Patents Issued in December 4, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030221484
    Abstract: A flow-measuring system has a weir wall bounded on a front face by a body of water and having a rear face and a top edge over which water from the body flows. A structure generally formed as an airfoil is mounted on the top edge such that water flowing over the weir wall must flow over the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Hansjorg Brombach
  • Publication number: 20030221485
    Abstract: An upright capillary tube is located at a position in a liquid container such that its lower end can be reached by the surface of the liquid level in the container as the liquid level rises and falls with changes in the amount of liquid in the container. A thermal sensor, e.g., a thermistor is provided on the capillary tube. As the liquid level rises and reaches the lower end of the capillary tube, the liquid rises in the tube due to surface tension. As the liquid in the capillary tube reaches the location of the thermal sensor, the sensor responds to a temperature change to detect the liquid level. The capillary sensing system can be miniaturized and is capable of superior sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Ikuo Toki
  • Publication number: 20030221486
    Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed that includes an expandable mechanical structure, and logging devices that are coupled to the mechanical structure and serially networked together. The testing apparatus of the present invention is utilized to accommodate storage units, such as refrigerators, freezers and incubators, of various sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Bryan M. Elwood, Charles G. Butts, Walter Jeff Tipton
  • Publication number: 20030221487
    Abstract: A mobile testing environment (100) is adapted for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle (118) and includes an enclosed trailer (102) for providing insulation from ambient weather, temperature and noise. The trailer (102) also has a hitch (124) for attachment to a towing vehicle for transport. An angular position and speed sensor (130) is adapted to generate a signal responsive to speed and angular position of a drive shaft. Vibration sensors (132), (134), and (136) are adapted to detect drive line vibration and generate a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer (138) is adapted to receive signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor (130) and the vibration sensors (132), (134) and (136) to calculate any imbalance in the drive line system and present counterbalance weight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance. The angular sensor comprises a pair of perceptron cameras adapted to send a pair of signals to signal analyzer (138).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Silvagi, Jeffrey Peters, Robert Shiloff
  • Publication number: 20030221488
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for characterizing an acoustic impedance of an engineering component acoustically coupled to an acoustic waveguide comprises: a pressure measurement apparatus adapted to be moved and to be disposed to measure pressure signals, the pressure signals being measured at respective ones of a plurality of predetermined locations along the acoustic waveguide; an exciter adapted to excite the acoustic waveguide with an excitation signal; a data collection module adapted to incorporate the pressure signals from the pressure measurement apparatus into a pressure signal set; a transform module adapted to transform the pressure signal set to a frequency domain set; a wave shape identifier adapted to identify a plurality of wave shape parameters from the frequency domain set; and a statistical computer adapted to compute from the frequency domain set a statistical measure for the wave shape parameters, the statistical measure being selected from the group consisting
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Goldmeer, Simon Ralph Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20030221489
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the surface travel time of a surface wave between first and second points on a surface. First and second spaced apart transducers are disposed substantially perpendicular to a surface. The direct travel times for each transducer are determined, then a total travel time from the first transducer to the second transducer is measured. The direct travel times are subtracted from the total travel time to produce the actual travel time between the points on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lat Sang Koo
  • Publication number: 20030221490
    Abstract: The speed of sound c is determined in a material as a function of the temperature T by heating an end of an elongated sample body of the material of the temperature and determining the time difference for the receipt of echoes from two reflective zones at the heated end. The opposite end of the body is cooled in a water bath which can couple an ultrasonic test head to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: SMS Meer GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Sauerland
  • Publication number: 20030221491
    Abstract: Systems and methods for digitally controlling sensors. In one embodiment, a digital controller for a capacitance diaphragm gauge is embedded in a digital signal processor (DSP). The controller receives digitized input from a sensor AFE via a variable gain module, a zero offset module and an analog-to-digital converter. The controller automatically calibrates the received input by adjusting the variable gain and zero offset modules. The controller also monitors and adjusts a heater assembly to maintain an appropriate temperature at the sensor. The controller utilizes a kernel module that allocates processing resources to the various tasks of a gauge controller module. The kernel module repetitively executes iterations of a loop, wherein in each iteration, all of a set of high priority tasks are performed and one of a set of lower priority tasks are performed. The controller module thereby provides sensor measurement output at precisely periodic intervals, while performing ancillary functions as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Albert, Edwin K. Arrant, Marvin B. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20030221492
