Patents Issued in December 25, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030234094
    Abstract: A pressure releasing material feeding screw rod used in a melting metal material injection machine is disclosed. A plurality of adjacent threads are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the screw rod. The threads include a plurality of normal pressure threads and a plurality of pressure reduction threads which are alternatively arranged. An edge of each pressure reduction threads have a gap with the wall of the material feeding cylinder, or the pressure reduction threads is made of flexible plate. When the normal pressure threads push the melting material forwards, as the melting material in the material feeding cylinder generates an overlarge reacting force on a surface of the normal pressure thread, the gap will receive the material or the flexible pressure reduction threads will form a gap so that melting material can pass through this gap. Then the material will be pushed by next normal pressure thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Ji-Yin Wu, Ho Wang, Jian Shun Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030234095
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an apparatus for casting dental prosthesis capable of preventing troubles or delay of work caused by the breaking of crucibles due to the aging. A management code representing a management number is printed on the upper part of each crucible for melting the casting material. In advance of burning a ring, the crucible paired with the ring is set in a holder 70. The holder 70 with the crucible is rotated by a motor 70, and the management code on the crucible is scanned with a optical sensor 73. Then, the scanned code is decoded into the management number and fed to a crucible identifier 751, which retrieves the cumulative usage count of the crucible from the table held in a usage history record 752. A usage count determiner 753 determines whether or not the usage count is equal to or greater than a preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: DENKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaki Usui
  • Publication number: 20030234096
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for continuously casting a uranium rod so that impurities generated in melting the metallic substance reduced from nuclear spent fuel are easily removed, the molten metal is easily degassed, the oxidation of uranium is prevented, and the molten metal does not remain in a crucible, thereby completely removing the noxious gas, improving the safety of work, allowing the workers to be close to the apparatus, reducing the consumption rate of the inert gas, completely preventing the oxidation of uranium, and being remotely controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Yoon-Sang Lee, Chang-Kyu Kim, Ki-Hwan Kim, Se-Jung Jang, Young-Joon Shin, Seong-Won Park
  • Publication number: 20030234097
    Abstract: An oil cooler for a vehicle with an automatic transmission that includes a core contained between two end pipes. A first one of the end pipes includes an oil inlet, for directing oil from the transmission, and an oil outlet, directing oil back to the transmission, and a dividing plate having a flow control orifice. An oil filter is positioned around the flow control orifice to filter the oil flowing through the orifice, thereby removing contaminants from the oil, while the oil flowing through the core is cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Kevin Holub
  • Publication number: 20030234098
    Abstract: The subject invention includes a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly having a housing with an inlet and at least one outlet for directing a flow of air into a passenger compartment. An evaporator core is disposed within the housing downstream of the inlet and upstream from the outlet. A heater core is disposed within the housing between the evaporator core and the outlet with the heater core having an upstream surface generally facing the evaporator core and a downstream surface generally facing the outlet. The heater core includes a first portion and a second portion being angled relative to the first portion such that the upstream surface of the first portion at least partially faces the upstream surface of the second portion to define an angled heater core facing the evaporator core wherein air flowing over the upstream surfaces is evenly distributed across both of the first and second portions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the heater core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Lin-Jie Huang, Mohinder Singh Bhatti
  • Publication number: 20030234099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) comprising a multi-tube bundle and a shell (2), the shell and the bundle being mutually engaged by means of an abutment inside the cavity defined by the shell, the abutment preventing or restricting movement of the bundle relative to the shell. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing such a heat exchanger (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: MOTA
    Inventors: Gerard Mota, Jean-Claude Ebren, Michel Cremieux
  • Publication number: 20030234100
    Abstract: A personal dryer capable of expelling temperatured air uniformly throughout the dryer and/or different temperatured air at different regions of the dryer, so as to provide a user with the option of drying their entire body with a more desirable uniformly temperatured air and/or drying different bodily regions with different or varied, user-selectable temperatured air, and wherein such a personal dryer is capable of being pre-programmed to enable a user to dry his/her body in a user-specified regimen or manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Sherry Ross
