Patents Issued in January 29, 2004
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Publication number: 20040017036Abstract: An apparatus and method feed paper in an image forming apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dae-Hyeok Im
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Publication number: 20040017037Abstract: A first non-recording region is situated in one of both outer sides of a recording region in a main scanning direction of recording. A second non-recording region is situated in the other one of the both sides of the recording region. A power source provides a driving force. A driving gear is interconnected with the power source. A transmission gear is operable to be coupled with the driving gear to transmit the driving force to a rotatable member. An actuator is operable to move in the main scanning direction. A first trigger is disposed in the first non-recording region. A second trigger is disposed in the second non-recording region. A clutch is interconnected with the trigger so as to couple the driving gear and the transmission gear when the one of the first trigger and the second trigger is actuated by the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhisa Kawakami, Masaki Shimomura, Takuya Yasue, Toru Fukushima
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Publication number: 20040017038Abstract: A pick mechanism includes a hinged pick arm which moves between a retracted position and a varying, operating position. The pick arm is anchored about a pivot axis and hinged along its length. Rotation of a pick roller along the arm while in contact with a media sheet induces a moment on the pick arm causing the pick arm to pivot and hinge. A first stop limits the pivoting motion. A second stop limits the hinging motion, Such pivoting and hinging is desirable to create an effective normal force enabling reliable picking of thick media sheets. Such motions are limited to prevent the pick roller from translating too far from a media separation ramp. If the pick roller translates too far, undesirable media buckling may occur during the pick operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: John A. Underwood, Todd R. Medin, Richard A. Kelley
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Publication number: 20040017039Abstract: A sheet-supply device includes a pair of stopper members provided to a bottom plate of a hopper portion so as to move between a protruding position where upper surfaces of the stopper members protrude from a surface of the bottom plate and a retracted position where upper surfaces of the stopper members retract from the surface of the bottom plate, and a position change mechanism moving the stopper members between the protruding and retracted positions. By changing a timing of ascending the stopper members to the protruding position according to a type of the sheets to be fed, an appropriate resistance is applied to all of the sheets in the hopper portion except a topmost sheet during a sheet feed operation, thereby preventing a multi-feed problem.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuo Asada, Takatoshi Takemoto
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Publication number: 20040017040Abstract: A stacking device includes a movable stacking wall and a further stacking wall between which flat stackable elements are adapted to be stacked. An impact wall defines the path of insertion for a stackable element newly introduced between the stacking walls. The movable stacking wall is impinged by a restoring element with a restoring force in the direction of the further stacking wall. A braking element partially converts the kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall to thermal energy independent of the position thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Josef Pfeffer, Rudolf Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20040017041Abstract: A game machine is provided with first, second and third reel rows, and each of the reel rows executes slot game independent from each other. The number of reel rows to be actuated is increased in proportion to the number of bet coins. When less than three coins are betted, a first privilege providing section is operated to judge whether the first winning is generated. The first and a second privilege providing sections are operated to judge whether the first winning and a second winning are generated when four coins are betted. Dividend coins are provided in the first winning and a free game in the second winning. A player may play slot game without betting a coin in the free game.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: DRAGON CO., LTD.Inventor: Haruo Inoue
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Publication number: 20040017042Abstract: Apparatus and system for playing the childs game ANIMOES™, wherein after an initial drawing procedure to determine the first-player position, a matching-play procedure commences by the players in turn, to if possible matchingly arrange their tile/card-pieces in variously abutted relationship relative to a previously emplaced pictographic animal-caricature of tile/card-piece exhibiting a like symbol; -thus, the first player to expend their alloted tile/card-pieces wins the desired position of “Spinmaster”. The Spinmaster is thereby freed to merely activate a random-selection spinner-device (whereupon is exhibited each of the preferred eight animal-caricatures), to see by chance which one of the other player's aminal-pictographs is selected, that player being required to emulate the sound or action known to characterize that of the particular selected animal, -making for amusing interaction of the players.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Ondre L. Piernas
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Publication number: 20040017043Abstract: A player makes a wager on a first round of video poker. If the player achieves a winning hand combination on the first round of video poker, the player is offered the opportunity to play one or more hands of video poker against a higher pay table on the next round of video poker. The player may continue to play against the higher pay table as long as the player continues to achieve winning combinations during each round of play. If the player fails to achieve a winning combination during a round of play, the game resets to the initial lower pay table and the player starts over.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Ernest W. Moody