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembling structure capable of keeping a homogeneous detection accuracy without any error that might otherwise be caused by a stress at an assembling time, and an assembling method for the assembling structure. This structure is constructed to comprise: a base having a fluid inlet port on one end side and an opening communicating with the fluid inlet port on the other end side; and a sensor element inserted from the opening of the base and fixed in the base such that a connecting face formed on its one side is exposed from the side of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Shinsuke Yoshida, Satoshi Nozoe, Daisuke Kuzuyama, Takashi Toya, Sadaharu Morishita
  • Publication number: 20030221493
    Abstract: The present invention provides a small-sized electrostatic condenser type pressure sensor having high assembly accuracy but no dispersion in a detection accuracy, and a method for manufacturing the pressure sensor. An annular spacer is mounted on the confronting faces of substrates around flat electrodes, and a frit is mounted around the spacer and is made of a material having a lower softening or melting point than that of the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Sadaharu Morishita, Takashi Toya, Shinsuke Yoshida, Satoshi Nozoe, Daisuke Kuzuyama
  • Publication number: 20030221494
    Abstract: A sensor including at least one electrode (3, 4) which is made of electrically conductive plastic and is connected to one end of an electrical conductor (5, 6). The electrode (3, 4) and conductor (5, 6) are surrounded by an insulating housing (2, 22), except that the electrode has an exposed surface (7, 8) for contacting an aggressive or corrosive medium inside the housing. The other end (11, 12) of the electrical conductor protrudes from the housing (2, 22). The housing (2, 22) is made of an electrically insulating plastic material which is joined to the electrode (3, 4) in a sealed manner. In a preferred embodiment, the housing (2, 22) forms a valve seat and seal for a bottom drain valve of a fluid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: XOMOX International GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Gonsior
  • Publication number: 20030221495
    Abstract: A powder sampling method and apparatus is provided for sampling powder from a mixer or a drum. An undisturbed column of powder is extracted from a vessel. The column of powder may then be sectioned into subunits, using a discharge device, providing up to dozens of samples per insertion. Larger number of representative samples of controlled size from a powder bed can be acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Fernando J. Muzzio, Albert Alexander, Dean Brone, Michael Roddy
  • Publication number: 20030221496
    Abstract: After placing a sample in a heating vacuum chamber, a probe is climbed down to a position above a capacitor formed in the sample whose electrical characteristic is supposed to be measured. The probe is contacted with both electrodes of the capacitor, which is confirmed by electrical measurement. In order to measure capacitance loss, after filling N2 gas up in the heating vacuum chamber, a mixed gas is introduced from a line for 3 vol %H2+97 vol %N2 to the inside of the heating vacuum chamber. After pressure has been stabilized there, capacitance loss and lapsed time are measured at the same time. Concentrations of residual H2O and residual O2 in the heating vacuum chamber are measured by a quadrupole mass spectrometer QMS; and at the same time, concentrations of each of residual H2O and residual O2 in an exhaust gas are measured by sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Cross, Mineharu Tsukada
  • Publication number: 20030221497
    Abstract: A scanner assembly for dovetail inspection of the wheels of a turbine rotor includes a series of circumferentially pivotally connected links: a motor link, transmission links, an encoder link, an adjustable link, free links and a base link mounting a transducer. The motor link mounts a motor for driving rollers on the transmission links and rotating the scanner assembly about the rotor shaft. The encoder link mounts an encoder for determining the circumferential position of the transducer about the shaft. The adjustable link enables the assembly to be tightened or loosened about the rotor shaft. The free links and base link complete the circular scanner assembly about the shaft. A single scan for a full 360° investigates the plurality of hooks on the side of the wheel opposite the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Francis Murphy, Robert Martin Roney, Robert L'Heureux, Denis Labrecque
  • Publication number: 20030221498
    Abstract: A control panel is provided comprising a circuit board, a rotary position encoder mounted to the circuit board and having a rotating shaft with a first rotation axis, and a cover having an aperture. A knob is rotationally received in the aperture with a second rotation axis. The knob has an open interior space and a radial guiding rib projecting into the interior space. A guide part rotates with the rotating shaft and has a guide groove slidably engaging the radial guiding rib whereby the radial guiding rib drives rotation of the rotating shaft in response to manual rotation of the knob. The radial guiding rib shifts in position within the guide groove in response to misalignment between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Douglas A. Pfau
