Patents Issued in October 9, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030189118
    Abstract: Rolls of pre-stretched cling film are used to manually wrap and unitize bulky loads such as boxes on a pallet. Using film that has previously been plastically stretched simplifies the wrapping operation. Unfortunately, however, the pre-stretched rolls of film have edges which are prone to fail during use. The disclosed invention concerns rolls of pre-stretched cling wrap having improved edges that are less prone to fail, and the method and apparatus for producing such rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030189119
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyoo Morita, Hideaki Shiga, Daisuke Takahashi, Yusuke Ishihara, Seiji Tsuyuki, Jeffrey S. McAllister, Thomas Albrecht, Robert Ralph Heinze
  • Publication number: 20030189120
    Abstract: A retention spring for a tape cartridge that both secures a leader pin and operates as a wide angle guide for directing the leader pin into the access port of the cartridge as the tape is being rewound onto the supply reel. The retention spring includes pairs of opposing guides, retention grooves, and binding elements. The guides define an entry for receiving a portion of the leader pin while the retention grooves define a retention slot for at least partially surrounding a portion of the leader pin. The binding elements each define a transition between one guide and one retention groove while providing resistance as the leader pin is urged between the entry and the retention slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert C. Aaron, Stephen V. Deckers, Tad D. Shupe
  • Publication number: 20030189121
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a web sensor with an inertia member, a locking pawl and a lock cup. The inertia member is eccentrically pivotally mounted to the lock cup. The locking pawl is integrally formed with the inertia member. The lock cup has a set of radially inwardly pointing teeth for engaging with the locking pawl. The shape and profile of the locking pawl complements the shape of the teeth. The web sensor aids in resisting jamming of the seat belt retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Alan George Smithson, David Blackadder, Paul Bowman, David Charles Winter
  • Publication number: 20030189122
    Abstract: A storage frame for lighting strings includes two sides, two rods and a handle. The rods connect between the two sides to form a flat, compact spool on which a lighting string wind can be easily wound. The handle separately connects to either of the two sides so the user can conveniently hold the frame. Therefore the two sides, two rods and the handle can easily connect together to form a storage frame and can be disassembled for storage to the frame does not occupy much space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: George Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030189123
    Abstract: The rewinding machine for the formation of logs (L) of web material (N) wound on a core (A), includes a first winder roller (15) around which the web material (N) is fed, and a second winder roller (17) forming, with the first winder roller, a nip (19) through which the core (A) and the web material (N) pass. A web material-severing device (43) cooperates with the first roller (15). Located upstream of the nip (19), with respect to the direction of movement of the web material (N), is a surface (33) defining, with the roller (15), a channel (39) into which the core (A) is inserted. A conveyor (47; 57; 67) introduces a core into the channel (39). The material-severing device (43) cooperates with the roller (15) along the channel (39) between the region of insertion of a new core and the nip (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Fabio Perini S.P.A.