  • Publication number: 20030234101
    Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Laurence John Ayling
  • Publication number: 20030234102
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compressible foamed sealing compositions for sealing expandable pipe in well bores. The compressible sealant compositions for sealing expandable pipe are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, a rubber latex, a rubber latex stabilizer, a gas and a mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Lance E. Brothers, Anthony V. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20030234103
    Abstract: It has been found that a large variety of solid chemicals available in a bulk powder form could be added to subterranean treatment fluids with delayed release when said chemicals are delivered as capsules consisting of encapsulated granulates obtained by aggregating the bulk powder under pressure to form a densified material and optionally, dry comminuting said densified material to produce granulates at the desired size. The invention is particularly useful for delivering new types of breaking agents for stimulation fluids or additives for wellbore cementing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Jesse Lee, Erik Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030234104
    Abstract: A tool for making a cut inside a downhole tool, including a housing adapted to move in the downhole tool, a plurality of openings in a wall of the housing that provides a passage from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing, a plurality of cutters disposed in the housing that are adapted to protrude from the plurality of openings to the exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of cutters provides 360 degree cutting regardless of the orientation of the tool, and an actuation mechanism adapted to force the plurality of cutters to protrude through the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Russell A. Johnston, Michael A. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20030234105
    Abstract: A formation treating fluid comprises one or more borate esters, a liquid carrier and, one or more cross linkable polymer wherein the formation treating fluid has an alkaline pH when the formation treating fluid is positioned in a formation. The formation treating fluid is useful in high temperature operations such as hydraulic fracturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: B.J. Services Company Canada
    Inventors: Satyanarayana D.V. Gupta, Ron Pierce, Nicole Deanne Litt, Anita Colleen Jerat
  • Publication number: 20030234106
    Abstract: A downhole tool for fracturing a subterranean formation according to which a tool having a plurality of discharge jets or nozzles is located in a spaced relation to a wall of the formation to form an annulus between the nozzles and the formation. An acid-containing, stimulation fluid is pumped at a predetermined pressure through the nozzles, into the annulus and against the wall of the formation. A gas is pumped into the annulus so that the stimulation fluid mixes with the gas to generate foam before the mixture is jetted towards the formation to impact the wall of the formation. The tool is adapted to bend, or tilt, so that the discharge jets can come in to proximity to the formation being fractured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Publication number: 20030234107
    Abstract: A check enhancer for use in a well comprises a housing portion and an injector portion disposed in the housing portion. The housing portion includes an outer body defining a fluid cavity therein with a plurality of body ports in communication with the fluid cavity. The injector portion includes a check valve and a dispersement nipple in communication therewith. The check valve is connected to the outer body, and the dispersement nipple extends into the fluid cavity. The check valve allows fluid flow from the tubing through nipple ports defined in the dispersement nipple. The nipple ports are longitudinally spaced from the body ports so that the fluid cavity remains substantially filled with fluid with the dispersement nipple substantially submerged within the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Danny Joe Floyd
  • Publication number: 20030234108
    Abstract: A check enhancer for use in a well comprises an outer housing portion and an inner injector portion disposed in the housing portion. The housing portion includes an outer body defining a fluid cavity therein with a plurality of body ports in communication with the fluid cavity and an adapter which slidably receives a portion of a length of tubing therethrough. A tubing fitting connects the tubing to the adapter. The injector portion includes a check valve and a dispersement nipple attached thereto. The check valve is connected to the tubing in the fluid cavity by another tubing fitting, and the check valve allows fluid flow from the tubing through nipple ports defined in the dispersement nipple. The nipple ports are longitudinally spaced from the body ports so that the fluid cavity remains substantially filled with fluid with the dispersement nipple substantially submerged within the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Danny Joe Floyd
  • Publication number: 20030234109