  • Publication number: 20030221499
    Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle transmission having both a shift-by-wire mode and a manual override mode includes a motor and a gear assembly driven by the motor when the vehicle transmission is in a shift-by-wire mode. An output member of the gear assembly is configured to mate with the vehicle transmission. A release member is operable to drive the gear assembly when the vehicle transmission is in a manual override mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Q. Wong
  • Publication number: 20030221500
    Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear is provided. The gear comprises a lower shaft, a pinion gear, a first bearing, and a plurality of stakes. The lower shaft has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder depending radially outward from the lower shaft. The pinion gear is defined in a portion of the lower shaft proximate the first end. The first bearing has a first side, a second side, and an inner edge. The inner edge is disposed on the lower shaft such that the first side abuts the shoulder. The stakes have a first section that conforms to a radius defined at an intersection of the second side and the inner edge of the first bearing, and a second section resting against the second side of the first bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Eric D. Pattok, Donald J. Smith, Rolf E. Kleinau, William S. Anders, Ryan J. Pavlawk, Terrance R. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20030221501
    Abstract: In a ball screw, a nut is fitted with the outer periphery of a screw shaft, ball rolling grooves opposed to each other are formed in the screw shaft and the nut The ball rolling grooves cooperate in forming a ball rolling path therebetween. A tube as a return path disposed on the nut for connecting one end portion of the ball rolling path to the other end portion thereof, the ball rolling path and tube cooperate in forming an endless circulation path. A plurality of load balls are disposed within the endless circulation path. The position of the tube cannot be limited to a single specific position. In the ball screw, retaining pieces are respectively inserted between the mutually adjacent ones of the load balls disposed within the endless circulation path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ohkubo, Kouji Takino
  • Publication number: 20030221502
    Abstract: A ball screw (1) as a linear motion device according to the invention has retaining pieces (21) each having two concave surfaces (23) facing adjacent ones of rolling elements (9) respectively. Each of the retaining pieces (21) is disposed between adjacent ones of the rolling elements (9). A carbonitrided layer containing residual austenite of 15-40% by volume is provided in the surface layer of each of the rolling elements (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Okita, Hideyuki Uyama, Susumu Tanaka, Kenichi Iso
  • Publication number: 20030221503
    Abstract: A gearshift operation device for a tiltable cab over type truck comprises a shift lever placed at an instrument panel, and a select cable and a shift cable which connect an operation lever unit for the shift lever and a manual transmission. After coming out of a cab, the cables curve to pass close by a hinge pivot which supports the cab, and extend toward the manual transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK AND BUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi Mita, Tadaharu Suga, Hiroyuki Dohi
  • Publication number: 20030221504
    Abstract: A remote center of motion robotic system including a base unit and a plurality of linking units. The base unit is rotatable about a first axis. The plurality of linking units are coupled with one another. At least two of the linking units are kept parallel to each another during motion. The plurality of linking units are coupled with that base unit at a first end. The plurality of linking units are rotatable about a second axis by changing an angle between each of the plurality of links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Dan Stoianovici, Louis L. Whitcomb, Dumitru Mazilu, Russell H. Taylor, Louis R. Kavoussi
  • Publication number: 20030221505
    Abstract: A cam locking assembly for an adjustable steering column. The assembly includes a tie bolt that is secured relative to the steering column. A lever member is positioned for rotation about the tie bolt. A caming unit is positioned about the tie bolt adjacent the lever member. The caming unit has a roller assembly positioned between a pair of opposed cam plates. One of the cam plates is associated with the lever member and rotates therewith and the other plate is fixed relative to such rotation. Each cam plate has a plurality of ramped recesses on its internal surface such that rotation of the one plate causes the rollers to ride up the ramps such that the plates are pushed apart. The pushed apart ramps cause clamping upon the steering column to lock its position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Timken U.S. Corporation
    Inventors: Gary T. Schick, W. Richard Gist, Glenn DiCostanzo
  • Publication number: 20030221506