    Inventors: Guglielmo Biagiotti, Eva Perini
  • Publication number: 20030189124
    Abstract: In the tape winder for winding a tape on a reel to form a tape roll, a nozzle which blows a gas toward an outer peripheral surface of the tape roll at a winding time of the tape is fixed on a slider, which is slidably supported on a rail. In this way, the nozzle is supported movably forward and backward with respect to the tape roll. Moreover, the nozzle is pressed toward the tape roll by an air cylinder with a constant pressing force. Thus, the nozzle is allowed to accurately follow an outer peripheral surface of the tape roll, and a constant pressure can be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the tape roll. Consequently, the tape can be wound with an adequate winding tightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi Hayashi, Akihisa Kita, Kyohisa Uchiumi
  • Publication number: 20030189125
    Abstract: Spool for windable materials, in particular for the winding on of cigarette or filter paper, at which a data carrier, preferably in the form of a chip, is arranged, the data carrier (2), which is developed for the contactless transfer of data (6, 7) specifying the spool (1) and/or the wound-on material (3) being arranged at least partly in the wall (11) of the preferably hollow-cylindrical spool (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Christian Trierenberg
  • Publication number: 20030189126
    Abstract: A toilet paper holder that utilizes two appendages between the two supporting arms in lieu of the rods or bars. The appendages are positioned in the front portions of the supporting arms and face each other creating a void area between them The appendages rotate upward approximately 90 degrees, held in tension by a coil spring, as a roll of toilet paper is placed beneath and between the tip ends of the appendages and moved upward. To remove or replace, the roll of paper is moved upward as the appendages snap back to their horizontal positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph E. Hale
  • Publication number: 20030189127
    Abstract: An illuminated rod standoff has a base with a recessed surface mountable to a wall, and an axially positioned fastener oriented normal to the recessed surface. The fastener engages a cap which centers a cylindrical sidewall resting on the recessed surface within a close-fitting peripheral edge. The cap closes an open end of the sidewall and provides, at mutual right angles, a pair of cap engagement features, one fixed to the fastener, thereby holding the cap securely to the cylindrical sidewall and the cylindrical sidewall to the base. The other feature receives a towel or tissue rod. A lamp is mounted on the base for transmitting light through the transparent cylindrical sidewall and the cap for illuminating a space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Phillip Arendt, Phillip Roe Goodlett
  • Publication number: 20030189128
    Abstract: A reel and a method of assembling and disassembling the reel are described. The reel includes a pair of flanges, each flange engaged with the circular or polygonal end of a flexed stave pane formed from appropriately sized staves connected to one another by one or more flexible bands. To make the reel, the staves are aligned side by side and connected to one another by way of the flexible bands. Once connected, the staves form the flexible stave pane having joints in between each stave. Assembly of the reel involves flexing the stave pane into a tubular barrel with circular or polygonal ends adapted to correspond with a stave-engaging portion on each flange. Once one end is engaged with the stave-engaging portion of one flange, the opposing end of the flexed stave pane is engaged with a second stave-engaging portion on the second flange and the flanges are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Soepnel, Stephan W.P. Beke
  • Publication number: 20030189129
    Abstract: According to the invention, in this aircraft, the elements of the inertial reference system are separated according to whether they are intended for navigation (CI) or flight control (5, 6, 7). The accelerometers (5 and 6) intended for flight control are arranged at a vibration antinode, while the gyrometers (7) dedicated to flight control are placed at a vibration node. The accelerometers (5 and 6) and the gyrometers (7) are connected to the flight control computer (12) and their measurements serve as flight control parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Francois Kubica
  • Publication number: 20030189130
    Abstract: A multi-section aircraft door includes a sliding joint permitting a lower door section displacement into the flight deck area. The door includes an upper door section having a lower edge. The lower edge is connectably joined to an upper member of a two-member sliding joint. The upper member slidably joins to a sliding joint lower member. The sliding joint lower member is connectably joined to a lower door section upper edge. The upper member and the lower member of the two-member sliding joint include paired apertured embossments. A frangible pin slidably mates in each apertured embossment pair. A lever and cam form a frangible pin removal assembly. The lever is held in a normally upright position by either a spring device or a clevis and pin assembly. A rotating clasp or a ball detente system can also replace the frangible pin/apertured embossment and cam/lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: John V. Dovey, Scott P. Kube, John A. Pechacek, Rolando G. Taguinod