    Abstract: There is disclosed subsea well apparatus in which a wellhead member body is adapted to be lowered into and latched within the bore of a conductor by means of split locking and ratchet rings carried by the body in response to the weight of the casing suspended from the body. The locking ring has locking teeth engageable with locking grooves in the bore, and the ratchet ring has ratchet teeth engageable with ratchet grooves within the locking ring. Upper and lower coaxial downwardly and inwardly extending wedge surfaces are tightly engaged as the body is latched within the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel A. Marroquin, Flavio Nisenbaum
  • Publication number: 20030234110
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing a desired operation at a remote location in a wellbore. The system is composed of a downhole docking station assembly and a detachable downhole tool assembly. The downhole tool assembly includes electrically operated means to move in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool can also include an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment and various sensors. Data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. The downhole tool detaches itself from the docking station, travels to the desired location in the wellbore and performs a predefined operation according to programmed instruction. The downhole tool returns and connects to the docking station, where it transfers data relating to the operation and can be recharged for further operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald W. McGregor
  • Publication number: 20030234111
    Abstract: An internal support apparatus and method for providing support to a tubular structure that is positioned in a wellbore. The apparatus is insertable into the tubular structure to reside in close proximity with an interior surface of the tubular structure, make light contact with an interior surface of the tubular structure, or expand the tubular structure. Thereafter, the support apparatus can remain in the tubular structure indefinitely to provide support against collapse or further collapse and allow the tubular structure to remain in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph H. Echols, Tommie Austin Freeman, Patrick W. Rice, Travis T. Hailey,, John H. Yonker
  • Publication number: 20030234112
    Abstract: A horseshoe made from rubber or an elastomeric material has a tread portion with a plurality of interconnected side-by-side hollow cylindrical buttons. The buttons are open at their upper ends and their lower ends are covered by a thin film of the rubber or elastomeric material. The horseshoe is attached to the horse's hoof with an adhesive and sufficient adhesive is applied to the tread portion to fill the buttons with adhesive material and provide a thin layer of the adhesive material between the tread portion and the hoof when the horseshoe is pushed toward the hoof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jeff Arden Smith
  • Publication number: 20030234113
    Abstract: A twin-wire line over (un)shielded (un)twisted pair for simplex and duplex analog and digital single- and multi-span single- and multi-channel local and long-distance cable communications comprising on every improved span the repeatedly in turn grounded pair wires at first the one wire, than the other wire etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Naum Strizhevskiy
  • Publication number: 20030234114
    Abstract: An aerial cable installation having an aerial cable suspended from a suspension point through a suspension device. This device has a clamp having two saddle members engaging the cable on diametrically opposite sides thereof and a plurality of nut and bolt assemblies extending through aligned holes in flanges of said saddle members for resiliently biasing the saddle members toward each other to clamp against the cable with a selected clamping force. To this end, each nut and bolt assembly includes a helical spring mounted on the bolt thereof between said flanges and the nut of the assembly and the springs are compressed a predetermined amout which is adjustable by tightening or loosening said assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph Sutehall, Jason Pedder, Mark Attwell
  • Publication number: 20030234115
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed current conducting terminal assembly for installation in an opening in the wall of a housing. The terminal assembly includes a current conducting pin assembly comprising a first pin member electrically connected to a second pin member at a conductive core and a first and second seal that electrically isolate the pin assembly from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Zhijian Deng, Tariq Quadir
  • Publication number: 20030234116
    Abstract: A clamp has an annular strap section enclosing an interior space and defining an opening between opposite ends of the strap section. A pair of insertion engagement sections are at opposite ends of said strap section. The insertion engagement sections stand outwardly and oppose each other at opposite ends of the opening. Each insertion engagement section includes an axle plate portion projecting from an end of the opening. A wing portion is bent down from a distal end of the axle plate portion. A stepped latching portion is formed on a distal end of the wing portion. A dimension of the opening is set to be narrower than a diameter of a wire harness to be contained in the interior space. The clamp contains the wire harness in the interior space while the annular strap section is elastically bent outwardly to widen the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshimi Uchida, Takeharu Ito
  • Publication number: 20030234117
