one dielectric layer (12, 15), an improved signal integrity in conjunction with simplified producability which is more flexible with regard to the layout is achieved by virtue of the fact that, for electrical radio-frequency screening, the at least one signal conductor (13) is surrounded by a plurality of electrically conductive holes (18), which are spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: PPC Electronic AG
    Inventors: Peter Straub, Gregor Muller
  • Publication number: 20030188890
    Abstract: Via holes are formed in an electrically conductive power plane. Photo-imageable dielectric (PID) material is applied to one side of the power plane filling the via holes. The power plane side with no PID material is exposed to light energy to cure the PID material in the via holes. A developer is used to remove any uncured PID material. Signal plane assemblies comprising a conductive signal plane and a dielectric layer are laminated onto the filled power plane forming a two signal and one power plane (2S1P) structure. In another embodiment, the power plane has PID material applied from both sides. A photo-mask is applied to the power plane and the PID material in the via holes is cured with light energy. A developer is used to remove uncured PID material. Signal plane assemblies, as described above, are laminated onto the filled power plane forming a 2S1P structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: IBM Corporation
    Inventors: Anilkumar C. Bhatt, Ashwinkumar C. Bhatt, Subahu D. Desai, John M. Lauffer, Voya R. Markovich, Thomas R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030188891
    Abstract: An electromagnetic method and apparatus for directional drilling guidance of horizontal boreholes for the installation of pipelines and communication cables beneath rivers, highways and other obstacles is disclosed. A solenoid source, with horizontal axes, generates alternating electromagnetic fields which are measured in the borehole by a magnetometer with known orientation with respect to the direction of gravity near the drill bit. A preferred embodiment has a useable range of 150 meters from the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Vector Magnetics LLC
    Inventor: Arthur F. Kuckes
  • Publication number: 20030188892
    Abstract: The device contemplated provides a method for positioning the drill bit in a drilling operation to achieve small changes in hole angle or azimuth as drilling proceeds. Two different positions are available to the operator. The first is a straight ahead position where the tool essentially becomes a packed hole stabilizer assembly. The second position tilts the bit across a rotating fulcrum to give a calculated offset at the bit-formation interface. The direction that the bit offset is applied in relation to current hole direction is controlled by positioning the orienting pistons prior to each drilling cycle, through the use of current measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technology. Components of the tool comprise a MWD housing, upper steering and drive mandrel, non-rotating position housing, lower drive mandrel splined with the upper mandrel, rotating fulcrum stabilizer and drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Canadian Downhole Drill Systems
    Inventors: Paul Noe, David P. Kutinsky
  • Publication number: 20030188893
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for sawing or drilling concrete or like material comprises use of a fluid flow device for transmitting a stream of water from a pressurized water supply to the cutting elements of a masonry saw or core drill and for injecting a speed-enhancing compound into the stream of water, with the compound being injected under the influence of a venturi-induced suction force created by the stream of water as it flows through the device. Preferably the device includes means for varying the rate at which the speed-enhancing compound is sucked into the water stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. DeBlasio
  • Publication number: 20030188894
    Abstract: This invention relates to a torque release coupling for use in drill strings comprising an outer string part (1) rotatably mounted outside a radially inner string part (2), and a rotation lock (3) positioned between them. The rotation lock (3) is coupled to a first of said spring parts (1, 2) with a coupling device (4, 9) adapted to allow axial shifts relative to the first string part, and comprising axial gripping organs (5) adapted for releasable engagement with cooperating gripping organs in the second string part, the rotation lock (3) comprising a spring (6) or similar adapted to apply an axial force on the rotation lock (3) directed against the cooperating gripping organs (5) from the first spring part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Egil Sunde, Morten Hyvik, Per Olav Haughom
  • Publication number: 20030188895
    Abstract: A drill including a shank portion and a cylindrical body portion contiguous to each other. The cylindrical body portion includes (a) primary cutting edges and secondary cutting edges formed in its axially distal end portion such that each of the secondary cutting edges is located on a radially inner side of the corresponding primary cutting edge; (b) primary rake surfaces of the primary cutting edges and secondary rake surfaces of the secondary cutting edges; and (c) inclined surfaces each of which extends from the corresponding secondary rake surface to a periphery of the cylindrical body portion, and is inclined such that an axial distance between each of the inclined surfaces and the shank portion is reduced as viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding secondary cutting edge, from the corresponding secondary rake surface toward the periphery of the cylindrical body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: OSG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jiro Osawa, Kenjiro Kobayashi, Kazuhisa Kasuya, Takahiro Yamamoto, Yoshihiro Takikawa