  • Publication number: 20030189131
    Abstract: A flight deck door for an aircraft that is both ballistic resistant and intruder proof. The flight deck door includes a laminated ballistic resistant material which can also provide intruder resistant properties. The ballistic resistant or armor material can be laminated onto a core to provide additional rigidity to the flight deck door. The core also increases the rigidity of the flight deck door and increases intruder resistance. Also sound dampening layers may be added to the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Cloud, John V. Dovey, James J. Kunda
  • Publication number: 20030189132
    Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental control system for an aircraft attendant or crew rest ventilation system. The system provides primary and secondary sources of air to the crew or attendant rest. A pressure sensor within the supply duct determines whether air from the primary duct is within desired pressure limits and controls operation of the ducts accordingly. Additional features related to temperature control and ventilation are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Frank P. Brady, Andre G. Brasseur
  • Publication number: 20030189133
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and acrylic/polycarbonate laminate, such as the materials from which many of today's military aircraft canopies are manufactured. A method of severing a section of an aircraft canopy so as to allow aircrew egress is necessary for aircrew safety. Past severance methods focused on fracturing materials using the shock waves created by explosive charges placed on, near or in the canopy material. These methods are effective for fracturing canopies manufactured from acrylic type materials, however, they are not reliable in severing polycarbonate type materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Lynn G. Hilden, Douglas D. Menzel, Raymond D. Weiss, Theodore F. Corona
  • Publication number: 20030189134
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow into and out of an aircraft. The apparatus can include a walkway elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a first portion and a second portion with the first portion configured to be positioned adjacent to an aircraft doorway. The walkway can have a width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis sized to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A restriction can be coupled to the walkway and can extend along the longitudinal axis to divide the walkway into a first aisle and a second aisle with each aisle being elongated along the longitudinal axis and with the restriction at least restricting movement by people from the first aisle to the second aisle. The restriction can be moveable relative to the walkway between a stowed position and a deployed position and can include elements such as upright members, transverse handrails, and/or flexible planar sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Kazuhide Konya
  • Publication number: 20030189135
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow on an aircraft. The aircraft can include a fuselage having a passenger doorway, a door moveable relative to the doorway between an open position and a closed position, and an entry region positioned within the fuselage adjacent to the passenger doorway. The entry region can have a width configured to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A plurality of seats are positioned within the fuselage and arranged along a first aisle having a first aisle axis and a second aisle having a second aisle axis, with the second aisle axis spaced apart transversely from the first aisle axis and with each aisle being accessible from the entry region. A restriction can be positioned in the entry region at least proximate to the passenger doorway, with the restriction dividing the entry region into a first portion accessible to the first aisle and a second portion accessible to the second aisle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Kazuhide Konya
  • Publication number: 20030189136
    Abstract: A communication line not affected by artificial structures and plants is established between mobile objects and stationary stations surrounded with skyscrapers, and economical artificial satellite service capable of efficiently performing satellite broadcast, mobile satellite communication, satellite-to-satellite communication and earth surveillance is provided using the communication line and by constructing the system with a small number of satellites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Toshihide Maeda, Nobuo Hamano, Shigeki Nakamura, Tomiharu Yoshida, Masataka Owada, Masahiko Ikeda, Takashi Yabutani, Masahiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20030189137
    Abstract: A method of controlling pointing for a flexible structure such as a satellite includes: providing feedforward and reference inputs of a pointing control system with prefilters; and scheduling the prefilters and a bang-bang input to the pointing control system as a function of a desired input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Herman
  • Publication number: 20030189138