    Abstract: A ground connector assembly (20) having a substrate (22) and a ground member (24). The substrate (22) is used to retain an electrical circuit and has a ground region (34), a ground hole (30), and at least one strain relief slot (32). The ground member (24) is attached within the ground hole (30). The ground region (34) surrounds the ground hole (30) and is at least partially interposed between the ground hole (30) and the strain relief slot (32). The ground connector assembly (20) may further include a conductive ring (42), such as a copper ring, surrounding the ground hole (30) and attached to the ground region (34). There is also a method of making the ground connector assembly (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Poglitsch, Ronald Li, Alan S. Kang, Todd Ringa, Steven G. Sharkey, Rick Cihak
  • Publication number: 20030234118
    Abstract: A flip-chip package substrate layout for reducing plan inductance. The flip-chip package substrate includes a plurality of sequentially stacked wiring layers, at least one insulation layer between two neighboring wiring layers so that the insulation layer and the wiring layers are alternately stacked on top of each other, and a plurality of conductive plugs individually penetrating the insulation layer for electrically connecting the wiring layers. The uppermost wiring layer has at least one power pad region, which has a plurality of power bump pads, while the bottommost wiring layer has a plurality of bonding pads. The position of the power pad region maybe interchanged with the neighboring ground pad region. In addition, two ends of the power pad region may also be extended toward the ground pad region. Hence, the power bump pads located at the two ends of the power pad region are respectively electrically connected to one of the bonding pads through the wiring layers and the conductive plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Chi-Hsing Hsu, Jimmy Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030234119
    Abstract: An improved oil and gas drilling control system which utilizes improved braking and feedback technology which, in turn, permits more precise weight-on-bit control and more smooth transitions of weight-on-bit than any existing technology. In addition, the system also permits more accurate feedback and control with respect to drilling depth, pipe transitions, and rate of penetration than prior systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Ray
  • Publication number: 20030234120
    Abstract: Integrated drilling and evaluation systems and methods for drilling, logging and testing wells are provided. The drilling and evaluation systems are basically comprised of a drill string, a drill bit carried on a lower end of the drill string for drilling a well bore, logging while drilling means included in the drill string for identifying subsurface zones or formations of interest, packer means carried on the drill string above the drill bit for sealing a zone or formation of interest below the packer means, a fluid testing means included in the drill string for controlling the flow of well fluid from the zone or formation of interest into the drill string, a function status monitor included in the drill string to evaluate the capacity of the various test instruments to function, and a function timer included in the drill string to automatically sequence the steps of various test procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: William C. Paluch, Alois Jerabek, Paul D. Ringgenberg, Michael Hooper
  • Publication number: 20030234121
    Abstract: The down hole jar tool is a tool used to apply jarring forces to objects that may be obstructing the path of a down hole, or above-ground operation that requires a repetitive jarring action to dislodge or remove such objects. The tool is used by providing a linear input to a mandrel portion that draws back against a compressible unit of predetermined resistance until a releasing means abruptly releases the mandrel portion. The mandrel portion then rapidly moves in the direction of the linear input until it encounters a stationary anvil, which produces the desired jarring action. This tool may also be combined with accelerators and/or valves, as well as other tools, to create a more substantial jarring impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Taylor, Jeff L. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030234122
    Abstract: A tine mounted weighing scale apparatus includes a pair of weighing scale units, each scale unit having a base mountable on one tine of a lifting device. The base has a predetermined number of load cell mounts each providing a deflection gap between a load cell and the base. A platform for contact with a load is disposed above and in operational contact with the base. A load cell is attached to each of the load cell mounts of the base and is positioned between the base and the platform. Each load cell has an engagement member in operational contact with the platform. An electrical control/display and a power supply is connected to the pair of weighing scale units for displaying the total weight supported by the scale apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: William P. Kroll, Randie Evenson
  • Publication number: 20030234123
    Abstract: In a solid-oxide fuel cell system, a catalytic reformer unit provides reformate fuel for use by the cells in generating electricity. Both the reformer and the fuel cells require elevated temperatures for satisfactory operation. The reformer unit is provided with a combustion chamber and igniter ahead of the catalytic reformer plates such that, during start-up, fuel/air mixture normally destined for reformation may be ignited in the combustion chamber to provide a hot combustion exhaust which is fed through the catalytic reformer and the anode reformate flow spaces to assist in rapidly bringing the fuel cell system to operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: David R. Schumann, Sean M. Kelly, Karl J. Haltiner