  • Publication number: 20030188896
    Abstract: A cutter element for a drill bit has a non-rectilinear crest. The cutter element has a base portion and an extending portion and the extending portion has either a zero draft or a negative draft with respect to the base portion. The non-positive draft allows more of the borehole bottom to be scraped using fewer cutter elements. The cutter elements having non-positive draft can be either tungsten carbide inserts or steel teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Minikus, Chris E. Cawthorne, Stephen C. Steinke, Gary R. Portwood, Gary E. Garcia, David P. Moran, Quan V. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20030188897
    Abstract: A balance includes a weighing cell with a vertically movable load receiver, a weighing pan to receive a weighing load, and a support element to couple the weighing pan to the vertically movable load receiver of the weighing cell. A cantilever arm with a seat for at least one calibration weight is solidly connected to the support element. The balance has a coupling arrangement that constrains the support element with low-friction mobility to the load receiver at three points forming a triangle in a plane that extends orthogonal to the symmetry plane of the weighing cell, wherein the triangle is symmetric to the symmetry plane of the weighing cell. Under the coupling arrangement, the support element is solidly supported on the load receiver in the direction in which the weighing load is acting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Beat Ludi, Eduard Fringeli, Paul Luchinger
  • Publication number: 20030188898
    Abstract: A balance with a draft shield enclosing a weighing pan (33) has slidable walls (6, 7, 8) with slide handles (10, 110, 210) to open and close the weighing compartment (2). A connector body (22) serves to couple non-adjoining slidable walls (6, 7, 8) to each other. Besides for pushing the slidable walls open and closed, the slide handles (10, 110, 210) also serve to couple and uncouple the slidable walls, so that more than one wall can be moved simultaneously using only one hand, or a wall can be moved by pushing a handle on the opposite side. The slide handles are configured as pairs of handle elements that are attached either to adjoining walls or to a wall and an adjoining place on the connector body. In the coupled state, the pairs of handle elements are folded or swiveled into each other, working as a single handle, e.g., for two adjoining walls. In the uncoupled state, they move the walls individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Christoph Aebi, Paul Luchinger
  • Publication number: 20030188899
    Abstract: A structure of a prepositive electromagnetic tablet with a transparent antenna and the method for fabricating said prepositive electromagnetic tablet with a transparent antenna is disclosed. The electromagnetic tablet according to this present invention comprises a durable transparent substrate, a transparent antenna layer, and a transparent protective layer. Further, the above-mentioned electromagnetic tablet can be applied in front of LCD panel (at the user's side). Therefore, it is more convenient regarding the function of hand-written input and hand-written drawing, which can be directly performed on a displayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Chao, Chih-An Chen
  • Publication number: 20030188900
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having alternate fuel sources is shown. The hybrid vehicle includes an AC/DC converter for storing a direct current voltage in a storage device such as a battery. A fuel converter converts a composition fuel into a combustible material preferably hydrogen. The combustible material is stored in a combustible material storage device. The charging of a battery and the storage of the combustible fuel occur at least one of prior to the starting of and the operation of the hybrid electric vehicle. A driving system includes a direct current motor and a combustible material engine. A control device enables the driving system to be powered by the direct current voltage or the combustible material. Preferably the combustible material is hydrogen. A hydrogen fuel cell is responsive to hydrogen to produce a direct current voltage for charging a battery or driving the direct current motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel J. Meaney
  • Publication number: 20030188901
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive system comprising a combustion engine, an electric motor and at least one nickel metal hydride battery module forming a power source for providing electric power to the electric motor, the at least one nickel metal battery module having a peak power density in relation to energy density as defined by:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Robert C. Stempel
  • Publication number: 20030188902
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding fresh ambient air to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprises a front lamp assembly with an ambient air intake tract associated with the lamp assembly for providing an air communication passage between an exterior of the motor vehicle and an engine compartment. The air intake tract is adapted to direct an ambient air to an engine compartment bypassing an engine cooling radiator. The air intake tract is in the form of a flattened funnel secured to a lamp housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Alex Decuir
  • Publication number: 20030188903