    Abstract: A satellite energy and attitude control system includes a first energy wheel, a second energy wheel and a third energy wheel. The first energy wheel is mounted in a first double gimbal and the second energy wheel is mounted in a second double gimbal. The third energy wheel is mounted in a third double gimbal and the first, second and third energy wheels, which have at least two degrees of motion orthogonal to their respective spin axes, are located within a single plane and positioned with respect to each other such that the total angular momentum provided by the first, second and third energy wheels sums to zero approximate an operational range center of the gimbals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030189139
    Abstract: A clamp for connecting a cylindrical temperature sensor axis-parallel with a tube has a bendable metallic tension band which tension band on its one end portion has a first jaw and at its other end section is shapewise connectable with a second jaw, and which clamp also has a tension screw. The tension screw is inserted through a bore in the first jaw and is threaded through a threaded bore in the second jaw. To be able to connect the sensor and tube rigidly with little heat transfer resistance the second jaw has a bent plate with two legs. The first leg is provided with the threaded bore and the second leg with a slot through which the other end section can be passed. The tension band length is so chosen that the other end section after the wrapping of the tension band around the temperature sensor and the tube as well as its being passed through the slot is bendable down onto the second leg. The tension screw length is so chosen that after its tightening it lies on the bent down end section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Jens Erik Rasmussen, Borge Skov Hansen
  • Publication number: 20030189140
    Abstract: A snap structure includes a post, arrowhead-shaped snap pieces, leg pieces, and disengaging pieces. The snap pieces are formed at a distal end of the post and elastically deformable in a radial direction. The leg peices are arranged to oppose the snap pieces. The disengaging pieces are connected each to one end of correcponding one of the snap pieces that are enlarged in diameter, and can reduce in diameter the snap pieces manually. The snap pieces deform elastically in the radial direction, upon insertion in a through hole formed in a chassis or the like, and are fitted in the through hole, so as to clamp the chassis or the like together with the leg pieces. The post includes a stopper portion for prohibiting the post from being inclined in the through hole at not less than a predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Yasuichi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20030189141
    Abstract: A holding device for thermoplastic bags utilizes bags having side panels and a reclosable seal at one end thereof, the reclosable seal comprising a pair of opposed interlocking closure strips and a slider for opening and closing the closure strips. The holding device comprises a support surface and a pair of elongate holding members each having a proximal portion adjacent the support surface and a distal portion wherein the holding members define a channel therebetween. The channel has a first section for receiving and enclosing a portion of the slider and a second section for receiving only the closure strips but not the slider. The channel further has a slot formed by the distal portions of the holding members wherein the slot has a width sufficient to allow the side panels of the thermoplastic bag to enter the slot but prevent passage of the closure strips through the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Douglas P. Gundlach, Allison K. Betancourt, Daniel Warwick Stanley
  • Publication number: 20030189142
    Abstract: An adjustable support structure for a fireplace including upper and lower bars extending in a longitudinal direction, the upper bar being positioned above the lower bar and including a surface upon which the fireplace can rest. First and second cross bars are also included, each with upper and lower ends, the upper end of the first cross bar being coupled to the upper bar and the lower end of the second cross bar being coupled to the lower bar. The lower end of the first cross bar is moveably coupled to the lower bar and the upper end of the second cross bar is moveably coupled to the upper bar such that the upper bar may be adjusted upwards in a plane with respect to the lower bar to a desired height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Jack Jason Wells, Matthew Carter Wicks, Daniel Lee Holt
  • Publication number: 20030189143
    Abstract: A chair base includes a rigid base member having a plurality of elongate tubular leg members disposed angularly around and radiating outwardly from a central hub. Each leg member adjacent an outer free end thereof has a hub structure defining a through vertical bore for retaining the pintle of a caster. The hub structure includes coaxially aligned upper and lower sleevelike hub parts which are monolithically and integrally joined to and extruded transversely into the interior of the leg member from the respective top and bottom walls thereof. The pintle-retaining hub structure is formed by a pierce-and-extrude process whereby small pilot openings are initially formed through the respective walls, and the annular wall portion surrounding the respective pilot opening is thereafter transversely extruded to effect forming of the respective hub part. The pierce-and-extrude process for each hub part is, in a preferred process, carried out by a single forming tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Kleinikel, Helmut Berkenkoetter, Walter Mersmann
  • Publication number: 20030189144