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Publication number: 20040017044Abstract: The present invention is a timed trivia game. This game has two rounds. During the standard round each time a question is asked the contestant will this designated amount time to respond. If the contestant responds in less than the designated time, the remainder of the time designated to answer the question will be calculated and saved. At the end of the standard round all of the remaining time from the questioned will be calculated. This calculated time will be the amount of time in the speed round for that particular contestant or team. During the speed round, that contestant or team will have the opportunity to answer as many questions as the time allows. The correct answers from this round will be added to the score from the standard to determine the final score for that contestant or team.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Tommy R. Smith
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Publication number: 20040017045Abstract: A jet pipe assembly containing at least one joint provided with a seal assembly to isolate, substantially, the fluid flowing in the pipe from the fluid external to the pipe. The dynamic member of the seal assembly is provided with both radial and cylindrical sealing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: CROSS MANUFACTURING COMPANY (1938) LIMITEDInventors: Rodney Alan Cross, Paul Anthony Blanchard
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Publication number: 20040017046Abstract: A constant velocity joint boot for use with a constant velocity joint and an interconnecting shaft comprising a body portion having a central inner cavity defined by an inner wall, the inner cavity having a circumference smaller than the circumference of the interconnecting shaft, an outer wall defining at least one convolute, the body portion also including a first end having a mating surface contacting the constant velocity joint and a second end disposed opposite the first end and contacting the interconnecting shaft, wherein the body portion is manufactured from a foam based material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Richard D. Frazer, Toshitaka Asai
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Publication number: 20040017047Abstract: A seal assembly with an accumulator ring for protecting a seal from explosive decompression is disclosed. The accumulator ring and the seal are contained within a seal gland. The seal is made of a material that is susceptible to damage from explosive decompression. When exposed to a high-pressure fluid environment, the accumulator ring fills with a quantity of high-pressure fluid, either by permeation if it is solid or by permeation and/or vents and/or channels leading to a void if it is hollow. During an explosive decompression event, the accumulator ring expands to fill the remaining volume of the seal gland. Then, the accumulator ring exerts an axial compressive or supporting force on the seal for a sufficient amount of time to allow the seal to expel fluid contained in it and minimize the effects of explosive decompression thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: William M. Taylor, Gerald S. Baker, Larry E. McDonald
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Publication number: 20040017048Abstract: To provide a wheel support bearing assembly in which the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced while effects of minimizing leakage of the filled lubricant and ingress of dust and muddy water from outside of the bearing assembly are secured, the wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member 1, an inner member 2 positioned inside the outer member 1 with an annular working space defined between it and the outer member 1, and rows of rolling elements 3 accommodated within the annular working space and rollingly received in part within outer raceways 4 in the outer member 1 and in part within inner raceways 5 in the inner member 2. Opposite open ends of the annular working space are sealed by respective sealing members 7 and 8 which are secured to one of the outer and inner members 1 and 2.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Sadaji Katogi, Kazunari Yamamoto, Hiedeo Shinagawa
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Publication number: 20040017049Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a sealing arrangement and a groove in a base. The sealing arrangement may comprise an o-ring and a grounding gasket where both the o-ring and the grounding gasket partially protrude in a longitudinal direction from the groove. Thus, the grounding gasket, which is equipped with ends that can be pulled out of the groove, can be removed from the groove by a pulling force. This leaves the o-ring accessible for removal or maintenance at a much lower cost in terms of manufacturing and operational costs. The sealing arrangement may also include inner and outer o-rings which seal a fluid flow from the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventor: Steven T. Fink
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Endface gap sealing for steam turbine diaphragm interstage packing seals and methods of retrofitting
Publication number: 20040017050Abstract: Spline seals are disposed in circumferentially registering slots of adjacent arcuate packing seal segments disposed in grooves on inner hooks of a steam turbine diaphragm assembly. The spline seals extend in a gap between the endfaces of the segments and minimize or preclude steam leakage flows past the endfaces. The spline seals may be oriented in axial and circumferential directions to minimize leakage flow paths in a generally radial direction and/or may be inclined radially in a downstream direction to seal against steam leakage flow in an axial direction. The spline seals are disposed in the slots which may be formed as part of original equipment manufacture or may be machined in segments with spline seals provided as retrofits.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Steven Sebastian Burdgick -