    Abstract: A shifting device including first and second shift control members, a takeup element, a holding member, and a release member. The takeup element configured for winding and unwinding a tensioned control cable. The first control member is rotatable about a handlebar and configured to rotate the takeup to at least pull or wind the control cable onto the takeup. The second control member is a return-to-neutral member for rotating the takeup to release the. The holding member is rotatable with the takeup and retains the takeup in select angular positions. The release member is operable for disengaging the holding member in response to the actuation or return stroke of the second control member for allowing the takeup to unwind the cable a sufficient amount to enable a single gear shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin F. Wesling, Christopher A. Shipman, John D. Cheever, James P. Orrico, Danny R. Smith, Georg K. Blaschke
  • Publication number: 20030221507
    Abstract: A bicycle shifter having a housing mountable to a handlebar, a takeup mechanism for pulling a shift cable and a release mechanism for releasing the shift cable. The takeup mechanism includes a takeup tooth segment, a takeup pawl and an actuation element. The release mechanism includes retaining and locking tooth segments, retaining and locking pawls and a release element. The takeup, retaining and locking tooth segments are arranged on one disk element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Wessel, Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20030221508
    Abstract: Ribs (19) are provided in a lattice pattern on an inner surface of an inclined portion (8) of a level upper (2) making up a first lever component, while first and second projecting portions (28, 29) for press fitting whose cross sections are L-shaped are provided on an inner surface of an inclined portion (12) of a lever lower (3) making up a second lever component. The arrangement provided is such that the first and second projecting portions (28, 29) for press fitting are respectively inserted into first and second inserting portions (22, 23) formed by the ribs (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hitoshi Koide
  • Publication number: 20030221509
    Abstract: A handlebar stem is an elongated body with a main passage defined therethrough. A first end of the body is connected to a handlebar and a second end of the body has two lugs extending therefrom so as to be mounted onto the steerer tube of a bike. A plurality of concavities are defined in an outer surface of each of the two lugs so as to form a fatigue detection area on each of the lugs and cracks caused by stress during the operation of the bike are seen in the fatigue detection area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chang-Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20030221510
    Abstract: The rotatable knob contains a knob shell (1), a coupling part (2) for the connection of the knob shell to the spindle, a sleeve (3) which is connectable to the housing, a cover disc (4) which is secured by the sleeve (3) to the housing, a screw (5) arranged in the knob shell (1) for the setting of the holding force and a clamping disc (6) which cooperates with the knob shell (1) and the sleeve (3) so that, on rotation of knob shell (1), the clamping disc (6) executes a relative movement and can be brought into engagement with the screw to restrict the rotation of the knob shell (1). For this purpose, the clamping disc (6) is guided in the knob shell (1) and is rotatably arranged on the sleeve (3) so that, on rotation of the knob shell, (1) the clamping disc (6) executes a synchronous rotary movement with the knob shell (1) and the linear movement with respect to the knob shell (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Philippe Vogt
  • Publication number: 20030221511
    Abstract: A pedal retraction amount control apparatus is provided in which a tread portion of a pedal can be reliably moved in a forward direction of a vehicle body, when the running vehicle collide in various forms. The pedal retraction amount control apparatus comprises a pushing member 24 which can protrude into a passenger compartment 12 from a forward side of the vehicle, and a control bracket 45 arranged between the pushing member 24 and a pedal 17, which rocks by being pushed by the pushing member 24 moving to rearward of the vehicle so as to press an upper part of the pedal 17 above a pivot 38 in the rearward direction of the vehicle, and the tread portion of the pedal is moved to the forward of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Misonou, Masahide Takada, Yasuyuki Sekine
  • Publication number: 20030221512
    Abstract: A support structure for a pedal, which is connected to a toeboard panel for separating an engine compartment from a passenger compartment and to a steering beam disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle body, supports the pedal via a pedal bracket below an instrument panel. The pedal bracket is formed into two pieces, a front bracket section and a rear bracket section. The front bracket section is fixed to the toeboard panel, and the rear bracket section is fixed at or below the steering beam and provided with the pedal for a vehicle. A rear end part of the front bracket section is slidably secured into a front end part of the rear bracket section by a coupling unit. In the support structure, the coupling unit disengages the rear end part of the front bracket section and the front end part of the rear bracket section from each other when an impact load pushing backward the toeboard panel is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Sando
  • Publication number: 20030221513
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a component with a through bore for a tool and a shield to cover the through bore is provided. The shield has a fastening section and an at least partially elastic cover section, which is movable with respect to the fastening section so that it covers the through bore in a first position and exposes the through bore in a second position. The fastening section is fastened to the component a distance away from the through bore and the shield is endeavouring to move automatically into the first position in which the through bore is covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Heindl