    Abstract: A clamp (50) to enable the location of an article, such as a hanging basket, relative to a member, such as a brick, having a pair of spaced surfaces, the clamp having a pair of arms (51, 52) which may be generally parallel and which have a spacing which can very from a spacing which is greater than the distance between the surfaces to a spacing less than this, means (58) to cause the spacing to be reduced when the arms (51, 52) are adjacent each of the surfaces, to firmly locate the clamp (50) relative thereto, and means (61) on the clamp (50) to permit connection of the article thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Russell Byrne
  • Publication number: 20030189145
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clamp (18) for an elongate member (16) comprising a housing (25) through which an elongate member may extend, a clamping member (33) to engage the elongate member and a locking mechanism for pressing the clamping member against the elongate member. The locking mechanism has a rotatable input (37, 41) about a defined axis and a rotary cam means (35, 39) for converting rotation of the input into linear movement of the clamping member in said axis to effect and release engagement of the clamping member with the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20030189146
    Abstract: An adjustable weapon auxiliary mount for mounting devices of different diameters, one at a time, to a rail of a weapon. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount is provided with a base, a device clamp and a rail clamp. The base has a first end, an opposed second end, and a clamping surface formed therebetween. The device clamp is mounted to the base. The device clamp is provided with a clamping member having a clamping surface facing the clamping surface of the base and spatially disposed therefrom so as to define a receiving space for receiving one device and securely gripping the device. The clamping surfaces of the clamping member and the base are configured to securely grip, one at a time, devices having varying diameters within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Donald W. Wooten, John W. Woodmansee
  • Publication number: 20030189147
    Abstract: A durable holder assembly having improved mechanical and aesthetic qualities to hold heavy objects. The support portion for the assembly is formed via injection molding. The support portion contains on one side a structure for securing the hook to a surface such as a magnet, an adhesive, a suction cup, Velcro or a mechanical device such as an over-the-door bracket. The structure that secures the holder assembly to a surface is integrally formed with the support portion therein. A holding member, such as a hook, is also integrally formed with the support portion and extends downwardly from the support portion for supporting objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Publication number: 20030189148
    Abstract: A durable holder assembly having improved mechanical and aesthetic qualities to hold heavy objects. The securing member, such as a suction cup, for the assembly is formed via injection molding and serves to secure the assembly to a vertical surface. A holding member, such as a hook, is integrally formed within the securing member and extends downwardly from a head portion of the securing member for holding other objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Publication number: 20030189149
    Abstract: A device that holds three writing, drafting or art instruments in elongated channels grouped closely together. Allowing the user to choose which instrument they will use by rotating the holder until the desired instrument is facing the working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Murray Jones Leffers
  • Publication number: 20030189150
    Abstract: A storage device for accessories, such as wakeboards and the like on a boat, may be mounted to maximize space and secure objects for storage. The device includes displaceable levers, fixed arms, and an actuating assembly that provides a spring bias for displacing the levers towards the fixed arms to provide a clamping force against an item or accessory to be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: James Schultz
  • Publication number: 20030189151
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a ceiling fan including a frame that can be mounted to a ceiling, and a shroud for covering the frame. The shroud has a flange with a projection provided thereon, whereas the frame has a surface with a receptacle formed therein. Accordingly, the shroud and the frame can be positioned such that the projection on the shroud and the receptacle on the frame can mate in order to secure the shroud to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng Ming Hsing
  • Publication number: 20030189152
    Abstract: A pallet includes a deck and support members extending from an underside of the deck. The deck has alignment recesses as well as lowered portions along both sides of the deck for receiving the feet and runners supporting the deck to achieve nesting when stacked. The support members include two runners with orifices extending there through and aligned to accommodate pallet jacks and forklifts. The orifices have straps extending underneath the orifices to provide structural support while allowing for insertion of pallet jacks and their wheels. The pallet has feet between the runners and spaced so that the underside of the deck is unobstructed in the area intermediate the orifices providing for four way insertion of pallet jack support units. The pallet has alignment sections machined into the sides of the pallet to provide for precise alignment with pallet handling equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Stratis Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew W. Elder, William J. Skinner, Bobby G. Badger