Publication number: 20040017051Abstract: A sealing element is formed from a desirably shaped body of a sealant material formulated from a first polymer in a concentration of about 25 percent to about 40 percent, an inert filler material in a concentration of about 20 percent to about 45 percent and a hydrocarbon resin in a concentration of about 1 percent to about 15 percent. The sealant material, when positioned about a first component is overmolded with a material forming a second component. The sealant material, which is heat activated, forms a seal between the first and second components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Theodore M. Lach, Peter M. F. Collins, Mark A. Holm, Jason R. Pranger
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Publication number: 20040017052Abstract: The sliding device for snow in accordance with the present invention is provided with a supporting slide (1) and a turning slide (2) arranged in front of the supporting slide. The smallest portion of said turning slide (2) is wider than the widest portion of the supporting slide (1). The ground contact portion (2a) of said turning slide spreads out forward and is essentially a trapezoid-like plate. The largest width of this ground contact portion is about 1.01-1.1 times the smallest width of the ground contact portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Tetsu Takahashi
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Publication number: 20040017053Abstract: A knock-down transport device (10) for retrieving downed game animals from remote locations wherein the transport device (10) comprises a plurality of generally rigid intermediate plate members (20) (20′) (20″) having leading (22) and trailing (23) edges that cooperate with one another to interlock the intermediate plate members (20) (20′) (20″) together; wherein, the forwardmost intermediate plate member (20) is operably associated with an elongated front panel member (40) having a curved front portion (49) and the rearwardmost intermediate plate members (20″) is operatively associated with a generally L-shaped rear plate member (30); and, wherein all of the plate members (20) (30) and (40) are provided with hinged loop members (27) (37) (47) adapted to receive an elongated tether member (50) for securing a load (100) to the transport device (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Ronald D. Barbee
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Publication number: 20040017054Abstract: The rear of a vehicle (10) and the front of an extension unit (11) are provided with complementary locating formations (12, 13, 14 and 15, 16, 17) and clamping means (18) are provided for clamping the front of the extension unit (11) to the rear of the vehicle (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Valerian John Dare-Bryan
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Publication number: 20040017055Abstract: A stackable cart upon which another cart can be stacked thereon includes a tray, a handle connected to the tray, and a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to the tray. The tray is configured to at least partially receive a handle of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. The handle is configured to at least partially receive a plurality of wheels of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. A plurality of the carts can be stored vertically with the carts oriented in alternating opposed directions. The carts are preferably nested together in a compact manner. In some disclosed embodiments the handle is a handle movable between an extended position and a retracted position and/or the cart includes a stand movable between a stowed position and an extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Dale A. Panasewicz, Dennis Futo, Jeffrey Kalman, Renard J. Passerell
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Publication number: 20040017056Abstract: A scooter with a twin-tube frame for improved riding safety includes a twin-tube frame comprised of two tubes in parallel having the front and the rear of each tube fixed with a fixation plate, and a board bolted onto the twin-tube frame; the middle section of each tube being inclined upward and incorporated to each other at their front sections and a hollow triangle area being defined by both tubes extending forward to meet each other; the board also extending at its front section a triangle area to cover up the hollow triangle area of the twin-tube frame to prevent a rider, particularly a young child, from getting hurt by accidentally stepping into the hollow triangle area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
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Publication number: 20040017057Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination, an engine compartment having an engine with related engine components, and a step or series of steps. The step is securely mounted in a manner for supporting the weight of a person. The step is adapted with a non-slip upwardly facing surface for standing on is positioned for enablement of proximity positioning of a person for applying maintenance to the engine and related engine components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: E. Bradley Dunford
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Publication number: 20040017058Abstract: A quick release detachable wheel hub assembly is shown for a lightweight manual wheelchair. The wheelchair wheels mount on exterior hubs and rotate therewith. The inner face out of each of the exterior hubs mates with an opposing outer face of interior hubs. One of the opposing faces on the hubs has a projection or a plurality of projections which fit snugly into corresponding openings on the opposing face of the other hub when the opposing faces of the hubs are mated. The interior hubs are mounted and rotate on detachable axles which screw into the wheelchair frame. A quick release, removable locking pin is inserted through the center of the hubs and into detachable axle and locked in place and thereby causing the hubs to be locked and rotate together. The wheels are quickly detached by simply removing the locking pins and pulling apart the hubs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Todd L. Hargroder
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Publication number: 20040017059Abstract: A handlebar assembly for bicycles includes a handlebar stem and a clamping member is connected to the handlebar stem. A handlebar extends through the clamping member and a relief sleeve is mounted to the handlebar and sandwiched between the handlebar and the clamping member. The relief sleeve has holes which release stress applied to the handlebar.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Cheng-Xun Jiang