  • Publication number: 20030221514
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a hollow shaft with power transmission members such as cams of a camshaft, crown gears of a gear shaft or journals of a crankshaft disposed one behind the other in an axial direction, the power transmission members being configured to be at least partially hollow, said power transmission members being configured integral with the hollow shaft and the material being hardenable at least in the region of the power transmission members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Amborn
  • Publication number: 20030221515
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system is provided that includes a first prime mover having a rotational output, a second prime mover having a rotational output, and a transmission having a main shaft supporting at least two main shaft gears thereon. The transmission includes a first independent countershaft drivingly connected to the first prime mover and including at least one ratio gear supported thereon that meshes with a respective main shaft gear. A second independent countershaft is drivingly connected to the second prime mover and includes at least one ratio gear supported thereon that meshes with a respective main shaft gear. The ratio gears on the first and second countershafts cooperate with the main shaft gears to provide at least one gear ratio between the first and second countershafts and the main shaft. A shift control mechanism selectively engages and disengages the first and second countershafts for rotation with the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Ricardo C. Grillo, Walter K. O' Neil, David M. Preston
  • Publication number: 20030221516
    Abstract: A method for forming a copper-infiltrated iron powder metal article comprises compacting and sintering a predominately iron powder to form an iron-base matrix that contains between about 1 and 7 weight percent nickel and about 0.1 and 1.2 weight percent phosphorus. A copper metal is infiltrated into pores within the iron-base matrix. The product article comprises between about 2.0 and 23 weight percent copper infiltrant. Preferably, infiltration is carried out concurrently with sintering of the iron powder compact. The resulting product exhibits a particularly useful combination of mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and elongation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: William Victor Alcini
  • Publication number: 20030221517
    Abstract: Metallic particles capable of causing iron or other desired first metal to break free from its oxide are coated with a refractory that inhibits incineration of the metallic particles. The coated metallic particles are added to the molten metal bath as a means for treating the molten metal bath by increasing the yield of the first metal from the bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: James Collin Britt
  • Publication number: 20030221518
    Abstract: Apparatus for twisting off crown bottle caps. A main body in side view is flattened and has a thickness, with a circular opening through the thickness, the opening large enough to accommodate the diameter of a crown bottle cap. The circumferential edge of the opening is formed into a plurality of pairs of facets, each pair of facets forming a notch. The walls of the facets are not parallel to one another but instead taper toward one another and form generally pyramidal shapes which intersect, or come to a point, within the main body thickness. An inverted triangular shape is formed between each pair of facets. A bottle cap is inserted into the opening, where the notches formed by the facets closely engage the bottle cap jags. The contour of the main body then permits the user to readily twist off the bottle cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Fred A. Buettner
  • Publication number: 20030221519
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that permits sections of tubulars to be connected to or disconnected from a string of pipe during a drilling operation. The apparatus further permits the sections of drill pipe to be rotated and to be axially translated during the connection or disconnection process. The apparatus further allows for the continuous circulation of fluid to and through the tubular string during the makeup or breakout process. The apparatus defines a rig assembly comprising a top drive mechanism, a rotary drive mechanism, and a fluid circulating device. Rotation and axial movement of the tubular string is alternately provided by the top drive and the rotary drive. Additionally, continuous fluid flow into the tubular string is provided through the circulation device and alternately through the tubular section once a connection is made between an upper tubular connected to the top drive mechanism and the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: David M. Haugen
  • Publication number: 20030221520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket wrench of simple structure, easy to manufacture, having minimum size and weight on the whole so that one can tighten up or loosen easily, with small strength, a bolt for use in fixing the tire wheel of compact cars such as a jeep and a passenger car to a hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Yong-Su Ha
  • Publication number: 20030221521