  • Publication number: 20030189153
    Abstract: With an object of providing a pallet for transportation which is facilitated in fabrication as well as assembling and disassembling, light-weighted and solid there is provided a pallet 10 for transportation including (a) an upper face plate 11 constituted by a strip-like face plate made of a metal formed by constituting a sectional shape alternately aligned with (n+1) pieces of projected portions 11a and n pieces(n is a natural number) of recessed portions 11b and (b) a support member 13 in which a side face thereof is formed substantially in a square shape by being turned around to fold to bend to an inner side at four portions thereof in a longitudinal direction of the strip-like face plate and a reinforcement member 14 having a section in a channel-like shape is fitted to the projected portion between upper and lower strip-like face plates at both end portions and at least one portion of middle portions thereof in the longitudinal direction:
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Kenji Nakabayashi, Masao Tsuruoka, Noboro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20030189154
    Abstract: A brace for stabilizing a vehicle is provided. The brace includes a main tube including a first end and a second end and defining at least one first set of orifices. An extension tube is disposed in the main tube from the first end and defines at least one second set of orifices. The position of the extension tube is set by selectively aligning at least one set of orifices from the first set and at least one set of orifices from the second set and inserting a fastener through the aligned orifices. A vehicle anchor is removably connected to the extension tube and a footer is removably connected to the second end of the main tube. A method for using a brace to stabilize a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Lanka
  • Publication number: 20030189155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitor with touch sensor capabilities having enhanced stability features. One embodiment of the invention is a monitor with touch input capabilities that includes a monitor panel, a base, an upper support member, and a lower support member. The upper support member is secured to the monitor panel at first and second locations, and is further secured to the base. The lower support member is secured to the panel at third and fourth locations that are lower relative to the first and second positions. The lower support member is also secured to the base. In some embodiments of the invention, the upper support member is adjustable to allow the monitor panel to rotate about the lower support member from an upright position to an angled position relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew Serbinski, Jason C. Billig, Mirzat Koc, Mark I. Rosen, David P. Henry
  • Publication number: 20030189156
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a metal post while it is being driven into the ground utilizes a platen base and a guide member which is joined to the base for holding the post in a steady condition while the post is being driven into the ground. The post is insertable endwise into the guide member and is engageable with the ground through a through-opening defined in the base. As a user stands upon or beside the base with his feet positioned on opposite sides of the through-opening, both of his hands are free to use a driver to drive the post into the ground. Therefore, this apparatus allows an individual to drive a post into the ground without the aid of another individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: George William Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20030189157
    Abstract: A pneumatic extensible anchoring rack consists of an outer tube, an inner tube, a lid and an air cylinder. The outer tube is a hollow tubular member. The lid is located above the outer tube. The air cylinder is an extensible tubular member located in a hollow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube, and has one end fastening to the lid through a pin. The inner tube is a hollow tubular member located in the outer tube and is fastened to another end of the air cylinder through a pin. The air cylinder is extensible to control the extension or retraction of the outer tube and inner tube of a landing gear. As the pneumatic power is not sufficient to support the weight to be lifted, an anchoring means is provided for anchoring. The anchoring means includes four brake shoes located on four comers in the interior of the inner tube, four supporting rods located in the hollow space between the outer tube and the inner tube and fastened to the lid through pins, a pulling bar and a control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ting-Tsai Wang
  • Publication number: 20030189158
    Abstract: Dismountable casting mold side wall system including a side wall attachable dismountably to the casting mold and a magnet adapted to clamp onto a casting bed so as attach said side wall thereto, in which system the release/clamp operations of the magnet are adapted to take place in the interior space remaining between the exterior sides of said side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Consolis Technology Oy Ab, Vantaa, Finland.