  • Publication number: 20030234124
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive with hybrid drive has an internal combustion engine (1), a first drive train (4) for a first driven axle (2), a second drive train (10) for a second driven axle (3), an electric machine (15) in the second drive train (10; 110), and a first clutch (20) upstream of the electric machine (15) and a second clutch (21) downstream of the electric machine (15). In order to improve all the electrical functions and to provide an all-wheel drive which meets all requirements, the electric machine (15) is composed of a stator (17) and of a rotor (18) which is connected to a first element (44) of a three-element planetary gear mechanism (19), whose second element (45) is connected to the first clutch (20) and whose third element (46) is connected to the second clutch (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Hermann Pecnik, Helmut Stelzl
  • Publication number: 20030234125
    Abstract: A hood isolator designed for a motor vehicle allows tighter clearances between the hood and cab mounting brackets of a motor vehicle while reducing stress on the hood and front hood hinge. The hood isolator comprises a bracket with a mounting plate, a front plate and an intermediate plate therebetween. A receptor cup is located at least partially within the bracket. The receptor cup has a wall and an opening at one end. A connector extends from the receptor cup wall to the inside of the bracket and is preferably compressed between the wall and the bracket. An isolator arm has a head at one end and an opposite distal end. The head fits at least partially within the receptor cup through the opening. The isolator arm mounts to the vehicle opposite the head, while the bracket preferably mounts to hood with the mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony D. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20030234126
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling the driving speed of a vehicle. The method and arrangement make possible a use of a driving speed controller even for adverse road conditions. A desired value (VDES) is inputted for the driving speed in dependence upon the friction contact between the vehicle wheels and the roadway. Control of the driving speed is deactivated during intervention of the drive slip control in the drive power of the vehicle. The desired value (VDES) for the driving speed is reduced after the intervention of the drive slip control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH.
    Inventors: Johannes Schmitt, Tobias Weiss
  • Publication number: 20030234127
    Abstract: In an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system with object detection system interaction, capable of executing a vehicle speed holding mode, a constant-speed control mode, and a following control mode, a lane-change detector is provided to detect the presence or absence of a driver's intention for a lane change by the host vehicle. An ACC unit executes the vehicle speed holding mode during which the host vehicle's speed is restricted until such time that a predetermined holding time has expired from a time when the object detection system loses the preceding vehicle during the following control mode, and thereafter executes the constant-speed control mode during which the host vehicle's speed is automatically accelerated up to a set speed. The ACC unit releases the vehicle speed holding mode, in presence of the driver's intention for the lane change when the object detection system loses the preceding vehicle during the following control mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Sudou, Takenori Hashizume
  • Publication number: 20030234128
    Abstract: A personal transportation apparatus (10) having a housing (12) and a handle (14) which has a right handle (14R) pivotally connected to the housing right (12R)and a left handle (14L) pivotally connected to the housing left (12L) connected to rheostats electrically connected to the battery. A right leg (16R) having a right leg upper shaft (16RA) pivotally connected to the housing right (12R) and a left leg (16L) having a left leg upper shaft (16LA) pivotally connected to the housing left (12L). A right slipper (18R) having right slipper heel (18RA) securely connected to a right slipper toe (18RB) by a right slipper sole (18RC). A right slipper rear wheel (18RR) and right slipper front wheel (18RF) are connected to a right electric motor (not shown) positioned within the right slipper (18R). The right electric motor (not shown) is electrically connected to the right rheostat (not shown).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: David Maurer, James J. Bordonaro, Alan Walerstein
  • Publication number: 20030234129
    Abstract: A snowmobile ski with a pair of outboard keels and laterally projecting, upwardly slanting, lateral wings attached proximate the outboard keels is disclosed. A ski of this structure has improved flotation and resistance to side slippage in turns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Allen Roberts, J.B. Hokanson
  • Publication number: 20030234130