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head having a hole for a driving member being engaged therewith and an open end in which an end of a handle is pivotably engaged. A cover plate is mounted to the head for retaining the driving member. Two sets of spring and bead are respectively installed in an underside of the cover plate and a surface of the head and the two beads are respectively engaged with two protrusions extending from two opposite sides of the end of the handle. A pawl is connected to the end of the handle and has two groups of engaging teeth no two ends thereof so to be alternatively engaged with the teeth in the driving member. The protrusions are forced to move over the two beads by pivoting the handle and two sides of the end of the handle contact against the two insides of the open end of the head so as to effectively drive the driving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Tseng Shu-Ying, Yu Hua-Rung
  • Publication number: 20030221522
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench comprises a handle having a head portion at an end thereof. The head portion has a through hole, a first chamber and a second chamber. An engaging member is received in the through hole of the handle for free rotating. A pawl is received in the first chamber detachably meshed the engaging member. A switching device comprises an axle member and a turning member at an end of the axle member, and a driving device is made from a flexible wire to form a spiral coupling portion and a curved elastic arm projected from an end of the coupling portion. The coupling portion is received in the second chamber and the elastic arm is projected out to rest against the pawl at the driven portion thereof. The axle member of the switching member is inserted into the second chamber via the opening end of the second chamber for driving the elastic arm to turn, and then the pawl is driven to shift by the elastic arm of the driving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Publication number: 20030221523
    Abstract: An adjustable pliers wrench including a fixture having a handle and an opposing stationary jaw, a co-acting jaw pivoted to the fixture and a lever pivoted to the co-acting jaw. A guide is attached proximate the handle and a locking element is arranged on the guide for reciprocal and canting movement. At least one attached biasing element urges the locking element toward the stationary jaw. An arm is pivoted to the lever and a cam is pivoted to the arm and to the locking element so as to be movable between a first condition permitting the locking element to reciprocate along the guide and a second condition bearing against the guide and canting the locking element into frictional engagement against the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Newell Rubbermaid Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Poole, Robert N. Poole
  • Publication number: 20030221524
    Abstract: A wrench includes a drive member for driving a fastener, a retainer securely engaged with the drive member to move therewith, and a casing having a compartment for accommodating the retainer. The casing includes a retaining section defining a retaining space for retaining the retainer in place. When a rotational force applied to the casing is smaller than an engaging force between the retaining section of the casing and a retaining device that is attached between the retaining section and the retainer, the retainer and the rod are turned to thereby turn the fastener. When a rotational force applied to the casing is greater than the engaging force, the casing slides while the retainer and the rod are not turned. The drive member is releasably engaged with the retainer, allowing the wrench to be used with various types of drive members for driving various types of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20030221525
    Abstract: A tool holder for attaching a complex tool having a plurality of kinds of cutting edges to a turret, has a base portion attachably and detachably formed at the turret. The base portion has a rotatable tool spindle attachably and detachably installing the complex tool thereon. The tool spindle is provided with indexing means for indexably rotating the tool spindle at an indexed position corresponding to each cutting edge of the complex tool. And, clamping means for clamping the tool spindle at a predetermined indexed position is provided. Indexing rotational function and clamping function owned by the tool holder makes the use of the complex tool in the lathe possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Koichiro Katoh, Kazuo Kawasaki, Naoya Tanaka, Minoru Kitayama
  • Publication number: 20030221526
    Abstract: A boring bar holder is provided. The boring bar holder is for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine. The boring bar holder has a base block assembly, the base block assembly has a first end and a second end, and between the ends, a semibore transverses one side of the base block assembly, a top or second block assembly, the top or second block assembly has a first end and a second end, and between the ends, a semibore transverses one side of the top or second block assembly, and at least one securing member disposed on each side of the semibores in each block assembly for securing the base block assembly to the top or second block assembly and the block assembly to the CNC machine, such that a bar engaged between the blocks in the bore is engaged with a precise, constant pressure and compression for securing the bar in the boring bar holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Morson
  • Publication number: 20030221527