    Abstract: A battery and accessory support for use on a vehicle is disclosed for use particularly on a hybrid diesel/electric truck. Such a vehicle has a frame comprising a pair of longitudinally extending frame rails. The support includes a plurality of cross support members, each cross support member comprising an open channel rail, with the cross support members positioned under the frame rails oriented in parallel with respect to one another and perpendicular to the frame rails. For each cross support member there is a pair of vertical braces extending upwardly from the cross support member. Each pair of vertical braces is mutually spaced on its respective cross support member to bracket snugly the pair of longitudinally extending frame rails, and each vertical brace being attached to one of the frame rails to support the battery and accessory support. Alignment members are positioned across the ends of cross support members to support the parallel orientation of the cross support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Arden Lee King
  • Publication number: 20030188904
    Abstract: This invention is a turbine generator regenerative braking system for an automotive or other vehicle having ground engaging wheels and an electrical energy storage device. The braking system comprises an hydraulic fluid turbine generator having an electrical power output connected to the electrical energy storage device, a plurality of hydraulic fluid pumps, an actuation system for operatively connecting/starting pumping action, and a hydraulic fluid circuit connecting the hydraulic pumps to the turbine generator. In some versions of the system, a hydraulic pump, a clutch and an adjustable flow nozzle will be dedicated to each ground engaging wheel of the vehicle. In operation, braking is preferably initiated by the actuation of a brake master cylinder which provides hydraulic pressure to cause each rotating wheel with its corresponding hydraulic pump to engage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick Fleming
  • Publication number: 20030188905
    Abstract: Pivoting hooks usable with four bar parallelogram implement lift linkages are provided. The hooks are pivotally attached at the forward edge of the implement to receive the cross bar of a suspension mechanism such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,617. The pivotal connection and axis about which the hooks are supported on the deck comprise one corner of the four bar parallelogram lift linkage. The hooks pivot forwardly and downwardly to receive the cross bar and then swing up as tension is applied to the hanger to support the deck. As the cross bar slides forwardly into the throats of the hooks when the hanger is tensioned, it is retained in the proper parallelogram lift geometry so that the deck remains level as it is adjusted throughout its vertical cutting height. The use of the pivoting hooks permits decks with extended fore and aft dimensions to be used with existing four bar parallelogram designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Henry Buss
  • Publication number: 20030188906
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having swing-steering includes a frame having a head tube at a front portion thereof which is disposed at an angle of between 45° and 70°. A fork is rotatably coupled to the head tube and extends downwardly therefrom at an angle of between 45° and 70°. A front wheel is attached to the fork. An elongated steering tube is coupled to the fork at a lower end thereof, and extends upwardly to a handlebar at an upper end thereof. The geometry of the vehicle allows a rider to lean into a turn and maintain the handlebars in front of the rider and the wheels on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Todd Bank
  • Publication number: 20030188907
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle that includes a frame, a wheel mounted to the frame for rotation with respect to the frame, a rotor mounted to the wheel, and a caliper selectively clamping the rotor to slow down the rotation of the wheel. A biasing member is provided between the rotor and the wheel and is offset from a fastener. The biasing member biases the rotor against the head of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Buell Motorcycle Company
    Inventors: Erik F. Buell, Julian A. Galgoczy, Abraham Askenazi
  • Publication number: 20030188908
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system includes a seat belt device and a knee bag device for protecting an occupant sitting on a seat of a vehicle. The protection system also includes a control unit for controlling the seat belt device and knee bag device based on a detection signal and a prediction signal from at least one of a device for detecting a state of the seat, a device for detecting whether the seat belt device is used, a device for predicting a collision, and a device for detecting a condition of an accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPOARATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Abe
  • Publication number: 20030188909
    Abstract: There is provided a pump unit for supply and discharge of hydraulic fluid into and from an actuator upon receiving driving power from a driving source is provided, in which said actuator is fluidly connected to said pump unit via a hydraulic circuit. The pump unit includes an input member operatively connected to the driving source, a first hydraulic pump body operatively connected to the input member, a pump case for accommodating the first hydraulic pump body and forming a hydraulic fluid sump, and a PTO unit accommodated within the pump case. The PTO unit includes a PTO shaft supported by the pump case so as to have an end extending outward from the pump case, and a clutch mechanism for selectively enabling and disabling transmission of driving power from the input member to the PTO shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa
  • Publication number: 20030188910
    Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a drive system that includes hydraulic motor coupled to a speed-reduction gearbox. One or more drive shafts extend fore-and-aft from the gearbox and are coupled at each end to two axle housings. Each axle housing includes two reduction gear sets and an axle. Each of the axles extends outward from the vehicle and a wheel is fixed to its outer end. A spur gear on a parallel shaft inside the axle housing engages a spur gear on the axle and drives it to provide one gear reduction. A bevel gear in the axle housing engages a bevel gear on the parallel shaft to provide another gear reduction. The vehicle has a drive system located on each side of the vehicle to collectively drive four wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: CASE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Troy D. Bateman, Anthony J Lamela
  • Publication number: 20030188911
    Abstract: In a propulsion unit having a hydrostatic drive, a pair of pedals are clamped to the axle in such a manner as to be comfortably positioned for the feet of the operator. The angular position of each pedal relative to the axle may be adjusted such that the two pedals may have different angular orientations if desired. One pedal may be comfortably positioned for directing forward motion of the vehicle while the other may be more comfortable for reverse motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Bradley K. Voigt
  • Publication number: 20030188912
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an armrest and a plurality of operating members. The armrest extends in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. The operating members are arranged in front of the armrest. At least two of the operating members each have an operating portion. The operating portions are arranged along an operational orbit of an operator's hand in a state that the operator's arm is rested on the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Amamiya
  • Publication number: 20030188913
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism and a pressure oil supply system therefor are provided for use in work vehicles provided with a work device externally of the body of the vehicle at longitudinal one side thereof, the transmission mechanism being simple in construction and serving to shorten the overall length of the vehicle while holding a transmission shaft interconnecting a PTO shaft and an input shaft for the work device close to a horizontal. A work vehicle provided with a work device in front of the vehicle body comprises a transmission 30 disposed between a differential gear unit 10 and an HST 20 and providing a travel cooperative mechanism, a PTO shaft projecting from the housing of the HST 20, and a PTO cooperative mechanism disposed in the housing for dividedly deriving power for the PTO shaft from the travel cooperative mechanism for the transmission of the power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ishimaru, Shusuke Nemoto, Shigenori Sakikawa, Kenichi Takada
  • Publication number: 20030188914
    Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a motor and a soft-disable controller in signal communication with the motor for reducing the abruptly increased reaction torque felt by a driver when an assist torque is abruptly disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Norman, Julie A. Kleinau
  • Publication number: 20030188915
    Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus provided with a steering state detecting means for detecting a steering state of a steering system, a motor control signal generating means for determining and outputting a motor control signal on the basis of a steering state detecting signal outputted from the steering state detecting means, a motor driving means for driving a motor on the basis of a motor control signal outputted from the motor control signal generating means, and a motor control signal monitoring means for monitoring the motor control signal generating means on the basis of the signals outputted from the steering state detecting means and-the motor driving means, there are provided with an operation stop detecting means for detecting an operation stop command of the motor control signal generating means, and a steering state signal correcting means disposed between the steering state detecting means and the motor control signal generating means, and the steering state signal correcting means correct
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Itakura, Hideaki Kawada, Kazuhiro Kumaido
  • Publication number: 20030188916
    Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus provided with a steering state detecting means for detecting a steering state of a steering system, a motor control signal generating means for determining and outputting a motor control signal on the basis of a steering state detecting signal outputted from the steering state detecting means, a motor driving means for driving a motor on the basis of a motor control signal outputted from the motor control signal generating means, and a motor control signal monitoring means for monitoring the motor control signal generating means on the basis of the signals outputted from the steering state detecting means and the motor driving means, there are provided with an operation stop detecting means for detecting an operation stop command of the motor control signal generating means, and a steering state signal correcting means disposed between the steering state detecting means and the motor control signal generating means, and the steering state signal correcting means correct
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Itakura, Hideaki Kawada, Kazuhiro Kumaido
  • Publication number: 20030188917
    Abstract: The electric power steering device is disclosed such that the characteristic vibration of the rack shaft is adjusted by providing a hollow portion at the rack shaft, resulting in that the characteristic vibration of the rack shaft does not resonate with the vibration of the rack caused by the wheels and/or the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Katsuji Watanabe, Yoeru Kono