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Publication number: 20040017060Abstract: A guide for aligning a tow vehicle with a trailer utilizes a flexible position member having a first end, a second end, and an alignment mark near the second end, a body adapted to slidably engage the position member such that the first end extends horizontally from the body and the second end extends vertically from the body, a mount for attaching the body of the guide to the trailer whereby when the tow vehicle approaches the trailer, the tow vehicle pushes the position member through the body such that the height of the alignment mark is indicative of the distance between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Optionally, the guide includes a visual sight for laterally aligning the tow vehicle with the trailer. In a particular embodiment the position member is a flexible steel tape. A method for using the guide is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Max E. Kinnard
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Publication number: 20040017061Abstract: A protective device for use with a tow-bar having a towing hitch coupling. The protective device comprises a substantially T-shaped member whereby the leg of the T is to be coupled to the towing hitch coupling and the head of the T extends rearwardly of the towing vehicle past any rearwardly projecting components of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Peter J. Roberts
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Publication number: 20040017062Abstract: A set (1) of at least two boards (11, 12, 13) for gliding over snow has dimensions, structures and/or upper faces of different geometries. Each board (11, 12, 13) for gliding over snow is equipped with a platform (7) for raising the binding elements (8, 9).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: Skis Rossignol S.A.Inventors: Daniel Cuzzit, Henri-Charles Deborde, Thierry Schrobiltgen, Olivier Perrin, Jean-Claude Deleglise
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Publication number: 20040017063Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw secured to a driving arm intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part collaborating with a locking element which can move in a guide in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: Emery S.A.Inventors: Pierre Gignoux, Alain Plassiard
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Publication number: 20040017064Abstract: Non-Seperating Ski/Blade/Board Safety Binding for Limiting Torque on the Lower Leg and Having Multi-positional Capabilities with a 360 degree cam surface allowing full rotation of the ski, board or blade relative to the boot, at least one cam follower with spring and tensioner to regulate the ski-ability or injury torque threshold, the cam is shaped to provide stable positions where desired for normal skiing, the cam is shaped to provide torque rotation properties to provide for control of the ski, board or blade, and the cam is shaped to allow rotation below the desired threshold for injury or ski-ability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Christopher Aldrich Brown, James Anthony Pietrovito, Justin Garthwaite Goslin, William Le Blanc, Robert Christopher Koch
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Publication number: 20040017065Abstract: A load distributing airbag module having an airbag, a load plate, and a fastener is disclosed. The airbag has an airbag mount and the load plate has a load plate attachment member. The fastener may define a generally enclosed shape to capture the airbag mount and the load plate attachment member. To capture the airbag mount and the load plate attachment member, the fastener has an unfastened and fastened state. In the unfasten state, the fastener may be a “U” shaped channel. In the fastened state, the fastener is generally box shaped.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Mark L. Enders
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Publication number: 20040017066Abstract: In a compact vehicle including a pipe stem to be inserted into a head pipe wherein the pipe stem is rotatably supported by the head pipe located at the front end on a vehicle body frame. A front fork is provided for rotatably supporting a front wheel being connected to a top bridge and a bottom bridge secured at the upper and lower ends of the pipe stem. A steering handle is mounted on the top bridge. To simplify the configuration of the airbag and simplifying the connection between the inflator and the airbag, the airbag is supported on the steering handle and the inflator for supplying gas for inflation and deployment is stored in the pipe stem.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Takeshi Kuroe, Satoshi Iijima, Akiko Tanaka, Takenori Yamamoto, Hideo Namiki
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Publication number: 20040017067Abstract: An inflatable curtain for protecting the occupants of a vehicle during a collision is provided. The inflatable curtain may include an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion may include a plurality of inflation chambers. The inflatable curtain may also include a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may include one or more expandable sections disposed between adjacent inflation chambers. Deployment of the inflatable curtain typically causes the inflation chambers to contract in a horizontal direction. Deployment of the inflatable curtain also causes each of the expandable sections to expand horizontally, compensating for the contraction that occurs in the inflation chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Michael Daines, Jamie Rawlings, Vincent Bennett
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Publication number: 20040017068Abstract: A motor vehicle subassembly including a steering wheel body and an airbag module is provided with the airbag module secured to the steering wheel via latching means at spaced fastening points that allows removal of the module from the steering wheel body by releasing it at one of the fastening points. In this manner, the latching means need not be actuated at the other fastening points as well for airbag module removal. In a preferred form, an actuating element such as a spring member is provided for forming part of the latching connection between the steering wheel body and the airbag module. The latching means can include latching elements at each fastening point having associated elastic elements such as helical springs for securing the airbag module with a prestress to the steering wheel body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Peter Weis, Bernd Hasselbacher, Gunter Maierhofer, Frank Sauer, Gabor Palincas