    Abstract: A piper cutter in the invention comprises a spindle, a fixing disk, a locating seat, a cutting member, a stop member, and two nuts. The locating seat can slide along the spindle to move the cutting member to a location at a level of a required length of a pipe body to be cut, whereby after a socket head of a power drive unit is locked on a fixed head of the spindle, the power drive unit is actuated to rotate the spindle with a lower portion of the spindle moved sideways to make the cutting member follow the rotation of the spindle to cut the pipe body accordingly, thus enabling the piper cutter to be convenient and quick in use; time-saving and labor-saving; adapted to cut pipe bodies with different thickness, bore sizes or length; and, provided with good working efficiency, economical benefits and high utility in industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Mei-Chu Lee
  • Publication number: 20030221528
    Abstract: An improved orifice plate assembly for a loaf slicing machine, the orifice plate assembly located adjacent to a moving slicing blade includes a frame defining an opening and a first orifice-defining member and a second orifice-defining member slidably mounted together slidably on the frame. The first orifice-defining member and the second orifice-defining member, together define an orifice. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the frame and to each of the first and second orifice-defining members, the adjustment mechanism when adjusted changes the orifice dimension between the first and second orifice-defining members without substantially changing a centerline location of the orifice. The adjustment mechanism includes a stud fixed to the first orifice-defining member, and two links pivotally mounted to the frame and engaged to two rods fixed to the second orifice-defining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Glenn Sandberg, Glen F. Pryor, Scott A. Lindee
  • Publication number: 20030221529
    Abstract: An adjustable board stop made from a U-shaped bracket attached to an extension that supports a hinge and hinge pin attached to an L-shaped bracket that protrudes out over the middle section of the top surface of the U-shaped bracket and perpendicular down from the hinge pin adjacent to the U-shaped bracket. Using manuel or a mechanical means the L-shaped bracket that protrudes over the U-shaped bracket is lifted and pivoted so that the L-shaped bracket on the hinge clasps a rail in between the perpendicular end of the L-shaped bracket and the U-shaped bracket. This fixed pressure holds the adjustable board stop fast in place for use in board sawing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Perry E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030221530
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto. The assembly includes a first and a second table rail being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the first and the second table rails for moving longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal and the distal ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported by the saw rails to allow movement of the mounting plate laterally along the saw rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A saw plate is rotateably supported by the mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material. A guide bar is disposed diagonally relative to the first and the second table rails and engages the saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally in response to simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally and the mounting plate laterally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: J. Richard Logan, Clyde G. Allen, Michael C. Clark
  • Publication number: 20030221531
    Abstract: A miter saw is adapted for performing lengthwise, or rip, operations on a work piece such as wood. A back support arm is positioned off-center such that the work piece can be inserted under the miter saw substantially parallel to the blade. An arcuate aperture in the back support arm ensures that bevel adjustment properly aligns the blade with the blade slot during bevel cuts. An adjustable rail enables the work piece to be positioned in either a normal position, for crosswise cuts, or an orthogonal position, for lengthwise cuts. A toggle switch overrides the on/off switch on the handle, useful when the work piece is fed from behind. Two separate sleeves cover the blade, assuring safety during operation for both lengthwise and crosswise cuts. A tensioning board feed roller holds the work piece in place during lengthwise cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: William Jefferson Anthony
  • Publication number: 20030221532
    Abstract: A horizontal meat slicer includes a frame and a lower conveyor belt having forward and rearward ends, the lower conveyor belt operative to receive a meat product thereon and transport it into and through the device. An upper pressing conveyor belt includes forward and rearward ends, the upper pressing conveyor belt and the lower conveyor belt cooperating such that meat product is compressed between the lower conveyor belt and the upper pressing conveyor belt. A rotating blade is mounted on the frame, the rotating blade having a cutting edge interposed between the lower conveyor belt and the upper pressing conveyor belt. Finally, at least one drive device such as a motor is operatively connected to each of the conveyor belts and the rotating blade to drive them to pull the meat product through the device and cut the meat product via the cutting edge of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Long, Henry Biggs, Steve Korteley
  • Publication number: 20030221533
    Abstract: A cutting mat includes at least one edge having a nonlinear shape. By nonlinear shape, it is meant that at least one edge of the cutting mat does not follow a single, straight path across the entire length of that edge. For example, a cutting mat may have opposing nonlinear circumferential edges. The cutting mat may include nonlinear axial edges in lieu of, or in addition to the nonlinear circumferential edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: John Rocco Elia, Jerry Shelton, Ronnie Edward Bryson