    Abstract: A two-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive switching system for a vehicle wherein noise is reduced and a state of drive can be securely indicated. A two-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive switching system for a vehicle is provided with a switching unit provided to either of power transmission mechanisms connecting an engine and front wheels, and the engine and rear wheels via final reduction gear units for enabling or disabling the transmission of power in the power transmission mechanism. An indication control member is provided for detecting that the transmission of power is made in the power transmission mechanism and illuminates an indicator wherein the indication control means detects a phase difference in revolutions between a pair of final reduction gear units and illuminates or turns off the indicator when the phase difference is in a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Akio Handa, Hiroaki Tomita, Shinji Goto, Akio Senda
  • Publication number: 20030234131
    Abstract: An adjustment stop screw or bolt is provided for adjusting the full forward speed position of at least one steering lever on a skid steer loader. The stop screw will engage a member movable with the steering lever below the operator's platform. The stop screw can be adjusted through an opening in operator's platform to change the stopped forward speed position of the lever, and thus the full forward speed position of the linkage that controls the motor operated by that lever. This in turn adjusts the speed of the drive motor in a full forward position of the lever. The adjustment is made to match the output speeds of the drive motors on both sides of the skid steer vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: John F. Woytassek
  • Publication number: 20030234132
    Abstract: A flexible propeller shaft coupling affixes a propeller shaft to a drive line module or component. The coupling includes a flexible annular member having a plurality of recesses disposed about a common axis for receiving respective retention members and a plurality of bosses disposed about the common axis adapted to mate with a driveline module flange. A retaining member connects the coupling to the propeller shaft and the drive line module flange. The retaining member prevents the propeller shaft from decoupling from the vehicle in the event of a joint or fastener failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Blumke, Kevin Kaplan, Ramon Kuczera, Michael Rice, Mary Yonka
  • Publication number: 20030234133
    Abstract: A self-propelled operating machine which transmits power from a power source via a hydraulic CVT to a transmission mechanism and transmits the power from the transmission mechanism to left and right axles is provided. On the transmission mechanism, the hydraulic CVT and a stand substantially enclosing the side peripheral surface of the CVT are disposed. On the stand, the power source is disposed. The power source, hydraulic CVT and transmission mechanism, which constitute a power train, are thus put together to reduce installation space. The stand has a cooling passage for allowing the passage of the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic CVT while cooling the hydraulic oil. The stand also serves as an oil cooler as well as supporting the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sugimoto, Hiroshi Sueshige
  • Publication number: 20030234134
    Abstract: A crash optimized bracket for removably affixing a propeller shaft to a motor vehicle. The bracket includes an elongated member having a plurality of weakened slots to allow the bracket and the propeller shaft to tear from the vehicle upon impact in a controlled and predictable manner in response to predetermined loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Blumke, Kevin Kaplan, Ramon Kuczera, Michael Rice, Mary Yonka
  • Publication number: 20030234135
    Abstract: An energy saving system and method reduces power consumption of an electro-hydraulic power steering system of a hybrid vehicle. The electro-hydraulic power steering system includes a first controller that communicates with an electric motor that is coupled to a hydraulic pump. The first controller selects Standby, On or Off operating modes for the electro-hydraulic power steering system. The first controller applies power to the electric motor and the first controller based on the selected operating mode to reduce power consumption. The first controller turns the first controller off and the motor off when in the Off operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor off and the controller on when in the Standby operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor on and the controller on when in the On operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Michael C. Gaunt, Andrew R. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20030234136
    Abstract: An improved system for achieving optimum steering angles for wheels incorporates a sensor which senses the steering angle of a first wheel. The optimum angle is sent to a control which then determines the optimum angle for the other steered wheel based upon known formulas. The optimum angle is determined, and an adjustment structure associated with the tie rod then drives the second wheel to achieve the optimum steered angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Egidio Miguel Gomes Correia, Marcos Fabio Colombini
  • Publication number: 20030234137
    Abstract: A container device having both a silencer chamber and an air filter chamber disposed within it and inlet and outlet conduits to each chamber and the two chambers compliment each other by the filter chamber providing acoustic qualities for the silencer chamber and the silencer chamber providing harmonic vibration to the filter chamber for filter cleaning assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Don Martin Buckner