    Inventor: Kari Vappula
  • Publication number: 20030189159
    Abstract: In a photoelectric conversion device having a plurality of pixel circuits, a read transistor, a main electrode of which is connected to a charge accumulation node of a photoelectric conversion unit in each pixel circuit is operated in a pentode region, so as to read out a photoelectric conversion signal of each diode to a floating diffusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Shunsuke Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030189160
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensing apparatus having plural unit pixels, arranged in an array, for converting incident light into signal charges and outputting the signal charges as electric signals, having plural photoelectric converters, overlay-formed in a depthwise direction, for converting the incident light into the electric signals. Differential processing is performed on output signals corresponding to the signal charges and output signals corresponding to a reset status and the result of processing is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Katsuhito Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20030189161
    Abstract: In a photosensitive scanning apparatus, in which a plurality of chips are aligned to form a single linear array of photosensors, gaps of unknown width between photosensors on adjacent chips may have an effect on resulting image quality. A set of simple strategies can be used to overcome the problem. In a first strategy, for each chip, interpolation of output values of the photosensors is used to in effect displace the outputs of the photosensors by a predetermined amount toward a gap; within constraints, the predetermined displacement can be used without actual measurement of any gap width. In a second strategy, an interpolated output of a theoretical “phantom photosensor” disposed toward the gap is added to the output stream from each chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Alain E. Perregaux
  • Publication number: 20030189162
    Abstract: A light sensing film including lamination of transparent/translucent material, an upper transparent electrode, a photosensitive dielectric layer including photosensitive dielectric material, a lower dielectric layer, and a lower electrode formed from conductive material such as carbon, a silver coating, a metallic plate, or a conductive coating, wherein: a capacitor is composed between the two electrodes; as the dielectric constant of the photosensitive dielectric layer between the two electrodes changes when light enters, capacitance of the capacitor changes; and accordingly light intensity can be detected. Zinc sulfide may be used as the photosensitive dielectric material, for sensitivity exclusively to ultraviolet rays. Titanium dioxide also may be used for longer life of the dielectric material. To regulate capacitance, an additional dielectric layer may be provided between the photosensitive dielectric layer and the lower electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Isao Tatsuno
  • Publication number: 20030189163
    Abstract: The present invention provides sensitivity determining method for maintenance of an optical sensor system and sensitivity determining filter used therefor. An attenuation filter is disposed in a projected light area between a light projection unit and a light receiving unit of an optical sensor system, and in the case where the light receiving unit receiving a quantity reduced light transmitted through the attenuation filter outputs a signal indicative of light reception, a decision is made such that sensitivity of the optical sensor system is sufficiently high. On the other hand, in the case where the light receiving unit outputs signal indicative of insufficient light reception, a decision is made such that sensitivity of the optical sensor system is poor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Tsubakimoto Chain Co., Japan
    Inventors: Takumi Ueyama, Kouji Kusamura, Keiichi Tsujimoto
  • Publication number: 20030189164
    Abstract: A first device comprising a first current mirror is used to amplify the output of a first photodetector. A second device comprising a current mirror arrangement is employed to amplify the output of a second photodetector. The outputs of the two devices are then compared to provide a signal useful for many applications, including that for determining the position of a rotating member or of a member in relative motion to another member. Preferably, no feedback action is used for the amplification of the output of at least one of the photodetectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: CAPELLA MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian N. Kuo, Ing-Jye Lan, Koon Wing Tsang, Pei-Ling Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030189165
    Abstract: A Child Seat monitoring system for use in automobiles. An optical arrangement is situated in the vehicle such that a driver of the vehicle may view the occupant of the Child Seat for position, disposition or presence in the seat. The Child Seat contains a sensing device to detect the presence or not of an occupant. An alarm is given when the driver's door of the vehicle is opened and the Child Seat is occupied. The optical system includes lights for illumination of the Child Seat. The optical system may be used separately from the Seat sensors or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Derrick Anthony Fitzroy Samuels, Edward George Kearns, James Edward Kemble
  • Publication number: 20030189166
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotation includes a plurality of motion sensors constructed in a substantially coplanar arrangement. The plurality of motion sensors is each configured to generate incremental movement data indicative of movement of the sensor in two dimensions. A rotation data generator generates rotation data based on the incremental movement data. The rotation data represents rotation of a first one of the motion sensors about a second one of the motion sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. Black, Michael J. Brosnan, Roopinder Singh Grewal
  • Publication number: 20030189167
    Abstract: A droplet/electrospray device and a liquid chromatography-electrospray system are disclosed. The droplet/electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate droplets or an electrospray. A plurality of these electrospray devices can be used in the form of an array of miniaturized nozzles. The liquid chromatography-electrospray device comprises a separation substrate defining an introduction channel between an entrance orifice and a reservoir and a separation channel between the reservoir and an exit orifice, the separation channel being populated with separation posts perpendicular to the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Gary A. Schultz, Thomas N. Corso