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Publication number: 20040017069Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (10) has a vent panel (40) defining a first vent opening (42) for enabling flow of inflation fluid out of the device. A vent strap (60) has a second vent opening (72) movable relative to the first vent opening (42). The vent strap (60) has opposite ends (62, 66) that are fixed when the protection device (10) is in the deflated condition. The vent strap (60) has slack (80) due to the length of the strap being greater than the distance between the locations where its opposite ends (62, 66) are fixed. One of the ends (66) of the vent strap (60) moves as the protection device (10) is inflated to remove the slack (80) and move the second vent opening (72) relative to the first vent opening (42).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventor: Kurt F. Fischer
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Publication number: 20040017070Abstract: An air bag and a method of forming the air bag, the invention comprising the steps of: a) partially constructing the air bag and leaving an opening at a determinable location at or near the periphery of the air bag to provide access to the interior thereof; b) inserting a tether into the interior of the bag through the opening; and c) securing one side of the tether to a first panel of the air bag and securing a second side of the tether to a second panel of the air bag; and closing the access opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventor: Mark O. Olson
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Publication number: 20040017071Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a backhoe loader stabilizer arm in a stowage position. The latch mechanism comprises of a first portion attached to the machine frame and a second portion attached to the stabilizer arm. The first portion is a receptacle having two parallel members of a resilient material. The second portion is a probe having a head and a shank. The latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages as the arm approaches or departs the stowage position by the force applied in moving the stabilizer arm. The latch secures the stabilizer arm in the stowage position from external forces insufficient to disengage the latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporationInventors: Douglas Scott States, Peter John Mayer, Wylie Elton Pfaff, Thomas Andrew Knopp
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Publication number: 20040017072Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a net, which can be attached to an automobile so that the net covers a substantial portion of a front grill of the automobile to prevent insects or debris from entering the front grill. A first side of the net may be attached to a hood of the automobile and a second side of the net may be attached to a front license plate of the automobile. The net may be attached to a pocket section, and the net can be detached from the automobile and rolled up into the pocket section. The net may be attached to a material having substantially the size and shape of a license plate. The net may flare outward from a first side attached to the material to a second side, which is opposite the first side.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Troy Whitworth
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Publication number: 20040017073Abstract: An adaptive seat belt system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12) is provided. The system (10) includes a seat belt (16) extensible about an occupant (42) of a seat system (14). A seat belt tension sensor (18) is coupled to the seat belt (16) and generates a seat belt tension signal. A seat belt actuator (20) is mechanically coupled to the seat belt (16) and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16). A controller (26) is electrically coupled to the tensioner sensor (18) and the actuator (20). The controller (26) generates a seat belt tension adjustment signal in response to the seat belt tension signal and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16) in response to the seat belt tension adjustment signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Kevin J. Pavlov, Stephen M. Stachowski
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Publication number: 20040017074Abstract: A personal information recording system is provided for recording information about a person's life, such as events in a child's life. A plurality of information sheets that are stepped in size and tiered are formatted to allow personal information to be recorded thereon. One or more folders may be provided for storing the plurality of sheets and other memorabilia, such as cards, invitations, and other objects. A storage packet allows the sheets and/or folders to be stored therein. The storage packet may include a plurality of external pockets for storing writing instruments or other objects. An attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the storage packet to a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Patrice L. McMorrow
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Publication number: 20040017075Abstract: A flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, that provides for the presentation of graphics inside the package using existing converter and vertical form and fill packaging machine technology. The invention involves pre-treating an area with ionized gases prior to the addition of the graphic to allow the graphic to adhere to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl
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Publication number: 20040017076Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Bruce A. Raming