  • Publication number: 20030234138
    Abstract: An actuator rail assembly for conveying an actuating fluid under pressure to at least one fuel injector, include an elongate fluid passageway being defined in a rail. A fluid inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway, the inlet port being fluidly couplable to a source of actuating fluid under pressure. A respective fluid outlet port is associated with each respective fuel injector and being fluidly couplable thereto for conveying actuating fluid to the respective fuel injector; and at least one fluid cavity having at least one throttling orifice, the orifice effecting fluid communication between the fluid cavity and the fluid passageway. An acoustic wave attenuator and a method of attenuation are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Kalyan Singh Bagga, Xilin Yang, Kenneth R. Seymour, W. Bryan Snyder, Sidi Ould Sadfa, Ning Lei, James H. Yager
  • Publication number: 20030234139
    Abstract: An emergency evacuation slide is disclosed defined by an elongated base portion configured for deployment in a staircase having a flight of stairs including a plurality of horizontal treads, the base portion having an inner lateral edge configured for attachment to a side wall of the staircase and an outer lateral edge extending into the staircase, the evacuation slide adapted for movement from a stowed position in which the base portion is parallel to the side wall of the staircase to a deployed position in which the base portion is perpendicular to the side wall of the staircase and disposed in a plane extending tangent to the treads of the stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Leon A. Burch
  • Publication number: 20030234140
    Abstract: A foldable ladder includes a back supporting frame and a front supporting frame, a plurality of foot supporters provided on the front supporting frame in a pivotally foldable manner, a plurality of coupling arrangements for coupling the foot supporters with the front supporting frame, and a foot supporters folding control mechanism for folding or unfolding all the foot supporters in a simultaneous manner. The foot supporters are adapted of folding between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the folded position the first and the second step member are pivotally and upwardly folded toward the first and the second front side legs respectively, and wherein in the unfolded position, the first and the second step member are pivotally and downwardly unfolded from each other to an extent that the step surface of the first step member is well-aligned with the step surface of the second step member, while the step surfaces are kept horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Zheng
  • Publication number: 20030234141
    Abstract: A vibration-dampening base for a ball-type lead screw of a load port transfer system is disclosed. A load port transfer system includes a vertical arm drive motor assembly, a ball-type lead screw, and a vibration-dampening base connecting the vertical arm drive motor assembly to the ball-type lead screw. The vibration-dampening case can include a cross member into which the ball-type lead screw is disposed, one or more pillar members supporting the cross member, and one or more support stands. Each support stand supports a corresponding one of the one or more pillar members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Huan-Liang Tzeng, Tzu-Chieh Chou, Ping-Jen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20030234142
    Abstract: A brake shoe for use on a railway vehicle for reconditioning a wheel tread surface during a normal braking application including a backing plate and a first friction material extending over the brake surface of such brake shoe. It further contains a second friction material, formed as a discrete insert molded into such first friction material. Such second friction material initially is completely embedded. One surface of the insert is incrementally exposed as the first friction type material is eroded away. Such second friction material exhibits abrasive properties and is bonded to such backing plate. A third friction material is disposed as another discrete insert imbedded in the first friction type material. One surface of the abrasive third friction material being disposed as part of the brake surface of the brake shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce W. Shute, Thomas W. McCabe, Gary Bowden, Timothy Rumph
  • Publication number: 20030234143
    Abstract: A brake shoe is used on a railway vehicle for both applying a braking force and simultaneously reconditioning a wheel tread surface of a wheel disposed on such railway vehicle during a normal braking application on such vehicle. The brake shoe comprises a backing plate having a predetermined configuration and a first friction type material formed into a brake shoe and having a predetermined shape. There is a brake surface for engaging a wheel tread having a predetermined configuration and having a predetermined surface area. A second friction type material is formed as a discrete insert, having a predetermined shape and a predetermined width, and molded into first friction type material. One surface of the discrete insert being disposed coincidently as part of the brake surface of the brake shoe. The second friction type material exhibits greater abrasive properties than does the first friction type material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce W. Shute, Thomas W. McCabe, Gary Bowden, Timothy Rumph