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Publication number: 20040017077Abstract: A lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for connection to a connector. The fitting includes a coupler having a series of circumferential engagement portions disposed about an outer peripheral surface, and a nut receivable coaxially over the outer peripheral surface of the coupler, and which is threadably engageable with the connector. The nut also has a series of complementary circumferential engagement portions disposed about at an inner peripheral surface. With the nut being received coaxially over the first outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut is threadably engageable with the connector urging the coupler into a sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the connector, and with the coupler being engaged with the connector sealing surface, the first and second engagement portions are interengaged to delimit the rotation of the nut relative to the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Gerrard N. Vyse, Peter J. Stroempl
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Publication number: 20040017078Abstract: A connector for a stencil-based microfluidic device is provided. A planar substrate is affixed to the stencil-based microfluidic structure. A nipple is formed in the substrate. The tip of the nipple is flush with or recessed from the surface of the substrate to avoid interference with fabrication tools and processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Eugene Dantsker
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Publication number: 20040017079Abstract: Threaded joint for pipes consisting of a male member (1) and a female member (2), which are provided on the outer and inner surfaces respectively with two threading portions presenting a lead-in flank &bgr; such that 10°≦&bgr;≦25°, an abutment surface (9) being present at the end of said male member for abutment to a corresponding annular abutment surface (10) of the female member. The lead-in flanks of the male (1) and the female (2) members, upon make-up and with unloaded joint leave a gap (in the direction parallel to the axis (21) of the joint) varying from 0.01 to 0.12 mm. The internal and external diameters D3 and D4 (of the pipe portion not involved in the coupling with the female member) of said male member, the inner and outer diameters D1 and D2 of the abutment surface of the female member are linked by the relationship: (D22−D12)/(D42−D32)≧0.5.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: TENARIS CONNECTIONS B. V.Inventors: Gabriel E. Carcagno, Giuseppe Della Pina, Rita G. Toscano, Tommaso Coppola
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Publication number: 20040017080Abstract: Threaded pipe joint comprising a male element (1) and a female element (2), threaded and provided with respective complementary sealing surfaces, which define, when screwed together, a notch (13) formed on the female element (2) of a predetermined length (X), and a space (7, 8) between the threads of predetermined section (S), forming reservoir to house the joint lubricant, which comes out of the volume between the threads of the female (2) and male (1) elements during the tightening of the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: TENARIS CONNECTIONS AGInventors: Gabriel E. Carcagno, Giuseppe Della Pina, Rita G. Toscano, Antonio Podrini
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Publication number: 20040017081Abstract: An expandable coupling arrangement for coupling first and second tubulars includes a male thread portion on an end of the first tubular and a female thread portion on an end of the second tubular. The thread portions comprise dovetail threads having flanks, roots and crests, wherein the flanks are inclined at an angle of greater than 10°.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson, Simon John Harrall, Paul David Metcalfe, Neil James Glover, David Stephenson, Andrew Michael Duggan
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Publication number: 20040017082Abstract: A coupling couples pipes of pipe fixes, especially polytetrafluoroethylene pipes. Methods for using the coupling are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Arthur S. Lukach
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Publication number: 20040017083Abstract: A fitting for coupling a pump attachment to the inlet or discharge port of a pump or compressor has an annular body with an externally threaded nipple at one end and a circular flange at the other end. An axial aperture extends between the ends through openings at the nipple and the flange. The opening at the flange is internally threaded and begins at a recess in the flange. The threaded opening is of a standard ISO rated size complementary to the threaded nipple. A coupler kit is also disclosed having components to connect the device to the pump either in a mating flange connection using a hinge clamp or a threaded connection using a hose barb having a threaded end that threads into the opening in the fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: John Balamuta, Richard C. Fuksa
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Publication number: 20040017084Abstract: A pipe fitting 10 is used for connecting a large-diameter pipe and a small-diameter pipe each having a flange portion at pipe end. The pipe fitting 10 includes a pair of side pieces 12, a connecting piece 11 and a support portion 15. The side pieces 12 are disposed to face each other, and each has a fitting hole portion 13 in which the flange portions are to be inserted in a state in which the large-diameter pipe and the small-diameter pipe are connected. The connecting piece connects the side pieces 12 at each of end portions. The support portion 15 is formed at each side pieces 12 in a manner to be orthogonal to the side pieces 12 and to be faced each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATIONInventors: Kenichi Konno, Sachio Koyama, Hiromi Takasaki
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Publication number: 20040017085Abstract: A decorative necktie knot device that replaces the need for a necktie knot altogether. The decorative necktie knot consists of a one-piece continuous body having a pair of slots for receiving the bottom portions of a conventional necktie knot. The decorative necktie knot has a generally triangularly shaped front face (38) with side panels (39, 37). The right side panel and left side panel fold upon one another to form a cavity to receive the necktie. Attached to the side panels are fastening means (53, 54) to secure and define the shape and cavity. A single opening at the bottom of the front face permits the traditional necktie to emerge from the decorative necktie knot.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: David Daniels